Join children’s book author, writer, blogger and podcaster, Alison Paul Klakowicz, on her journey to inspire! By way of guest interviews, book reviews, life as a military spouse living in her home state of North Carolina– and so much more!
Donetta Gray Wilson has created a beautiful book to inspire young readers to go after their dreams! BIG GOD! BIG Dreams! provides hope, encouragement, and inspiration to young readers to dream big. The precious main character and little ballerina, Anna along with her friends, explore their BIG DREAMS and use their faith to achieve each God-given dream.
Looking for a perfect bookclub pick or beach read? Love feel good, romance novels? Claire Cain has your covered. The military spouse, former university professor turned novelist, has authored and published 12 Romance books since 2018. Her books are filled with life experience and joy.
Recently on Hodge Podge Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sharifa Johnson, the brilliant mind behind Books N' Bops- an adorable children's literature program that incorporates dancing and books! Sharifa is a joy and masterfully creates a fun, inspirational environment for children to embrace the importance of learning in a super fun way.
MilspouseFest is a fabulous organization that supports military spouses worldwide. During Covid, the folks at MilspouseFest learned to pivot, and are now bringing fun, inspiration and support virtually to spouses. Want to join in all the fun and win some free swag? Register for an online event HERE!
Listen to my conversation with Ashley Bugge on Hodge Podge Podcast HERE! Mother. Military Widow. Explorer. Speaker. Award-Winning Author. Ashley Bugge is an amazing human. In the past two years, she has risen from unimaginable challenges after losing her Naval Officer husband, the late Captain Brian J. Bugge, in a tragic deep diving accident while she was pregnant with the couple’s third child. Ashley said during our conversation on Hodge Podge Podcast that she is still healing. This resonated with me. And this is why: Ashley has refused to lie in grief. She poignantly put her grief into rich experiences and growth. All the while, acknowledging she is not okay. She is a real person. A lover of life. A fighter. A survivor. With such beautiful grace, she has utilized personal stories of turning tragedy into triumph to offer a unique perspective into what it means to overcome adversity and flourish from it.
As most people get to enjoy some much needed R&R today on Memorial Day, there are many who are directly impacted by its sentiment. These individuals have lost fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, friends and teammates. Survivors have to move forward each year with the guilt, trauma, and sadness which consumes them knowing they are alive and their loved one is not.
Chaka Giangrosso has written a beautiful book, I Love My Gua, about the special relationship of a little girl with her grandmother whom she affectionately calls Gua. This book struck me in particular because of my son’s special relationship with my mother who is called JuJu. The importance of children building loving relationships with their grandparents is crucial in order for them to experience the unconditional love of a grandparent and wise lessons taught by them.
Many of us are working toward our dreams and are in need of an extra push to help us find the right path. Erika Wallgren is a military spouse, mother, educator and life coach on a mission to help others find a career they love and are passionate about. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Erika on Hodge Podge Podcast about her life a milspouse, college professor and what led her to career development coaching.
Sunny ☀️ Sunday afternoons call for much needed time with the greatest of friends. Slowing down the pace to prepare for the week ahead through hilarious chatter, eating delicious food, taking in the sights— and a bit of local retail therapy 🛍 on the side. This is exactly what my Sunday looked like and it was the best medicine this gal could ask for! Some dearest friends and I gathered Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina for a ladies day out and brunch at the beloved Blue Moon Cafe 🌚 where we were treated to the tastiest delicacies and beverages.
“I want to make a difference and make sure that our Veterans know there are many reasons to fight through the pain. They owe it to themselves and to those who lost their lives on the battlefield and the ones who lost their battle at home.” – Danica Thomas
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