Heather is an essayist, editor, CMO, mommy, and wife seeking stillness while in a state
of nearly constant motion. She lives, walks, and eats in the greatest city in the world: Chicago.
I mark time by what’s happening in our backyard—the flowers in bloom, the worn patch of grass where my son kicks his soccer ball, the sounds of summer carried through an open window. Some seasons feel slower than others, quieter in ways I don’t always expect.
Read MoreNapoleon said, “An army marches on its stomach,” and so do I. My love of food has always shaped how (and why) I travel. From a clay cazuela in Spain to a copper pot from Paris, I collect kitchen souvenirs that bring the world back home, one meal at a time.
Read MoreThirteen is an age of almosts. Almost grown, almost ready, almost sure. And parenting a thirteen-year-old? It’s like helping someone pack for a journey you can’t take with them.
Read MoreChicago in early spring is a study in contrasts—soggy fields, gray skies, and kids playing soccer in thirty-degree weather, all while daffodils push through cold soil and robins reappear in backyards. A meditation on layered clothing, algorithmic daydreams, and the promise of sleeveless days just beyond the horizon.
Read MoreWriting is a search for truth—a challenge that every writer faces. While technology has introduced tools like spellcheck and AI, the heart of creativity remains deeply human. In this piece, I explore my experience using a custom-trained AI as a creative partner, not a replacement.robot
Read MoreOn a delayed flight, a grieving stranger sat beside me. I didn’t know his story, but I knew grief. In that moment, words felt impossible—so I offered kindness instead.
Read MoreJimmy Carter’s presidency was often dismissed, but his post-White House years defined his true legacy—one of service, humility, and quiet strength. From humanitarian work to teaching Sunday School, he proved that leadership isn’t measured by power but by purpose. In an age of loud, performative politics, Carter’s life is a reminder that goodness thrives in quiet acts of faith and service. His legacy offers a map—not of grand ambition, but of what truly matters.
Read MoreFrom a bare Christmas tree to messy cookie-making, I’m letting go of perfection to embrace love, laughter, and shared moments. Remembering that it’s not the decorations but the glow of connection that makes the season magical.
Read MoreReflecting on the messy, imperfect ritual of family dinners and their parallels to democracy. Amid spilled milk and laughter, we find connection and resilience, even in tough times. Just as we return to the dinner table, we keep showing up for each other, finding hope in the shared work of moving forward together.
Read MoreA nostalgic ride through the soundtrack of teenage freedom—convertibles, late nights, and Rob Base on repeat. Sharing these songs with my sons, I reflect on the magic of music, its power to connect generations, and the joy of watching my boys create soundtracks of their own.
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