Author: Karen

I am an RN, Author, Coach, and Speaker. I write novels about relationships to help people find insight into their own. I guide people to create comfort, clarity, and connection in their lives. By combining metaphysical tools with over twenty-five years of nursing experience, I infuse the 'art of nursing' into my practice by providing partnership and resources help people compassionately honor their health.

The best birthday cake ever

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, italian

So, why am I still talking about (and eating!) birthday cake in July when my birthday was in May? Because my brother and I are Irish (and Italian!) twins, born just 13 months apart...and where there are birthdays, there must be cake! Besides having our birthdays at the end of warm weather months, another thing … Continue reading The best birthday cake ever

Garden update

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, gardening, health

The garden is looking so great so far this year (excuse me while I knock on wood). Again, I congratulate my self on holding back a few blueberries and strawberries long enough to take a picture before devouring them all! blueberries and strawberries from the garden early june In addition to these, the blackberries and raspberries … Continue reading Garden update

They’re ba-ack!

by Karen, posted in gardening

I'm referring to those annoying Japanese beetles, that every year show up to wreak havoc in my garden. Last year it was the cherry tree and the highbush blueberries that they were targeting. This year, it's the apple and the crabapple trees that they are busily destroying. (Can you say "murderous rage"?). Estabrooks sent me … Continue reading They’re ba-ack!

Toy Story 3

by Karen, posted in family, good grief, tweens

When I take my daughter to see a (kids) movie, my expectations are generally quite low. I find this to be an effective strategy in maximizing any potential enjoyment of said movie, as well as to minimize any potential boredom (my other strategy is to bring my knitting and a book light; I can knit … Continue reading Toy Story 3

Date night

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, fitness, no fear

After 19 years of marriage plus 2 more of courtship, I've learned something new about my husband: he's ambidextrous. How did I learn this? I stepped out of my comfort zone for an hour. Way out, actually. My idea of a night out is dinner, maybe a drive to or walk on the beach, ice … Continue reading Date night

Book clubs

by Karen, posted in books

Our book club's first meeting was  at Mike's Clam Shack in Wells. What we have in common: 1. We are a group of six local women. We ranged in age from 34 (but looks like 28 was the consensus!) to mid fifties.  2. All of us knew somebody but none of us knew everybody (except one!) before … Continue reading Book clubs

At long last, a cupola

by Karen, posted in family, italian, raising chickens

My husband has been wanting a cupola for years. He even pointed out that cupola is an ITALIAN, hoping to persuade me that we need one, since I am enamoured with all things Italian. (Please note: man in the picture is the installer, not the husband). And of course, what is a cupola without a weathervane? I … Continue reading At long last, a cupola

New baby gift

by Karen, posted in books, family

Maybe you have a lot of new babies to buy for this year.  After a long time with the arrival of no babies within my personal sphere of (gift-buying) influence, I find that having just finished putting together a gift for one new baby girl, I have two more baby girls in the picture. One … Continue reading New baby gift

Late Summer Wish List

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, tweens

Now that summer is underway, I realized that I forgot some of our "must do" activities, not to mention several that usually make the list but don't get done (after all, summer is only a few short weeks and getting shorter every year, with kids having to go back to school sometimes in August (what … Continue reading Late Summer Wish List

Spring!

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, raising chickens

So, there are still a few days left of spring, the time when a young man's fancy lightly turns to... chicks! You know, the kind that come from hens (we're talking flock expansion here). We have been anxiously awaiting the call from Longhorn since last week's false alarm, when the anticipated arrival date (June 11th) came and went … Continue reading Spring!