Magazine Articles

Rays Of Grace – April/May 2020 God has blessed me with many role models in my twenty years.  Recently, I have discovered a role model that I never would have thought that I had.  I have come to look up to (both literally and figuratively) my younger brother Henry. (Note that I describe him as my younger and not my little brother.) Henry and I are only two years apart, so growing up, we were often at each other’s throats. I remember, at times, being so jealous of how effortlessly intelligent and athletic he was (Still is!)    And if …

My beautiful readers, I am hoping as you read this, you are all well. This is my third attempt, as the first version had to be rewritten in light of the current circumstances. I could no longer share all the graduation hype and parties that were on the calendar. The last family trip we were taking as Henry graduates and heads off to a Service academy is now stripped away. I was so excited to share all those exciting things with all of you. Unfortunately, we all have had a change in plans. This issue is still about family and …

ASK AGAIN, YES By Mary Beth Keane The novel Ask Again, Yes is a story about two families, the Gleasons and the Stanhopes, and it spans over four decades. We learn about the lifelong friendship and love of Francis and Lena’s daughter, Kate, and Brian and Anne’s son, Peter. Author Mary Beth Keane weaves together all the things that happen in life–friendship, love, forgiveness, mental illness, alcoholism–and the tragedies that happen throughout a lifetime. Keane seems to understand the silence that surrounds so many problems that families deal with throughout their lives. Switching perspectives throughout the book, she gives us …

I am hunkered down, preparing for another Midwest snow storm, as I prepare for this issue of 5ive for Women. My husband, 18-year-old son and I decided to watch the entire season of Jack Ryan. What a special #hygge kind of night. At our 3-hour mark, we prepared dinner together. I chose seafood, as I was trying to conjure up thoughts of a beach far, far away. I have been making this recipe since 1993, when I first saw it in my Gourmet magazine subscription. It’s quick, easy, and its bright flavor is always a hit. I love my family …

As a county attorney, mother, and committed community member, Sharon McIlquham knows the importance of giving back to those around her. A lifelong member of the Chippewa Falls community, McIlquham’s involvement and dedication–both professionally and personally–are a testament to her values of working hard, caring for others, and believing in the power of following your dreams. Chippewa County Attorney Sharon McIlquham’s ties to the area run deep, (having spent most of her life near Chippewa Falls) and many will recognize her name from her work as a Chippewa County attorney. While she didn’t always know she would be an attorney, …

Breathe in…and out. Ok I needed that. Do you ever have those “everything that could go wrong does go wrong” type of weeks? I can’t find my drivers license and I’m getting ready to board a flight.  I have orientation for a new job but my car won’t start. I am getting sick, and realizing that things were not going to work with a boy I was excited about. And oh yeah, the chaotic start to spring semester is here.  I started to feel down. It is safe to say this past week has been a tough one folks, but …

Luck is what happens when preparations meet opportunity.  ~ Senneca Friends, this issue is all about love and luck. While I do believe that on occasion lucky things happen, my personal premise is that if you work hard, are dedicated, and are committed to a cause or goal, then you are going to encounter far more opportunities than if you had just shown up hoping for a lucky shot. Now I am a gal who has a lot of faith. So I also believe in “God winks,” and my crew has gotten a lot of mileage from me saying “God …

Friends, this issue is all about love and luck. While I do believe that on occasion lucky things happen, my personal premise is that if you work hard, are dedicated, and are committed to a cause or goal, then you are going to encounter far more opportunities than if you had just shown up hoping for a lucky shot. Amid the constant changes in our lives, I hope that as we move through this year, you’ll turn to 5ive for a bit of creativity, innovation, support, and joy. The journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. DOWNLOAD THIS …

Welcome to December, my beautiful readers! This is the final issue of 2019, so please indulge me as I share my gratitude list with all of you. In the past few months, I have been trying to lean into things I am grateful for; writing them down has allowed me to be more present.  I am beyond grateful to have been able to share another year with all of you. I promise we have incredible things in store this upcoming year, so hang on. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! 14 Branches of Gratitude 16 Thankful for the Scars …

Hey, there! I’m Cole. I’m a wife, mom, Registered Dietitian, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur.  Like most of us, I wear a lot of hats. After years of moving around the Midwest for my husband’s medical training, we settled in Eau Claire about 6 years ago and have loved making this place our home.  Like so many, the story of who I am is anchored in family, Midwestern values, and a pull to continuously evolve myself. When it comes to the 5 Fs, there is one that is a bit of a sticking point for me — but we’ll get to …