Several weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity of experiencing the eclipse that crossed over the United States. In order to be within the path of totality, we traveled from Minnesota to Missouri. Although I was excited for the trip, I wasn’t completely convinced totality would be much of a memorable experience. Additionally, I was …
Continue reading The Unexpected Joy of Collective Excitement
Then one evening in February, after a record-setting 60 degree day, I was getting ready for bed when my phone rang... Right in the middle of our mild winter was a good old-fashioned North Dakota blizzard!
Minnesotans like to joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. This often means slow driving conditions year-round. Lately, due to my prolonged grief journey, I’ve felt like my life has been wavering between two seasons: sorrow and an elusive sense of normalcy. This has resulted in everything slowing down. Grief is a …
Recently I lovingly reminded my son, a “small mistake doesn’t change who he is. He is still thoughtful, smart, and kind. Everyone makes mistakes.” I firmly believe this truth. And yet, when the situation is flipped, I struggle to talk to myself in a similar, gentle way. Instead, I find myself ruminating on the could-haves and should-haves. Life is irritating that way.
Several months ago, I had an opportunity to view a collection of bonsai trees. The phrase “In training” was written on a placard by each tree. At the time, it struck me as odd to consider trees being in training, they’re trees, don’t they just grow? Although bonsai trees do “just grow,” they are also …
When I think about it, it makes sense, this goal for both being in the moment and dreaming about the future, because today’s moments are a result of dreams from previous years. And, the dreams I have today will, hopefully, lead to future moments to be thankful for. I wish you all the best as we continue this new year. Happy 2024!
There’s a labyrinth not too far from my home that my family enjoys visiting every once in a while. Several months ago, I watched my daughter as she sped along the winding trail while sharing cheerfully that she knew exactly where she was going and that I just needed to follow. As we wound our …
We are excited to continue the celebration of our fourth blogiversary of the Unexpected Ever Afters! As a way to mark this blog milestone, we decided to venture way outside of our comfort zones and record our first video posts! You can find Part One of this two part celebration here. And, we are excited …
Continue reading Our Blogging Journey: A Celebration of Four Years (Part 2)
Merry Christmas from the Unexpected Ever Afters! As we celebrate with our families, we wanted to share two Christmas posts from past holidays. Enjoy! We will see you back here in the new year. -Wendi and Jessica Jessica: I wrote The Comfort of Christmas in 2020, a Christmas which was full of celebrations that looked …
We are excited to celebrate our fourth blogiversary of the Unexpected Ever Afters! As a way to mark this blog milestone, we decided to venture outside of our comfort zone and record our first video post!
the unexpected ever afters 