Yesterday was nuts. I think most can relate. It started in the wee hours of the morning with “the news” and continued with the daily puzzle. Sprinkle in some personal reflection and top it with everyone’s unsolicited two-cents on the recent political noise, and the day was buzzing. It felt like that carnival ride where you’re …
Author: laura.m.stoneburner@gmail.com
Craigslist Ad Gets Away From Me
For Sale: Ancient Toro Snowblower $5 OBO I’ve had it with this thing. Not only is it three times my weight, this fussy beast also puts off a fuel scent so potent that it lingers on your body after multiple showers. You might get your driveway cleared if this finicky clunker miraculously holds it together, …
Learning the Ropes
People often talk about the passing of habits and hobbies through generations. Your mom stored coffee grounds in the refrigerator, so that’s what you do. Your Dad loved Fords, so now you’re loyal too. My dad grew up sailing with his family, so he taught his kids to sail as well. In our early years, …
Stepping out of line in a "get in line" world
I’ve fallen in love with a barn in Fargo. There is nothing about it that belongs amidst a sprouting development in West Fargo, yet there it stands, white paint chipping, old wood fading with time. Surrounding it, tall grass, big trees and an orange tractor that looks like it hasn’t budged for 50 years. Spare, …
The Truce: My venture with unemployment
I was let go from my past job. Before you get all excited looking to eat up the latest gossip, you won’t find it here. I’m not writing to dump on my previous employer. I’m not posting this to get sympathy or rectify anything. This blog isn’t about forgiveness, throwing punches, or anything of the …
Where's my "Share the Wealth" Card?
I grew up playing The Game of Life with my family. Dad would grease the spinner (seriously), and the six of us would gather around the living room coffee table, spread out the board and fight over what color car was ours. It generally took two nights to finish the game, but there was no …
Spilled Guts in Aisle 5
I had an interesting conversation last night. A relatively deep, caring dialogue with the produce guy at Hornbacher’s. He’s a real peach. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) But, seriously let me first explain where this is stemming from (whoops! There I go again.) I’ve been struggling with small talk. Not making it or engaging in it. Mainly just …
A tribute to an old friend
This weekend marks the 5-year anniversary of putting down my favorite childhood dog, Bullet. I know I’ve written about this black lab before, but I was telling a friend the other day that Hines has some of the same characteristics that Bullet did, and in fact, I’ve always believed that maybe – maybe – Hines …
"Going off the Grid" Follow Up
To my avid readers: Many of you made it known that you were anxiously awaiting a follow-up post to Going off the Grid Attempt #2. Well, here she be. I’m not sure what you’re expecting. I suppose by the sound of my previous post about a 5-day adventure to to the Boundary Waters, you’d think I would have …
Off the Grid Attempt #2
I’m going to the Boundary Waters. Yes, me. The girl who sat in the woods and cried with her friend during church wilderness camp because it “wasn’t fun,” “felt like abuse” and all we wanted was to get home. Susie and I sat on a trail together, scratching our mosquito bites and soaking up our …







