The Unexpected Ever Afters is taking a brief break to soak in the summer sunshine and will return shortly! In the meantime, enjoy some throwback posts from our 2025 Summer Destination Shoutouts: An aMOOsing North Dakota Stop Trolls in the Woods Spend the Day on the Water in North Dakota National Park Junior Ranger Program …
I wish I could wrap up my daughter’s confidence, protect her joy and ability to celebrate her successes, so she can always keep her self-esteem the way it is right now. I am inspired by her. As I considered her moments of self-assurance and how I want to better incorporate similar qualities in my own life.
Several weeks ago, spring began its gradual, hesitant return to Minnesota. On a particularly warm day, the streets were filled with people walking dogs, parents pushing strollers, and kids riding bikes. It seemed as if the whole neighborhood was emerging from a long hibernation as we greeted one another with smiles, waves, and head nods, …
So here I am, still navigating the maze of this challenging season; still dealing with dead ends, struggling to be patient with the process, and trying to choose to feel it all.
This is my first full-length post in over half a year and, unsurprisingly, coming up with ideas on what to write about and then sitting down to actually write has been an awkward process. In addition, life has felt heavy the past few weeks. Due to a variety of personal reasons, as well as local …
Life is full of both: it is hard and it is full of joy. There are painful accidents and there are also New Year’s Eve cookies and conversations. There are feelings of helplessness and fear and also feelings of gratitude and connection. Life is full of complexity. Life often has an and.
This piece features recommended outings around Minnesota's Twin Cities, including the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
Whether you are exploring Fargo or visiting another vacation destination, I encourage you to check out the local library. Bring a journal or a book and spend a few minutes connecting to a place where so many other learners, explorers, readers, and writers have been.
We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families. If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected …
Continue reading Destination Shoutout – National Park Junior Ranger Program
When I think of bodies of water, I think of my childhood spending summers at the river and lake in my home state of North Dakota. The Missouri River, the longest river in the country, flows right through North Dakota and Lake Sakakawea offers hundreds of miles of shoreline. Growing up, many weekends were spent boating, fishing for walleye, and swimming in the lake.
the unexpected ever afters 