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Katelyn’s Assignment

Katelyn’s Assignment

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/10/2026

The moment Katelyn arrived in the Afterplace—somewhere between heaven and the warm glow of a memory—she was handed a clipboard.

She blinked at it. “A clipboard? Seriously? I thought angels had, like, scrolls. Or glowing tablets. Something fancy.”

A tall, shimmering attendant smiled at her. “We tried tablets. Everyone kept dropping them through clouds. You’re assigned to a case.”

“A case?” Katelyn flipped the page. “Am I… a guardian angel?”

“Technically,” the attendant said, “you’re a Preventative Guidance Specialist.”

Katelyn snorted. “So… a guardian angel with a sense of humor.”

“Exactly why we picked you.”

She looked down at the file. A photo of a girl—beautiful, long-legged, with the kind of cheekbones that made makeup artists weep—was clipped to the top.

Name: Lila Hart
Age: 18
Occupation: Model
Risk Level: High
Primary Temptation: Party drugs, peer pressure, bad decisions involving boys with jawlines too sharp to be trusted.

Katelyn raised an eyebrow. “Oh, she’s me at eighteen. Except taller. And probably better at eyeliner.”

“She needs someone who understands her,” the attendant said. “Someone who can speak her language.”

Katelyn sighed, but her heart warmed. “Okay. I’ll help her.”

“And Katelyn?” the attendant added gently. “You’re allowed to use humor. It’s one of your gifts.”

“Oh, I plan to,” she said, flipping her hair like she was about to walk onto a runway.

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Chapter One: The Baggie Incident

Lila Hart was sitting on the edge of her bed in her tiny New York apartment, staring at a little plastic baggie. The contents sparkled—not in a magical way, but in a this-will-ruin-your-life way.

Her phone buzzed. A text from her new modeling friends:

Party tonight. Bring the stuff.

Lila swallowed hard.

That’s when Katelyn appeared.

Not with trumpets. Not with glowing wings. She simply shimmered into existence like a sunbeam deciding to take human form.

“Hey,” Katelyn said casually.

Lila screamed, fell backward, and hit her head on a pillow—thankfully.

“Who—what—how—”

“I’m your… guidance counselor,” Katelyn said, waving her clipboard. “From the Afterplace.”

“The what?”

“It’s like heaven,” Katelyn said. “But with better lighting.”

Lila blinked. “Am I dead?”

“Nope. But you’re about to make choices that could get you there early, and trust me, the onboarding process is long.”

Lila stared at her. “You’re joking.”

“Oh, I joke constantly,” Katelyn said. “But not about this.”

She plucked the baggie from Lila’s hand, sniffed it, made a face, and swapped it with another baggie she pulled from her pocket.

“There,” she said. “Prenatal vitamins.”

Lila blinked. “Prenatal vitamins?”

“Yep. They’re good for your hair, nails, and future babies you’re not having yet. Also, they won’t kill you.”

Lila stared at the new baggie. “Why do you have prenatal vitamins in a baggie?”

Katelyn shrugged. “I like to be prepared.”

Chapter Two: Text Message Sabotage

Lila’s phone buzzed again.

You coming?

Katelyn snatched the phone and typed:

I can’t go to the party tonight; I’m eating carbs.

Lila gasped. “You can’t send that! They’ll think I’m weird!”

“They already think you’re weird,” Katelyn said. “You’re a model who eats. That’s practically rebellious.”

The phone buzzed again.

lol girl u ok?

Katelyn typed back:

No. I’m emotionally fragile and retaining water.

Lila grabbed the phone. “STOP!”

Katelyn grinned. “Look, if they’re your real friends, they’ll laugh. If they’re not, they’ll stop inviting you to parties with drugs. Win-win.”

Lila sank onto the bed. “Why do you care?”

Katelyn softened. “Because I know what it’s like to be young and scared and trying to fit in. And because I know what it’s like to make choices that hurt your heart.”

Lila looked up. “Your heart?”

Katelyn nodded. “Yeah. Mine gave out. I didn’t know how sick I was. I didn’t know how much damage I’d done. I thought I had more time.”

Her voice trembled, but she steadied herself.

“I don’t want that for you.”

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Chapter Three: The Rooftop

A week later, Lila stood on the rooftop of her apartment building, staring at the city lights. She’d avoided the parties. She’d avoided the baggies. She’d even started taking the prenatal vitamins, which made her hair look amazing.

Katelyn appeared beside her, sitting cross-legged on the ledge.

“You’re doing good,” she said.

Lila shrugged. “I still feel tempted sometimes.”

“Of course you do,” Katelyn said. “Temptation doesn’t disappear. It just gets quieter when you stop feeding it.”

Lila sighed. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

Katelyn nudged her shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think. And you’re not alone.”

Lila looked at her. “Did you have anyone?”

Katelyn smiled softly. “I had my grandmother. She told me death wasn’t scary. She told me loved ones would greet me. She gave me peace when I was terrified.”

Lila swallowed. “You miss her?”

“Every day,” Katelyn said. “But she’s here. In the Afterplace. And she’s proud of me. And she’d be proud of you.”

Lila’s eyes filled with tears. “I wish I had someone like that.”

“You do,” Katelyn said. “Me.”

Chapter Four: The Party That Wasn’t

One night, Lila’s phone buzzed again.

Big party tonight. VIP only. You in?

She hesitated.

Katelyn appeared instantly. “No.”

“But—”

“Nope.”

“They’ll think I’m boring.”

“They already think you’re boring,” Katelyn said. “You’re a model who reads books.”

Lila laughed. “I don’t read books.”

“You will,” Katelyn said. “I’m manifesting it.”

Lila sighed. “I just… want to belong.”

Katelyn took her hand. “You belong to yourself. And someday, you’ll find people who love you for who you are—not for what you bring in a baggie.”

Lila nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll stay home.”

“Good,” Katelyn said. “We’re watching a movie.”

“What movie?”

“Something with no drugs, no heartbreak, and no boys named Chase.”

“Why Chase?”

“Trust me,” Katelyn said. “Never Chase.”

Chapter Five: The Confession

Weeks passed. Lila grew stronger. She started eating real meals. She slept more. She laughed more. She even met a sweet boy who didn’t party, didn’t pressure her, and didn’t have a dangerous jawline.

One night, she asked Katelyn, “Why me?”

Katelyn smiled. “Because you remind me of myself. Because you’re beautiful and bright and full of potential. And because you’re standing at the edge of a cliff I once fell off.”

Lila swallowed. “Did you regret it? The drugs?”

Katelyn nodded. “Yes. Not because I was bad. Not because I was weak. But because I didn’t know how much I was hurting myself. I didn’t know how fragile my heart was. I didn’t know how much time I was losing.”

Lila’s eyes filled. “I don’t want to lose time.”

“You won’t,” Katelyn said. “Not if you keep choosing life.”

Chapter Six: The Saving

One night, Lila got a call from her old party friends.

Come out. Just one night. No pressure.

She hesitated.

Katelyn appeared instantly. “Talk to me.”

“I… I kind of want to go.”

“Why?”

“I miss feeling included.”

Katelyn took her face in her hands. “You are included. In your own future. In your own dreams. In your own story.”

Lila trembled. “I’m scared.”

“I know,” Katelyn whispered. “But fear is a sign you’re about to grow.”

Lila nodded. “Okay. I won’t go.”

Katelyn smiled. “Good girl.”

Lila exhaled shakily. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For saving my life.”

Katelyn’s eyes softened. “I didn’t save your life. You did. I just nudged you toward the light.”

Chapter Seven: The Goodbye

One morning, Lila woke up and felt something different. The air was still. The room was quiet.

Katelyn stood by the window, glowing softly.

“You’re leaving,” Lila whispered.

Katelyn nodded. “You don’t need me anymore.”

Lila’s eyes filled. “But I want you.”

Katelyn smiled gently. “I’ll always be around. Just not in person. You’ll hear me in your instincts. In your laughter. In your better choices.”

Lila swallowed. “Will I see you again?”

“Someday,” Katelyn said. “But not for a long, long time.”

Lila hugged her tightly. “I love you.”

Katelyn held her close. “I love you too. And I’m proud of you.”

She pulled back, winked, and said, “And remember—never Chase.”

Then she shimmered, sparkled, and vanished like a sunbeam deciding it had somewhere else to be.

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Epilogue

Years later, Lila Hart became a successful model—not the kind who partied, but the kind who inspired young girls to love themselves.

She married the sweet boy with the safe jawline.

She had a daughter with thick, beautiful hair—thanks to prenatal vitamins.

And sometimes, when she stood on a rooftop at sunset, she felt a warm glow beside her.

A presence.

A laugh.

A whisper: “I’m still here.”

And she smiled, knowing she had been saved by a guardian angel with a clipboard, a sense of humor, and a heart that still shone bright.

Dedicated to my beautiful granddaughter, Katelyn, who is on the other side.

Katelyn Ulbrich

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Learning How Not to Worry: Breaking the Habit for Good

Learning How Not to Worry: Breaking the Habit for Good

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/01/2026

Worry feels like an unavoidable part of life, but learning how not to worry is absolutely possible, I’m learning. Most of us aren’t born worriers — we simply practice worry until it becomes familiar. The good news is that habits can be unlearned, and calmer patterns can take their place.

Understanding Whether Worrying Is Actually Useful

Not all worry is harmful. Some worry nudges us to take responsible action — paying a bill, making a doctor’s appointment, or preparing for a difficult conversation. This is all productive worry, and it helps us to stay engaged with life.

The other kind — the kind that loops endlessly in your mind (that can make us crazy!) — is unproductive worry. It drains your energy, steals your focus, and usually centers on things you cannot control. This is so harmful, especially if we’re already compromised, like I am, with a debilitating illness.

Learning how not to worry begins with asking one simple question:

Is this something I can take action on, or something I’m imagining, fearing, or rehearsing?

If action is possible, take even one tiny “baby” step. Action of any size interrupts anxiety.


If action is not possible, remind yourself gently: “I’ve done what I can. The rest is not mine to carry.” You could also say, “I’m giving it to the Lord to carry for me. I’ve done all I can.”

This self‑talk isn’t denial — it’s boundary‑setting for your mind.

Try Setting Aside Dedicated “Worry Time”

If your thoughts feel crowded, try giving your worries a scheduled place to land. This technique is used in cognitive‑behavioral therapy and can be surprisingly effective.

Choose a consistent time each day — maybe when your partner is home and you can talk things through, or a quiet half hour in the evening. During this time, write down your worries, think them through, or brainstorm solutions.

Outside of that window, when worry pops up, remind yourself:
“Not now. I’ll think about this during my worry time.”

This helps your brain learn that worry is not welcome everywhere.

Catch Yourself in the Act of Worrying

Most worry happens automatically. You’re washing dishes, scrolling your phone, or trying to work — and suddenly your mind is spiraling out of control.

Learning how not to worry means learning to notice when your thoughts drift. This can be hard at first, but the more you practice, the easier it’ll get, I promise.

A few gentle ways to catch yourself:

  • Place a small reminder on your desk — a sticker, a word, or a symbol.
  • Keep a grounding phrase nearby, like “Return to now.”
  • Notice physical cues: tight shoulders, shallow breathing, or a racing mind.

You won’t catch every worry immediately, but you’ll catch it sooner each time. Awareness is a skill, and as I said, it strengthens with practice.

Be Patient With Yourself

Breaking the worry habit takes time. At first, these strategies may feel awkward or ineffective. That’s totally normal. You’re retraining your brain, and new pathways take repetition.

Over time, you’ll notice that redirecting your thoughts becomes easier, your mind feels lighter, and your emotional energy lasts longer throughout the day.

Learning how not to worry isn’t about perfection — it’s about reclaiming your peace, one thought at a time. My prayers are with you, my friend. Please let me know if any of this helps, or not. I’ll be happy to post more of what I’m learning or have learned in my 70 + years on this earth.

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Peaceful, Blessed Sabbath Day

Peaceful, Blessed Sabbath Day

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/19/2026

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Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/12/2026

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Writing Through the Fog

Writing Through the Fog

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/09/2026

A gentle reflection for the weary, creative heart

Some days, creativity arrives like a sunrise — warm, bright, eager to spill across the page. And some days… it doesn’t. Some days feel foggy, heavy, slow. The mind moves like it’s wading through water, and even simple tasks feel like lifting stones.

I used to think foggy days meant failure. That if I couldn’t write with clarity, I shouldn’t write at all. But over time — through journals, prayer, quiet nights in Hawkins, and the soft glow of a candle on my bedside table — I’ve learned something gentler:

Fog doesn’t mean the light is gone. It only means the light is diffused.

On fog-days, creativity doesn’t disappear. It whispers.

It shows up in smaller ways:
a sentence that feels true,
a memory that rises unannounced,
a color you suddenly notice,
a prayer that steadies your breath.

These moments matter. They are seeds. And seeds don’t need bright sun to grow — they need presence, patience, and a little faith.

I’ve learned to write differently on fog-days. Not with pressure, but with softness. I let myself write in fragments, in half-thoughts, in gentle notes that may become something later. I let myself rest when I need to. I let myself trust that creativity is still alive, even when it feels quiet.

This is how the Fog-Day & Best-Day Wellness Journal was born — from the realization that life isn’t all clarity or all chaos. It’s both. And both deserve space.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been in a fog — creatively, emotionally, spiritually — I hope you hear this:

You are simply moving through a softer season, and there is beauty here too.

And when the best-days come — because they always do — you’ll have a trail of small, faithful notes that show you just how strong you were in the quiet.

You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are not forgotten.

Write one sentence.
Light one candle.
Take one breath.
Let the fog be a place where God meets you gently.

Keep writing, even through the fog.
Your light is still here.
It’s just wrapped in softness today.

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🛡️ Genealogy AI Safety Checklist

🛡️ Genealogy AI Safety Checklist

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/06/2026

A calm, practical guide for using AI without letting it derail your research.

🔍 1. Keep AI in the “Safe Zone”

Use AI only for tasks that don’t affect the accuracy of your tree.

  • Transcriptions — word‑for‑word text from handwritten or printed records
  • Translations — turning foreign-language text into English
  • Summaries — pulling out names, dates, and places
  • Brainstorming — ideas, search strategies, or questions to ask

If a task requires interpretation, conclusions, or connecting people, keep it human.

⚠️ 2. Never Accept AI’s Genealogy “Facts”

AI can sound confident while being completely wrong.

Reject any AI output that includes:

  • Unverified relationships
  • Invented dates or events
  • Nonexistent record collections
  • Sources you cannot locate

If you can’t find the record yourself, it doesn’t exist.

📚 3. Verify Everything Against Primary Sources

Your safest workflow:

  • Compare AI transcriptions to the original image
  • Confirm translations with dictionaries or human help
  • Cross-check names, dates, and places manually
  • Use archives like FamilySearch, Ancestry, Drouin, or civil registers

AI can assist your eyes — but not your conclusions.

🧭 4. Watch for Red Flags

Discard AI output immediately if you see:

  • A perfect, tidy narrative
  • A timeline that doesn’t add up
  • A record set you can’t locate
  • A “source” that leads nowhere
  • A suggestion that contradicts known history
  • A claim that feels too convenient

Your intuition is a research tool. Trust it.

🧪 5. Test Before Trusting

When AI gives you information:

  • Ask it to show the exact text
  • Ask where the record is located
  • Ask for the archive, collection, and image number

If it cannot provide specifics, the information is unsafe.

🧱 6. Keep Your Tree Protected

Your genealogy tree is fragile. Guard it by:

  • Adding only verified facts
  • Keeping AI-generated notes separate
  • Labeling AI suggestions as “unverified”
  • Avoiding merges or connections based on AI output
  • Saving original documents first, interpretations second

Your tree should never depend on AI.

🧘 7. Maintain a Skeptical Mindset

AI hallucinations happen even when you tell it not to.

Your mantra:

“AI is a tool, not a genealogist.”

Use it for language barriers, not lineage building.

🌿 8. Use AI for Creative Extras Only

Safe creative uses:

  • Featured images
  • Genealogy-themed graphics
  • Blog post drafts
  • Checklists and worksheets

These enhance your work without touching your research accuracy.

⭐ Final Rule

If AI gives you a detail you cannot verify in a real archive, throw it out.

Your ancestors deserve truth, not guesses.

P.S. Here’s a cheat sheet, in case you’d like to download it.

S.M.U.
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Genealogy AI Safety Checklist

Genealogy AI Safety Checklist

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/06/2026

A calm, practical guide for using AI without letting it derail your research.

🔍 1. Keep AI in the “Safe Zone”

Use AI only for tasks that don’t affect the accuracy of your tree.

  • Transcriptions — word‑for‑word text from handwritten or printed records
  • Translations — turning foreign-language text into English
  • Summaries — pulling out names, dates, and places
  • Brainstorming — ideas, search strategies, or questions to ask

If a task requires interpretation, conclusions, or connecting people, keep it human.

⚠️ 2. Never Accept AI’s Genealogy “Facts”

AI can sound confident while being completely wrong.

Reject any AI output that includes:

  • Unverified relationships
  • Invented dates or events
  • Nonexistent record collections
  • Sources you cannot locate

If you can’t find the record yourself, it doesn’t exist.

📚 3. Verify Everything Against Primary Sources

Your safest workflow:

  • Compare AI transcriptions to the original image
  • Confirm translations with dictionaries or human help
  • Cross-check names, dates, and places manually
  • Use archives like FamilySearch, Ancestry, Drouin, or civil registers

AI can assist your eyes — but not your conclusions.

🧭 4. Watch for Red Flags

Discard AI output immediately if you see:

  • A perfect, tidy narrative
  • A timeline that doesn’t add up
  • A record set you can’t locate
  • A “source” that leads nowhere
  • A suggestion that contradicts known history
  • A claim that feels too convenient

Your intuition is a research tool. Trust it.

🧪 5. Test Before Trusting

When AI gives you information:

  • Ask it to show the exact text
  • Ask where the record is located
  • Ask for the archive, collection, and image number

If it cannot provide specifics, the information is unsafe.

🧱 6. Keep Your Tree Protected

Your genealogy tree is fragile. Guard it by:

  • Adding only verified facts
  • Keeping AI-generated notes separate
  • Labeling AI suggestions as “unverified”
  • Avoiding merges or connections based on AI output
  • Saving original documents first, interpretations second

Your tree should never depend on AI.

🧘 7. Maintain a Skeptical Mindset

AI hallucinations happen even when you tell it not to.

Your mantra:

“AI is a tool, not a genealogist.”

Use it for language barriers, not lineage building.

🌿 8. Use AI for Creative Extras Only

Safe creative uses:

  • Featured images
  • Genealogy-themed graphics
  • Blog post drafts
  • Checklists and worksheets

These enhance your work without touching your research accuracy.

⭐ Final Rule

If AI gives you a detail you cannot verify in a real archive, throw it out.

Your ancestors deserve truth, not guesses.

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Using AI in Genealogy: A Helpful Tool… with Serious Limits

Using AI in Genealogy: A Helpful Tool… with Serious Limits

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/02/2026

Genealogy is a discipline built on accuracy. One wrong assumption can unravel years of careful work. With AI becoming more common in research spaces, I wanted to see what it could realistically offer genealogists — especially those working with foreign‑language records.

What I discovered is that AI can be both a helpful assistant and a source of major problems.

Where AI Can Help

AI shines in a few very specific areas:

  • Transcription help — It can produce word‑for‑word transcriptions of handwritten or printed text, even in languages you don’t read.
  • Translation assistance — It can turn those transcriptions into English so you can understand the basics.
  • Document summaries — It can pull out names, dates, places, and relationships for quick review.

These tasks are mechanical, not interpretive — and that’s exactly why AI performs them reasonably well. For language barriers, this can be a huge help.

Where AI Goes Wrong

Once AI moves beyond transcription and translation, the risks increase dramatically.

  • False connections — AI may confidently link people who are not related at all.
  • Invented details — It may create marriages, death dates, or events that don’t exist in any record.
  • Nonexistent sources — It can fabricate entire record sets, archives, volumes, or page numbers.
  • No real sourcing — AI often pulls from user‑submitted trees or unverified data without telling you.

Even when instructed not to invent information, AI may still hallucinate — and sometimes defend those errors instead of correcting them.

These aren’t small mistakes. They can waste hours of research time and send you down dead ends.

Conclusion

After testing AI in multiple ways, here are the guidelines I now follow:

  • Use AI only for safe tasks
    Transcriptions, translations, summaries, brainstorming — yes. Facts, relationships, conclusions — no.
  • Verify everything manually
    Always return to primary sources: parish registers, civil records, notarial documents, censuses, and original scans.
  • Reject suspicious details
    If a record seems too tidy, lacks a source, or cannot be located in a real archive, discard it immediately.
  • Stay skeptical
    AI will hallucinate even when told not to. Double‑check everything.

Bottom Line

AI can be a helpful companion for transcription, translation, and image creation, especially when working with foreign‑language records. But as a research partner, it is unreliable. It can produce convincing but completely fabricated information — wrong connections, invented events, and imaginary record collections.

Real progress still comes from careful, manual verification.

Treat AI as a curious but unreliable assistant. Use it for language barriers, not conclusions.

My Rating: 3 out of 10 for genealogy research reliability.

P.S. Yes, yes, I know this is my “author” blog, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m prepping to write another book! Hmm, I can tell, some of y’all have already picked up the vibes! Smart darlin’s, my readers.

As I was revising my contest entry documentation, I realized I was actually writing a basic outline for my next book! Oh, I feel so blessed!

Anyway, as you know, the storyline may evolve into something else, but I suspect He’s already given me my next assignment. Praying I can finish it.

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New Clip: Philosophy

New Clip: Philosophy

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 05/30/2026

Building Blocks of a Good Life

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The Oil Press: Christ’s Agony in Gethsemane and the Gift of Repentance

The Oil Press: Christ’s Agony in Gethsemane and the Gift of Repentance

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 03/19/2026

Nestled on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem, lies a quiet garden whose name carries a weight far heavier than its olive trees. Gethsemane. In Aramaic and Hebrew it means “oil press”—the place where olives are crushed until the pure, healing oil flows. There, in the shadow of ancient trees, the Savior of the world chose to be pressed under a burden no mortal could possibly bear.

It was the night before Calvary. The Passover meal had ended. Jesus led His disciples to this familiar spot, then stepped away alone. The scriptures describe what happened next with stark honesty: “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). He was not merely anticipating the cross. In that garden He took upon Himself every sin, every sorrow, every sickness, and every heartbreak that would ever be felt by any child of God. The weight was so crushing that even the Son of God trembled and asked if the cup could pass from Him—yet He submitted: “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Think about the name again: the oil press. Olives do not yield their richest oil by gentle handling. They must be crushed. The stone rolls over them relentlessly until every drop of life-giving oil is released. In Gethsemane, Jesus became the ultimate olive. He allowed Himself to be pressed so that the oil of salvation could flow to every one of us. The pure, healing, sanctifying power of the Atonement was squeezed from His soul that night.

Now consider your own moments of repentance.

When the Holy Ghost gently (or sometimes not so gently) brings a sin to your remembrance, you feel a pressure in your chest. Guilt. Remorse. A heaviness that makes sleep difficult and peace impossible. That pressure is not punishment—it is the garden of your own Gethsemane. Your heart is being pressed. The old self is being crushed so that something pure can come forth: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Just as the Savior’s agony produced the oil of redemption, your godly sorrow produces the oil of repentance. It hurts. It is meant to. But it is also the very process that prepares you to receive the healing He already purchased.

I have felt that press. You have too. The tears in the car after a harsh word to a loved one. The sleepless night after realizing you betrayed a trust. The ache that comes when you finally admit you’ve been running from God. In those moments you are not alone. The One who bled in Gethsemane is right beside you, whispering, “I already carried this. Let Me help you release it.”

And here is the beautiful truth that turns every tear into thanksgiving: because He was willing to be pressed to the point of blood, you never have to stay crushed. The same garden that witnessed infinite suffering now offers infinite mercy. The oil that flowed from His agony anoints your wounds, softens your heart, and lights your way home.

So today I stand in awe and say simply, “Thank You.”

Thank You, Jesus, for not running from the press.

Thank You for staying in the garden when every fiber of Your being cried out to leave.

Thank You that because of Your suffering, my repentance is never hopeless—it is healing.

Thank You that the oil of Your Atonement still flows freely for anyone who will come to their own small Gethsemane and say, “Not my will, but Thine.”

Whatever weight you are carrying right now, take it to the garden. Lay it at the feet of the One who already bore it. Let the press do its work. And then rise, forgiven, lighter, and filled with the oil of gladness that only the Savior can give.

He suffered so you could be free.

What a Savior. What a gift. What an oil press.

The Oil Press of Gethsemane

Just as olives must be pressed and crushed to release their purest, healing oil, our Savior willingly suffered in the garden of the oil press. There He bore every sin and sorrow so that the sanctifying oil of His Atonement could flow to every soul who comes with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

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Midnight Musings: Rediscovering Canva in the Witching Hours

Midnight Musings: Rediscovering Canva in the Witching Hours

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 02/24/2026

Hey there, fellow night owls and creative souls! It’s Shirley here, tapping away from my cozy corner in Hawkins, Texas, where the stars are out and the world is quiet. It’s been a hot minute since I last posted—life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? But tonight (or should I say this early morning?), I’m feeling inspired to share a little update on my latest adventure: diving back into Canva.

You know, as an author, I’ve always loved weaving words into stories that transport readers. But lately, I’ve been craving a visual twist to complement my writing. Enter Canva—the design tool that’s like a playground for the imagination. I’m relearning it from scratch, and let me tell you, it’s both exhilarating and a tad overwhelming. Remember those first days of discovering drag-and-drop magic? The templates, the fonts, the endless color palettes? I’m right back there, experimenting with book covers for my next manuscript and even some fun graphics for social media shares.

Pro tip: If you’re rusty like me, start with their tutorials—they’re bite-sized and perfect for short bursts of creativity.

But here’s the real talk: My schedule isn’t exactly ideal for this. For reasons I won’t bore you with (though I’d love to grill the universe about it someday—hey heaven, why the short end of the stick on sleep?), I’m only awake about four hours out of every 24. And those hours? Always after midnight, when the rest of the world is dreaming. It’s like living in my own personal twilight zone. On one hand, the silence fuels focus—no distractions, just me, my laptop, and that soft glow from the screen. On the other, I wish I had more time to explore, to iterate, to let ideas marinate. Four hours fly by when you’re knee-deep in aligning elements or hunting for the perfect stock photo.

Still, I’m making it work. Canva’s mobile app has been a lifesaver for those groggy moments when I can’t sit at my desk. And honestly, these late-night sessions have sparked some unexpected gems—designs that feel more raw and authentic, born from the quiet hours when my mind wanders freely. If you’re dealing with your own time constraints, whether from health, work, or just life’s chaos, know this: Progress doesn’t need a full day. A few dedicated hours can move mountains… or at least create a stunning Instagram post.

What’s next? I’m aiming to incorporate more visuals into my author journey—maybe some mood boards for characters or teaser graphics for upcoming releases. If you have Canva hacks or favorite features, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear how you’re blending creativity with whatever curveballs come your way.

Until next time (hopefully sooner than later), keep creating in the cracks of time you’ve got.

Sweet dreams—or good morning, depending on when you read this.

A little diddi I made up!
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The Magic of Runes in Modern Storytelling

The Magic of Runes in Modern Storytelling

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/19/2026

As an author weaving tales of survival and mysticism, I’ve fallen in love with runes, those enigmatic symbols from our ancestors. Today, let’s explore how these ancient marks breathe new life into modern stories, drawing from their historical roots to inspire today’s readers and writers.

Imagine a world shattered by catastrophe, where survivors cling to fragments of ancient wisdom to forge their path forward. In my Zion series, a mysterious rune etched on a weathered stone whispers prophecies of hope amid the ruins. It’s not just a plot device—it’s a bridge to the past, pulsing with magic that feels alive on the page.

Runes aren’t mere letters; they’re portals to a bygone era. The Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet, emerged around 150-800 AD among Germanic tribes in Scandinavia and beyond.

Carved into wood, stone, or bone, these 24 symbols served practical purposes—like labeling possessions or commemorating the dead—but they also carried deeper, mystical connotations.

Derived from the word “rún” meaning “secret” or “mystery” in Old Norse, runes were believed to hold divinatory power. Warriors might consult them before battle, or shamans use them in rituals to glimpse the future.

Historians draw much of what we know from sources like the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem and the Norwegian Rune Poem, which assign poetic meanings to each symbol.

Take Fehu, the first rune, shaped like a cattle horn: It represents wealth, prosperity, and the rewards of hard work.

Uruz, resembling an aurochs (a wild ox), embodies raw strength and endurance—perfect for tales of overcoming adversity.

Then there’s Ansuz, linked to Odin, the Allfather, symbolizing wisdom, communication, and divine inspiration.

These aren’t static definitions; they’re fluid, open to interpretation, which is why they fascinate storytellers like me.

In my Zion series—starting with Zion: The Beginning and continuing through the chronicles—I’ve adapted these runes to fit a post-apocalyptic landscape. Here, they’re more than historical nods; they’re survival tools.

Characters decipher rune-inscribed artifacts to unlock hidden bunkers or predict environmental threats, blending ancient lore with futuristic grit.

For instance, a protagonist might trace Uruz during a brutal storm, drawing on its energy to push through exhaustion.

This isn’t arbitrary—I researched authentic meanings to ensure they resonate authentically, then twisted them to serve the narrative. It’s like Tolkien did with his Elvish scripts or runes in The Hobbit, where they add layers of world-building that make Middle-earth feel timeless.

What draws me to runes in storytelling is their versatility. They’re visual poetry: Simple lines that evoke complex ideas, making them ideal for visual media like book covers or fan art.

In Zion, they symbolize resilience in chaos, mirroring real-world themes of adaptation in uncertain times. And honestly, incorporating them sparks my creativity—it’s like unlocking a secret code in my own writing process.

Speaking of process, let’s get practical. If you’re an aspiring writer eyeing mystical elements, runes are a goldmine. I start with research:

Books like The Rune Primer by Sweyn Plowright or online archives from museums provide solid foundations without overwhelming you. Then, I sketch them out—drawing Fehu or Ansuz helps internalize their shapes and energies.

One tip I had fun with: Try “rune journaling.” Each morning, pull a rune (you can use apps or make your own deck) and let it inspire a scene. Stuck on a character’s motivation? Draw Ansuz for a wisdom breakthrough. It’s a low-pressure way to infuse some Nordic or Celtic magic into your drafts.

In Zion, this method led to some of my favorite twists—like a rune that shifts meaning based on context, forcing heroes to question fate. It’s empowering: Runes remind us that stories, like real life, are woven from choices and interpretations. If you’re curious, grab a notebook and experiment— who knows what secrets you’ll uncover?

As we step into 2026, runes feel more relevant than ever. In a world buzzing with AI and rapid change, they ground us in human heritage while fueling imagination. Whether you’re devouring fantasy epics or crafting your own, these symbols endure because they tap into universal truths: Strength in struggle, wisdom in whispers.

From Book 1: Zion: The Beginning Of the 6-part Series “America’s Great Perfect Storm”

If runes have sparked your interest, let me know and when it’s ready, I will let you know.. You’ll dive into the Zion series on Amazon—start with Zion: The Beginning and see how these ancient marks shape a new world.

Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you used runes in your stories, or do they appear in your favorite books?

I’d love to hear! And stay tuned for more chronicles woven in runes—next up, perhaps a rune-deep dive on my upcoming podcast.

Thanks for reading, fellow adventurers. Until next time, may your paths be marked with prosperous runes.

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You Might Be a Writer If… You’re Chasing the Spark of Creation

You Might Be a Writer If… You’re Chasing the Spark of Creation

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/07/2026

Being an author isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about chasing the spark that turns ideas into stories that touch hearts. As the creator of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently hit 1,048 visitors, I’ve learned that writers live in a world where imagination and purpose collide. If you’re wondering whether you’ve got that writer’s spark, here are some signs, tied to my own journey of crafting children’s books, growing my blog, and advocating for hope.

What Happens Next?

You’re Always Asking, “What Happens Next?”

You might be a writer if you can’t help but wonder what’s around the next corner of a story. Whether I’m walking along the Emerald Coast, where Discovering Misty was born, or brainstorming for George and the Brave Eagle, I’m constantly asking, “What happens next?” A seashell could inspire a mermaid’s quest, or a soaring bird could spark a tale of courage. If you’re always chasing the next plot twist, you’re a writer at heart.

You Rewrite the World to Make Sense of It

You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.

People Watcher

You’re a People-Watcher with a Purpose

You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.

You might be a writer if you study strangers in a coffee shop, imagining their backstories. I’ve built characters for Discovering Misty: Friends Forever by watching kids play at the beach or families share stories. Writers don’t just observe—they weave those moments into narratives that resonate. My blog often reflects these snapshots, connecting everyday life to bigger themes like hope and community.

You Fall in Love with Your Tools

You might be a writer if you have a favorite pen, a lucky notebook, or a laptop you treat like a trusted friend. My desk, cluttered with notes for my GoFundMe campaign for George and the Brave Eagle, is my creative sanctuary. If you get a thrill from the click of a keyboard or the smell of fresh paper, you’re part of the writer’s club.

You’re Haunted by Stories That Demand to Be Told

You might be a writer if an idea grabs you and won’t let go until it’s on the page. The story of George, soaring with bravery, or Misty, discovering her strength, kept me up at night until I brought them to life. If you’ve ever felt a story tugging at you, insisting it needs to exist, you know the writer’s calling.

You Find Joy in Reader Connections

You might be a writer if a single reader’s comment lights up your day. When someone leaves a review for Discovering Misty on Amazon or shares how my blog inspired them, it’s like fuel for my soul. Hitting 1,048 blog visitors felt like a milestone worth celebrating, and every interaction reminds me why I write: to connect, inspire, and spread joy.

You Write for Something Bigger

You might be a writer if your stories carry a deeper purpose. For me, it’s about more than children’s books—it’s about weaving hope and resilience into every page, a mission that ties to my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether I’m sharing a blog post about family reading or a story about a brave eagle, I write to remind readers, young and old, that they’re not alone. If your words aim to lift others up, you’re a writer with heart.

You Keep Going, No Matter What

You might be a writer if you push through rejection, doubt, or the grind of promotion—like pitching Discovering Misty to bookstores or rallying support for George and the Brave Eagle. Writers don’t quit because the spark of creation is too strong. Even on tough days, I find myself back at my desk, writing a new blog post or polishing a chapter, because stories are how I make a difference.

If these signs feel like home, you might be a writer. Embrace the spark, chase the stories, and let your words light up the world. For me, it’s about bringing Misty and George to life, growing my blog, and sharing hope—one story at a time.

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It’s January! A New Year. A Time of New Beginnings

It’s January! A New Year. A Time of New Beginnings

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/03/2026

Maybe you’ll set a goal for this new year⁠. Some people choose a word to represent their intentions for the year ahead. This year⁠, our family will be focusing on the same verse of scripture: Moses 6:34⁠, “Walk with me.” This was an invitation given to the prophet Enoch.

As Enoch journeyed through the land, the Spirit of God rested upon him. Then the Lord spoke to him. He taught him about His plan of happiness, which would give purpose and meaning to life. Everyone longs to have better and deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. When the Lord finished describing His plan, He gave Enoch an invitation: “Walk with me.”

As you journey through this new year⁠, maybe you’ll find yourself looking for happiness, purpose, and meaning. We could all learn from Enoch’s story and invite the Lord to be part of our journeys this year⁠, no matter where we go…or stay.

As you might already know, I have been dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease. I’m thankful to still be here, as I’ve got much to do. I hope to use my time wisely, so I’ll be ready when the time comes.

You could choose to walk with Him. As you do, blessings await. I’m sure each of us will be better for it, if we determine for ourselves that we will walk with the Lord.

It’s going to be a good year⁠.

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Check this out!

Check this out!

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 12/11/2025

What do you think of my new favorite book cover for my upcoming book, “Washington’s Fantastical Crossing “? Please let me know what you think…

Thanks!

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