The Story of Stephanie + Ryan

I definitely need to get a photo of these two ... because they are as beautiful as their story. Both so sweet, both so in love with the other. We met over the summer and they could barely get their story out they were so excited.  Ryan and Stephanie got married last weekend and shared this story at the reception. I can just imagine the look on their parents' faces -- a combination of pride, excitement, and "I told you so." Congrats you two! The Story of Stephanie + Ryan In 2006 Ryan bought a home in North Scottsdale. A nice home, in a nice community, surrounded by very nice neighbors... Who were all very old. So when he heard that the person looking at ... More

The Neighborhood Dirt – LIVE

It was the perfect way to start the holidays. A 90 minute drive up a winding mountain road to Pine, Arizona where some of my favorite tellers in the Valley gathered to share their stories. Though the air outside was chilly, the Town Hall was cozy and filled with story listeners - several who have been coming for 12 years to hear the tales. I'll be honest - I would have loved to have told the virginity story again ... however, this was a different kind of crowd. So instead, I decided to debut The Neighborhood Dirt. And since we had a grandfather and two grandmothers in tow, Michael was able to capture it on film (with ... More

The Story of Kristen + Justin

I met Kristen and Justin at Starbucks. When I walked in they were sitting quietly and comfortably together, both reading something... and I don't know what it was about them... they just looked so cozy and calm. We did the "Is that you?" hesitating glance that you do when you meet someone in person whom you only have met via email and I was happy they were the couple I was there to meet. I was touched when Kristen told me she had been reading my blog for a while and her excitement for having their story told was precious. They are both involved in Young Life and both exceptional people with solid hearts of faith. They were just married Saturday ... More

So Hard to Say Goodbye

It was College Graduation Day and it was raining. To celebrate our accomplishment, my five roommates and I hosted a graduation party at the house we called home for two years - 912 8th St South, Moorhead MN, (56562). Despite the inclement weather, The Outback Steakhouse (for a mere $150) set up a tent on our back parking pad with two over-sized grills and fed 60 of our family and friends a feast of BBQ ribs & chicken, caesar salad, baked potatoes, and cheesecake. Inside we turned moving bin lids into table tops and filled our house with people, laughter and chaos for one last time. When the party ended, the families went back to their hotel rooms to rest up ... More

The Time I Thought I Lost My Virginity

I was scheduled to tell for the Arizona Storytellers Project in August. The theme for the evening was, Stories from the Edge - moments when everything changed. I planned to tell my Dorothy story; the story when I realized - in life there is no yellow brick road. When I told the event organizer my plan she said, "Cute, but no." Crap. So I emailed her back and said I would tell the story about finding out I was going to have a baby. She said, "Someone is already telling a story about having a baby. So no." Crap. She suggested maybe I just wait and tell a different time - maybe in January, or December. But it ... More