About Brooke

The tag line of my blog… family, faith and how I keep on keepin’ on… seemed like a good idea when I started this blog in March of 2011.

Then, along came an early retirement and relocation to care for a family member with dementia.  It’s been hard to do the “keepin’ on” part.  Real hard.  I let fear take hold of everything I write or say.  My understanding of love and forgiveness has been challenged daily.

But I’m still here.  Fear will not be my legacy.  I’m keepin’ on.

Writing about family, the one I came from… the one my husband and I grew… the one that’s yet to be, is my joy.  Sharing my faith, exploring God’s purpose for me, finding the simple beauty of everyday life, gives meaning to my days.  And that is what I’ll continue to do here.

I’ve already shared a great deal about the character building years of life in Alaska. This post is a good place to start – 3rd in the series.

My 2012 series, 31 Days of Aging Grace, was meant to honor those who helped shape my life, explore the concept of aging gracefully (you’re never too young to learn that!), and to reflect on what is yet to be.  In the end, it was just plain humbling for me to see the blessings of God’s grace.  I hope you’ll check out the series.

I write about things I have done, like learning to SCUBA DIVE… packing my survival “bug out” kit while watching WAR OF THE WORLDS… and challenges with technology in AM I BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR A SMART PHONE??

I also write a lot about these good-looking guys, their families and adventures.  If they weren’t already my sons I would want them for friends… just a whole lot of awesomeness there!

four

I appreciate every person who has clicked on this site.  I hope you find something to encourage, or something that assures, or maybe something to make you laugh… but most of all I hope you see God’s love and grace shine through.  Thanks for reading.

30 thoughts on “About Brooke”

  1. Oh, I’m so happy I visited today–wonderful to meet another “sister”, I love you already! If you feel like it, you’re welcome to visit my blog–I usually serve fresh-baked something when folks do come! Love the photos–such cuties–and I love that you’ve set out to offer readers a variety (that’s my goal too–I have a sneaking suspicion you might like my short-story series & the “Flavia” character, but I could be wrong…) God bless you today–have a wonderful Christmas holiday!

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  2. I too grew up as a 60’s teenager, without too much hippiness. I also went to a Beatles concert in Vancouver. My seat in the nosebleed section did not however hold me back. I squirmed and clawed my way to front and centre before they even got on stage. Yes the screaming blonde crushed against the metal barriers was me. The thrill still makes me smile.
    I am glad to meet you, fellow blogger, fellow photographer, and fellow writer.

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  3. I love your about page. I am looking forward to following your journey. I love to see old houses restored. They have so much character. That will be amazing to follow. Good luck with it! And prayers and strength for the caregiving.

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    1. Yes, this old house is quite the “character” – – it’s fun to see things coming together. Thank you so much for reading my blog. It will be fun to follow yours as well – – appreciate your comments and prayers 🙂

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    1. So sorry it took so long to respond! Somehow I missed seeing this. I feel honored that you thought the blog worthy of the award. I feel a little “bashful” (for lack of a better word) when it comes to awards, so I probably should decline. But I do appreciate your thoughtfulness…very much 🙂

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  5. Families, photos and faith., these are the reasons to celebrate life and all that it was to offer. Inspiring “About” page. Love every bit of it! Best wishes to you and your family.

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  6. Just wanted to let you know I have nominated you for the Inspiring Blog Award. To see more about the award and this nomination, please visit my post at http://wp.me/p2ekZU-xl.
    I hope this will be welcome news for you. If you prefer not to accept the award, I certainly understand, but I hope you will visit the other nominees, and they will visit you, just the same. All the best!

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  7. Pingback: Inspired by the Inspiring Blog Award | The Retiring Sort

  9. Pingback: The Super Sweet Blogging Award | AllThingsBoys Blog

  12. My Tropical Home

    Hi Brooke,
    Beautiful words about life so aptly written…dementia…is indeed a world of its own and my heart goes out to you and your family as you help your loved one and yourselves live through it.

    Thanks for stopping by (or did you return my visit, I don’t remember, please forgive me).

    Take care and blessings to you and yours.

    Warmest regards from the Philippines,
    Mary

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    1. Mary, thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your encouragement. Yes, dementia is cruel. Very hard to watch the memories slip away or become jumbled. I enjoyed what I saw of your blog so far and will be back soon 🙂

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  15. Thanks for visiting, Brooke. Your comments are most kind.
    I came back to read through your 31 days of Aging Grace – half way, now. I love your writing style, several posts made me laugh out loud. Not at you, but rather in delight of your descriptions so I hope you are writing that book.

    I found dementia to be a long goodbye, when there is nothing more that they can say and you hold on to loving and caring and it is oh so hard to remember exactly who they are, some days and they don’t remember you but at least there is a welcoming smile.
    There were no support groups and not much support from family or friends when our beloved Nana was diagnosed. It was five years till she moved to heaven. I bless you on your journey.

    You know, I wish I had started a spread sheet at the beginning of blogging. I honestly couldn’t see myself writing for two months much less these several years. Now I repeat myself 🙂 I’ve been thinking about it. And white boards? I know someone with an office wall of it…amazing. I’ll be back to read more!

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    1. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading the 31 day series, Elaine… and found something to make you laugh 🙂

      Just recently I also wished I’d made some type of spreadsheet or tracking device on posts I’ve written! Once in awhile I have to do a search on my own posts if I suspect I’ve already written the words I’m trying to post again!
      Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments, Elaine. Really appreciate it 🙂

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  16. Hey there, Brooke! Thank you so much for tracking me down in the blogosphere, for reading and for your followship! I don’t take such things lightly, and really appreciate your support. It is lovely to meet you out here – I hope to hear much more from you! Also aging gracefully, Mother Hen xx

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  17. Ken Bronson

    Hi Brooke, I’ve been assisting the children of one of your grand uncle’s reconnect with their cousins. I think you may be their 1st cousin x1 removed. I’ve passed along to them what I believe to be the connection so they may make contact in the near future.
    Cheers!
    Ken Bronson
    Highland Creek, Ontario, Canada

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      1. Ken Bronson

        Thanks Brooke. Your Uncle Melbourne’s son Raul is attempting to contact you but can’t find a current phone number. I have sent you a message via facebook with his number. He would really appreciate a call.
        Thanks,
        Ken

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