Until recently, there was a place I hadn’t thought about in a while, the Slew. After reminiscing with my brother, he mentioned the Slew was what farmer’s referred to as wet areas that weren’t farmable. The Slew was in the middle of the large piece of property adjacent to our house. We used the wet and swampy area as a playground, even though the land surrounding the Slew was planted and harvested each year. Right smack dab in the middle of the property was an old dirt road, we referred to as Slew Road.

Monkey see, monkey do was how they acted as a troop. What one monkey did, the others followed suit. It reminded me of peer pressure in life. Sometimes we’re afraid to speak up for what we want, but doing so moves us beyond our fear and gives us the courage to take our own path. Are you walking yours or are you following someone else’s path? Be bold, be brave be you!

I asked if she would send me a picture of it later that evening. One of the items was to take my children on a trip; which had been on my mind and already planned. You may think that’s no big deal, but for me, it was. We spent time each year on vacation, but they always included other friends and family. We hadn’t taken a trip with just us, until this year. I had given them a trip of their choice for their Christmas present. It was fun to think and plan of what would suit us best. After many conversations and investigation, we settled on Costa Rica and would all experience it together for the first time.

It was an emotional and meaningful journey for her and was able to give herself much needed soul-care and self-love. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this day with anyone else. To those that need to give themselves a little love and soul-care; the winds of change are waiting for you.

After my Dad’s passing, my sister and I represented the family and my Mom’s wishes regarding the gravestone they would one day share. The gentlemen helping us with monument decisions, asked if any special words or phrase should be added in addition to names, dates and etchings. After conferring with the family, it was an unanimous decision to add the phrase, “betcha a nickel.” It would be two words that would forever link their lives in a loving and playful manner.

We sent many texts, made many phone calls in order to make the plan solid. Game day arrived and Hannah was up early texting and calling. The weather looked iffy with rain and chilly temps. At this point we needed to make a decision and thought we would just go for it. Plan A was in place, no turning back.

The instructor guided us through a journey on the edge between sleep and awake, while bringing us to the awareness of our body through breath and mind. We visualized our own journey, as if floating on a cloud. Everyone was in their own world, hidden beneath and wrapped in the comforting cocoon; drifting wherever their mind and body took them. After about 75 minutes, the class was pulled back from their journey, feeling refreshed, relaxed and renewed.

After game two, we were instructed on more advanced throwing techniques; two overhead at the same time or under arm; none of which I was successful doing. It was a fun evening with good friends, meeting new people, having new experiences and laughing. Sometimes in life, we have limiting beliefs that hold us back from trying something new or going for a dream. I wouldn’t call myself an expert axe thrower, but I had fun learning the process, to that I say…..Paul Bunyan, move over. Life is about the journey; enjoy it step by step or throw by throw. What will your next step reveal?

The evening’s schedule was packed with an autograph signing session with the inductees, cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, grand prize ticket drawing, live auction, all ending with the induction ceremony itself. I had learned earlier in the weekend that my Dad and brother’s race jackets would be part of the live auction.

Both my brothers Jeff and Greg as well as Kurt Krumm, business partner and race team mechanic, shared memories, told heartfelt and funny stories about the sport, along with expressing their gratitude for my Mom, family, friends, sponsors and fellow inductees. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the induction and ceremony and a night Goodwin Racing Team, family and friends won’t soon forget.

My mind was swirling, as I wasn’t planning on being a grandmother anytime soon and besides they told me they thought they’d wait until they experienced some adventures being married, before they settled down with a family. They travel a lot in the winter for work, so I couldn’t imagine what was causing all this mystery.

When I refer to rolling the dice, I don’t mean being careless about chances, but rather risking your heart to fall in love, showing your venerabilities, trusting your gut or leaping with faith to something you’ve been hoping and preparing for. Believing in yourself without doubt or second guessing. Being fearless to capture  your dream.

You can imagine both my heartache and relief; I knew he had given me the sign I was praying for. It had been a friend that had no idea my Dad had passed. When I retuned the text, I explained we had lost him earlier that morning, she said she was being nudged to send me that message. I knew it was the sign he was near and was exactly what I needed in that moment. I had been given an incredible gift.

I’ve never made prime rib before, but read some recipes and it looked simple enough. I decided to order the roast from a well-known country meat market. It was where my Dad always ordered his meat for special occasions. I called to place my order, including the number of people I would serve; a total of four.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sap…..meaning, I’m sentimental and tender-hearted. The older I get, the easier it is for me to become emotional and shed tears. Maybe it’s the mother in me, but I know many can relate to those emotional ads and tv commercials that pull at your heartstrings and get you started. A few months before my son’s wedding we started talking about our mother and son dance. We originally talked about doing a fun medley of songs with choreographed moves, but after an unexpected knee injury, couldn’t pull it off and decided to just go for the traditional dance.

One of my Dad’s treasures I held close to my heart were some of his hankies. He usually carried them in his pocket; and having them, felt like I was closer to him. I decided I wanted to give one each to my son and his bride-to-be on their wedding day, and wanted them to be personalized.

Back in the early 80’s, my Dad purchased three sets of running gear to be used for either grain or hay wagons. One of these was converted into what would become his prized hay wagon. Over the years it was used when putting up straw from winter wheat, but once he sold the dairy cows, would lend it to friends that ultimately didn’t care for it like he would. After years of wear he decided, he would tuck it away for safe keeping.

My son recently married his perfect match and I thought I’d share a few thoughts on being the mother-of-the-groom. People often say the mother-of-the-groom isn’t involved or have much to do in preparation, but I’m thankful I was included from the beginning. My first experience was when son asked me to help him find the perfect ring. I was touched and happy he wanted me by his side.