by Olivia | Mar 17, 2015 | Lens on Life, Uncategorized
Today is the second anniversary of my brother’s death. A few months ago I officially passed the point of living longer than he did, but I’m not sure I’ll ever live as fully as he did. The last few years of his life were not easy, but he was...
by Olivia | Mar 9, 2015 | Lens on Life, Uncategorized
Every year about this time my friend threatens to roll me in Bubblewrap until Easter. It’s for my own good, she says. For the last few years, it seems that as soon as Lent begins, I start hurting myself. It started the year I was hosting a simple weekly bread...
by Olivia | Mar 2, 2015 | Lens on Life, Uncategorized
I have a theory—admittedly untested—about people who love snow. The theory is based purely in anecdotal evidence among people I know, whether casually or well. Most people (notice the qualifier) who love snow either a) grew up in a place where significant snowfall was...
by Olivia | Feb 23, 2015 | Books in Process, Uncategorized
My mother grew up going to church. My unchurched dad responded to an altar call as an adult. These are two very different faith stories. Together they raised my siblings and me in a church with Sunday school, Sunday afternoon children’s programing, Sunday...
by Olivia | Feb 16, 2015 | Books in Process, Uncategorized
Parents pushed to the edge by a screaming toddler—or a recalcitrant teen. Kids pushed to the edge by one more math problem. A minor scratch that you ignore becomes inflamed. A rude coworker dominates yet another meeting. Every irritating situation has a tipping point....
by Olivia | Feb 9, 2015 | Books in Process, Uncategorized
Have you ever wondered what your ancestors were like ten or twelve generations ago? I’m fascinated by those genealogy television shows that trace census and military and property records back and discover amazing details. That’s a bit of what happened to...
