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.
Here’s how I always pictured it:
I’m downtown, meeting someone for lunch or something at the Art Institute, and since I arrived early, I duck into a coffee shop for a little treat. As I reach for the door, it opens, and there you are. You’re holding a cup with a tea bag hanging out the top, and I remember, not for the first time, my disbelief that you never liked coffee. But all the same, there you are.
What I have now isn’t the same kind of freedom I had in my twenties, but it’s a richer one, forged by love, loss, endurance, and a deeper knowing of what it costs to make space for yourself.
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 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 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.
Read MoreThis summer was a celebration of unplugging and rediscovering life’s simple joys. From mornings by the ocean to starry nights in the Grand Canyon, stepping away from the noise revealed beauty in everyday moments. It’s a reminder to pause, disconnect, and savor the world’s quiet magic—and carry that gratitude back into daily life.
Read MoreSharing my personal journey into 2024, guided by my Non-Negotiables: daily movement, mindful coffee, meditation, reading over screen time, and embracing the Joy of Missing Out. This year, I’m focusing on presence, simplicity, and creating a life that truly brings me joy.
Read MoreNavigating my own anxieties and the desire for perfection and learning to celebrate the small victories and the invaluable lessons sports bring to my children's lives.
Read MoreJudy Blume's novels and the likes of "To Kill a Mockingbird" shaped my world. These stories, now often challenged, underscore the ongoing fight for the freedom to read and grow.
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