Nadia Alley Granger

Election Day

This sunny, colorful fall afternoon I walked a few blocks to my polling station grateful for the opportunity to vote in my city’s local election for mayor. As a woman, this isn’t a right that has always been extended. I’m thankful humans are able to change history.

Giving Up

To be honest, being back in the classroom has been really hard for me. I’ve been swinging on a pendulum for years about my desire to teach. I was burned out when I stepped away. I missed it while I was on the outside looking in. I’m struggling now that I’m back at it. HereContinue reading “Giving Up”

Falling Back

I’m grateful for: Tony the Pig making people smile while we hike An “extra” hour of rest Clean floors and bedding Sunshine and colorful falling leaves Tony the Pig snuggles Taking chances

Family & Wordsmiths

On the fourth day of November, I am grateful for an early morning walk in the cold catching up with an old friend, and sweating amongst the heat of irons and steam with family while working wrinkles out of tablecloths. I am also incredibly grateful for wordsmiths and songwriters who string words and musical notesContinue reading “Family & Wordsmiths”

Firsts and Seconds

About a week ago, I had a hankering for popcorn. Popcorn is not usually a snack of choice for me, but on this day, I really wanted some. We didn’t have any in the house. We also don’t have a microwave, so for a moment or two, I wondered how I’d even be able toContinue reading “Firsts and Seconds”

FEAR

I’m grateful for the courage to be vulnerable. I’ve never been good at expressing hard feelings verbally. Fear always gets me. Fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Fear of making someone upset. Fear of making someone angry. Fear of not being a people pleaser. Fear of not being perfect…even though I know I’m imperfect – imperfectlyContinue reading “FEAR”

Getting Back to Gratitude

A little while back my smart brother-in-law suggested I write something every day for the blog. He also said something along the lines of we can all think of one original thought a day to share with the world. That’s paraphrased, but you get the point. He’s wise, and he publishes a blog post everyContinue reading “Getting Back to Gratitude”

Contemplating Marriage

In July 2010, somewhere around the fourth of July, Matt & I made our “in a relationship” status official. In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate our nine-year wedding anniversary. Thirteen years together is a fairly long marriage these days, and I’m proud of our marriage. To say every day is easy would be a lie.Continue reading “Contemplating Marriage”

Persistent Love & a Pig

The experts say to write a little every day. They say it doesn’t need to be polished or perfect – just honest and authentic. So, here we are today trying to recover a broken habit. Not polished. Not perfect. Just writing what flows through the fingers and across the keyboard. My home is quiet. NoContinue reading “Persistent Love & a Pig”

Tailbone

Life has a way of making us feel grounded one second and completely heedless the next. I suppose it’s one of God’s many ways of reminding us about humility.