As we enter the holiday season, there are traditions most of us participate in around this time of year. Traditions like gathering with family, sharing meals and laughter, and taking time off from jobs to focus on loved ones and, in a sense, these things signify promises we've made to each other in life.

Last summer, I dove into the world of book tours—my very first one! It was an exciting chance to share my story in fresh and unexpected ways, from speaking to big audiences and leading workshops to navigating live TV (!!). What a ride.....

As we close this chapter, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. This campaign, though not ending as we had hoped, has been a journey filled with purpose, intention, and conviction. 

The outcome may not be what we envisioned,.

While on the Creative Passages Retreat in Los Cabos, I was surrounded by a group of twelve INCREDIBLE aspiring writers. In just days, I became amazed by their talent and passion. As each woman beautifully relayed her personal journey, I was reminded of the power of storytelling.

Last weekend, amidst the usual chaos of family life, we participated in the Sheltered Point in Time and Housing Inventory Counts with The Kitchen Inc. This local organization is dedicated to combating homelessness in our community, and their annual event allows us to assess the available residential space for individuals experiencing homelessness. It's a small contribution, but one that aligns deeply with our values of compassion and community support.

Supporting Black-owned businesses & organizations is a great way to foster economic empowerment and community development while also acknowledging and celebrating the historical and current contributions of the Black community. Black stories are rich with lessons and inspiration for all of us, particularly at a time when taking responsibility in learning and sharing these stories is more crucial than ever.

On the Time To Fly Book Tour summer 2024, I engaged in countless thought-provoking and inspiring conversations with friends and strangers. I asked, and was asked, a lot of questions–one of the most frequent being:

I’d like to give a shoutout to my husband, Mike. Yes, Mike is running for governor of Missouri, but today, I am not talking about Mike the candidate—I am talking about Mike, my partner, husband, and the father/step-father to our kids.