(Today’s note is a little more personal, but it also ties into our legal workplaces and one of the main reasons I do the work I do.)

Tomorrow is National Adoption Day, a day close to my heart. As the mom of three incredible children - two of whom are adopted - I’ve seen firsthand and...

A couple of weeks ago, we had our first hard freeze of the season. As I glanced out at the backyard deck that morning, my plants seemed fine. From the kitchen window, they looked just as vibrant and lively as ever. But when I stepped outside and touched them, I realized they were frozen solid....

After a string of above-average daily temperatures, it’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Minnesota. The leaves are quickly changing, the nights are cool enough that I needed to bring in my plants, and there are pumpkins and Halloween decorations in just about every one of my...

I hope you’ve had a productive, energizing week. I’m guessing it’s been a busy one for you (it sure has been for me), so I hope your Friday is providing an off-ramp into a restful, restorative weekend!

Tomorrow, September 21, is World Gratitude Day, so that makes it the perfect...

My parents are in town this weekend, and today we are zipping out to the college my daughters attend 90-minutes away so my folks can see the girls’ college dorm rooms. (Yes, my daughters ended up choosing the same college, which I have to admit is very, very convenient!)

This morning, I...

I’m just back from our week-long trip to Berlin, and while the jet lag is still hanging on a bit (it’s amazing how much you can get done at 3:00 a.m. because your body thinks it’s 10:00 a.m.), the memories we made are more than worth it!

There’s something truly magical...

Growing up, I always worked hard in the summers. As a first-generation college student who paid my way through college and graduate school, I had to have multiple jobs every summer (and throughout the school year). 

One of my (many) summer jobs was a lifeguard. I worked at public pools all...

Greetings from Franklin Grove, IL (population about 900)! 

I'm currently here for my 30th high school reunion, and I can’t wait to see my classmates tomorrow for a BBQ get-together and bonfire (thank heavens it’s a bit cooler than it has been - 78 and sunny will be...

Let’s face it – saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always easy. 

But have you ever noticed how powerful those two little words can be? Apologizing isn’t just about etiquette; it can show a deep level of emotional intelligence and is essential for nurturing...

As Memorial Day weekend approaches here in the United States, many of us in the legal profession are gearing up for a much-needed break. This long holiday weekend isn't just a time to honor and remember those who have served; it's also an opportunity to recharge our own batteries.

For lawyers and...

I’ve been trying to see the Northern Lights for years. I have an app to alert me when a sighting is possible. I’m in the “Aurora Chasers” Facebook group. Every time I’d hear the lights might be visible, I’d hop in the car and drive north in hopes of seeing...

Last Saturday morning, I had the delightful opportunity to serve as the emcee for the University of Minnesota School of Law Alumnae Brunch, hosted by the Minnesota Law AluMNae Network during our alumni weekend. 

As someone who sits on the board and participated in the planning, the...