stories about life's minute beauty, maintaining mental wellness, and cultivating a positive mindset--so we can all experience more peace, joy, and contentment.
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NoDak Bar Culture and the Perfect Bar Recipe |She’s Not From Around Here
There may be no perfect answer, but I have found the perfect bar recipe Midwest Bar Culture “Are you willing to bring a pan of bars for the after-funeral luncheon?” This sentence was written in a now nearly-decade-old email. As I read and reread that...
The Secret to Thriving Where You Live | She’s Not From Around Here
Today, I’m going to tell you a secret. To understand the secret, you’ll need to know the question I’m asked most often: “Why do you insist on liking Minot so much?”
Hot Dish Land | She’s Not From Around Here
Finding fun There are very few things I enjoy hearing less than the words, “There’s nothing to do in Minot.” I’ve spent the last three years intentionally combating this phrase, and the negativity that comes with it. Before a new transplant arrives in Minot,...
Small Magic | She’s Not From Around Here
Small Magic can be found in things often overlooked. When describing why I find life in North Dakota so enjoyable, I usually site a combination of local culture, quirks, and my stubborn insistence on finding beauty in things often overlooked. Giving a singular and...
Trash Christmas | Minot Fall Clean Up Week
Minot ND Fall Trash Christmas is Here My favorite biannual holiday starts on Monday. That’s right, I’m talking about Trash Christmas. Formally, I suppose it's called Minot Fall Clean Up Week. I know a lot of new folks have moved into Minot since the last Trash...
Minot, ND Library Sale | She’s Not From Around Here
The Minot, ND Library Sale is an ideal place to observe North Dakotans being North Dakotan. A local friend once told me the library sale is an ideal place to observe North Dakotans being North Dakotan. It’s a place to see Dakotaness on display. Like a lot of things, I...
Rewriting the Narrative | Positive Thinking in Minot, ND
Many people move into Hot Dish Land dreading the cold winters. Focusing on the negative can blind us to the positives. With a little practice, anyone can become savvy at telling themselves a positive narrative. Positive Thinking in Minot, ND-- I’m not an expert at...
The Miracle of Unanswered Prayer | Breaking a Prayer Rut
Hope for Unanswered Prayer and Ongoing Pain My prayers seemed to be met with silence. My perspective on unanswered prayer was about to change. I had been praying for things to change for months. Over and over I asked God to remove the pain in my body and mind. Still,...
A Mental Health Story | Depression, Faith and Hope For You
Let My Mental Health Story Encourage You In Yours The following is a brief overview of my mental health story. I put these words down in hopes that you'll be encouraged to move forward and keep living. There is hope and life beyond depression and anxiety. You CAN...
I Lost My Mind, Here’s What I Found | Hope for Mental Health
I Lost My Mind and Want to Bring You Hope. Let me tell you the story I most wanted to keep secret. It’s the experience I never wanted to live, the story I didn’t want affiliated with who I aimed to be, the tale I feared would both define and disqualify me. I’ll keep...
Critical Truth About Mental Health For Military Spouses
Mental Health for military spouses is a tricky subject. Navigating a mental health crisis is never easy. Mental health for military spouses can be especially difficult. Coping with and recovering from a mental health battle as a member of the military community...
Minot Coffee Shops |Free Minot Coffee Directory
Welcome to the Minot Coffee Directory! Here you'll find all of Minot's coffee shops and their important details in one place. Big thank you to my friends at BeLOCAL and the local Minot coffee shops for helping get this out. BeLOCAL helps you live like a local here in...
What Deployment Is Really Like | Deployment Diary
The following is an excerpt from a journal I kept during our most recent deployment like. This is what deployment is really like for the spouse left behind. Another excerpt can be read here. More on military life can be found here. What is it really like to have your...
Love, Suicide and Mental Health | Suicide Prevention
Previously, I shared a bit about my personal experience with suicidal thoughts. After publishing, I heard from an unexpected number of women--some military dependents, some not. Many held similar fears of hurting their husband's career or being a burden to those they...
FREE Where to Get Mulch in Minot | Minot Monday
Happy Minot Monday! I'm thrilled to be working in partnership with BeLocal Minot to help you live like a local and thrive in our town. Today I'm sharing insider tips on where to get mulch in Minot. Don't be fooled by the unseasonably warm weather. Cool temps are...
