Local

A collection of 86 posts

Local

July 4th Fireworks and Celebrations at Long's Park Amphitheater

Nearly every year, for as long as I can remember, my friends, family and I have visited Long's Park Amphitheater in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for their phenomenal fireworks, music and fun Independence Day celebration. Most families and groups make a grand evening of this memorable event. We bring

Local

My Love/Hate Relationship with Lancaster City

Having lived in Lancaster City for most of the past 5 years (plus an additional 1.5 before a brief stint in Montana and living with my parents) I feel I can truly call myself a city gal. That being typed, though, I love nature, the woods, camping, and not

Local

Building a Life out of Words

You have probably heard me mention Shawn Smucker a time or two before...the reason why is because he's a cool dude who happens have dedicated his career to writing - full time.  To me, this says a few things: 1 - he's nuts.  2- he&

Local

The "Plan" - Guest Post by Jessica Mueller

I never knew if Jess and I would really click, but we did, and I was surprised.  I just thought we were two very different individuals, both happened to be Nanny's, but in such different points in our lives.  Oddly enough, our lives have converged interestingly.  I'

Local

Best Coffee Shops in Lancaster, Pa

I love coffee. I love food. Living in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania requires this of me. Because of my addiction to the strong black brew, I have loved exploring the fabulous coffee shops in downtown Lancaster, Pa. Prince Street Cafe, located at 15 North Prince Street in Lancaster, Pa, is a

Local

When Death Leads to Life - a Guest Post by Shawn Smucker

I'll admit, I have a writer crush on Shawn Smucker.  Don't tell his wife Maile, but truth be told, I kind of have a crush on her too.  They are a powerhouse team, and I know this because without doing life together, I don't

Local

Prince Street Cafe in Downtown Lancaster

Prince Street Cafe on 15 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania has become the mecca for all things coffee in Lancaster County. This popular spot is in a beautifully renovated former storefront across from the famous Fulton Operahouse, and is restored with subtle lighting, comfortable seating, and gleaming hardwood

Local

Guest Post: Loss, as experienced by Me in the only way I can explain it...

Hillary is a self proclaimed mom of two girls, wife to computer geek, counselor turned SAHM.  I met Hillary through, you guessed it, Twitter. Hillary and I sometimes have relating tweets, which is why I was drawn to her.  She, like me, doesn't try to smother her emotions

Local

Chameleon Club - Music in the Heart of Lancaster

The Chameleon Club has been around for over 23 years. In those years, thousands of bands and performance artists have passed through its doors hoping to get a glimpse of music fame. This local club, after a recent renovation, boasts over 10,000 sf of space that includes bars, stages

Local

Guest Blog and Camp Widow

Today you can read my guest blog over at Shawn Smucker's blog. For the widows who are reading and are in San Diego at Camp Widow, come find me and say hi!  You'll see me hobbling around with a strawberry cane.  I can't wait

Local

Loss of Childhood

Every now and then someone has a story they want and need to share, but no outlet for which to present it.  Sometimes that story is almost too painful to write, too difficult to share, especially publicly.  I am sharing this story on behalf of someone who needed to share,

Local

Above Themselves

I met Joel Cornett on (gasp surprise) twitter.  Joel is part of the leadership team at Gap Community Church and has a deep passion for faith.  While I tiptoed away from many religious connections after Kevin's death, when I began following Joel on twitter I sensed not only

Local

The Five Year Plan

Someone tweeted something the other day about preparing their five-year-plan.  I hadn't heard that term in a while.  Is that because of the economic decline, loss of jobs, production, motivation?  Maybe.  Planning five years ahead seems pretty darned lofty these days.  Especially for moi.My "Five Year

Local

I forgive you

Last Wednesday I looked in her eyes when she looked up at me, knew me, knew where my husband had laid his head, and took the posters with a smile.  I went up two more floors and as I cried explaining what I was holding in my hand.  He seemed

Local

When Life Goes Away

Loss comes in all shapes and sizes; through people, dreams and difficulties.  I met Shanelle of Full of Bliss Baked Goods (BTW - she makes a butt kicking makes anyone feel better chocolate chocolate chocolate cake) at my very first "Tweetup" here in Lancaster.  Maybe it was our

Local

Best Miniature (Mini) Golf Places in Lancaster, PA

I feel proud to have grown up in a place that offers some of the best miniature golf courses around. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is not just about the Amish. Instead, our county also boasts some very fun and family-oriented places to tee off, miniature style. The best place in Lancaster

Local

Saturate Guest Post

Today's blog post you'll find here as part of a two part guest post for LCBC church's 20-something group, Saturate. Go to their blog tomorrow as well for a followup, and next Friday for their Griefshare program blog!

Local

Best Kids Birthday Venues in Lancaster, PA

Planning a children's birthday party can be a stressful event. When you have to factor cost, location, size, and children's entertainment it can not only be frustrating, but expensive. Here are five great birthday venues for your children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. First is the classic Chuck-E-Cheese&

Friends

Pushing Forward - Guest Post by Shawn Smucker

I first met Shawn Smucker in a coffee shop, and ever since I've been drawn to his stories: humorous, reflective, intuitive. Shawn writes a daily blog at ShawnSmucker.com, but besides that, he writes much more. Here's the bio from his blog, and below that, you&

Local

We Got Community

Last evening I was glued to my twitter and media feeds awaiting reports from a downtown fire that ended up destroying a local cultural gem: Zap and Company, a vintage clothing store in the 300 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster. I went to bed with a heavy heart,

Local

Super Snow Freak

You could say that I'm a super snow freak. It is something that Kevin did not love about me, or, he enjoyed my spirit, but wished it wasn't for snow! Each year, around November, just as the cold starts to creep in and the Fall leaves

Local

5 Day of Giving: Day 4 - Lancaster, PA Community!

When I asked my friends which local non-profits could use some help this holiday season, I was bombarded with names of numerous charities, most of which centered around homeless women and children. Lancaster, Pa has four prominent women's shelters that house women and their children, and help teach

Local

We Didn't Start the Fire

This past week in my city, a woman was burned to death by arson in her home, leaving behind her husband and three children. I died a bit inside. Since then, it seems that fire has ravaged several homes. Some accidental. I try to place myself in their shoes-losing their

Local

Widow Connections

This weekend I was surrounded by no less than about 10 widows and widowers. It was more than I ever have been around at one time, other than support groups. Last week, I received a copy of Everence Magazine (PDF) and over my breakfast, read about a widow named Tina.

Local

Soulspiration: People

There are so many inspirational facets of my life: people, places, things. I come across ideas, quotes, songs, photographs, nature, and stories that fill my heart with an itch to learn more. I would love to share some of these with you, so please excuse my long and various lists