Because we had nothing else going on in life (said with sarcasm), we decided that we should look into moving. Actually we didn't think we would ever move again (either of us), but for several reasons we decided that moving to another county would benefit us in several areas for our future. 

So, we began the process of thinking....what do we want and need for a house, what are we willing to give up and what do we have to have, what can we afford and where. We started to look and shared with some of our close friends/family that we were considering this move. We connected with an agent and looked at some properties, we met with builders in an area, and spent more time than needed looking online. It would be a family member that would connect us with our potential house...and more on that later.

We also knew this whole thing meant selling and started to prep for that. Once we had a house that we wanted, it put major pressure on getting ours up for sale and sold. Our agent came and gave us a list of recommended things to do in prep and we hit the ground running (giving ourselves just a little over two weeks). Weekends (plus days and nights) were spent painting, packing up, cleaning up, and more. We have a couple of storage units now so that the house looks "almost like no one lives here". 

The photographer came and took the listing photos and the next day they were live. It hit me how "public" this all is. Everyone has a view in our house if they want to look. It feels a little vulnerable. Not to mention those that will come and see it in person as we open our house to potential buyers. My private refuge, is now on public display. 

​What would you (will visitors) see? It hit me a little more why our agent advised us to remove personal decor and make it look almost like no one is living in it. Yes, it makes it look bigger and more spacious...but it also reduces the impact of the invasion feeling (just a little). 

Our first open house weekend, didn't work out as we had hoped. Instead of feeling invaded, it was desolate...and we felt defeated. All of our hard work and pushing to get it ready....didn't pay off like we had thought (yet). I was talking with a colleague and she said, "I hate when you get high hopes and then life throws you a curve and makes you be patient." That summed it up! 

So we remain an "open house". We are open to buyers...come one, come all. And I am trying to be patient and open to not knowing all of the timing and plans. As all it takes is one...right buyer, right time and right price. 

My #oneword for 2026 is possibility. 

These verses are so similar in wording and I love the personality of the writers of God's word...the little differences here. But more than that, I love that "Jesus looked at them and said". He LOOKED at them when saying this...sounds like He wanted attention, it was important for it to be mentioned. (I tend to think that Jesus looked at people when speaking, but to specifically state this makes me think it deserves some attention.) 

I sense Him saying...
Trust Me
Lean on Me
Follow Me
Look to Me

New Booth!
We are excited to announce that, in partnership with Jeannie McPhail, Em and I have a craft booth open again!! The partnership created Dandelion and Daisies!

You can find out more information online at:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DandelionandDaisiesBooth

See and purchase items:
Craft-ee Crafters Craft Mall in Topeka - 1947 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS, United States, Kansas
We are Booth #107

Even as I type the words "end of year", it is hard to comprehend that it is that time of year.  This year has gone quickly and been full of ups and downs (as years tend to).

This year has been full of adjustments. Some big life changes happened late in 2024 - getting married, moving, blending families, etc. With all of that, 2025 has been the year of adjusting to that newness. Sometimes I have to remind myself that there is new and just how much change/adjustments there has been. Cause...I'll be honest...this hasn't been the easiest year. There has been a lot of adjustments, relationship navigations, and such. 

My word for this last year was "grace". As I've reflected throughout the year, this word has challenged me potentially more than any one word that I've chosen. I've honestly felt that I've failed more often than not, but maybe the "word awareness" and effort has played a part in it, maybe it has been circumstances...all that to say that I also have to give myself grace for the grace efforts. One thing for sure is grace is a learning process!

This year brought writing and a love for creating "Oscar Books". I now have six of those books written! I've sold 25 books - several to a very supportive friend. I put my books "out there" in two local stores, and attended my first "book event". 

Over the year....
I turned the big "5-0" and celebrated with two other family members with the same monument.
My youngest started college! My oldest moved a little closer and back to the KS side.
We celebrated our 1st Anniversary with a trip to Missouri.
There were connections to resources made that have been lifelines. 
Closer relationships with some and stepping back from others. 
And I might just say...the shaping of a "new" me as the fog of change/transition begins to lift. 

December 4th,  I adventured out for my "big" book moment. 

A friend of mine told me about an opportunity at an educational conference that would feature Kansas authors and give time for participants to interact with authors. I was excited about this for a couple of reasons...I could interact with other authors and I could get my books out in front of some others.  This was a big comfy zone push and I'm glad that I did it...just for that.

The experience didn't end up being what I had hoped, but it did give me a little feedback and some food for thought as well. 
Feedback

• My book illustrations seemed to be appreciated. 
• Dogs are almost a universal language...at least an easy conversation.

Food for thought

• Growing the display - look into investing into more professional display/shelving
• Over prepare for the audience - I could have had my own curriculum connections or activity to draw the audience closer
• I loved having bookmarks and stickers for the taking and a chance to connect later. This was a good grab that still had contact or ordering info.
• Connections and connecting - this is often how you find out about others, other opportunities, and more.
• Go and grow! Take opportunities like this and look for more.

Another month is gone! As the holidays approach, the "to do" list seems to be even longer and I continue to forget to blog. So here is my month in review....

​This month I've had a few "big" moments with my writing adventures. I consider them big, as they have pushed me to step out and get my books in front of people. 

I finished my sixth Oscar book! 

I'll write more about a "big" December moment in my next blog and some lessons/reflections from that.

Otherwise, I filled some time with being webmaster for my friend's site and also helped send out her digital newsletter (see that site). While in webmaster mode, I decided to update my own website as well. It has more work to complete, but it was good enough to publish (and time).

​I feel as if I'm letting go of some of my past with presenting ed tech and moving forward with more writing or book focused opportunities. I noticed in August, when I presented last, that it just wasn't what it used to be...and I'm losing touch with that side as I'm not daily working with teachers/schools. It is a little bitter-sweet for sure...to reach such a high in my career (ISTE Certified Educator, Google for Education Innovator, Google for Education Trainer, ISTE Making IT Happen Leader) and "start over". 

To be honest, I don't know that I have really allowed myself to consider the starting over or that I was. As I transitioned (almost 5 years ago) to my project management position, I always said a perk was remaining connected to education with them as clients. However, as the years go, I have less and different support that I provide. I can't provide the insight and knowledge that I once could as I worked in a district. In and with are not the same and it is time to let go.

I have a lot that I'm proud of during those years and will continue to showcase those creations on my website...it is part of me and definitely my creative side! My examples of work are linked here.

I do believe that my connections, knowledge, and efforts in education will benefit me in the future. And there is a future ahead for creating, writing, sharing, etc. So...here's to new creative adventures and all that is to come!