Susan Pogorzelski

Life has a way of surprising you. People always say this, but I never gave it much thought. Hard work, dedication--that's what leads you somewhere. That's what makes things happen. Except, that's not entirely true, is it? Because as much as you plan and prepare and say, "OK, this is how it's gonna be," Life will only chuckle and pat you on the head and reply, "Oh, but it's going to be so much better than those dreams, sweet girl." Without a doubt, this year has been one of th

I used to love being a part of nature. I used to spend time reading in the park, going for long walks by the river, taking short hikes and exploring the hidden depths of forests while chatting about life and all its mysteries with friends. That was before Lyme disease. After Lyme disease, knowing what haunted the underbrush, what waited to sneak, unsuspecting, in the grass, I couldn't see nature the same way again. The thing I used to love--that I felt so much a part of--I no