Every five years or so, the family I married into holds a reunion, and my husband, his mom, three brothers, "baby" sister, and as many of the grandkids—and now great-grandkids—as are able, gather at the designated place for a week of fun and adventure. After forty-plus years as a Raney myself, I'm here to testify that the Raneys have a corner on the "adventure market" and when you get twenty-five … [Read more...]
Summertime with the Putmans
It's summer time, so as the mom of four kids, it means we're running all over the place. The idea that during the summer life slows down doesn't seem to fit us or any other family I've talked to lately. Instead, the pace of our days seems to have accelerated. Squeezing in time at the pool to play and relax is difficult, but so wonderful when we do. Today I thought I'd share a few photos from a … [Read more...]
On Turning Sixty (waaaaahhhhhh!)
I loved turning thirty. I was one of those baby-faced moms who often was mistaken for the babysitter, so something about turning thirty made me feel finally "legit." I didn't bat an eye at turning forty. My career had just been launched, our kids were finally all old enough that life was worlds easier (and our older kids were helping raise the "oops" baby, born when I was thirty-five). Nope. … [Read more...]
In a cathedral in Europe my daughter said I DO!
Saturday, May 23 was like something out of a movie. My son Nathan (21) walked me down the aisle of a European cathedral built in the 12th century. The sun shone down through stained glass windows, causing the elaborate interior to glimmer and glow. It was my daughter's wedding. My husband was waiting to walk her down the aisle minutes after my entrance. She wore a beautiful gown, and a handsome … [Read more...]
The Brave Writer
I've never considered myself a brave person. I'm not one to bungee jump, and the best I've done on the ski slopes is the beginner's run. (And with much trepidation at that!) Stepping out and deciding to pursuing writing was one of my bravest steps. Writing about the deep pain and struggles in my life—in my fiction and non-fiction—has been the bravest. Yet I've done other things that are … [Read more...]
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