Author name: Amanda Johnson

Ugh, you guys… Writing a book is so easy… But diving back into the old story… And then facing the reality that there is still some of that old story lurking in the current one… And then going back to that character and staying with all of crappy emotions that come up… And then trying

Having spent the first 13 years of his life with her part of his daily life, I wondered how my kiddo was going to take the news of her passing. His peaceful response made me smile: “Mom, remember what she always used to say to us: ‘Don’t cry for me when I’m gone.’” I don’t

It was 4 a.m. last Tuesday. Eyes closed, I cringed at the idea of tackling the day’s list on so few hours of rest. Why can’t I go back to sleep? The moment I asked the question, I was overwhelmed with images and phrases that were not mine. They were scenes from my gramma’s life

“It’s not judgment if it’s true…” His head snapped up as soon as I said it; and when he saw me shrug sheepishly, my almost-as-smart-mouthed-as-his-mom-14-year-old roared with laughter. We had just finished watching one of our favorite talent shows, where we had collectively agreed to fast-forward [thank The Wind for recording capability!] through the comments

  This morning, I looked up to skies darkened by smoke and fire and found myself praying for rain. And then I heard The Wind’s gentle correction: “Amanda, some need to let the fire burn, and some need to let the rain fall…”   “Some need to let the fire burn…” The Fire’s Return Fire

  This week, I am more grateful for STORY and every damn EPIC I have ever read and watched in this lifetime. As I glance at news coverage and see the Facebook feeds, my gut response is to feel…well, a number of feelings, actually: heartbrokenness, rage, powerlessness, despair. And my thoughts resemble the ones I

When is it going to be enough? It hit me from a few angles in the same week. Of course there was the typical FB craziness… The beautiful ads. Ugh, I wonder if I’ll ever get my shit together on Facebook. The amazing copywriting. How long is it going to take to get my copywriting

“Have either of you walked a labyrinth before?” I asked, standing only a few feet away from its entrance under the magnificent white pine tree. One participant nodded her head YES and the other shook hers NO. “Okay, so a labyrinth walk is considered a moving meditation or prayer. The best way I can explain

I probably rushed her off the phone too fast, but only because my mind was racing ahead to getting to her and my siblings. It’s been 3 months since I woke up to several missed calls and texts from my mom and sister, starting at 2:30am. My heart sank and my head swirled with all

I called him the minute I got to my car. “Dad, you know the project I told you about – the one where my teacher gave me permission to test your theory and tool with some kids around here and report the results?” “Yes.” I could hear him smiling, trying to contain his excitement at