The strange thing about life is how it sneaks up on you in the most ordinary places. Sure, we expect big emotions at weddings, graduations or at the end of a long journey. But nobody warns you about the emotional ambush that hits when you turn onto a road you haven’t driven in 10, 15, maybe ...

This fall has been… well, not the fall we’ve all grown accustomed to. The weather’s been a little indecisive, the leaves have taken their time, and honestly, it’s felt a bit offbeat compared to the picturesque season we look forward to every year. But even with its ...

Running through Mill Creek Park is both a gift and a challenge. Anyone who’s done it knows exactly what I mean. The hills demand your breath, the trails keep you humble, and yet — somehow — the beauty of it all distracts you from the burn. There’s something about that park that feels ...

Every community has its gems. Sometimes they’re places you can point to on a map, and other times, they’re the things you can taste, smell and share around a table. Here in the Valley, one of our brightest gems doesn’t sparkle — it sizzles. It’s our beloved hot peppers and ...

Last week I stood on a stage I had never stood on before. The Women Rising Summit — our very first — was a dream that turned into a plan, that turned into a full-out leap of faith. And let me tell you, it was a “through it” experience. I had two incredible partners in crime, and thank ...

As the air cools and the leaves turn, we find ourselves at the starting line of the holiday season. For me, Halloween is the kick-off, ushering us into a stretch of months filled with traditions, gatherings and the kind of memories that warm our hearts long after the tree is taken down and the ...