Author Archives: rhondakalkwarf

A Mother Reminisces

With Mothers’ Day approaching, I’m thinking about motherhood. Specifically, my own experience. Please forgive my indulgence today as I expound upon my joys being mother. For years, I said that each phase of my children’s development was my favorite. I … Continue reading

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College Years

I just received news in the mail that I have a new occasion to celebrate. It turns out it’s been forty years since I was initiated into a sorority freshman year in college. To be more specific, Chi Omega is … Continue reading

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The Pastor’s Wife

In 2008 when I was finishing a degree in adult development, I needed a capstone project in order to graduate. As I considered my options, I thought about a woman I know. Since she always wanted to document her story, … Continue reading

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World’s Columbian Exposition

Ever since I read Erik Larson’s book, The Devil in the White City, I’ve been fascinated by the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition. The book is the story of the fair interleaved with a murder mystery … Continue reading

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Follow the Journey

Last summer, I happened upon information about a story I believe bears telling. Ten years ago, I discovered the father I never knew was lost at sea in 1977. Over the last few months, I’ve learned a lot about the … Continue reading

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My Ruse

My husband and I met in high school. Our circles overlapped, but we weren’t close friends and we never dated. He would tell you he wasn’t ready for me, yet. I’m not sure what that means, but I’ve decided to … Continue reading

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2015 Reading Challenge

It makes me happy that my Kindle is filled with lots of books I plan to read. Most were chosen on a whim. Some were recommended by friends or colleagues, some were recommended by Amazon and some were free with … Continue reading

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New Traditions

For the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing some of the holiday traditions in our home. My family holds our traditions dear, perhaps stubbornly so. Goodness, I’m rejoicing this year they will allow me to substitute Brussel sprouts for the … Continue reading

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Christmas Celebrations with Family

Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas with my extended family. Over the years, the group has expanded and contracted. Like all families, we’ve had births and deaths, marriages and divorces, and moves. Last year, we were seventeen. This year, we were six. … Continue reading

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Christmas Traditions and Gratitude

Like many, my husband and I have embarked on a mission of Gratitude. Each day, we take time to acknowledge and appreciate those aspects of our lives for which we are grateful. We try to do this first thing in … Continue reading

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