I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog. I haven’t written much this year, mostly due to my commitment to giving my family more attention. But definitely not for a lack of things to write about. My family and I have certainly not stopped living the bucket list life. In…
Hopes
Embracing Reality – Sand in Your Shorts & All
As a bucket list fan, I love seeing photos of people’s adventures. Looks of triumph after conquering a steep climb or weathering rough seas, smiles of glee against the backdrop of a well-known destination, and peaceful scenes of relaxation and frolicking. Perhaps like this one: We need these types of photos – ones that capture the…
Being Present in Transition
We’re a family in transition. We have been for a few months now. My husband started a new job in early May. Our eldest graduated from high school a few weeks later and then left the state for a summer job. Our sixteen-year-old took her first job a month after that. It has been exciting…
The Roller Coaster Ride of Raising Children: When Your Child Turns 18
In many ways, raising children is a roller coaster ride. We hop on (at pregnancy or adoption) in anticipation of the thrills, fastening our restraints and holding our breath for what’s to come. And then the dips and loop-de-loops of late night feeding, tantrum calming, homework helping and all the rest of what it takes to raise…
31 Days of Everyday Adventure Recap
What a month it has been! I had every intention of participating in The Goal List’s 31 Days of Everyday Adventure (you can read more about it here and here). And indeed, I looked at the list of small things to do every week and noted what I would do. Each week I accomplished one…
Bucket List Bonds: Another Reason the Cubs Win Was Such a Big Deal
I have talked often about the way going after life goals brings connection (it’s the theme of my video course, Build Stronger Bonds Writing Bucket Lists). And usually I’m talking about connection in the present tense, with those in your life today. But this past weekend in Chicagoland I witnessed how powerful that bond can be…
How Do You Spell Success as a Parent?
I nearly blew it again. My youngest daughter turned thirteen this past weekend and I almost didn’t have a card for her. As a rule, I don’t buy cards. I’m a crafter and I know I can make a card that I like much better than anything I’d find in the store. And I enjoy…
Bucket List Life Dare: Start a Ripple of Change
What bothers you most in life? What action would you be willing to take this month to be a pebble causing a ripple of change? It feels like there’s an ocean of uncertainty, fear, and just plain bad stuff in our world lately. Terrorist attacks, brutality toward and by police, political divisions and coups and…
Looking Forward and Back
Has 2015 been a good year for you? Or a struggle? What can you learn from your experiences this year to make the next one even better? What do you most want to see happen in your life in 2016? If you are serious about living your bucket list dreams, then I invite you to…
Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams
Imagine helping trim the trees at the White House. Did you know that you can? The White House boasts 62 trees and enlists about 100 volunteers – florists, interior designers and regular folks – to put on the lights and ornaments. The First Lady decides the theme and then the team of volunteers goes to…