It was our mission every night to be on the lookout. We stayed in Reykjavik for the first night. It’s the country’s capital and the largest city; tucked in along the southern shore on Faxa Bay. Being well lit and cloudy didn’t make for great conditions to see the lights, but we were hopeful on the following days to come.

My word came really easy and super early this time. Usually, I’m already into the new year before I know my word, however, this year’s word was on my heart two weeks before it began. I actually fought it for a few days, thinking it couldn’t be that easy. I wasn’t even thinking about it and it kept showing up and…..POOF, just like that, there it was, time and time again; nudging me. Every time I would say it out loud, it brought a lightness; it just felt right. I kept seeing the word everywhere and there was no denying that would be my word for 2019. I even made up a jingle….HAHA

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.

As the tour began, I learned it was so much more. The small group would be hiking across lava fields a few miles away, climb up to base camp, and then group by group, climb to the top of the volcano to be lowered down inside, wearing harnesses and hard hats. The wind was brutal and I was thankful for hiking boots, winter coats with hoods and gloves. The terrain was uneven and vast……volcanoes, mountains and lava fields as far as the eye could see. The volcano we were heading to, happened to be the furthest away…….better buckle-up.

We were only on the plane a few minutes before it pulled away from the gate. One thing we were pretty sure of, our checked luggage wasn’t on board with us. Hmmm…..we would have to worry about it upon arrival at our destination. Once we landed, we headed straight to baggage claim and as expected, our suitcases were nowhere in sight. We made our way to the lost luggage counter and waited in line with the other people from our connecting flight.

With a recent trip to Iceland, I was able to experience some incredible adventures. It was both rugged and beautiful; definitely a nature lover’s paradise. Even though the land was filled with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and caves, one of the coolest things I experienced was sleeping in a bubble. Let me repeat that……sleeping in a BUBBLE……how cool is that?

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.

Back in September, I was able to get away for an adventure, the day after my son’s wedding. The timing wasn’t ideal, but it’s all I had to work with. Friends had already booked their trip when I learned they were heading to Iceland. I commented on how it would be a fun get away and the next thing I new, my ticket was purchased and the planning began.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to spend a long weekend in Door County, Wisconsin with my oldest and dearest friend. We’ve been best friends since high school, through thick and thin, good times and bad. I’m beyond thankful for her tender heart, thoughtful ways and generous spirit.

At my son’s and new daughter’s recent wedding, a photo booth with absurd props was available during the reception, to capture all the wackiness and fun had by the guests. Let me tell you, this girl was so excited and had a great time dragging friends and family to pose any which way, but normal.

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.

Now, let me go back and start from the beginning of my story which began about three weeks earlier. I had been experiencing what I would describe as a “sweet spot” in life. I encountered blessing after blessing; almost to the point I could hardly believe. Before I go on, I need to explain that everything didn’t go perfect, but in my mind it was part of the goodness coming at me left and right.

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.

Within a short amount of time my Mom will be hosting my sister and her family for a long weekend and anticipation of the visit, we needed to get some things done around the farm. We set aside a day to gather together and tackle the work.

Earlier this summer, I was able to enjoy a weekend in Chicago with friends. There always seems to be endless things to experience and this trip was no different. One of the afternoons after enjoying brunch, my friends and I decided to walk back along Michigan Avenue (the magnificent mile), to the place we were staying.