Let’s talk about why the dandelions are on my website on purpose. Not because they’re trendy. Not because they’re pretty in a polished, rose-garden kind of way. They’re there because they tell the truth. I love them and their symbolism.

I have loved dandelions since I was a little girl running barefoot in the backyard, picking dandelions in a sundress. I still want to do that. I loved getting my kids to pick them for me, too. Little hands offering something simple and bright, without ceremony or expectation.

Dandelions don’t ask to belong. They don’t wait to be invited. They grow anyway, through cracks in sidewalks, along fence lines, in places most things wouldn’t survive. People call them weeds, try to erase them, and curse them for coming back. Yet still, they return over and over again.

That persistence matters to me.

Dandelions remind me that resilience is beautiful, but sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s inconvenient. Sometimes it grows where no one planned for it to be, but it grows all the same.

The Weed With a Bad Reputation

Somehow, dandelions got labeled a problem. Lawns want perfection, uniformity, and control. Dandelions refuse all three. They pop up bright and unapologetic, disrupting the aesthetic.

But here’s the thing. Dandelions weren’t always the villain.

They were once planted intentionally, valued, and used. Every part of the plant, from the root to the leaf and flower, served a purpose. They were gathered for food, medicine, and nourishment long before they were sprayed with chemicals and written off as disposable.

That shift feels familiar. How often do we label something useless simply because it doesn’t fit the system we designed?

Quiet Medicine

Dandelions are known for supporting digestion and the liver. They help the body clear what it no longer needs. They don’t force detox. They assist it gently, steadily, and patiently.

That feels symbolic too. Healing doesn’t always arrive loudly. It often comes quietly, doing its work in the background, asking only for time and consistency. Dandelions don’t rush the process. They trust it.

They remind me that growth doesn’t have to be aggressive to be powerful.

The First to Feed

In early spring, when almost nothing else is blooming, dandelions show up. Bees rely on them. Pollinators depend on them. They provide nourishment when resources are scarce.

They are first responders.

There’s something deeply meaningful about being the one who shows up early, especially when no one is clapping yet. Dandelions don’t wait for perfect conditions. They meet the moment as it is.

That kind of usefulness, the quiet and foundational kind, is undervalued, but it’s essential.

Seeds, Stories, and Letting Go

We’ve all blown on a dandelion seed head at some point, making a wish and watching the seeds scatter into the air. It looks delicate and almost whimsical. Each seed carries intention, possibility, and a future location it hasn’t seen yet.

Dandelions don’t cling. They release.

There’s wisdom in that. Not everything we grow is meant to stay where it started. Some things are meant to travel. Some stories are meant to spread. Some chapters end not because they failed, but because they finished their job.

Why They Belong Here

There are dandelions on my website because this space is about real life. Growth that isn’t linear. Healing that isn’t Instagram-ready. Strength that doesn’t ask for approval.

This is a place for rebuilding after being uprooted. Learning from what survived, not just what succeeded. Honoring resilience without romanticizing the struggle.

Dandelions don’t pretend life is soft. They just prove survival is possible anyway. They don’t bloom for applause. They bloom because that’s what they do.

Maybe that’s the whole lesson.

One of my exes always said I always had one foot out the door and was ready to go, but really, I was ready to grow.  However, being married or in a relationship, I found it very difficult to grow. 

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.

Somewhere along the way, beans got a bad reputation, but boy, are they coming back strong. I have been on the bean side of TikTok lately, and I must say, I am fully here for it.

Beans used to be the punchline of jokes. I can still hear my Grandpa joking about them. Beans were the food people apologized for eating. The thing we pretend we don’t like until we are tired, hormonal, inflamed, or broke. Then suddenly, beans become a lifeline.

I have always loved beans, even as a young child. I loved it when my mom made chili so much that I learned how to make it myself at a very young age. When my mom wouldn’t make it, I would cook it on my own or with my brother, who was only sixteen months older than me.

I remember being in Grade 1, making chili with my brother, cutting mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, and slicing my finger badly. I had to go to the hospital to get stitches. I almost cut my finger off if it weren’t for the bone I hit. I still have a scar today.

As a kid, and still now, I loved canned beans in sauce with molasses. Simple, comforting, and familiar.

My mom also used to cook butter beans with leftover ham. I never tried them back then because I didn’t like the smell. She loved them and always cooked them after a ham dinner. I loved the ham dinner, but when she cooked those beans for hours afterward, I wanted to move out of the house. That said, I would absolutely try butter beans now, just not with ham.

I live with my son and daughter-in-law now, and they are vegetarians. I agreed not to cook or even bring meat into the house. Eggs, dairy, and honey are allowed, so I will cook and eat meat elsewhere. This has actually given me the perfect opportunity to experiment with beans and legumes in many different ways.

I didn’t set out to become someone who talks about beans this much, but midlife has a way of humbling you. Perimenopause cracks you open, shakes your hormones like a snow globe, and forces you to look at food differently, not as comfort or control, but as support.

Beans showed up quietly. No flashy marketing. No superfood hype. Just steady, grounding nourishment that asks for very little and gives a lot back. When I started watching BeanTok, I dove deeper and learned so much that I never knew before. I honestly understand Jack and the Beanstalk on a different level now.

Beans and the Body: Calm Over Chaos

When estrogen starts fluctuating, your whole system feels it. Mood, sleep, joints, gut, brain, blood sugar, appetite, and patience are all affected.

Beans help smooth some of that chaos.

They are rich in fiber, plant protein, minerals, and phytonutrients that support hormone balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Some legumes contain phytoestrogens, which are gentle plant compounds that do not override your hormones but can help soften the sharp edges when estrogen dips.

They do not fix everything, but they support everything. It is worth a try.

Sometimes that support is enough, and sometimes we also need extra help from prescription hormones. I like to explore natural approaches as well. I am still fighting to get my hormones properly tested, but that is a topic for a different blog. Let’s get back to the beans.

Beans, the Gut, and the Art of Going Slow

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

Personally, I do not find that beans make me gassy, but I am also not eating two cups a day like some of the women on TikTok.

Yes, beans can cause gas. No, that does not mean they are bad for you. It usually means your gut is adjusting.

Beans feed beneficial gut bacteria, and those bacteria need time to adapt. Starting slowly is key. Half a cup at a time, then gradually more. Once digestion finds its rhythm, bloating often eases, digestion improves, hormones metabolize more efficiently, and cravings calm down.

A supported gut changes everything, and beans help build that support quietly and steadily.

Beans Keep Me Full in a Way That Feels Respectful

Perimenopause hunger can feel unhinged. One minute you are fine, and the next you are ready to eat the pantry door.

That is not a weakness. It is biology.

Beans help bring things back into balance. The combination of fiber and protein keeps blood sugar steady, energy even, and hunger less intense. I feel nourished, not stuffed, not deprived, and not constantly negotiating with myself.

Beans do not spike. They do not crash. They do not demand perfection. They simply do their job.

My Bean Era Is About Simplicity

This season of my life is not about extremes. It is about ease, sustainability, and peace.

Beans fit that energy perfectly. They are affordable, versatile, shelf-stable, and easy to build meals around. They stretch meals and support long-term health.

A pot of lentils, a bowl of soup, or a scoop of chickpeas added to something already cooking is often all it takes. I especially love chickpeas in Indian dishes or tossed into a salad.

That is the magic.

Why Beans Feel Personal Now

Beans connect me to something older than trends. They remind me of kitchens where food mattered, of meals that fed families without complication, and of cultures that understood nourishment long before nutrition labels and wellness buzzwords existed.

In a phase of life where so much feels uncertain, beans feel grounding, reliable, and steady. They do not promise transformation overnight, and maybe that is why I trust them.

Final Thoughts from My Bean Era

I am not eating beans to be perfect. I am eating beans to feel better and because I genuinely love them.

I eat them to support my hormones, to care for my gut, to steady my energy, and to choose nourishment over noise.

I believe in BEANS possibilities. 

This probably won’t be my last words on BEANS. 

There are so many different beans and recipes I want to try. 

I will eventually do videos on BEANS, too. 

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.

How Much Water Do We Need, When to Drink It, and Why Temperature Matters

Water is simple and essential, yet it has become one of the most overcomplicated wellness topics out there.

We’re told to drink eight glasses a day and track every single one. Drink it ice cold. No, drink it warm or hot. Add lemon. Avoid it during meals. No, drink more during meals. Somewhere along the way, hydration stopped being intuitive and started sounding like a rulebook I never agreed to follow.

I know all health coaches want us to track our water, but I don’t track my water, just like I don’t track my calories or macros.

So I want to talk about water in a way that actually makes sense to me, based on lived experience, basic physiology, and paying attention to how my body responds. I’m writing this down so I can come back to it and remind myself what works for me. As well, if anyone else has ever felt overwhelmed by wellness rules around water, I hope you can relate.

How Much Water Do We Actually Need?

The popular “8 glasses a day” advice is easy to remember, but it isn’t personal. Bodies are not identical, and hydration needs change day to day.

I also won’t be chugging water. People have literally drowned from drinking too much. More is not always better.

For most adults, a realistic guideline is about 2–3 litres of fluid per day, adjusting for activity level, climate, caffeine intake, fasting, and how much water-rich food is being eaten. Some days I need more. Some days less. That’s normal.

What often gets missed in the hydration conversation is this: hydration isn’t just about how much water I drink, it’s about how well my body absorbs it.

I’ve had days where I drank plenty of water and still felt tired and bloated. When that happens, it’s usually not a lack of water but a lack of balance. Minerals, electrolytes, digestion, stress levels, and timing all play a role. Water works best when it’s part of a system, not treated like a magic fix.

When to Drink Water for Better Digestion

Hydration works best when it’s steady rather than aggressive.

I feel best when I drink water consistently throughout the day, focus on hydration between meals, take small sips during meals if I’m thirsty, and resume fuller drinking about 30 to 60 minutes after eating.

Drinking water with meals isn’t harmful. Our stomach acid is strong and resilient. But drinking large amounts, especially cold water, can slow digestion for some people and contribute to bloating or discomfort. This isn’t about restriction. It’s about timing and awareness.

The body prefers cooperation over surprises.

Does Water Temperature Matter?

Yes. It matters more than most people realize.

I have always been a cold-water drinker. I used to get annoyed when people left the water jug out of the fridge at home or at work. Now I don’t even put water in the fridge and most often drink warm or hot water. I am a changed woman, and I will not be going back.

I started learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine, the benefits of warm water, and the potential downsides of cold water on the body. I researched it more deeply, and now I genuinely don’t enjoy drinking cold water anymore.

I was also influenced by my mother. She has a condition called Cold Agglutinin disease. With this disease, she cannot be cold and cannot eat or drink anything cold. If she does not keep herself warm, she ends up in the hospital. She requires blood transfusions because her immune system destroys her red blood cells in response to cold exposure.

Genetics is real. I’ve been anemic in my life and need to be tested again. I’m not interested in taking chances. So yes, this absolutely played a role in my shift toward warmth.

Ancient Chinese Perspectives on Water

Ancient Chinese philosophy has always held water in high regard, not just as something we consume, but as something we learn from.

In the Tao Te Ching, attributed to Laozi, water is described as the highest form of wisdom. Water does not force. It does not compete. It nourishes everything while taking the lowest place.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views cold as something that can dampen the body’s internal fire, particularly digestion. Warmth supports the spleen and stomach, which are responsible for transforming food and fluids into usable energy. From this perspective, constantly drinking cold water is like throwing cold water on a flame.

This mirrors my own experience. Warm or hot liquids feel cooperative in my body. Cold liquids feel disruptive, especially around meals.

Water adapts without losing itself. It flows around obstacles instead of fighting them. Over time, it reshapes even stone. That feels like a lesson worth paying attention to.

Benefits of Warm or Hot Water

Warm and hot liquids have been used in traditional cultures for centuries, not because it was trendy but because it worked.

I’ve noticed that warm water, herbal tea, or broth feels easier on digestion, helps reduce bloating, encourages circulation, and calms my nervous system. Warm liquids feel grounding and supportive rather than demanding.

Warm drinks don’t shock the body awake. They invite it to soften. There’s a reason tea feels comforting when I’m tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. Warmth signals safety, and the body responds.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that not everything needs to be stimulating. Sometimes healing comes from consistency, warmth, and softness, not intensity.

Pros and Cons of Cold Water

Cold water isn’t bad, but it has a very different effect on the body.

Cold water can feel refreshing, increase alertness, and help cool the body in hot conditions. Some people tolerate it well and genuinely prefer it. I used to, too.

However, cold water is stimulating, and stimulation isn’t always helpful, especially around meals. I’ve noticed that cold water can slow digestion, increase bloating or cramping, and feel jarring to the nervous system. It can also feel uncomfortable during or immediately after eating.

Cold water asks the body to adapt. Warm water allows the body to relax.

Drinking Water With Meals: What Actually Works

This topic tends to get unnecessarily dramatic online.

Sipping water with meals is not harmful, but drinking large quantities, particularly ice-cold water, can interfere with comfortable digestion for some people.

What works best for me is hydrating well about an hour before meals, taking small sips during meals if needed, choosing warm or room-temperature liquids while eating, and drinking more freely again once digestion has had time to begin.

No extremes. No guilt. Just listening to my body.

The Best Way to Stay Hydrated

Instead of asking, “How much water should I drink?” and checking boxes on a chart, I’ve learned to ask, “What does my body need right now?”

If I feel bloated, tired, or stressed, warm or hot liquids usually help. If I’m overheated or very active, cooler water may feel better. When I’m eating, gentle sipping works best. I’m not someone who forgets to drink water, but I understand why some people benefit from planning and tracking.

When I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, and soups, I naturally drink less water. When I’m in the sauna or working out, I naturally drink more water. My body adjusts without me forcing it.

Most people aren’t dehydrated because they don’t know the rules. They’re dehydrated because they’ve stopped paying attention.

Water doesn’t require discipline or punishment. It requires awareness. To me, that still doesn’t mean tracking my water. I don’t want my energy going into planning and monitoring something my body already knows how to do.

Water is patient. It shows up quietly and does the work.

Honestly, that’s the energy I’m aiming for too.

I still have so much to say about water for other blogs.

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.

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Let’s talk about my weekly Finance Friday Check-ins.

Finance Fridays aren’t about perfection. They’re about paying attention.

I’ve learned that when I check in with my money regularly, things improve. Not magically. Not overnight. But consistently. When I don’t check in, money tends to do whatever it wants. I’m done with that.

This weekly Finance Friday check-in is my pause. A moment to stop, look at the numbers, tell the truth, and make small adjustments before small things turn into big problems.

Some weeks will be boring. Some weeks will be uncomfortable. Both are useful.

These are the questions I’m asking myself every Finance Friday.

My Finance Friday Check-In Questions

1. Do I currently have a budget?
    A real one. Not a vague idea. Not a plan in my head.
   
   
2. Am I actually following my budget?
    If not, where did I go off track and why?
   
   
3. Did I go over budget in any category this week? Everything counts. Even the small stuff.
   
   
4. Am I doing my bookkeeping weekly?
    Weekly keeps it manageable. Avoiding it doesn’t.
   
   
5. Did I pay all of my bills on time?
    If yes, was it intentional, necessary, or emotional?
   
   
6. Have I recorded all of my income for the week?
    No missing deposits. No “I’ll add it later.”
   
   
7. Have I recorded all of my expenses for the week?
   
    No late fees, no scrambling, no unnecessary stress.
   
   
8. Am I one month ahead on my expenses?
    If not, what’s the next step to get there?
   
   
9. Did I put money into savings this week or this month?
    The amount matters less than the habit.
   
   
10. Did I add money to my chequing buffer or sinking funds?
     Future expenses shouldn’t feel like emergencies.
    
    
11. Did I make any payments toward my credit cards or debt?
     Progress is progress, even when it’s small.
    
    
12. Did I pay more than the minimum on any credit cards?
     If not, what’s the plan for next week?
    
    
13. Did I pay off any credit cards or move closer to paying one off?
     Momentum matters.
    
    
14. Did I use only the credit cards I’ve chosen to keep?
     No random swiping. No unnecessary temptation.
    
    
15. Did I avoid impulse purchases this week?
     If not, what triggered them?
    
    
16. Did I stick to my spending boundaries?
     Amazon, eating out, and “late-night shopping brain” all count.
    
    
17. Did I increase my income or work toward increasing it?
     That could be working more, planning, learning, or setting something up.
    
    
18. Is my current year (2026) fully up to date?
     Every transaction is recorded and filed.
    
    
19. Which past bookkeeping year am I currently working on?
     Progress over perfection, one year at a time.
    
    
20. Have I reviewed or worked on any taxes this week?
     Even small steps count.
    
    
21. What went well financially this week?
     Wins deserve to be acknowledged.
    
    
22. What didn’t go well financially this week?
     No shame. Just information.
    
    
23. What is one adjustment I can make before next Friday?
     One change is enough.
    
    

Why I’m Doing This Weekly

Checking in weekly keeps money from becoming emotional, overwhelming, or avoidable. It turns finances into a regular habit instead of a crisis response.

Finance Fridays help me stay honest with myself. They help me notice patterns early. They help me build trust in myself by doing what I said I would do.

Some weeks, the answers will be quick. Some weeks, they’ll need more reflection. Either way, I’m showing up.

That’s the commitment.

Next Friday, I’ll check in again.

Eventually, I will do weekly videos too. 

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.

I’ve learned something important about myself: I’m good with money when I’m paying attention to my money.

The issue is that most of the time I’m busy working, earning, and juggling responsibilities, and not slowing down enough to really look at how I’m spending.

I know I’m good at making money.

I also know I can be good at spending money.

Money doesn’t manage itself just because it comes in, so 2026 is the year I start knowing exactly what’s going on with my money.

This year isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, respect, and structure.

If I want my money to grow, I need to respect it.

My Finance Goals for 2026

1.   Figure out exactly what is going on with my money.  No more guessing, avoiding, or assuming. I want facts, not feelings. (Okay, there will be feelings too. Let’s be honest.)

2.   Respect my money by paying attention to it.  Part of respect is awareness and knowing where money comes from and where it goes.                                                                                                             

3.   Track all income and expenses using a monthly Google spreadsheet.  One system. One source of truth. Monthly tracking so I can clearly see spending patterns.

4.   Record every transaction for 2026 as it happens.  This year stays fully up to date before I move on to any other year.

5.   Complete bookkeeping for all past years from 2018 to 2025.  One year at a time, without skipping steps. Starting with 2025 and working backward.

6.   Spend approximately one focused week completing each past year.  Progress over perfection, but still done properly.

7.   Print all bank and credit card statements for every year.  No missing data. No relying on memory.

8.   Sort all receipts and statements into accordion file folders by year.  Physical organization creates mental clarity.

9.   Record monthly income and expenses for each year on Google Sheets.  Clear monthly snapshots instead of financial blur.

10.               Review taxes for each completed year after bookkeeping is finished.  I want to make sure all eligible expenses are claimed. I’m not giving the CRA more than necessary.

11.               Meal plan before shopping and only buy what I know I will use for specific meals in the next three days.  This reduces food waste and overspending. No buying ingredients for my “fantasy cooking self.” Good intentions don’t cook dinner. A plan does.

12.               Create & Follow a monthly budget consistently.  A budget only works if it’s actually used.  Not a fantasy budget. A livable one.

13.               Pay all bills on time.   No late fees, no scrambling, no unnecessary stress. On-time payments protect my credit, my cash flow, and my peace of mind.  This means using reminders, calendars, and autopay where it makes sense, so nothing slips through the cracks. 

14.               Get one full month ahead on expenses.  This is about breathing room, not luxury.

15.               Pay off debt strategically by putting credit cards in a clear payoff order.  No more random payments or emotional decisions.

16.               Pay off credit cards one by one and cancel certain cards once paid.  Less clutter. Less temptation.

17.               Keep only two credit cards total.  One personal and one business.

18.               Pay off the remaining credit cards monthly.  No carrying balances on the cards I choose to keep.

19.               Switch to a no-fee chequing account that earns interest.  There’s no reason to pay banks for basic access to my own money.

20.               Save money every month, no matter the amount.  Consistency matters more than size.

21.               Increase my income intentionally.  There are multiple ways to make money, and I will work on them strategically.

Spending Boundaries That Support These Goals

22.               Keep a “To Buy” list instead of impulse buying.  Ideas are allowed. Impulse purchases are not. Delay, don’t deny. I’ll adjust the list as my wants change. What I want at midnight when I’m half asleep is usually not what I want the next day after a full night’s sleep. I’ve had enough regrettable purchases to prove that point.

23.               Do not buy anything from the list unless it is budgeted in a future month.  Planning replaces impulse.

24.               Do not buy anything until I am one month ahead on expenses.  Stability comes first.

25.               Do not buy anything until at least three credit cards are paid off.  Debt reduction is a priority.

26.               Do not buy anything until all bookkeeping and taxes are up to date.  Clean foundations come before upgrades.

27.               Do not buy from Amazon until credit cards are paid off.  Convenience is expensive. Amazon, I love you. We’ve had a great relationship for years, but I can’t be your sugar mama anymore. Not until I pay off the last decade of purchases. We’ll meet one day again, with more responsibility.

28.               Do not eat out until credit cards are paid off.  Exceptions apply only for work expenses or when someone else is paying. Even then, I’ll limit work meals since only 50% is deductible with the CRA.

Cleanup and Long-Term Maintenance

29.               Review tax filing and amendment dates for all past years.   Accurate timelines matter before clearing records.

30.               Shred tax records that are seven years past filing or last amendment, per CRA rules.  Less physical clutter, less mental weight.

Accountability

31.               Review all of these goals every Friday through Finance Fridays.  Weekly check-ins keep things honest.

32.               Write a Finance Friday blog to track progress and adjustments.  Clarity grows when I write things out.

33.               Eventually record Finance Friday vlogs for additional accountability.  Not for perfection, but for follow-through—and hey, maybe a few dollars from social media too. Who knows.

Why I’m Doing This Publicly

I’m sharing these goals because accountability works in groups. Some people say to go away for three months and come back a different person. Lol. That is true, but for me, I usually come back a different person in the wrong direction. Knowing people might be watching actually makes me want to do better.

When I say things out loud and write them down, I follow through. I have proof of this. Every once in a while, I find random lists from years ago, and somehow I’ve accomplished everything on them. Apparently, past me knew what she was doing.

Finance Fridays give me a built-in pause every week to look at the numbers, tell the truth, and course-correct when needed.

This isn’t about shaming my past. I worked hard and supported myself the best way I could manage at the time. Now, I’m choosing to do better.

My Boss Lady year.

Every receipt filed, every number recorded, every Friday check-in brings me closer to calm, control, and choice.

That’s the real goal.

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.

Let’s talk about why I wanted a website and a blog.

I didn’t create a website because it was trendy or because someone told me I should build a brand.
I created it because I reached a point in my life where my thoughts needed somewhere permanent to live.

I’ve always had things to say.
Don’t we all have something to say and share?

Thoughts. Opinions. Stories. Questions that don’t fit neatly into a caption or a comment section.

Social media is fast and loud. It scrolls and forgets.
A website is slower. Quieter. It listens.

I wanted a place where my words could land, stay, and I know where I can find them later. Even when I’ve forgotten them completely. I mourn the thoughts and feelings from my past that are gone for good because I wrote them down somewhere I can no longer find.

Movie Inspiration: Julie and Julia

I’ve watched Julie and Julia many times over the years. Julie Powell sits, typing her way through uncertainty, frustration, curiosity, and growth, one blog post at a time.

There’s a moment where she talks about her friend writing a blog, and she realizes she wants to do that too. She says to her husband, “I could write a blog. I have thoughts.” Every time I watch the movie, and she says it, I say the same thing right along with her.

“I could write a blog. I have thoughts.”

I’ve always believed I could have a blog.
Not because I wanted attention, but because I already had the material.

Julie started with a blog.
Then came a book.
Then came a movie.

I’m not chasing that path, but I deeply respect the power of starting small and staying consistent. I want to consistently write about what’s happening in my life now, my past, and even my imagination.

TV Inspiration: Sex and the City

Then there’s Sex and the City.

Carrie Bradshaw writes a column about life, relationships, and the messy in-between moments. She notices things. She questions them. She reflects out loud.

I remember watching and thinking, I could do that. Maybe not as well, but I can do it.

I have stories.
I have lived experience.
I’ve earned my perspective.

Sharing Writing With the World

I’ve been writing my whole life, just not finishing it and putting it out into the world.

As a kid, a teen, and an adult, I’ve always written lists, journals, and stories. Now my lists, notes, research, fragments, and half-written ideas are scattered across notebooks, computers, and apps. Some of them are gone forever.

I’ve always been a writer, but an ADHD writer who hasn’t finished much.

Now I’m in my 50s, and here’s the truth.
I want to finish pieces of writing enough to at least publish them on my website instead of letting them disappear.

This blog is me deciding that my ramblings deserve daylight.
Even if I’m the only one reading them.

Why I Wanted My Own Website and Not Just Social Media

A website is different.

Social media is a crowd.
A website is a room I’ve arranged myself.

I wanted a space where I could:

• Research topics and write them out fully.
  
• Share stories from my past and my family.
  
• Capture thoughts I want to revisit years from now.
  
• Build something that doesn’t vanish with an algorithm update.
  

This blog is as much for future me as it is for anyone else who wants to read it.

Another Reason: Connection and Community

Another reason I wanted a website is to create a place where people can gather.

Not to perform.
Not to compare.
But to support each other.

I’ve lived enough life to know that many of us are carrying similar things. Grief. Change. Health struggles. Menopause. Aging parents. Reinvention. Big questions.

I want this website to eventually grow into a space where:

• People feel seen.
  
• Conversations go deeper than a comment section.
  
• Support feels human, not rushed.
  
• We learn from each other’s experiences.
  
• We listen to each other’s goals, gains, and losses.
  

I used to organize social and support groups through Meetup and Facebook from 2010 to 2020. Going back to those platforms doesn’t feel right, right now, but I still feel the pull to create something meaningful in a new way.

I don’t want to be a coach.
I may want to be a facilitator.

I don’t need it to be huge.
I need it to be real.

Creating the Website Took Years

This website has been in the works for several years, floating around my life as an idea that never quite landed.

This year, my sister helped make it happen. The kind of help that turns intention into action.

I love dandelions, wild, resilient, misunderstood, so they made their way onto the site.  

There will be a full blog on dandelions. I have a lot to say about dandelions.

I also wanted my crow picture included, and she found a way to make that work as well.
There will be a separate blog on crows, too. I have a lot to say about that crow picture and crows in general.

This website reflects what matters to me. Nature. Symbols. Memory. Meaning. 

Stories and information, I believe, are worth keeping.

Why I’m Really Doing This.

This blog isn’t about going viral.
It’s about going deep.

It’s about creating a place where:

• Thoughts don’t disappear.
  
• Stories have somewhere to land.
  
• Writing becomes a way of remembering.
  
• Connection is possible.
  

If people read it, I’m grateful.
If they don’t, I’ll still be here, writing.

I’ve got a lot to say.
Now, finally, I have a place to say it.

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.