I was proud of myself for staying in the kitchen and remaking my espresso after the lid wasn't screwed on the machine the first time. A past version of me would have said: "screw it, I'll have milk with breakfast and get Starbucks." But I had a lot of cooking and meal prep to accomplish … Continue reading On Cooking
Who do I write to, and why do I write? This video came to me at the perfect time, of course, as I was pondering these questions. I've never really had an audience in mind before. I've mostly just shouted into the void to make space in my head and my heart. Sometimes people respond … Continue reading Catharsis and Community: Finding My Audience
Hi, and welcome back! I made this venison pot roast for the first time last week, and we still have leftovers for dinner tonight. My partner shot a deer over a year ago, so we're still working through all the meat in our chest freezer. I used two roasts for this (the freezer package said … Continue reading Venison Pot Roast
Hi, and welcome back! I found this recipe on Ashley Paige's channel and had Grok format the writing. I already had salmon, kale, and rice in the freezer, so this was easy to throw together. I skipped the edamame and pickled red onions on top of the salmon, but the glaze was still absolutely delicious! … Continue reading Ashley Paige’s Salmon Bowl
I wasn't planning to write about this for Substack, but I was inspired by Grace Fox's article on Therese Blanchard. I didn't know other people traced down historical ghosts, built connections from only vapors and dates. Instead of a painting, my adventure starts with a tombstone in Melrose Abbey, in England, on August 26, 2019. I was … Continue reading Remembering David
I started my writing journey almost nine years ago by reviewing movies and shows. I love that I've shifted to more personal essays, but I thought it'd be nice to get back to my roots. Here are all the Christmas and holiday movies I watched this year and what I think of them Oh. What. … Continue reading 2025 Christmas Movie Roundup
My shoulders and triceps are burning, and sweat is pouring down the back of my neck. I trudge through the long gym to put my things away, pausing to pet the puppies in their designated corner. I accept fist bumps and offer encouragement on the way, celebrating the wins of the people I've come to … Continue reading On Strength
God's plans cannot be defeated by accidentally swallowing toothpaste.
Why did it take me so long to stop and smell the roses?
On words, jars, and faith
Elena’s Grace 