The Write Side of Me

  If you’re anything like me, that crisp feeling in the air means one thing—it’s planner season. I’ve rounded up my favorite planners, pens, and accessories for those of us who live by the Dec–Nov rhythm (because who wants to start fresh in January when life starts revving up in December?). Whether you’re a list-maker, a color-coder, or someone just trying to keep track of the chaos—these finds are pretty, practical, and budget-friendly. 🖊️ My current obsessions: – Smooth-as-butter fine point pens (because smudges are for amateurs) – Glitter gel pens for when your to-do list deserves a little sparkle – And a few planner styles that make scheduling actually fun - And all the fun and cute accessories!! 💡 Browse the full list here:   https://www.amazon.com/shop/rainalucero/list/22ITQWSSVGZ68?ref_=aipsflist Let’s pick out our planners together and start this next season a little more organized—and a little more inspired. #PlannerAddict #WriteSideofMe #AmazonFinds #...

It’s officially that time of year again—Daylight Saving ends, and so does my stable instability, as I like to call it. The extra hour of darkness outside always sneaks its way inside too. I’ve never done well in the dark, whether it’s the sky or my own head. Lately, I’ve been trying to find light in the small things: warm coffee, the sound of my kid laughing at something dumb, the wind that refuses to stop reminding me I live on the plains.

My dad taught me more at our kitchen table than most people learn in a lifetime. He taught me how to think, not what to think — how to listen, how to stand firm, and how to carry conviction with grace. This is the story of the last lesson he ever gave me, and how it still guides the way I help others find their voice — one ballot at a time. The Banner He Left Me On ballots, values, and the quiet legacy of my father’s wisdom. From childhood until my dad passed in 2016, I went to him for all kinds of advice — even how to read a ballot. We’d sit at the kitchen table, side by side, and talk through the issues, the candidates, and the people asking for our votes. Sometimes I voted just like him. Other times, I didn’t. But there was never judgment. He raised me to be a conservative woman, to hold fast to my values, and to keep a moral compass pointed straight to the heavens. I’ve lost my way more than once, but I always knew where to come back to. We talked about everything ...

  The Hard Things I failed out of college. I stopped eating. I got married when I shouldn’t have. And still, I built something good. This is what the hard things taught me. I couldn’t wait to leave this town. I don’t even remember why I hated it, only that eighteen-year-old me was certain freedom lived anywhere but home. Back then, you think life will go your way just because you’ve decided it will. I was going to be a history teacher, the thing my dad had always wanted to be but never was. I had a plan. My best friend and I were supposed to move to Gunnison together, share a dorm, live out the dream. But a week before we left, she backed out. Just like that, my security blanket was gone. I remember begging both my parents. “Please don’t make me go,” I begged. Looking back, now that I'm a mother myself I know how hard it was for my mom to tell me I had to go. So, I would look to my dad for the answer I wanted. He looked at me for a long time and said, “Raina Jo, nothin...