a 2025 writing roundup

At the top of my digital to-do list, I keep a few quotes that resonate with me or guide my approach to my life and work. One is from Robert A. Caro: “When did I start writing? It seems to me that I always wrote.” Another is Barbara Kingsolver: “Writing involves no magic, only work.” (I think the work produces magic, though.)

I’ve already shared my Journaling Wrapped, and next week I’ll share 2025 in Books. This week, I want to share some of my favorite written pieces from this year — from my job at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; from a freelance assignment; and from my newsletter. How lucky am I to have so many opportunities to write!

Growing Kentucky Vol. 1

This is the first edition of a new magazine celebrating the impact of Martin-Gatton CAFE. The magazine showcases the brilliant work of our writers, photographers and designers. I was so thrilled to have a leadership role as we moved from brainstorming ideas in an initial meeting to a gorgeous print and digital product. I wrote several stories in the magazine that I hope you’ll check out.

Read and view here. To fully enjoy the magazine, view on a computer screen rather than mobile.

In weary Kentucky, deadly tornadoes the latest in relentless spate of storms

Being asked to cover another devastating storm here in Kentucky was a huge responsibility. It was heartbreaking and challenging. I hope I represented our Commonwealth well and served my fellow Kentuckians in some small way.

Read here. This is a gift link, so you should be able to read it for free, but you may have to give your email address. I wrote more about the experience in my newsletter.

Celebrating 160 years of the University of Kentucky — rooted in agriculture, service to the Commonwealth

I loved writing this story. It was challenging and fun and satisfying, and the finished product is now among my personal favorites.

Read here. I wrote about this story in my newsletter.

'So special and so effective’: UK Research and Education Center, surrounding community continue an impactful relationship

This story was somewhat similar to the last one — looking at the longtime impact and legacy of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton. As a gal with Western Kentucky roots, I’ve really enjoyed writing about the Princeton community.

Read here.

‘Beauty can persevere’: UKREC at Princeton shares daylilies for preservation

Here’s another story that started at Princeton but spread across the state. A favorite quote from the story to give you a taste: “I am an eternal optimist that is always looking for the silver lining. I am so inspired by how these plants persevered through the storm and now can provide such beauty for others.” 

Read here.

From connections to conservation, student interested in wildlife career finds everything she needs at the University of Kentucky

This one is a highlight for a couple of reasons. I went on the shoot with Kris Chappel, my favorite person to collaborate with on a work project. We worked together at Kentucky State University, and I’m so glad we’re on the same team again. This was our first full calendar year working at UK, and I’m excited to see what we get to do next!

The second reason I love this story is because there’s a Hannah Montana reference in the lead.

Read my story and view Kris’s visuals here. View more of Kris’s work here.

‘Keep his legacy strong’: Youth Field Day in Lewis County honors UK Extension agent

I attended this event and wrote the story with my friend Lexi Fellows, who is a wonderful friend and work collaborator. I’m so grateful that we met through our jobs at UK.

This was a sad but lovely story — a UK Extension employee died in an accident a few years ago, and this Field Day honors his memory. We talked to his wife and his family about how much he is missed and how his legacy lives on.

Read here.

‘Room to grow’: How a University of Kentucky student found and created opportunities to thrive

This story about a UK graduate includes some of my very favorite things: intergenerational women relationships and women who were pioneers in some way. You can learn more about Jaida, her mom, and her grandma and their work in the equine industry.

Read here.

when opportunity types

I picked my favorite newsletters from the year, and there’s a common thread for most of them: I wrote about my heroes. The first is, of course, Alice Dunnigan. I loved sharing this story about Alice, and I was excited that I published it at the same time of year when she started her life-changing new job.

Read here.

for my friend Gurney

Earlier this month, we attended a lovely memorial service for Gurney at UK. A quote from Bobbie Ann Mason’s remarks: “…and he defied Tom Wolfe, who said you can’t go home again.”

Read here.

on a road to Zora

I suspect you’ll be hearing about Zora Neale Hurston again in my next newsletter, but she’s another hero that I wrote a newsletter about this year. If you’ve never read Alice Walker’s “In Search of Zora Neale Hurston,” do yourself a favor and read it. It’s my favorite essay.

Read here.

on revising + raising your hand

One more about my hero Alice Dunnigan, and one of the great loves of my life, writing — with a footnote about my wonderful husband, Loui, who is also one of my heroes and is the other love of my life. He may have been a footnote in that particular piece of writing, but he’s my centerfold.

Read here.