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A Thanksgiving Lesson From Josie
Josie the Cockapoo’s worn pads click across the kitchen floor. Fifteen years old. My husband and I display a photo of her as a puppy—see photo above—and often comment on how quickly the years have gone. Bare patches show where she’s scratched herself raw from persistent allergies. Still, when I ask if she wants a […]
The Farm That Love Built
Nestled in the lovely Baraboo Hills sits Jane’s Journey Home for Dogs—or simply “the farm,” as many affectionately call it. I spoke with Rachel, who has worked there since the non-profit was founded in 2021 and brings over twenty years of experience in animal welfare. She first met the owner, Larry Barton, through their church […]
A Studio Filled with Stories and Light
Step inside Marjorie Cutting’s Baraboo art studio, and you’re greeted by a twelve-foot fabric panel of the Archangel Rafael. His hand-sewn wings drape gracefully down, and a blue fish with lace-trimmed fins rests at his feet. In many traditions, Rafael is known as a guide who brings understanding along with physical and spiritual healing. Standing […]
Singing it Our Way
The moment “Dean Martin” strolled on stage at the Legacy Theatre in Lake Delton—drink in hand, cigarette dangling, voice smooth as silk—I was back in my teens. I could see myself standing in our living room, wearing a colorfully patterned culotte dress while my mother knelt to pin the hem. Dean Martin’s record spun on […]
History is Haunting Enough
Some places don’t need ghosts to feel haunted. I recently visited Lake Delton’s Dawn Manor Speakeasy. Walking up to the entrance, diners are greeted by historic gargoyle-like stone statues. These weathered guardians once graced Dawn Manor when Helen Raab owned it. I picture the passionate arts patron and world traveler, who died in 1970, walking […]
I Wish Someone Had Told Me…
“I wish someone had told me…” Those five little words can open the floodgates to wisdom, reflection, and humor. When I asked fellow Wisconsinites to finish the phrase, their answers reminded me that life itself is a classroom—one where the best lessons often arrive long after the final bell has rung. One of the first […]
The 5:00 a.m. Club
I’ve always loved getting up early, when the world seems to hold endless possibilities and before responsibilities tug at me. One of my daughters does, too. And a dear friend of mine does as well. I enjoy writing; my daughter likes to sip her coffee on the deck and study the constellations; my friend prefers […]
Heartbeats Well Spent
The human heart has about 2 billion beats in a lifetime. That’s about 35 million beats a year, about 100,000 beats a day. How are you going to spend yours? I’m having a fish fry outside at the Keg in downtown Dells with a friend who comments that she’s busy all day long, but wonders […]