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There’s a wild crabapple tree down by the barn that has never borne fruit, but through the years, it’s become one of our favorite trees. Jilda has kept her eye on it since early November. more

Rick Watson

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I had a funny conversation with an 11-year-old girl. In talking about parenting and children, she matter-of-factly told me, “My dad was really spoiled growing up, and he says he’s not doing that to us because that’s not how the real world works.” more

Kari Kampakis

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I’m coming to another intersection in my life, and I need a good thinking place. more

Rick Watson

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Boys compete. Girls compare. Wow, isn’t that the truth? more

Kari Kampakis

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It was one of the meanest blog posts I’ve ever read — yet I found myself laughing. more

Kari Kampakis

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When the Army drafted me in 1971, the roads in my life changed. more

Rick Watson

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When I was younger, I struggled with the thought of starting school that first year. I’d been a free-range kid ever since I could walk without an adult holding me up. more

Rick Watson

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Unfortunately, rejection is a part of life. The only way to avoid it is to never take a chance, and what kind of life is that? more

Kari Kampakis

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We stopped by to see Jilda’s sister Nell a few weeks ago, and during our visit, she told us about her latest kitchen thingamajig. more

Rick Watson

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At every age, there will be people who like to belittle you, confuse you or make you feel insecure through their unpredictable behavior or underhanded remarks. more

Kari Kampakis

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Under the ancient glider on our screen porch is a plastic tub of toys. We never had children, but we’ve served as baby sitters for working family members through the years. more

Rick Watson

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I’ve noticed when teenage girls discuss teenage boys, they tend to group them into three categories: more

Kari Kampakis

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My friend texted me at 5 a.m. — then followed up with an email. more

Kari Kampakis

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My wife Jilda and I have pictures on our fridge. The photos are of three friends we’ve lost in the past year. They each held a special place in our hearts. more

Rick Watson

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Congratulations, momma. You did it. You’ve ushered a miracle into this world. That newborn baby in your arms is a game changer, a tiny slice of heaven and the purest thing you’ll ever know on this side of eternity. more

Kari Kampakis

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Something interesting happened to me on the way to work this past week. more

Rick Watson

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I’m “procaffeinating” this morning. That’s the tendency to put off doing anything until I’ve had coffee. It’s an affliction that began early; and I’ve struggled with it all my life. more

Rick Watson

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It’s a really exciting day when your child begins to speak. more

Kari Kampakis

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A few weeks ago, I stopped by the forks of the river in Sipsey on the way home. Normally, there are several people there sitting in folding chairs, shooting the bull and watching time pass at the speed of a slow-moving river. more

Rick Watson

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It was five months after my first book was released when the exhaustion hit me. I began waking up in the mornings feeling drained, burned out and lonely. more

Kari Kampakis

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