When we bought Little Blue Cottage, there was a massive old oak tree in the front yard with a garden at its base. It was beautiful. The following spring the garden was barren, not a single flower. I learned quite quickly that some flowers are called annuals and don’t return the following year. My late…

My husband loves eating pie. He eats it for dessert, as a snack, and yes, even for breakfast. It obviously tastes great with his morning latte, and he is certain that one day “breakfast pie” will be the norm.  I have given up on suggesting healthier alternatives. It’s no wonder that pie is his favorite…

Comfy Lane Cottage…part 2 While my children were growing up, I envisioned that they would one day leave the nest first to start their own homes. That was not the case. One day I met an old acquaintance for a cup of coffee. We attended the same church years ago, and he was friends with…

Some people think it’s sweet; others find it weird. Regardless, I name my homes. Why not? People give names to their cars, boats, computers, and toys. They name their works of art, musical instruments, sports equipment, even their gardens. Psychologists have interesting reasons as to why we do this, but I personally think it signifies…

The other day I noticed that our front doormat was looking frayed and worn. It was definitely time to replace it. In that moment, it occurred to me that a worn doormat was a wonderful thing. It signified that lots of people had crossed the threshold of my home, of my heart. I carried that…