Blog Posts

August 26 was International Dog Day. Founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal rights advocate, the day celebrates the dogs who bring joy, companionship, and service into our lives. It’s also a reminder of the importance of adoption and the powerful bond between people and their pets. I did my part. We recently adopted a labradoodle puppy, Bo Jackson. We hadn’t planned on getting another dog—Cash was supposed to be our last. But when we lost Bandit, Cash grew so sad and lonely that we knew something had to change. Bo has been with us just two weeks, but already he’s lifted Cash’s spirits

The other day, I was watching my grandsons play in the pool. They were laughing, splashing, and having the time of their lives. And there I was—just watching. Then it hit me: Why not join them?So I did. Fully clothed, I jumped in and played right alongside them. It made me think…Somewhere along the way—when we outgrow our childhood—we start sitting on the sidelines. We watch others have fun, stay active, take chances, and try new things. But we hold back. Maybe we feel too self-conscious. Maybe life has worn us down a bit. Maybe we just forget what it’s like to dive in without

Have you heard of Karl Bushby or Tom Turcich? Karl began walking around the world in 1998. That’s right—walking. Over 35,000 miles so far, and he’s still going. No planes, trains, or automobiles—just his feet and an unshakable commitment to finish what he started. Then there’s Tom Turcich. I recently had the privilege of hearing him speak about his own journey around the world. His story began at age 16 when his friend Anne Marie Lynch, just 17, died in a jet ski accident.That moment changed him. He realized that life is fragile—and short. He wanted to live an extraordinary life. When he heard about

I love hot summer days.I know I’m in the minority, but I’ll take the heat over cold weather any day. No coats, no layers — just shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals, and I’m out the door. Summer takes me back.Back to a childhood of fishing trips, creek adventures, catching fireflies, and sleeping under the stars on Mom’s homemade quilts. Sure, there was work — tending the garden, picking squash, tossing newspapers — but I never once worried if I’d eat or where I’d sleep. We had structure.Family dinners. Church on Sundays. Clean clothes. A roof overhead.And most of all, love. But not everyone grew up