So much time invested in the lives of people we don't know. Endlessly observing aspects of their life they choose to share, while we could be actively and purposefully living our own. We see what they want us to see. Successful diet. Successful fitness. Successful career. Successful marriage. Successful kids. Successful relationships. Successful life. We … Continue reading It’s About Time
A Confession and My One Word
Actually I need to make that plural. Confessions. Because not only will that garner more attention, but it's the truth, and as you may remember, I am a fan of truth. So here it goes...confession #1. I wrote very little in 2022. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you. I was afraid of making … Continue reading A Confession and My One Word
Why We Hate
My sister and I have different (and sometimes opposing) views on many topics. Despite our differences, we manage to have honest, respectful conversations. (And we end our phone calls, with 'I love you'.) Last week, she asked me why I thought there was so much hate in the world. I've been thinking about this a … Continue reading Why We Hate
It’s Been a While
Hey. Remember me? I know it's been a while, but I've been soooper busy avoiding writing. I've been gardening (upped my game this year by adding blueberries, green beans and zucchini to my portfolio), crocheting (not only do I have dishcloths for all seasons, but my sweaty beverages now have nice coasters to sit on), … Continue reading It’s Been a While
What Story are You Selling?
Don't you just love a story about a character whose life is perfect? No problem to solve? No controversy to resolve? No relationship to mend? No natural disaster to overcome? No internal demon to slay? What a page turner. And I mean that as sarcastically as possible. This is precisely what mystifies me about our … Continue reading What Story are You Selling?
Encouragement
Had I met my husband when he was in high school, I never would have dated him. (At least that's what he's repeatedly told me.) He's probably right. Now I know it may be hard to believe, but I would not have been impressed by the kid 'lighting up the tires' on his '67 Mustang … Continue reading Encouragement
I’m Tired of Politics, Let’s Talk Religion
My best friend in elementary school was Catholic. I was a bit envious. I envied Saturday afternoon church and a relaxed dress 'code'. I envied First Communion dresses and drinking wine in second grade. I envied the mystery of her church...dipping fingers into water when entering the sanctuary...touching knees to the floor before entering the … Continue reading I’m Tired of Politics, Let’s Talk Religion
Our Quinnie
In memory of Quinnie. The best dog ever.
What’s Better Than an Uncomfortable Conversation?
I've never been one to make waves. Okay...I may have a couple of times. Once in the mid 90's and again in the early 00's. Neither ended well. Even hearing people argue is incredibly uncomfortable. As a result, I avoid conflict. I hold my tongue, hide my feelings, and provide too much space and too … Continue reading What’s Better Than an Uncomfortable Conversation?
Questions I Need to Answer
Lots of feelings here. I'm frustrated. Frustrated by conspiracy theories. Frustrated by lies. Frustrated by social media funneling people into extreme communities. I'm sad. Sad so many are susceptible to misinformation due to isolation and anger. I'm frightened. Frightened the silence of many can make the voices of few deafening. Frightened by people who are … Continue reading Questions I Need to Answer
What’s Your One Word for 2021?
2019? Action. 2020? 2020. T-w-e-n-t-y-t-w-e-n-t-y... Hmmm...no idea. Checking... Ah, yes! Relationships. In hindsight (you betcha that was intentional), an interesting word choice for 2020. Despite not remembering my 2020 word, I wasn't an abject failure. At any rate, here we are. New year (thank goodness), new word. I believe 'one word' should be about change. … Continue reading What’s Your One Word for 2021?
93 Books
93. Sounds impressive, but I'm a bit disappointed. My goal had been 100. Nonetheless, 93. Not bad. It's amazing what can be accomplished when social media apps are removed from your phone. Earlier in the year (pre Covid times), I was reading a book in a waiting room, and 'an-older-than-me' woman sat down and commented … Continue reading 93 Books
Christmas Memories
Christmas memories. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between those memories where I'm present, but I can't see me, and memories I think I have because of old photographs. So what do I really remember? Well... I remember building a fort in my closet on Christmas Eve day, hoping to sleep the day away (didn't work, … Continue reading Christmas Memories
Personal Freedom vs. Societal Responsibility
I remember when it became real. We were traveling from Wisconsin to Georgia on a Monday morning, mid-March. The highways were eerily quiet. No traffic in Chicago. Indiana Starbucks, drive-thru only. Heck. I didn't even have to yell BRAKE LIGHTS (the hubby appreciates my help) as we drove through Louisville and Nashville and Chattanooga. Rush … Continue reading Personal Freedom vs. Societal Responsibility
Tell Me About the Ornaments on Your Tree
We married in November. The tree went up less than three weeks later. Talk about pressure. Our budget allowed for lace angels (made by a talented coworker), and styrofoam balls wrapped with red silk thread. The splurge (besides the tree) was the tree topper: an angel with a porcelain head. I came from a star … Continue reading Tell Me About the Ornaments on Your Tree
Consequences
I've been thinking about consequences lately. If I eat well and exercise, I will be healthy. If I brush my teeth, I won't get cavities. If I study hard, I will get A's. If I train hard, I will race well. If I am incompetent in my job, I will get fired. If I lie, … Continue reading Consequences
Do Your Minutes Have Purpose?
1,140 minutes. Every day. Mondays, Saturdays...doesn't matter, all the same, despite how they feel. Each day we get 1,140 minutes to use however we see fit. Want to know what doesn't get my time? My hair. Oh, occasionally I'll pull out the hair straightener for my already straight hair or use the curling iron to … Continue reading Do Your Minutes Have Purpose?
My Name is Karen
Really. Certainly would lay no claim to this unless it were true. I've got to hand it to my mom. She really must have wanted a Karen. When my older siblings were born, there already was a Karen with my last name, so she waited another ten years just to have me (her favorite). I … Continue reading My Name is Karen
A Tale of Two Classes
My middle school experience was beyond awesome! Really. If you don't believe me, refer to the above punctuation mark. Of course, I wasn't a student (I did the 'junior high' thing...some of you may be familiar with that concept), I was a middle school teacher. I'm not saying there weren't a few challenges along the … Continue reading A Tale of Two Classes
So…Who Do You Trust for Advice?
My mother-in-law passed away this past August. I was fortunate to have been able to say goodbye to her. While there were many things I could have said... what I did say was thank you. Thank you for raising your son to be such a good man. Now hold on; don't go anywhere. This is … Continue reading So…Who Do You Trust for Advice?
So, This Patience Thing…Is It Really a Virtue?
Peter was the final straw, but Hannah started it. I mean honestly. The drama. (One would almost think it was the whole premise of the show.) Maybe it actually goes back to Colton's days. I had such high hopes for the self proclaimed virgin, but oh-my-gosh, the fence jumping and subsequent disappearance really did me … Continue reading So, This Patience Thing…Is It Really a Virtue?
The Best Thing About Political Posts
Aren't you amazed at how political posts on social media completely change your views? (insert eye rolling emoji here)
The Best Way to Solve a Problem
You are so in luck. You would not believe the helpful advice I have for you this week. Just doing all I can to make the world a better place to be.
Forget Donkeys and Elephants, I Want Doves and Dolphins
Feeling a little sassy. Trying to lighten the mood, while making you think.
Be Part of the Solution
I'll start with a little confession. Shortly after moving into the neighborhood, my husband and I took Quinn for a walk. (That's not the confession.) On our walk, we saw a sign similar to this in a neighbor's yard: Now we had not yet met this neighbor, but that did not prevent me from making … Continue reading Be Part of the Solution
Careful! Your Values are Showing
Values. You know, your personal beliefs about what is right and what is wrong. Those non-negotiables in your life. Want to know what other people value? Just sit back and observe. Want to know how others can identify your values? Yep. You got it. The words you speak, the actions you take, how you spend … Continue reading Careful! Your Values are Showing
Why We Can’t Get Along
I've figured it out. I know why there is so much friction in this world. Why everything is a source of contention. Personally, I believe the source of the problem emanates from our passions. Yep. You heard me. Well, okay, it may not be our passion that's problematic, rather it's when our innocent passion develops … Continue reading Why We Can’t Get Along
Karen Hovie Writes 