The tough times taught me how the ultimate beauty lies in the mundane. — “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. …

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…

How our daily commute sheds light on the metaphors of wind — “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…

Trying to make sense of our political world. — 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…

How taking breaks makes me a more effective entrepreneur and mom. — “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Maya Angelou I recently wrote about how I skipped out on all I had to do and watched the…

However, I continue to breathe. — This morning was rough. It started at 5:00 am when my perky 6-year-old decided he had slept enough. But I’ll give him credit because he knew better than to wake me (even though I heard his footsteps and was already up). Merrily, he colored outside my door while singing Christmas…

Let’s just say, “anything with a remote” made the list. — “In 2021, consumers in the United States expected to spend approximately 886 U.S. dollars on Christmas gifts on average. This is more than what Americans were thinking of spending on gifts in the past 20 years.” Statista.com It’s that time of year again. The holiday music is in full swing…

It all starts with a bit of grace. — Dear Reader, It’s November, so let’s kick this letter off with a Thanksgiving joke. Why did the farmer have to separate the turkey and the chicken? Fowl play. Bad jokes aside, we’re getting close to the big turkey day. My hunch: You’re either excited about this rendezvous, or, like me…

Like most writers, my Journey with words didn’t happen overnight. — Lately, I’ve censored my words. I can’t put it any other way. Sure, I’ve met the deadlines and written the required amount to pay the bills. I’ve conducted safe interviews, and guest blogged for the ongoing education and parenting realms. But I censored it all. Why? In Ruthanne Redis’ article…