Life isn’t smooth sailing for most of us. Mine certainly wasn’t. I grew up anxious, determined, and often overwhelmed by what I call ‘awfulism’. But somewhere along the way, I learned to savor the small things—a child’s smile, a hug, the crunch of dry leaves, and the low rumble of my motorcycle as I pretend, I’m Peter Fonda on a canyon road. My childhood blurred past, adolescence felt like a swamp, and adulthood brought its own challenges. Still, our family ritual of sharing “good things” at dinner kept the six of us grounded. I discovered that quick fixes and coffee cup wisdom rarely solve much, but gratitude, persistence, love, and faith can carry you through almost anything. These stories...some funny, some painful...are offered like a slice of your favorite pie: easy to digest, warm, and familiar. Pull up a chair by the campfire or settle into a coffee shop booth. I’m betting you’ll find a piece of yourself tucked somewhere in these pages.