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Burnt out?
This week's newsletter is dedicated to my current feeling of being burnt out and pulled in every which direction. Everyone feels burnt out in some shape or form in their lives at some point, and in this week's edition, I'm going to show you ways to cope and ways to prevent burnout. Excerpt from this week's newsletter edition. "Anyway, this is the first year of my busy season with this job, and with three events I’m planning at the same time, plus taking care of our dog, the h
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Oct 121 min read
No Newsletter Week of Oct. 2nd. When I get rid of this cold, I'll have more stories for you!!
Thanks for your patience! For now, here's a cute picture of my dog, Dixie! Enjoy!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Oct 71 min read
Book Review!
Debbie Macomber's Hannah's List I love reading! This post takes a different path as I review the latest book that I recently finished. By my favorite author, Debbie Macomber, this novel is different than her usual romance novels, and I'll give you my take in this week's Scenic Route. Subscribe to my newsletter to read more!!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Sep 271 min read
Focus on the Important Things
The Important Things: What Really Matters By Alyson Winn-Lagergren September 11th, 2026 The important things: The people, ideas, values, and activities that bring joy to your life. The important things: realizing that as you get older, other people’s opinions of you don’t matter; social media isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be; and distractions are everywhere. So how do we navigate this new world of technology, with constant reminders of how others view you, what you think
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Sep 274 min read
Fall: A Season to Inspire Change
By Alyson Winn-Lagergren September 4th, 2026 The Season of Autumn: The season of cooler temperatures, heading back to school, new and different schedules, changing leaves, and pumpkin spice everything. Ahh...breathe in the pumpkin spice! It’s everywhere, and I couldn’t be more excited! I personally love fall; it’s my favorite season for many reasons. First, it’s pumpkin season, and there’s so many fun fall activities that are unique to this time of year: corn mazes, pumpkin
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Sep 274 min read
See you at the Fair!
August is county fair time! Time for food, rides, shows, animal barns, expos, and more! The Fair: One of summer’s greatest attractions and is on most people’s calendars to attend every year. Whether it’s the MN State Fair or local county fairs, it’s always a treat and a fun experience for the whole family. The McLeod County Fair is the fair that Glencoe is mainly a part of. My family and I would go every year, and back in the day, my Dad even had a booth there for his compa
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Aug 261 min read
See you at the Fair!
August is county fair time! Time for food, rides, shows, animal barns, expos, and more!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Aug 264 min read
It's Not the End!
Summer's End is the Beginning of New Activities!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Aug 13 min read
It's Not the End!
Summer's End is the Beginning of New Activities August: One of summer’s least favorite months, or so we think. Most people look at August as a “back-to-school” month, or the end of summer and warm temperatures, the end of family vacations, cabin time, or just being able to spend a lazy afternoon outdoors. In my mind, that is not the case. August is just the beginning of new and fun activities that you may not have had the chance to do yet this summer. *Subscribe to read the
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Aug 11 min read
Keepin' It Reel: Summer Fishing Season
July 24th, 2026 Fishing: One of summer’s greatest pleasures: to be out on the lake, whether it’s on a boat or a dock, and watching the way the sun hits the water, the waves billowing by. The way the pelicans and ducks fly over, their own agenda in mind; the seaweed floating in the water below, blocking what lives underneath. I’ve always been fascinated with lakes and oceans, and would wonder how fish really breathe underwater. There’s so many things we have yet to learn a
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jul 244 min read
It's Caterpillar Season!
Miracles Happen Every Day Caterpillars: One of Mother Nature’s little miracles. It’s amazing to watch how caterpillars completely change forms into something totally new and beautiful. Many a story or poem have focused on the idea of morphing from something so ordinary into something beautiful and different. Caterpillars are more commonly found during summer and fall, right before the butterflies fly south for the season of winter. The idea that in order for the caterpill
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jul 154 min read
250th Celebration: America's Birthday
Knowing the story of America's birth is just as important today as it was then. 4th of July: America’s birthday. This year, it’s a major milestone for America: 250 years! 250 years of battling for freedom, working towards a common goal, and preserving our liberties. 250 years of reaching for the everchanging American Dream, striving for success, and building our lives around those dreams. From the car company commercials to the radio jingles, we’ve heard about the American
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jul 134 min read
No Newsletter Week of 7/6, but look for the latest issue the week of 7/13!
This week's issue focuses on nature's miracle: a caterpillar turning into a butterfly!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jul 131 min read
Your Best Friend: The Four-Legged Kind
The Best Kinds of Adventures June 26th, 2026 Dogs are our best friends, and are the best additions to our families and lives. Without them, life wouldn’t feel as full. In my opinion, dogs are not only our best friend, they are also what brings laughter, unconditional love, emotional support, and happiness into our homes. Usually, when we humans venture out into the world, dogs stay home to guard the house. If your dog is anything like mine, she enjoys a good window-watching
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jun 304 min read
The Season of Landscaping: A Labor of Commitment
Or is it? June 19th, 2026 Landscaping is a word that most people shy away from, knowing the amount of work and dedication it takes to complete a project. In our household, I grew up knowing that word meant back-breaking outdoor labor that could last days. We call it the “L” word, since each time it was mentioned, it involved a time commitment and a lot of work, mainly revolving around re-landscaping gardens with block, bricks, sand, and lots of leveling! So that word was av
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jun 303 min read
Summer: The Child In All Of Us
Nostalgic Summers June 5th, 2026 Summer is all about the feeling of freedom, of smelling the chlorine in the pool, of knowing that you don’t have anywhere to be. Or do you? Summers can be a hard mix of planned weekend outings, vacations, and nothing to do at the same time. This change in schedule is another change in seasons that we are left to navigate, with or without a map. Some have their entire summer mapped out, right down to the detail and time. Others have nothing p
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jun 303 min read
No Newsletter Week of June 8th- On Vacation
This week there will be no newsletter as I am on vacation this week. Enjoy the start to your summer!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
Jun 91 min read
No Newsletter Week of May 25th- Enjoy your Memorial Day!
This week there will be no newsletter as it is a holiday week. Enjoy your Memorial Day and start to summer!
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
May 261 min read
Memorial Day: A Season of Remembrance
Why We Remember Memorial Day is all about remembering those who served in our nation’s history, giving the ultimate sacrifice to our country. This holiday specifically remembers those who have fallen while representing the U.S. military, and is a somber day dedicated to honoring and remembering. Most people celebrate Memorial Day through family get-togethers, BBQs, and luncheons. While some take time to gather at local Memorial Day ceremonies in the morning, others plan pi
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
May 223 min read
Be Mindful This Spring
Actively Choosing to be Mindful this Spring: How to Make the Most of Your Time Through Relaxation and Rejuvenation Choosing to be Mindful this Spring: Choices are Everything As I write this article on this very blustery Tuesday in May, I’m reminded of the song, “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from the Disney movie, Mary Poppins. This song is not only catchy, but there’s a lesson in it to remind us as well. The idea behind the song is not just about having fun with your kids on a wi
Alyson Winn-Lagergren
May 193 min read
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