Latest Reflections
Emil F. Folda and Money
My great-grandfather, Emil F. Folda, was born in 1866 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and was brought to a sod house near Heun, Nebraska, as a toddler. The family relocated to take advantage of the...
Shocked by a Catholic
Audio: Shocked by a Catholic I grew up without religion. I don’t know if that’s the continuing influence of my great-grandfather or my parent’s active choice. We had a Christmas tree with presents,...
Two Days Before Thanksgiving
Audio: Two Days Before Thanksgiving When I first heard this story from my father, the news came during the Thanksgiving meal. But according to his grandfather’s journal, the news came two days...
Meeting People You’ve Never Met Before
I hope I’m not interrupting, since this is a Thursday. On my walk this morning—cold with brilliant sun—I had an idea and if I wait until Sunday, it could be too late. Earlier this week, my...
The Sins of the Parents
Audio: The Sins of the Parents Back when I was in the fundamentalist Christian church, I read the Bible a lot. It was a status symbol to have a bible showing signs of wear from heavy reading. Covers...
Money Isn’t the Only Secret
Audio: Money Isn't the Only Secret I started work on my family tree, so it could be a tool for readers as I research the story of money in my family. I worked in Ancestry.com. My dad’s side came...
Got enough love?
When my husband died and other changes followed, The Love Bucket helped me figure out how to bring more love into my life. If you’d like an objective method to increase the level of love in your life, this guide is for you!
