Category Archives: Uncategorized

I have a most faithful companion. And the older he gets the more clingy, I mean faithful, he becomes. Hercules was born July 19, 2011, in a town southwest of Atlanta. My now ex-husband, our oldest daughter, Denae, and I made the trek down to Georgia to his cousin’s place as she had the litterContinue reading “My Faithful Companion”

It’s funny how you can go from having so many words and so little time to having much time but zero words. Imagine me being speechless. Well, I am. My mind is full.My heart is heavy.My pen is empty. I’ve been struggling a lot the past week and a half. I find myself yet fullyContinue reading “Writer’s Block”

I am fortunate to have a nest of baby robins next to my front porch. I sit on my rustic red glider and watch the parents take turns in bringing food home to their four little ones. They are quite homely children with mouths that are disproportionately large for their little bodies. And faces thatContinue reading “Life…”

Isaiah 55:8, 9 I have not been inspired to write lately. In fact, this is my first post in a week. I’ve never gone a week without having something to say. Or several somethings. It’s not due to lack of things to write about. There are plenty. But although I’m buried in thought, the wordsContinue reading “Why?”

Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come?My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth. The days of Covid have been long and hard. The numerous difficulties and challenges it presented has caused many to lose hope. Even to the point of death. And before thisContinue reading “Spiritual Encouragement for Dark Days”

On my day off, I did my best to relax and just enjoy the quiet. I was outdoors most of the day, mowing, trimming bushes, and just lounging around. I was lying face down on a lounging chair just staring at the deck when I saw a rather large black ant walking toward me. I’veContinue reading “The Ant”

Take time today to reflect on good and positive things in your surroundings. I made the tough decision to get off FaceBook. I’m still on Instagram currently, but that may go as well. I have never been on Twitter or other social media. With just making the decision to get off FB, I slept betterContinue reading “Make Your Surroundings Just a Little Smaller”

**fair warning**This blog was written yesterday prior to removing myself from FaceBook. This blog could be considered a continuation of my last post on FaceBook. You may find this to be harsh and controversial. You may not like me. You do not have to proceed. These are my thoughts and my opinions. -Andi Dear RiotersContinue reading “Dear Rioters and Looters”

Proverbs 23:7 I haven’t had many words to share this week. I still don’t today. But I do have plenty of tears. There is a great wickedness attacking our country and it’s beautiful people. No matter if you are a believer in God or not, not one of us can deny the evil in thisContinue reading “My Sunday Blog”

The Overcomer Once upon a time a princess was born into a large family in rural Indiana. She was a happy baby and was doted upon by her four older siblings. Her eyes were a stunning green and her hair was the blondest you could ever imagine. She could have easily been called Snow White.Continue reading “Listen to Your Kids, LL #577”

Me: Hello God. God: Hello. Me: I’m falling apart. Can you put me back together? God: I would rather not. Me: Why? God: Because you aren’t a puzzle. Me: What about all of the pieces of my life that are falling onto the ground? God: They fell off for a reason. Take some time andContinue reading “Becoming”

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your fleshContinue reading “Proverbs 3:5-8”

I’m not ready… …to live a life without little ones under my feet, who hide behind me, holding onto my pant leg, or who fall asleep in their plate of food after running around outside on a sweet summer day. I’m not ready… …to sort through boxes and containers filled with one memory after another…ofContinue reading “I’m Not Ready…”

Rerouting is sort of a continuation of yesterday’s blog, Reboot. I hope you don’t mind. I had additional thoughts come to mind this morning that I felt had value and worth sharing. Last October I visited Maine. I put on my big girl pants and ventured out exploring on my own. While it was outContinue reading “Rerouting”

There comes a time in your life when things are just so routine that life isn’t fully lived or enjoyed. I was discussing this subject with a friend this morning. I stated that I really don’t want life to go back to normal. Not my normal anyway. He messaged one word. Reboot. Hence the birthContinue reading “Reboot”

Sometimes something wonderful can come out of an unpleasant situation. While we should always walk away with a lesson learned, once in awhile we might walk away with a gift as well. I recently received such a gift. Without going into details of my situation, I would like to share with you the gift IContinue reading “Back to the Garden”

Four years ago, was my first Mother’s Day without my mom. I still cannot believe she’s gone. Such a longing I still have for her. I guess the heart doesn’t consider age when it comes to the love between a daughter and her mother. It remains the same. May 7, 2016Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.My firstContinue reading “Mother’s Day”

St. Joseph, MichiganNorth Pier Lighthouses I found this wonderful place in the fall of 2010 and enjoyed it so much that I have shared it with two of my daughters (so far) and with my friend, Chelle. My youngest is anxiously awaiting for our trip which is supposed to be this summer. We will seeContinue reading “A Happy Place”

I just can’t imagine life being harder than it is this right now, but I know it certainly could be. I don’t know how to handle each day and I’m feeling pretty lost. Crying is as routine anymore as brushing my teeth and washing my hands. I cannot say that there isn’t something sinister goingContinue reading “Hard Days”

We often visualize flowing creeks, streams, and rivers when thinking of this idea of “paths of least resistance”. They will move around rocks and earth to find the easiest path to take them on their journey. We pretty much do the same thing with the many paths traveled in our lives. It’s not necessarily theContinue reading “Paths of Least Resistance”

In one of my earlier blogs, I mentioned that I write with me in mind first and foremost. It’s because I need to hear it maybe more so than anyone else. Writing is therapy to me and I typically feel better after writing. But I want you to know something else about me. While IContinue reading “Unraveling”

I don’t know about you, but I am greatly troubled with all that is going on in our country. The virus and the political madness, the stresses at work, my personal finances, decisions to be made, indecision, sleepless nights, loneliness…the list goes on and on. I do feel uneasy. I feel unsure. I wonder whatContinue reading “James 1”

Lately, this word is being tossed around a great deal. That along with quarantine. Two words that rarely touched our lips are now more popular than mac and cheese. But this morning, I question the very definition of essential. Those who were essential last week have now been moved to nonessential. This makes me questionContinue reading “Essential”

A New Day A new daybright, sunnyenlightening A new bondfriendship, peacesharing A new outlookhopeful, promiseforgiving A new viewreminiscent, reflectinglearning A new dreamexcited, youthful,yearning A new lifestyleoptimistic, positivehealing A new heartgrateful, true,loving – AndiMarch 8, 2015 I hope this day is amazing. Yesterday, I did some things that made life seem “normal” again. It was refreshingContinue reading “A New Day”

I went to the Blue Store two days ago. (That’s what my oldest boys called that particular store when they were very young. Well, it used to be blue back then.) I have to tell you that I was slightly disturbed at the sign in the entryway. It gave directions on how to walk throughContinue reading “Are you kidding me?”

Origin post: April 26, 2020 Where flowers bloom, so does hope. Matthew 6: 28, 29 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 11:28-30Continue reading ““Why are you anxious?””

“No, I can’t.” I’ve told myself this a thousand times. “I can’t do this anymore.” It’s horrible to feel that low. I’ve been in that place many times. I know how it is to feel helpless and alone. It’s very difficult especially when you have the responsibility of a home, and children who rely onContinue reading ““No, I can’t””

Love. It comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It ranges in color from black and white at times, to a box of 64 multicolored Crayola crayons. The world revolves around love. And love is powerful enough to stop your world. Love is a peculiar thing. You can’t see it but you can seeContinue reading “Love”

I wrote this late last year. Of course, I added a little more to it this morning. It is my hope that you will discover beauty in places that you’ve overlooked or never considered. It’s well worth your time. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s get off the road for a bit. December 29,Continue reading “Get Off the Road”

I started writing a blog about love yesterday. I wanted to finish it this morning so I could post today, but the message below popped up in my memories on FaceBook this morning, and it fits well with my current thoughts. I will continue to work on the other blog and will post soon. IContinue reading “Purest Love”

I want to write more now than ever. It’s not that I have more time on my hands because I actually have a great many projects that I should be doing at home during this downtime. But ideas and topics for blogs keep popping up in my head. Maybe because I have been going throughContinue reading “The Covid Writer”

I find sentimental value in many things. Maybe more than I should. I don’t know…I’m just kinda mushy that way. I have a hard time getting rid of things that bring back a good or loving memory. I have a few toys from when I was a little girl, school papers, gifts from my kids,Continue reading “Sentimental Attachments”

The human spirit is resilient. It is stronger than steel, yet more fragile than a rose petal. It strives to live, to pursue, to overcome, to heal, to give, to forgive, and to love. Throughout my life, and yours too, we’ve seen the face of the human spirit on many people and in an arrayContinue reading “The Human Spirit”

While last Sunday was Easter, we should view every Sunday as a day set aside to remember that Christ died for us and rose from the dead. A day of thanksgiving and of renewal. A perfect start to each new week. Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Continue reading “Rejoice!”

September 16, 2013 In the night, as I sit alone in my room, I think of many things. Not that I can solve the world’s problems because I cannot even solve my own. But I am a thinker. It’s what I do. Tonight my thoughts are a tangled web of “what if”, “why”, “I’m scared”,Continue reading “Searchers”

In the stillness of my room, I lie on my bed, thinking…listening to Andrea Bocelli playing softly in the background…and wishing I had Chelle to talk to…like we have done a million times since high school. Then two more beautiful women come to mind. And I realize just how lonely I am. Words cannot expressContinue reading “Three Beautiful Women”

If you are like me, you might be struggling by now with this new, temporary approach to life. I certainly am. And the struggle is very real in every aspect of my life. I feel like a dart board. So, I am writing this to myself, and sharing with you. Maybe you can relate. IContinue reading “Constant Amidst Change”

Buzzards and clowns. You read my silly clown stories. Now I have three buzzard stories for your entertainment on this 913th day of quarantine. Or, whatever day it is. I have no idea. My first buzzard story took place as I was driving down the road toward Bell Union. An animal had been hit onContinue reading “Buzzards”

Today is Easter Sunday. He has risen. Today is a day of remembrance, of renewal, and of a new beginning. Since Easter arrives during our spring season, we can relate to the awakening of the earth. Robin eggs, daffodils, green lawns, and budding trees, all remind us that the earth is very much alive. EasterContinue reading “A Day of Remembrance & Renewal”

Last night’s blog was one that came to my mind quickly and needed to get out before the full moon ended. There was so much more though, that could have been said in that blog that was not, so I’ve added a part 2. With the title being “Heavenly Connection”, you may have had otherContinue reading “Heavenly Connection, part 2”

It was a rather difficult day and I came home feeling quite depleted. I shared with my son, Jet, through text, some of the happenings of this day. He returned my text, but his message was not anything about this day and it’s hardship. No, he knew that I needed something more. Something more spiritual.Continue reading “Heavenly Connection”

Coulrophobia.“coal-ruh-fow-bee-uh” The fear of clowns. Okay, so maybe I’m not a classic case of coulrophobia, but I really don’t care much for them. Yes, I’m even somewhat fearful of them. Enough so that all of my six kids inherited the “momma’s-fear-of-clowns” gene. My oldest daughter, Denae, said she fears them to a point that sheContinue reading “Clowns”

I am currently working on several blogs but I wanted to stop those for a moment and reflect on this day…once I figured out what day it is. Losing track of time is a normal basis for me. Working sporadic days throughout the week keeps me in a constant state of confusion. (Or…maybe it isContinue reading “What…Day…Is…It…??!!”

I stood in my driveway late tonight after taking the trash out to the street. The quarantine has brought with it the peaceful element of quiet. The only sound I could hear was the train as it rushed through our sleepy little town. No cars. No trucks, sirens, or planes. No dogs barking in theContinue reading “The Quietness of a Quarantine”

Many of the hardships we experience are directly related to the choices and decisions we’ve made. Some are not. Like today and all the craziness in this world. Many are being knocked down of no fault of their own. This can be most difficult, frustrating, and humiliating. Find peace in knowing that this is justContinue reading “Getting Up”

My Animal Whisperer I started writing a children’s book several years ago. I’m not sure where it’s going, or if it’s going. It starting heading in a direction different from what I planned so I put it away. I wanted a short, simple story for young children and it was becoming quite lengthy. Imagine that!Continue reading “Listen to Your Kids, LL #122”

This year started on a very good note for me. I felt good. I started full time at work. I had dreams and goals to reach this year. Then I got really sick five weeks ago. Covid-19 showed up during my sickness and the whole world, came to a screeching halt. So the things IContinue reading “Not Made of Steel”

Today we have many questions, concerns, confusion, and yes, some fear. Why is this happening to our community, our state, our nation, and our world? How did we get to this place? Many things we would like explained to us, because, well…we deserve answers. Don’t we? What if you have been praying for this situationContinue reading “FAITH”

Today is day four. Day four of of stringent policies, regulations, and restrictions in the health campus where I work. Well, actually, in every health care facility across our country. This crazy, new world of covid-19 has turned our lives upside-down and inside-out. I have no new information to share with you concerning this pandemic.Continue reading “Get Dressed & Make Your Bed”

Our lives are an accumulation of many things. Beginning in our childhood, our parents, guardians, family, associations, peers, school, teachers, experiences, etc., all shape and mold us into who we are today. One of the most important influences of our lives though are our friends. I have been blessed in many ways when it pertainsContinue reading “Friendships”

There is a video circulating on social media of quarantined Italians singing to each other from their homes. Their beautiful voices flow through the night air above the empty streets and alleys. I don’t even know the perfect words to describe what is happening between the people. It’s so much more than beautiful. Serene. Comforting.Continue reading “Italian Serenade”

There’s a saying “do what you love, love what you do”. While many probably look at this the way I did at first, I don’t necessarily believe this is only referring to a dream job that provides you with a living, although it’s great to be able to do that. I think it goes beyondContinue reading “Do What You Love…”

Don’t fret what you don’t understand. Some things don’t need answers. Even though I think I absolutely have to know answers, to my many questions, in order to make sense of my life, God has shown me otherwise. I‘ve had to learn something about patience. Quite a bit, actually. And also about letting go. IContinue reading “Don’t Fret”

My plan is to periodically include in my blog, a series of life lessons taught to me by my kids, called “Listen to Your Kids”. The lessons taught were unintentional in manner, but have served a great purpose in my life. I think sometimes we adults get so caught up in the swiftness and busynessContinue reading “Listen to Your Kids”

Being single is very difficult for me. There’s no doubt about it. It’s not my preference to be alone but it is what it is right now, and I have to be fine no matter what. My past reflects that I’ve searched in error for happiness (and approval) from men in order to fill aContinue reading “Happiness”

As many of you know, I fell in love with the state of Maine. I have been there several times and I have friends who call that lovely state “home”. I am surprised around every corner and from every mountaintop at the beauty contained within its borders. The fresh air, the picturesque views along GreenvilleContinue reading “Maine”

This is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do, but yet, I keep trying. I finally figured out just today that chasing the wind and chasing dreams are not the same. I’m fact, they are pretty much opposite of each other. Do you ever want something so badly but it justContinue reading “Chasing the Wind”

A couple of years ago, I shared a wonderful day with Grandpa Dick. We stopped by Friendship Gardens and sat on benches near the beautiful waterfall and fountain. We were enjoying our time together in conversation about life, and our personal struggles, and of course, we did our fair share of people watching. All ofContinue reading “Cinderella Moment”

I could write Oops! with every blog I post. Sorry about the typos! Working on both phone and desktop simultaneously doesn’t prove to be effective. (Don’t ask me why I’m on both.😬) On my latest post “Stranger in the Window Seat”, somehow the word “stranger” drifted to a place it had no business.🙄 Please visitContinue reading “Oops!”

Have you ever had a conversation with someone that was so strange it gave you a weird pain in your chest? Chills, too? I have, and not so long ago. This is conversation took place on my flight home from Maine. I flew from Bangor to DC, then DC to Indianapolis.  American Airlines October 12,Continue reading “Stranger in the Window Seat”

It wasn’t until I spent time in Italy in June of 2012, that I discovered my love of poppies. Poppies are the main wildflower all along the roadways there. At least in the region of Abruzzo. The ones I saw were the bright orangey-red ones. Those are my favorite. Poppies are such happy flowers. IContinue reading “Poppies”

Are you a dreamer? I am. I have no idea what a day without dreaming would be like. What fills up the mind without dreams? All I know is…I don’t want to know! Dreams refresh me. They give me hope and fill my days with anticipation of something beautiful to come. I also believe dreamingContinue reading “Dreaming”

I wrote most of this blog last night. I meant to send it this morning, but time didn’t allow. And now I am sick in bed after leaving work early. This is the one time I wish I had a fever to burn this whatever-it-is, out of my system. My body hurts! Last night… AsContinue reading ““Wisdomhood“”

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with life and it’s difficulties that you just want to hop in the car, get on Interstate 70, and head west into the sunset? That’s where I’m at today. I think a road trip is exactly what this girl needs. Would I be just running away though? I had toContinue reading “Running Away”

So yesterday I fell at work. Yeah. Not fun. I was backing up and caught my heel on a piece of furniture and down I went on my back. I believe it was the S L O W E S T fall ever in the history of falls. Instantly my wrist hurt. Gradually, I feltContinue reading “Sometimes We Fall”

It is Friday and the sun is shining! Plus, I have the day off. How perfect is that? I am looking forward to getting some much needed vitamin D! Today I will post a couple of reminders for you to think about and hopefully, put into action. First, take care of yourself. I cannot stressContinue reading “Two Reminders”

Communication is the key to every single relationship. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that statement. When we begin a new relationship, a relationship that absolutely clicks, we cannot talk enough to each other. We share our histories, our likes and dislikes, our beliefs on every topic ranging from religion, to child rearing, toContinue reading “Expectation Without Communication”

We are never too old to be set straight. I can personally vouch for that. As I went through the movements of the last few days, feeling sad and broken because of circumstances in my life, I was reminded by a friend that things could be worse. And they definitely could be. With that beingContinue reading “Perspective”

Life is like buying a perfect piece of land with a vision of a beautiful garden. The vision requires planning. The vision requires work. The vision doesn’t just happen. And if the land is left idle it is only a piece of land. A garden requires tilling, planting, cultivating, watering, nurturing…and so does a fulfillingContinue reading “Vision”

i walk down a wintery pathin silence i reflecton the many lives i’ve livedand of the many hats i’ve worn…and i wonderhow do i feel about it all? i look upward into a snowy skyi enjoy the touch of snowflakes upon my lashes and upon my cheekand for that moment, i am a little girlContinue reading “i wonder”

“Forever that person who gets really excited when the sky is in pretty colors.” -unknown This would be me for sure. The older I get, the more I love and appreciate nature, and rejoice in the simpler things of life. But mostly I’m drawn to the vastness and beauty of the sky. God’s canvas isContinue reading “Forever That Person”

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog so far. I’ve had great responses from readers too. So I’m a happy girl. 😊 I appreciate that you are not the grammar police because I know there are many violations. 😊 I am not an English scholar. I just write. I do review my blog, put itContinue reading “A Blog Update”

One Sunday morning, back when our family was still young and growing, we decided to visit a tiny, white building which housed a church. Originally, the building was built for a few families to gather to homeschool their children. We unloaded our then five children out of the suburban and marched them into the building,Continue reading “Buddy’s Bible”

EMOTIONS Is there shame in expressing sadness, heartache, or pain,To look toward the sun and only see rain,Is it absurd of me to feel such emotions,Must I drink from the well of those “feel good” potions? My feelings are genuine and very real to me,Please don’t condemn because you can’t see,That the positive and negative,Continue reading “EMOTIONS”

In continuing with my thoughts from yesterday, I’d like to expand a little more on finding your gift. When I was in junior high school, I had an amazing language arts teacher, Miss Mahoney. She, and my favorite singer, John Denver, helped me discover my love for poetry. Along with my own poems, I wouldContinue reading “Find Your Gift”

A few years back, I was told by someone that I am not a writer. “You are not a writer.” I held back the tears. Writing is a huge part of me and makes me who I am. So I was devastated. I didn’t understand the reasoning for that statement. It came out of nowhere.Continue reading “Not a Writer”

Life can really beat us down sometimes. And it can often be brutal. It’s during these times we need to pay careful attention to how we communicate our situation to others. When things are horribly bad I realize it’s not really our main concern…about how others view us. But if we are going to letContinue reading “No Whining Allowed”

Sitting in the sunroom on this cloudy, Sunday morning, I am enjoying the view of the sunrise as it tries to break through the clouds, which have been a heavy canopy over my home for way too long now. Two of my besties are with me. My dog, Hercules, and a hot cup of coffee.Continue reading “A Dragon Tree”

Because of you, I have… “Butterflies and Roses” Butterflies and roses,gifts from a friend. Treasures I’ll keepfrom now to my end. Dragonflies, rainbowsbring tears to my eyes, Of both joy and sorrow,of hellos and goodbyes. The moment you left usmany hearts broke. But loving kindnesswas the story you wrote. So I’ll treasure these giftsand rememberContinue reading “Butterflies and Roses”

All the people closest to me know that I do not like change. When I see an actor who I haven’t seen in awhile, I get sad at how much they’ve aged. When I drive past the house where I grew up and see all the changes made to it and how mature all theContinue reading “Don’t Be Afraid to Make Changes”

S – stealsT – timeR – relationshipsE – energyS – self-worthS – spirit Stress. We are all too familiar with it. It is in every corner of our life. Once you clean out one corner, you turn around and there is another stressor staring at you, face to face. Many times, there are more thanContinue reading “Stress”

My Christmas Angel The living room was a huge mess when Kayla and I headed out for our evening together. I figured I’d finish the Christmas decorating on Sunday afternoon. You see, I always took charge of all of holiday decorating myself. I was on a mission. A 3-4 day mission. I was tough. TougherContinue reading “Listen to Your Kids , LL #402”

For many years now I have been intrigued with a particular rusty old bike. This bike is always in the same place. It is never ridden. The snow drifts rise up around it in the winter and the scorching sun beats down on it in the summer. Through the winds and rain, sleet and hail,Continue reading “The Bicycle”

I believe selfishness is the underlying factor to every “sin” in this world. I think if we dissected every act that is contrary to good, we’d find selfishness as the root. Out of selfishness stems greed, lack of self-control, pride, impatience, arrogance, etc. But it isn’t always the other person who is selfish. I foundContinue reading “Selfishness”

I apologize for the glitches to my blog. It is frustrating me but I will get this figured out. Thanks for your patience and for being here. It means so much just knowing that you came here on purpose. I am grateful. I will not get into politics. Please consider this a safe haven fromContinue reading “Embrace the Beauty”

I promise I won’t number each post. I just didn’t know what to title this as it’s pretty much a continuation of my first post. Getting this blog to go public was causing me great frustration. I am not sure what I did to correct it. But it finally posted not too long ago. TheContinue reading “My Second Post”