Author Archives: minndixiemom

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About minndixiemom

I'm a Minnesota native with an Alabama heart, reflecting on the past while looking toward the future. My husband, David, and I landed in Huntsville in the late 90s through my former career in TV news. We have two amazing girls, Serina and Sophia, whom we are raising (or have raised... they're growing up!) with God's guidance and grace. Besides faith and family, my passions include writing, walking, mental health, and recovery. By day, I'm the Director of Development for North Alabama's largest community mental healthcare provider. Opinions are my own.

My ‘Frozen’ World: Concealing Mental Illness

Posted on March 31, 2014 by minndixiemom

“Frozen” hits another record “Frozen” video sales pummeled previous DVD sales records, selling 3.2 million in the first day alone. Now it’s also shattered box office numbers. After this past weekend, it became the highest-grossing animated film ever: $1.072 billion worldwide. I’m not surprised. Ever … Continue reading →

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Minnesota farmer: Do you want to build a (50-foot) snowman?

Posted on March 4, 2014 by minndixiemom

Have you had enough of winter 2014? At this rate, Old Man W seems intent on freezing his way into spring, which is just over two weeks away. In Huntsville, we’ve had our fun. Singing songs from the Oscar-winning animated … Continue reading →

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The Deep Freeze or the Big Tease?

Posted on February 16, 2014 by minndixiemom

I’m going for the big tease. Winter in the South is kind of like seeing a mystical beauty that’s immediately striking, only to discover it is only skin deep. Take the co-called deep freeze that gripped the Deep South last … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Southern living | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

When snow falls in the South

Posted on February 11, 2014 by minndixiemom

Usually, when snow falls in the South, schools close, roads shut down and CHILDREN CELEBRATE! Do you hear that? Yes, kids are squealing because it snowed in Huntsville. We actually awoke to more than an inch of snow in North Alabama … Continue reading →

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Off and running in 2014

Posted on January 18, 2014 by minndixiemom

After doing more races than ever in 2012, I fell off the running wagon in 2013,  participating in only one event. That event, however, the R-KIDS 5K to benefit HudsonAlpha’s childhood genetic disorders research inspired me, planting the seed for future races. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Running | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ten reasons I love Huntsville (Ala.)

Posted on January 13, 2014 by minndixiemom

David and I have lived in Huntsville since late December 1996. Other than the 18 months we wound up back in Minneapolis (long story!), the Rocket City has been home. During a weekend run, I thought of how grateful I … Continue reading →

Posted in Southern living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

2014 New YOU resolutions

Posted on January 6, 2014 by minndixiemom

A New WHO? Nearly half of the people in the US make New Year’s resolutions. Not me. I haven’t made them for quite a while, actually. It’s not that I don’t need to improve upon myself, or that I’m so delusional … Continue reading →

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Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014

Posted on December 31, 2013 by minndixiemom

Happy New Year! As I look back on 2013, there are many things I would do differently and others I wouldn’t change at all.  (As if I have a choice!) In the end, I am grateful for all of the … Continue reading →

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Christmas 2013: No batteries required

Posted on December 26, 2013 by minndixiemom

It hit me this morning, the day after Christmas, as our two daughters, Serina, 8, and Sophia, 6, played together. Something was missing: Noise. We hadn’t gotten our children any electronics for Christmas this year. Come to think of it, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Life lessons from the ‘Wicked’ Elphaba

Posted on December 22, 2013 by minndixiemom

The hit musical, Wicked, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Besides the clever storyline, amazing score, and stellar cast, I believe there’s another reason for the show’s ongoing success: the wicked witch herself. We could all learn a thing or … Continue reading →

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