This week, my latest "book baby" made its very quiet launch into the world. My fourth project with my friends at Paraclete Press, I Am Earth's Keeper is different and unique in ways that both delight and terrify me. I have so many people to thank for their help with the book. First and foremost, I'm … [Read more...] about I Am Earth’s Keeper
Blog
The Advocate: 3 Minutes with Nicole Abisinio
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with awesome storytellers creating fantastic projects as I’m joined by Nicole Abisinio, the creative force behind the Pureflix project The Advocate. Nicole shares about the show, working in the film industry, and her own mother. I think you'll … [Read more...] about The Advocate: 3 Minutes with Nicole Abisinio
Miracle at Manchester
I love films based on true accounts because they offer us the opportunity to dive more deeply into the ongoing stories of actual folks whose lives are portrayed on screen. When it comes to the heroes behind the new film Miracle at Manchester, it's clear to me that this is one story that's still … [Read more...] about Miracle at Manchester
Dog Gone
There's much to love about the newly released Netflix original Dog Gone, now streaming across the platform. I'll admit upfront to being biased in my review of this PG-rated, family-friendly dog drama. The main canine character "Gonker" not only steals the show but is also the spitting image of my … [Read more...] about Dog Gone
Rainy Days in Los Angeles
A few weeks before Christmas, I took a walk along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. At several points, I stopped to marvel at the surfers atop humongous waves, the seabirds perched on the cliffs, and the incredible bounty of natural beauty. It's devastating to see the destruction now happening there … [Read more...] about Rainy Days in Los Angeles
Emancipation
Now open in theaters and streaming nationwide, Emancipation may prove too painful for many viewers to watch. Littered with graphic racism and abhorrent violence, the film is loosely based upon the story of an enslaved man named Gordon or commonly referred to as "Whipped Peter". Because the film is … [Read more...] about Emancipation
Catholic Mothers Planner 2023: In Conversation with Chiara Finaldi
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I'm joined by fantastic Catholic "mum" Chiara Finaldi. The founder of Catholic Mothers, Chiara is a faith-filled creator who finds herself not only busy with caring for her growing family, but also with growing … [Read more...] about Catholic Mothers Planner 2023: In Conversation with Chiara Finaldi
First Sunday of Advent – 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath
Thank you for joining me today to pray around the Advent wreath. Today we will be praying from my booklet "5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath". Find the book at your local retailer or at Amazon. If you'd like to join me live for prayer, visit my Facebook profile each day of Advent at 5:00 pm … [Read more...] about First Sunday of Advent – 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath
The Curious Christmas Trail
With The Curious Christmas Trail, gifted author Haley Stewart continues her adorable Sister Seraphina Mysteries series. Set on Christmas Eve and filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, this story involves two young mice coming to the rescue to solve the mystery of the whereabouts … [Read more...] about The Curious Christmas Trail
Devotion
Devotion is a rare film that manages to tell a tale in a way that leaves you longing to dig into the original source material simply to spend more time with the characters you've grown to love. It's all the more remarkable because Director JD Dillard's blockbuster is based on a true story. In 2015, … [Read more...] about Devotion
Causeway
Opening to critical acclaim on Apple TV+, Causeway is a nuanced look at one US soldier's journey toward recovery from a traumatic brain injury and her reintegration into life. Jennifer Lawrence gives a layered performance as Lynsey, an Afghanistan war-era veteran who is determined to recuperate and … [Read more...] about Causeway
One Sunday at a Time: In Conversation with Mark Hart
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by the incomparable Mark Hart. When it comes to discussing Mark's work, I'll admit that I'm biased. I am blessed to call him a friend and role model. When Mark publishes anything new, I pay attention! But his … [Read more...] about One Sunday at a Time: In Conversation with Mark Hart
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for a Yearlong Journey through the Catechism
If you're a Catholic and a podcast listener, it's likely that your listening time counted into at least a few of the 365 million downloads of the wildly popular "The Bible in a Year Podcast" has garnered. The show, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, has sat perched near the top of Apple's charts for … [Read more...] about Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for a Yearlong Journey through the Catechism
Be A Heart Planner: In Conversation with Erica Campbell
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by Erica Campbell, the founder of Be A Heart and the creator of the awesome new productivity tool Be A Heart Planner. I'll admit to being a "planner addict". While the majority of my work tools are digital, … [Read more...] about Be A Heart Planner: In Conversation with Erica Campbell
A Visit to “Visualizing the Virgin Mary” – Day 1
I'm blessed to live only a few miles from the Getty Center, a world-class museum and research and conservation institute. The Getty's holdings are so immense that I typically limit my visits to one particular area during my regular visits. Now through February, the Getty is featuring a special … [Read more...] about A Visit to “Visualizing the Virgin Mary” – Day 1
Teresa of Calcutta: In Conversation with Jon Sweeney
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by my good friend (and former editor!) Jon Sweeney. A prolific author, and voracious reader, Jon joins me to share about his most recent book Teresa of Calcutta: Dark Night, Active Love. This book is Jon's … [Read more...] about Teresa of Calcutta: In Conversation with Jon Sweeney