1-219-765-8600

carol@inkwellcoaching.com

Crown Point, IN

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September 24, 2026

What Fits in Ten Minutes?

Time to switch out the summer wardrobe for fall gear. Buckle up, you’re going to love this one: Mr. Non-Compliant is great about switching out t

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Health
September 16, 2026

What Lights You Up?

Summer officially ends September 22. Here in Indiana, that means changing leaves, cooler mornings, and a shift in our daily routines. Summer’s m

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Health, Personal Development
September 9, 2026

The Beauty in the Cracks

Have you ever had one of those moments when you just know you were supposed to hear something? I had one recently. I was having a conversation with a

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Fun, Health, Hope, Personal Development
September 3, 2026

Too Hot to Cook Eat This

Well, friends…Mother Nature has apparently decided we need to be reminded that summer is still here. It is HOT. Really hot. The kind of hot where wa

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Food, Fun, Health
September 3, 2026

Savory Chicken Salad

This one is a staple in my kitchen. Rotisserie chicken, a creamy dressing, and just enough crunch from the celery and onion make it endlessly versatil

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Recipes, Salads
August 27, 2026

Apparently, There’s a Day for That

Have you ever noticed how there seems to be a “National Day” for just about everything? National Donut Day. National Gardening Day. National Lefto

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Food, Fun
August 20, 2026

The Scoop on Coffee

For my coffee lovers, here are some interesting tidbits. Light roast coffee tends to be slightly higher in caffeine content than dark roast when measu

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Health
August 13, 2026

A Kitchen Lesson from Julia Child

In honor of Julia Child’s birthday, I want to share one of her most repeated kitchen philosophies, because it is one I highly endorse. Do not ap

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Food, Fun
August 5, 2026

Part One: Fun Facts About Julia Child

August 15 marks the birthday of one of my favorite kitchen icons, Julia Child. If you have never seen an old episode of The French Chef, do yourself a

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Food, Fun
July 30, 2026

My Kitchen Counter Has a Problem

If your garden is anything like mine, the tomatoes are coming in fast right now. And if you’re growing zucchini too, you know it has a way of sh

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Food, Health, In the Garden

Girls…Running…And Me

January 20, 2012
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Friendship, Fun, Girls on the Run, Health, Love

 

I have just returned from the 2012 Girls on the Run Summit, which took place this past week in Tampa, Florida.  The Summit is similar to what other organizations refer to as a convention.  We attended general and specific break-out sessions, had opportunities to go on group runs/walks and practice yoga together.  We shared meals, snacks and a sunset cruise.  We heard very good speakers, made new friends and snatched some sunshine.  As a board member on our Northwest Indiana Council, I was grateful for the opportunity to attend.  

What is Girls on the Run?  GOTR is an after school program for girls in grades 3 thru 5, that incorporates running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  This interactive program focuses on building self-esteem and improving emotional and physical health.  Each 12-week session (one in fall and one in spring) is led by trained female coaches that guide and mentor girls through a fun, uplifting and specific curriculum.

Life lessons include dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer-pressure, making healthy choices and contributing to the community.  Along the way, the girls train to walk or run a 5K event together.

I am not a runner and I have only raised boys, but I know what a challenge it can be to be a girl.  What a positive effect this program could have on a little girl who wonders if she is worthy of love…self-love and love from others.  GOTR has served over 400,000 girls since the first season in 1996.  If you are looking for a cause to help fill your life with purpose, GOTR is a great place to begin your search.

“The greatest act of bravery is simply being ourselves.”  Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run

For more information, go to www.girlsontherun.org and www.gotrofnwi.org    

Some Things Never Change

January 13, 2012
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Hope, Spiritual

 

There are days when I am sad about the governing in our world today, at every level.  How many times do I think, “How could this be?” and this is usually followed by another thought like, “God, what are you thinking?”

It is at this point that I am often reminded that so many things in life are beyond my control.  We are called to be faithful disciples and serve others the best we can.  We are called to love.  None of this is really about me.  I am not in charge.

So today, God set me straight.  He spoke to me quite clearly through the scriptures of 1 Samuel 8, found in the Old Testament.  Keeping in mind that I am not a theology major, here is the story in a very brief nutshell.  The people of Israel asked Samuel for a king, as he was up in years and his sons were not considered as an option to move up the food chain.  (They had their own issues:  they had accepted bribes and perverted justice, which was not acceptable behavior.)   Samuel was aware that the request for a king was a direct slap in the face of God, who protected them, loved them and was indeed, their Sovereign King. When Samuel checked with God about this, God reminded him that this was not a rejection of Samuel, but of God.  Samuel was instructed to warn them about the consequences of having a king, as the surrounding nations had kings, but to give them what they requested.

Samuel did exactly as he was told.  He spoke truth about how life with a king would be.  Bottom line:  not so rosy.  Life would be more difficult for them.  Even after Samuel spoke these words, “…you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.”  (From 1 Samuel 8:18 NIV)

Guess how the people responded?  They still wanted a king.  Samuel repeated this to the Lord, who answered to give them what they wanted. 

We must be attentive.  We must understand that our ways our not His ways.  We must trust.  And sometimes, we must feel sad.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

And Now for 2012…

January 7, 2012
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Family, Personal Development

I have just returned home from a ten-day vacation.  Four days of it were spent in a van with my husband, two sons and the family dog.  We visited family in Tennessee and Florida.  No, I did not return home with a tan, as it was a bit chilly in the land of alligators!

Since I had so much time to think, I did.  I have been challenged to come up with three themes for 2012.  These are different than resolutions, which most of the time are forgotten by March.  These, to me, are more of a mindset for change.  As we look to each new year for a fresh start and continual growth, what are a few ways we are able to improve?

When I mulled this over, I came up with these themes to work on.  1.  Be prepared.  What a concept!  I heard it in Girl Scouts and it is a great idea.  If I don’t plan each day, someone else will.  “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”  (From Seneca, the Roman philosopher)  2.  Think service.  Whether I am at home, in a business situation, or anywhere in between, what is it I can do to better serve those around me?  3.  Seek wisdom.  I recently met a man who is very wise.  He became this way by seeking wisdom on a daily basis.  I was so impressed, that I have joined his mentorship program.

So, here I am, back in real life.  Christmas decorations must be stored away, laundry needs to be done, and of course, there is nothing in the fridge.  Welcome Home!  We enjoyed special family time and plenty of fun and laughs.  And yes, it is good to be home.  Many blessings to you in the year ahead.

“Life’s not about perfection, life is about progression.”  Keith Kochner

Check out www.mentorshipmastery.com for more info on Keith Kochner and his mentorship program.

A Day with Hunter

December 30, 2011
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Family, Forgiveness

 

My family and I spent a wonderful day with my nephew, Hunter, and his parents.  He is two and one-half.  He is very busy.  We gifted him with a couple of very educational toys that were sure to please….him, not his parents.  The gifts?  Band in a Box, and tools with a battery operated (and noisy) screwdriver.  I am certain we are his new best friends and my sister-in-law’s worst nightmare.  Hee hee!

We shared meals together, relaxed until Hunter took a nap to recharge, hiked through the woods, and enjoyed the day.  It was a simple day of just being together.  As I spent time with this little guy, I was reminded of the days long gone of looking after my boys.  Yes, Hunter is a busy kid, but it was refreshing for me to spend some time experiencing his simple joy.  He loves to be with his parents and learn more stuff.  He has great manners and is warm and loving to others.  He starts each day fresh and is not hung up on the past.  Perhaps he is a great example to all of us as we approach a new year. 

Of course, it makes sense to think about the past year and look at those things that we could improve upon.  It makes even more sense to then let those things go by forgiving ourselves and moving on.  Life is about progression, not perfection.  If we look at the growth we experience year to year, hopefully we will see changes in a positive direction.  Whether it is physically, spiritually, in our relationships, or any aspect of life, it is about getting better at finding the balance, the harmony. 

So, at the end of the day and the year, I am grateful for my blessed life and my family.  I am grateful for lessons that find me each day.  I am grateful for another opportunity to try to figure out this journey of life.

“To understand is to forgive, even oneself.”  Alexander Chase    

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