Runners * Explorers * Dream Chasers
It has been a long time since we went to the movies. In retrospect, I cannot remember if the last film we saw in a movie theater was Avengers: End Game, Captain Marvel, or Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, all of which were released in 2019. While we have both been captivated by […]
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As an art teacher, my goal is to contribute to my community and improve my skills as a life-long learner. The foundation of my teaching is built in refining my work as an artist and seeking professional development. This summer has been an opportunity for me to hone my craft and explore new techniques such […]
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The long awaited visit from the Jager family had arrived and the forecast was severe thunderstorms all day. We had planned to bring Derek’s parents to the Chicago Botanic Garden first thing in the morning and then spend the afternoon in Mitsuwa Marketplace. Cal and Sawako had loved hearing of our Japanese grocery adventure that […]
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It was so windy that my tent flew away. In preparation for a night out camping, I was setting up our two-person tent for waterproofing on our porch when a gust of wind blew it right out of my hands and over the roof. In a mad dash down the three story apartment building, I […]
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Winter is upon us and the negative windchills could not be more frightening. However tempting it may be to bake the day away or curl up with hot beverages while binge-watching great television, the opportunity to experience adventure is missing. My lifelong partner in exploration devised a brilliant plan to tackle the winter terrain by […]
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Sweet, yet salty. Fudgy, but also crispy. Opposite textures crumble together as one beautiful mouthful melts in my mouth. There’s nothing too complicated about baking brownies or cookies, but combined together, the “crownie” rises to the top with a level of sophistication unmatched by its unexpected delight. The Jager home has become a test kitchen this […]
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Fall is by far my favorite season of the year. The cooler air is a refreshing transition from the summer heat and the trees gradually transform into a spectrum of rich colors as they swirl in spirals when taking flight from their branches. My body was made for Fall. In the 50-70 degree weather, I […]
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It is with great joy that Derek and I share a successful relocation to our new home in Valparaiso, Indiana. Following the acceptance of Ashley’s new job as the Secondary Art Teacher at New Buffalo Area Schools, we began a thorough search of the area along the Indiana/Michigan line looking for housing. In the interim, […]
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The earth grumbles as the wind picks up and the sky furrows in angry, dark clouds. Rain is coming down hard on the horizon and making its way towards us over the neighboring fields. We really should pack up and head out, but after another day of mid to high 90’s, a little downpour could […]
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Gramps was 90 years old but I think I expected him to live forever. He was the silly, old grandpa who is pictured in my mind as wearing a toupee, khaki pants with a fanny pack, a jacket with political buttons, and a camera around his neck. This wardrobe didn’t change even if he was […]
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Game Changers 