THE MAGIC OF SEVENIn our family, the number seven holds a special kind of magic. It marks a rite of passage, a long-awaited milestone. When a grandchild turns seven, they are welcomed into a cherished tradition—an adventure with “Belles” and “Papa.” Honestly, we’re never quite sure who looks forward to it more—us or the child!…

Sunday Kind of Love As a lead singer in a local band, my husband enjoys a variety of music. Most recently he and other band mates were trying out new songs. One they agreed upon was Sunday Kind of Love. It’s a great song that soared to notoriety when Etta James covered it. I want…

Blooms that Bond BLOOMS THAT BONDI love hosting dinner parties for friends and enjoying the laughter, conversation, and friendship. As our friends arrived recently for dinner, they brought an extraordinary bouquet. These flowers were dominated by beautiful long-stemmed sunflowers the size of my hand. Gathered with them were whimsical “fairy balls,” partnered with the sweet…

DID JESUS NAP? As a young mother of three, when the girls were down for a nap, I got things done! I would keep a list of items to complete and would race around the house to make sure dinner was prepped, laundry was complete, and the house was guest-ready. Most recently I kept our…

Whales and Bridal Veils Happy New Year! As with each coming year, many of us set goals, write resolutions, and embrace the newness of a new year with bold expectations and adventures. Not just this new year, but every year a family of risk-takers and adrenaline-thirsty adventurers surround me. Sometimes I wonder where I fit among…

May the melody and spirit of the holidays fill your home with faith, love, and peace. Merry Christmas! -The Bolick Foundation

WEATHERING THE STORM With my husband, Jeff, being an avid traveler, our daughters could always count on receiving a souvenir from each of his trips. I believe it was in the late 80s when Jeff brought our oldest daughter, Sally, a stuffed polar bear. She adored it and named it Opie. Recently, while mustering the…

SHARKS IN THE WATER! Whether the threat is real or imagined, the feeling of fear can overcome all thoughts and emotions. The unknown can be particularly daunting. Recently, two of my grandchildren were facing the fear of swimming lessons.  “Will there be sharks in the water?” asked the quizzical 4-year-old. “Will I have to hold…

Give Me The Facts My 5-year-old granddaughter loves a good story. She will say, “I want a real story,” meaning she wants facts and not fiction. (No fairytale princesses or rainbow unicorns here!) I often share stories about something that happened in my childhood and between those and her 5-year-old repertoire of questions, we can…

LEGACY OF HOPE This past month our church kicked off a capital campaign project to repair, upgrade, and create new worship spaces.  The excitement peaked at a dinner with over 350 members attending to hear and learn about what is to come.   As I listened closely, I learned the project is not about the…