By Angela Denstad Time and again, when winter fully settles into these post-holiday doldrums, people are restless. Or they want nothing but rest. They’re either bored, or they’re overwhelmed. They’re trying to make a fresh start, but resolution meets resistance; artificial society yammers at breakneck speed while the entire natural world insists on a time of … [Read more...]

As I write this, my son is moaning that he is hungry. It is past his bedtime, and he keeps asking, “Can’t I eat anything?” You would think there is no food in this house at all, and that he doesn’t have a mother who gives him everything he needs. It’s funny how brushing the teeth of a young, growing boy can suddenly trigger deep pangs of hunger. When there is no longer an … [Read more...]

“In the hands of an able cook, fish can become an inexhaustible source of perpetual delight”    - Jean-Altheme Barrat-Savarin It’s comfort food season, and that is one of my downfalls!  Creamy soups, rich pastas, not to mention all the holiday sweets.  Therefore, I’m trying to double down on fresher healthier options to break my routine of cooking meals that make me feel … [Read more...]

Blizzard conditions were just down the road. Unbeknownst to us, the snow was blinding, and the roadway was covered with white. We eagerly set out for our destination. On this January evening, we were heading to our home at Heritage Farm. It was my hope that we would “beat” any stormy conditions that might be brewing. Interstate highway travel is generally rather humdrum and … [Read more...]

When was the last time you intentionally drove with your eyes closed? I hope your answer is never. The “why” is pretty obvious. Seeing, while driving, is on par with breathing while living. Without it, catastrophe is basically inevitable. As moms, we’d never endanger those in tow by being so reckless. We’d never think of driving without vision, so why live life without … [Read more...]

By Angela Denstad I’m time and again forgetting dates and details, needing to think back to the context of what was happening or what felt important at the time in order to uncover a clue that allows me to do the simple math – still disbelieving – to answer a basic question. Such as, “How long have you lived here?” Time and memory seem to operate on separate non-linear … [Read more...]

Winter seems to have come early this year. Snowstorms, cars in the ditch, below-zero temps, cold tractors, frozen manure, and air so cold it makes me chilled just thinking about running into the air for a winter flight! I often wonder what the cows are thinking with all this cold and wind. No matter when it happens, it always feels a couple weeks too early. But didn’t … [Read more...]

Do you have a definition for success in your motherhood? Do we even have an answer for this question? Especially during the holidays.  Think about it. Successful motherhood is ... Home cooked meals? Maybe any meal at all? Is it clean clothes? Maybe folded laundry that actually gets put away? Lots of presents?  Swept floors? A day with no yelling? Or maybe: No one … [Read more...]

I married a man who has self-discipline and enjoys his work.  In the early years, I learned many things from him and his parents. Their practical knowledge opened my eyes to a new side of life that I had not known – farming. Besides farm life, one thing that was new to me was car care.  I had never owned a car, so caring for one was brand new to me.  My husband changed the … [Read more...]

By Angela Denstad November is equal parts linger and scurry, pressing on in fits and starts as we brace ourselves for the exhilarating race through the holiday season down to the bottom of the year. Given this month’s ample opportunity for reflection and importunity to prepare our hearts and homes in hopes of joyful times to come, here’s a quick calendar list of gratitude … [Read more...]