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.

Making Minnesota Memories

Posted on July 11, 2013 by minndixiemom

Minnesota’s 2012/2013 winter was one of the worst ever, spilling into spring with a bizarre blizzard in May. While Huntsville, Alabama experienced colder than average temps as well, we knew it could be worse. And it was way worse in … Continue reading →

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Cluttered Closets

Posted on June 2, 2013 by minndixiemom

When my closet gets cluttered, I go to extreme measures to restore order. I take out everything, dumping it onto the bed or the floor. At first, it seems overwhelming, but if I go through the contents, piece by piece, … Continue reading →

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Blown away: Courage and faith in Cleveland

Posted on May 8, 2013 by minndixiemom

Blown away. That’s how I felt when I saw the remarkable story about the three women who escaped after a decade in captivity. I couldn’t imagine their relief and elation at finally being free — a state of being we … Continue reading →

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Absent

Posted on March 9, 2013 by minndixiemom

MinnDixie Mom has been absent, at least online. It could appear as if nothing has happened to inspire a fresh post. It’s more likely, however, that I’ve been so busy I haven’t taken the time to recognize, or appreciate, inspiration. … Continue reading →

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Southern snowfall

Posted on January 18, 2013 by minndixiemom

For about two hours, I almost thought I was back in Minnesota. At first, sleeting rain, followed by tiny pellets of hail, and finally snow. Big, fat, beautiful flakes. Huntsville City Schools and surrounding districts made the call to close … Continue reading →

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The first ride

Posted on January 12, 2013 by minndixiemom

Since my running suffered a minor setback with a shin injury last week, I took a friend’s advice and hopped on my bike, which happens to be a very old bike. I got the Trek hybrid in 1991, within weeks … Continue reading →

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Running on empty

Posted on January 12, 2013 by minndixiemom

It’s a New Year. That’s when we are supposed to be full of energy. Full of excitement. Full of promise and resolutions. Right now, I am full of… nothing. I am running on empty. That is a far cry from … Continue reading →

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Christmas in the ER

Posted on December 26, 2012 by minndixiemom

Christmas Day memories can be made in the darnedest places. Most are at home, Grandma’s or Aunt Susie’s and typically involve Christmas presents, gingerbread men and big family feasts. But a few others involve less favorable locales and experiences. My … Continue reading →

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Triumph of a craft-challenged mom

Posted on December 19, 2012 by minndixiemom

As the mother of two children in an arts-focused school, I am often lost. A craft to me is throwing a heap of crayons on the table with printer paper and letting Serina, 7, and Sophia, 5, go to town. … Continue reading →

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Crushed: Newtown’s new norm

Posted on December 15, 2012 by minndixiemom

Everything changed in Newtown, Connecticut Friday. It was a day that started out as normally as any other, I suppose. Parents dropped kids off at school, where they would learn, have fun, develop social skills and, most importantly, be safe. … Continue reading →

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