Editor’s Note

As I write, outside these office walls four loads of unfolded laundry, unmade beds, a sink full of dishes that never wash themselves, and a yard looking like something straight out of a horror film beckon me. Let’s not even discuss the garage. A friend stopped by the other day and happened upon my garage; she nearly furnished her entire cabin with the contents of our overstuff ed garage. I’ll just call my current situation controlled chaos.” Throughout the years I have often heard, “Jen, I don’t know how you do it all.” Well, ladies, I’m not doing it all. …

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with Joy that long endures May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours. ~Irish Blessing Sitting down to write this month’s letter from the editor, fresh cup of coffee in hand, just as the writing juices began to flow I got a much-welcomed interruption. My beautiful daughter Grace phoned, talking a mile a minute, sharing every detail of her day. “Mom, I need a car. …

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King Ladies, once again we close in on another year’s end. I ask myself once more, where did the year go? The quote, “The days are long, but the years are short” is beyond fitting. This issue is dedicated to forgiveness and fulfillment. In a year in which our country has faced such challenging times, I know you will find reprieve in the beautiful articles in this issue. The other day, I stopped at a local gas station. …

Ladies, spring is in the air! As I prepare for the spring edition of 5ive for Women, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our own “Rays of Grace” upcoming graduation. Will you please indulge me as I use this forum as an open letter to my very own amazing Grace? Dear Grace, I am on two committees helping to get ready for your all-night graduation party. With every meeting  and every discussion, your fast-approaching graduation becomes more of a reality. Your official status as a young adult has me simply blown away. I thought I was going …

As 2016 draws to a close, I have so much to be grateful for. As the New Year approaches, many of us will plot goals and make plans for the year. Ladies, I’m just trying to get through the week here. Plans for 2017 have not yet begun. Even still, amidst the hurry and the haste, I have experienced grace and focused on gratitude. Sadly, we received some horrific news this fall. My dear cousin and her husband were killed after being struck by a driver in a head-on collision. I am filled with overwhelming grief, but so grateful for …

Ready or not, here come the holidays, ladies! My favorite time of the year inevitably gets me thinking: Am I where I want to be? This year, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I hoped for a new experience to stretch me physically and mentally. Maybe a Tough Mudder® or even a mini triathlon? I even contemplated art classes. Well, the phone rang and I was presented with an opportunity surpassing any challenge I could have ever dreamed up. After some very creative salesmanship, I heard myself agreeing to participate in Dancing with the Eau Claire …

Our summer days are numbered, and I’m not sure where they all went. Leaves of rust, red, and orange will not be the only transformation we realize as we head into autumn. Seasons of life remind me the harder I strive to slow time down, the faster it marches on. It feels like only days ago we were seeing our eldest, Joe, off to college. Now my college graduate—as the kids at home say—is busy “adulting.” Miss Rays of Grace starts her senior year this fall and is diligently making college plans and visits. These days, overwhelming joy over the …

Ladies, find your flip-flops and grab your sunglasses. Summer is finally here! After a long and unseasonably cool spring, I know I’m not the only one eager to get outside and get moving. Every June, I am giddy with excitement. The more relaxed schedule and the summer adventures await, stirring up child-like anticipation and joy. We’ve dedicated this Summer Fun: Let’s Get Healthy issue to inspire our readers to jump aboard the wellness wagon and have a blast while doing it. There are so many reasons to fall in love with summer in Wisconsin. Here are a few of my …

Good intentions of using this Lenten season to slow down and reflect seem to have flown out the window. It seems fair to say, we women take on much worry over our seemingly endless roles and responsibilities. As wives, moms, business owners, career women, friends, therapists, taxi drivers, accountants, and cooks (and the list goes on), it’s all too easy to find ourselves overwhelmed. The good news is we are a supportive community of women and this issue we celebrate that community along with the men in our lives. As I write this editor’s note, my mind floods with concerns. …

For the love of it all! I am convinced I’m the queen of procrastination. Ladies, it’s been a rough one. I was certain, after the holidays, we would slow down. Well, that was a nice thought. I am, however, so excited about this For the Love: Renew and Redo issue (despite the tardy letter from the editor). As February rolls in, so does the light at the end of Old Man Winter’s tunnel. Although this February we observe a leap year, it’s still a short winter month. I do love February, and it’s not because of its mushy-gushy holiday. Warmer …