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THE SECOND CUP

My latest writing lives on Substack now.

I love using Substack because it makes it easier to talk with you every week — it allows you to comment and participate in community threads and send me direct emails, and it feels more like a back-and-forth conversation over flaky croissants than a 'newsletter'. (And good conversation and croissants is definitely the vibe here at The Second Cup.)

So enjoy the archives below, but if you want to read my latest poems and essay on making peace with being human, you'll find them on Substack!

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The Wandering Ones Series: When You Want Out - Part 1

The Wandering Ones Series: When You Want Out - Part 1

The Wandering Ones Series: When You Want Out - Part 1

When You Want Out I saw a meme the other day that said, "I'd like to end my 7-day free trial of 2021. I'm no longer interested." I...

Jan 9, 20213 min read

Stumbling Outta 2020

Stumbling Outta 2020

Stumbling Outta 2020

I have this image in my head of all of us hobbling like soldiers toward the end of 2020. I can see it so clearly: We are dirty and...

Dec 19, 20202 min read

Love is an Action Word

Love is an Action Word

Love is an Action Word

Lately, a common saying has been whirling around in my brain. As I drive by stretches of political signs that clamor for attention, as...

Nov 1, 20203 min read

A Modest, Cheery Place

A Modest, Cheery Place

A Modest, Cheery Place

I used to show up at my Aunt Becky's house all the time. I loved pulling into her driveway because I knew that the front door would open...

Aug 7, 20204 min read

Sausage Feet and the Not-So-Funny Side of Sacrifice

Sausage Feet and the Not-So-Funny Side of Sacrifice

Sausage Feet and the Not-So-Funny Side of Sacrifice

About a month ago, one of our dear friends got married. We had the honor of going to her wedding, an intimate affair (thanks to COVID)...

Jul 17, 20204 min read

On Entitlement

On Entitlement

On Entitlement

I'm sitting here on my deck this morning having my second cup. We're getting ready to go to camp and I have about a million things to...

Jun 27, 20204 min read

I Know It Hurts. I Love You. I Am Here.

I Know It Hurts. I Love You. I Am Here.

I Know It Hurts. I Love You. I Am Here.

I recognize now that when it comes to hurting, words only have limited power.

May 30, 20203 min read

Newborn Babies Make Newborn Mamas

Newborn Babies Make Newborn Mamas

Newborn Babies Make Newborn Mamas

My son turns one tomorrow. This morning I drank my lukewarm coffee and watched him buzz his toy tractor all around the living room. ...

May 1, 20204 min read

Fear and Boogie Boards

Fear and Boogie Boards

Fear and Boogie Boards

Fear is an incredibly powerful force. I know just how powerful it is. I have wrestled with it, bowed down before it, been sucked into it....

Apr 27, 20204 min read

Dear Phone, You're Not Invited

Dear Phone, You're Not Invited

Dear Phone, You're Not Invited

I can't tear myself away from my phone lately, it seems. It's embarrassing to admit, because it's not like I'm doing anything important...

Apr 18, 20203 min read

He Can Still Use Us: Part 5 - Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

He Can Still Use Us: Part 5 - Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

He Can Still Use Us: Part 5 - Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

Happy Resurrection Sunday! He lives, He redeems, and He can still use us! If you missed any of the earlier episodes from the Easter...

Apr 12, 20201 min read

In the Waiting - Part 4: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

In the Waiting - Part 4: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

In the Waiting - Part 4: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

Thank you for joining me for Part 4 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for the finale, Part 5: Resurrection!...

Apr 11, 20201 min read

We Are Not Orphans - Part 3: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

We Are Not Orphans - Part 3: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

We Are Not Orphans - Part 3: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series

Thank you for joining me for Part 3 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for Part 4: In the Waiting! Click...

Apr 10, 20201 min read

Easter Without The Bunny - Part 2: Maundy Thursday

Easter Without The Bunny - Part 2: Maundy Thursday

Easter Without The Bunny - Part 2: Maundy Thursday

Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for Part 3: Good Friday. Click here...

Apr 9, 20201 min read

Easter Without the Bunny - Part I: Palm Sunday

Easter Without the Bunny - Part I: Palm Sunday

Easter Without the Bunny - Part I: Palm Sunday

Welcome to Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series! If you'd like to start each morning this week with a scripture and prayer to prepare...

Apr 5, 20201 min read

Thunder in April

Thunder in April

Thunder in April

It feels as though anything can happen when it thunders. When the sky gets angry, turns so black to you don’t know whether it’s day or...

Apr 4, 20204 min read

Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place

Shelter in place. In other words, stay put. Don't move. Close the doors and hunker down and wait until further notice. At first, it all...

Mar 30, 20203 min read

I Should

I Should

I Should

They're calling this a pandemic. COVID-19. Surely we'll look back at this time someday and sigh. Remembering the good, the bad, and...

Mar 23, 20203 min read

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