Ships That Don’t Come In.

The song "Ships That Don't Come In" by Trace Atkins, originally sung by Toby Keith, pays tribute to soldiers and touches on the plight of the homeless. The complexities of homelessness, including social attitudes and individual struggles, are highlighted. The narrative challenges the belief that homelessness is solely a result of personal choices, emphasizing the role of trauma, mental illness, and societal support.

Men Just Want Their Spouse to Listen

Society likes to dictate to women and tell them what to do and what they should do with their bodies. That traditionally things were decided by the man and a man was the king of their castle. However, I want to talk about something lighter. With the whole Men are from Mars, When are from … Continue reading Men Just Want Their Spouse to Listen

Memories of Sharon, Wisconsin: A Poetic Journey of Heritage and Love

My Dad is 84 years old. More and more he wants to pass on his stories. And I want to hear them. To process them and to savor them, I write them into poems. Small Town Hall The townhall of Sharon is a stone’s throw away from my father’s heart. Which makes it part of … Continue reading Memories of Sharon, Wisconsin: A Poetic Journey of Heritage and Love

The Impact of Tough Love vs. Nurturing Support on Overcoming Poverty

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the poor and needy. Provide assistance and take care of people or tough love- let them suffer so that they grow into a person that does not need help   I do not believe either works.  I do believe people that suffer but grow are … Continue reading The Impact of Tough Love vs. Nurturing Support on Overcoming Poverty

Poverty is Like Divorce

People often tout their overcoming hardships when talking about welfare. They respond, get to work, instead of a hand-out.  People like that should be given more respect than they are. Their point of taking care of yourself as empowering and producing the best outcome  is valid as far as it being the best way. Yet … Continue reading Poverty is Like Divorce

Identifying Healthy Actions and Stopping Maladaptive Behaviors: A Key to a Good Life

The meme "Sometimes you need a stop doing list as much as you do a to do list" highlights the significance of halting unhelpful behaviors. Dr. Phil recommends identifying what is working, what needs to start, and what needs to stop. Acknowledging positive actions, building on strengths, and addressing maladaptive behaviors is crucial for a happy life, while also considering the impact on others.

Exploring Vulnerability and Alienation Through Shattered

My novel Shattered is about Comedian, Mikey Haskell. He thinks he has bypassed grief by escaping to the endless highways and neon-lit nights of a road tour. He comes home to the Twin Cities to reconnect with his best friend but finds his emotional conflict waiting for him. Mikey, a young and fragile comedian, once … Continue reading Exploring Vulnerability and Alienation Through Shattered

The Power of Poetic Editing: Discovering New Perspectives Through Revision

I was at the open mic at the Sadoff Center. In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. A person new to poetry read a letter she had written to herself as part of a recovery exercise. I asked her if she was surprised to find that she had positive and encouraging things to say.  She said yes. … Continue reading The Power of Poetic Editing: Discovering New Perspectives Through Revision