Adventures of an American Girl in Holland

Chasing Paris

Since moving to the Netherlands just a few months earlier, my bucket list had quietly, but completely, rearranged itself. Places that once felt far away suddenly seemed possible. And sitting right at the top was Paris. During our first long school break, we packed up the car and made the four-hour drive to the City… Continue reading Chasing Paris

Adventures of an American Girl in Holland

Going Home

Five years ago, a twist of fate landed right in the middle of our lives. A company from The Netherlands began recruiting my husband, and they were very persistent. Suddenly we found ourselves researching everything we could about living overseas. We talked with family and close friends about how they felt about us leaving, and… Continue reading Going Home

Adventures of an American Girl in Holland

Lost in Translation… Press 1 for English

I’ve decided I’m officially adding Dutch to the list of languages I “know.” My current level of fluency mostly involves calling a company, getting put on hold, and randomly pushing buttons until I finally reach a real person who speaks English. One of the many adventures of moving to a foreign country is learning a… Continue reading Lost in Translation… Press 1 for English

Where the Loons Call

February: A Quiet Kind of Love

February arrives wrapped in the language of love. Hearts in shop windows, roses bundled tight against the cold, reminders everywhere to love loudly and boldly. But for me, February has always felt like a softer month—one that invites a gentler kind of love. The kind rooted in kindness, respect, and the simple act of seeing… Continue reading February: A Quiet Kind of Love

Where the Loons Call

Meet the Heart of My Story: My Grandmother

As I get closer to publishing my next children’s book, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to the characters who bring my story to life. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a little peek behind the scenes, one character at a time. And who is better to start with than… Continue reading Meet the Heart of My Story: My Grandmother

Where the Loons Call

My Favorite Writing Rituals

I believe stories grow best in cozy, creative spaces. Writing isn’t just about filling the page — it’s about creating a mood, a rhythm, a little ritual that whispers, “It’s time to write.” On rainy days, I curl up with my feet tucked under a blanket, a warm cup of coffee nearby, and the soft… Continue reading My Favorite Writing Rituals

Where the Loons Call

Why I Write for Kids

Stories That Shape Hearts and Build Foundations I’ve always believed that stories are more than words on a page, they are seeds planted in the hearts of young readers. Those seeds grow into compassion, curiosity, and courage. Children’s books have the power to shape how a child sees themselves, the people around them, and the… Continue reading Why I Write for Kids

Where the Loons Call

How I Submerge Myself into Telling a Story

My Writing Process Today I thought I would take you through the winding process of how I write a story or in some cases a book. With my children’s books, they come very easily if I give myself the patience to not force myself to write. I know there are authors and writers who strive… Continue reading How I Submerge Myself into Telling a Story

Where the Loons Call

Writing Struggles… My Juggling Act

For as long as I can remember, I've been torn between my passion for teaching and my deep desire to be present with my children. While I cherished every moment of my teaching career, the pull of motherhood was always stronger, and being away from my kids was the hardest part. Every mom faces the… Continue reading Writing Struggles… My Juggling Act