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?
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
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. 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. 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
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
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
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
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?
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
Karen Hovie Writes 