The Nurse’s Commonplace

08/05/2026

Who do you want to be?

08/04/2026

As a menopausal woman and a breast cancer survivor, sleep has become something I no longer take for granted.

My oncologist suggested that I try tart cherry concentrate before bed, and it has been working like a charm. Tart cherries naturally contain melatonin and are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and many women find that they help improve sleep quality.

The interesting thing is that I didn’t realize just how much it was helping until I forgot to take it.

Twice.

Both nights, I was awake for what seemed like the entire night, drenched in sweat. Needless to say, I haven’t forgotten it since!

Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but I wanted to share something simple that has made a real difference for me.

Perimenopause and menopause are quite the adventure, aren’t they? 🍒

Have any of you tried tart cherry concentrate? I’d love to hear what has helped you.

**This is NOT medical advice. This has been helping me. Check with your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements to check for contraindications with your health diagnoses and/or medications.**

07/29/2026

Anxiety has a way of convincing us that every “what if” is a warning.

What if I fail?
What if something bad happens?
What if I’m not enough?

These questions can feel loud, urgent, and absolute like they’re predicting the future with certainty. But notice how they all lean in one direction: toward fear, toward loss, toward worst-case scenarios.

Now pause for a moment.

Because if your mind is allowed to ask, “What if everything goes wrong?” then it is just as allowed to ask something just as powerful “What if everything goes right?”

What if you are stronger than you realize?
What if this challenge becomes the very thing that helps you grow?
What if something unexpectedly good is waiting on the other side of this worry?
What if the outcome you fear never even happens—and you spend all this time carrying a weight you didn’t need to carry?

One set of questions shrinks your world. The other gently opens it back up.

Don’t let fear be the only voice that gets to imagine your future.

Don’t let fear write tomorrow’s story before tomorrow arrives.

Take the next breath. Take the next step. Let today be enough.

And when the “what ifs” return, as they sometimes will, try answering them with softer ones. Kinder ones. Braver ones.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop listening to fear and start listening to hope.

💙 One step. One day. One moment at a time. You’ve made it through every hard day so far and that’s pretty remarkable.

07/18/2026

❤️ A little life update…

If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I wanted to share what’s been happening.

After these wonderful years as a nurse piercer, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from piercing. It wasn’t an easy choice because caring for you and your families has been such a meaningful part of my life.

This past year has brought some unexpected changes. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while I’m incredibly thankful to say I’m now navigating life as a survivor, the experience changed my perspective in ways I never imagined. At the same time, I’m adjusting to life as an empty nester and continuing my work as a high school nurse.

Those experiences have reminded me that life is always evolving, and sometimes we have to embrace a new chapter we never saw coming.

So while I’m no longer piercing, I’m not disappearing.

This page is going to become a place where I share the things I’m passionate about—health and wellness, life as a school nurse, breast cancer awareness, history, genealogy, nature, fiber arts, and whatever new adventure I happen to be exploring. If you know me, you know I love learning, and I love sharing what I learn with others. I’m a teacher at heart.

Don’t worry, I’m not deleting all of the piercing photos and memories. They represent a very special chapter of my life and the trust so many of you placed in me. I’ll be leaving them here as part of this page’s story, while adding new content as this next chapter unfolds.

Whether you came here for your child’s first ear piercing, your own jewelry, or you’ve simply enjoyed following along over the years, thank you. Your support has meant more than you know.

I hope you’ll stay with me for this next chapter. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. 🩷

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day!

01/30/2025

💔Grieving the heartbreaking loss of our friends and the many innocent lives lost. May they find eternal peace. Rest easy sweet girls. Our thoughts, love, and appreciation go out to the affected families and our heroic first responders.
May their memories forever be a blessing.

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and best wishes for a brilliant and prosperous New Year!

09/15/2024

Being requested back to pierce the new baby is the highest praise; it celebrates mastery and love shared with families. I'm grateful to my families who repeatedly choose me - it's my privilege! Thank you to all my families that allow me to be a part of your milestones!

07/22/2024

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having your baby's piercing done by a qualified nurse in your own home.

06/02/2024