“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

I have always prided myself on my ability to practice gratitude.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve thanked the Lord for my blessings on the majority of my days.

Still, even as someone who continuously reminds themselves of their blessings, I admit, I take so much for granted.

Due to the state of our world, I’ve been reflecting on which moments in my life have impacted my gratitude the most.

Ironically, I found the key moments in my life…

Mom of two, freelance writer, peanut butter lover.

“Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love.”

Wally Lamb

Hey there! I’m Amanda — mom of two, freelance writer, and peanut butter lover, but let’s start from the VERY beginning.

I was born (and raised) in a teeny Southern Vermont town where my parents owned the only grocery store. I began “working” there when I was 7 — bagging bagels counts! I eventually ran a register, baked, stocked shelves, and rocked customer service.

While in Vermont, I got into sports and was a tri-varsity athlete in basketball, soccer, and…

“If the wind brushes against you, do not complain; it brushes against everyone.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Can I feel the wind on my face for a minute, mommy?” My sweet, 5-year old asks every morning — on our half-hour commute.

“Yes, honey, of course, you can,” I always say as I roll down the window, glance at the rearview mirror, and watch my boy close his eyes and smile. His rusty brown hair flows in all directions.

This is one of my favorite daily occurrences.

These days, when venturing in public resembles a dystopian novel, political flags appear everywhere, and…

I’ve been a people pleaser since I can remember, and for most of my life when it came to controversial conversations, I’d shy away or stay silent. Some close friends never even knew my political affiliation.

Controversy has never been my thing.

Then I became an official writer, and life spilled on the page.

For someone known for shying away from conflict — exposing my innermost opinions and thoughts to the world was terrifying.

But I did it, and in the last three years, I’ve tackled sensitive subjects on parenting, gender inequality, education, and more.

I’ve come a long way and learned that I can’t please…

An ode to Fred!

Dear Reader,

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, I’m a HUGE Mr. Rogers fan. Not only did I watch his show growing up during my limited TV time (thanks mom!), but I now watch old episodes with my preschool-aged sons. Nowadays, we also kick back and watch Daniel Tiger, a cartoon inspired by Mr. Rogers with positive messages on empathy, kindness, and tolerance.

In addition to reading countless articles on this inspirational, humble man, I recently enjoyed the 2019 movie A Beautiful Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks, which delved into how Rogers helped…

When I was younger,
my mother once asked me
if I wanted to live during any time period,

which one would I choose?

At the time, I was 12 and picked the 1950s without hesitation.

In my prepubescent mind — the 50s were perfect.

I had seen photographs and movies
of the 50s and everyone just seemed so happy —

pretty ironed dresses, nice homes, good cooking, and
smiles.

“The fifties of course,” I answered again.

Now I’m 24, and my answer would be different. …

My tears fall for you
reminding me of the snow outside our apartment window
that sinks beautifully and poetically to the concrete sidewalks
then disappears.

My soul and body aches while the thought of everything we built — lost —
stings my insides.

“Nothing is written in stone,” I whisper this cliche reminder over and over again.

The permanence is only a possibility, it’s not like those dying snowflakes on concrete with unquestionable fates.

It’s a suggestion, a choice, a maybe, an opportunity.

Complications spring everywhere like blossoming flowers
that bloom and perfect for a while,
then, eventually sink back into the…