Gladden The Heart

Happy day! I just ordered some raised garden beds from The Backyard Pantry. I met the owners, John and Karen, at the Pepper Place Market on Saturday and was immediately won over by their genuine passion for equipping others with everything they need for their gardening journey.Riley and Brady are thrilled about our new project. [...]

It might be a little premature of me to make this statement since I re-entered the paid workforce only a couple of months ago. But, it’s true and I’m pretty sure it will continue to be true, so here it is…I. love. my. job.
Through my work with the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama and the [...]

“Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive. If life is to be sustained, hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.”–Erik Erikson

I am passionate about the city for many reasons. I long for redemption, restoration, and revitalization, but my love for this place is not dependent on those things. Loving my neighborhood requires the ability to see beauty in the midst of brokenness.
Many can’t bear the thought of moving into the Woodlawn side of Crestwood because [...]

A friend just sent me a book excerpt that is also posted here. When this particular friend sends me links about motherhood, I know it’s going to be worth my time. And, this one is. I can relate to much of what the author has written about my current season of life. As I [...]

Friday Quick Takes
1.Isn’t it ironic… Love this. And, I’m not anti-green (what color is opposite of green?). I just love it when certain people, industries, etc. are demonized, then end up being the hero and saving the day.
2. Speaking of green… Check out this blogger/writer/mama.
3. I’ve had some odd cravings lately.
One is cauliflower with [...]

I experienced a good amount of mama frustration this evening. Several things contributed to my feelings of despair. Is despair too strong of a word? Maybe. The probable root cause of it all is that I don’t know how we’re going to get through the summer. If I could work a full-time job and put [...]

After weeks of missing the ice cream truck due to the FASTEST ICE CREAM TRUCK DRIVER EVER, we finally made it happen today…

Yesterday I had a Soulemama moment…Of course it’s not as beautiful as the version I recall seeing on her web site a year ago or so. I would link to the amazing shot of her lovely snacks in the muffin tin, but I don’t feel like searching for it right now. I have laundry that [...]

The “If I Came Into A Bunch of Money” version…
1) I would give a ton of it away to the poor, the powerless, and the sick. I promise.
2) I would buy some art at the Magic City Art Connection show this morning. This event is one of my most favorite things about Birmingham. Unfortunately, I’m [...]