Sixteen years. When I say that number out loud, it still feels both impossibly long and, at the same time, like just yesterday. Sixteen years…
Well, here I am! Another year has rushed by, and today I find myself turning 51. It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating my…
Wow! JustFrances.com hit the 15-year milestone today! I don’t know that I expected that when I first registered the domain, but here I am, marking…
Today marks 19 years since I became Mrs Ryan. And much like every year when this day comes around, I am feeling quite sad that…
Today marks 15 years since my husband’s death and that means I am doing a lot of reflecting. Some of that reflection is about the…
In the past several months, I have hinted at Big Things that are afoot – and I even came close to saying outright said that…
Today marks 18 years since I became Mrs Ryan; since I laughed my way into a happy marriage as the Priest placed “odds” on our…
Another year has passed without my beloved husband and my heart aches from his absence these 14 years. Yes, the pain is softer now. But…
I found a photo of Mum a couple of months ago, taken the day after her 48th birthday. As I looked at it, I smiled…
I have long kept a journal or diary of some fashion or another. Indeed, I began dabbling in the art of journalling as a young…
Today marks 17 years since I became Mrs Ryan. And despite the absence of Mr Ryan, I like to mark this day as it was…
It’s now been 13 years since my beloved husband, Paul, died suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s a strange feeling, being this far from the immediate grief…
Today, I am 48 years old. And today hurts. Not because I’m 48, but rather because I am now officially older than my late husband.…
Today should be a big celebration to mark my husband’s 60th birthday. But, as with too many years before, he is not here to celebrate;…
I have a new job; one that I have dreamt of for more than 20 years. Yes, as of this week, I am a Lecturer*…
Today marks 20 years since I first arrived in Scotland for “just one year” as a study abroad student. At the time, I never expected…
A few years ago, I shared my thoughts on (and reasons for) running with music. Despite previously being a “no music” runner, widowhood meant that…
Today is not my birthday. But it does mark the day that I am older. Oh, sure, every day is a day that we are…
Today is my “would be” 16th wedding anniversary. Yes, it has been 16 years since I laughed at the altar in my hometown church and…
Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Week! This year’s theme is “Nature as Therapy” and is a theme I can really get behind. I mean, I…