Milly Magpie

mumblings of a military magpie


  • The stories we do not tell.

    I am a habitual creature. I dread the alarm clock and reach for my phone to slowly ease into the new day with my drug of choice – Facebook. I get my news, info and morning kick start from my ever-present handheld device. Right or wrong, it is my way to start the day. Yesterday Continue reading

  • Hold on loosely.

    A solo trip down the road with full control of the radio became an “A-ha!” moment for this mom. Inspiration sneaks in at the most unsuspecting instants. The car can be the perfect place to run dialogue with myself or any passengers who are held captive within my four doors. I have learned to take Continue reading

  • My new favorite acronym.

    Acronyms are everywhere in the Army. Why say a string of words when one succinct combo of letters nails it? One of my new favorite acronyms is CTFD (Calm The F%$k Down). It is not an official Army acronym, but it should be. I tend to run down the rabbit hole, and PCS season can Continue reading

  • My life in bullet points.

    My husband called and asked the simple question, “Can you give me some bullet points covering what you have done while we have been here at Hohenfels?” Bullet points= volunteer work. Somebody was working on PCS awards, and his simple question sent my mind in motion. I truly appreciate PCS awards or any volunteer recognition, Continue reading

  • To all the posts I have loved before.

    It is a new year and as the dust settles from the holiday hubbub, and my resolutions are struggling to stay resolute the reality of a new duty station hovers on the horizon. In six months it will be time to pack up what we know and love, and head to parts known or unknown. Continue reading

  • Quote me.

    I am not sure when my fascination with quotes began, but I have had a long-standing love affair with the words of my fellow man. Before I was a Mrs. or Mommy, I was an idealistic middle school teacher who had the luxury of muttering the words, “I am” and “bored” in the same sentence. One Continue reading

  • A letter to my teenage daughter she will probably never read, but I still really needed to write.

    Dear Daughter, I love you, and I know you love me too. I still see glimpses of my once constant companion hidden behind your steely stares and dismissive shrugs. I was you once. I get it, but there are things I need to say that you might not be able to hear, so I decided Continue reading

  • There is a reason, so heed your season.

    Years ago I met a kindred spirit who shared a love of junking, creating and surprise gifting. When she invited me for a weekly coffee date I was thrilled. I didn’t drink coffee, but I was so grateful for her invitation and friendship I doused my coffee with milk, dumped in half her sugar bowl Continue reading

  • Popping tags in Bayern and beyond. Bavarian thrift shop basics.

    I have been popping tags longer than Macklemore has been alive. What started as a newlywed necessity has become a bit of an obsession. My husband calls it hoarding, but I prefer the term hobby. I love to junk. When we moved to Germany I fell in love with Flohmarkts (flea markets), and then I Continue reading

  • Advice from a new girl’s notebook.

    I have been the new girl since the day I was born, and I have spent the last 45 years perfecting my new girl skills. Being the new girl can be equal parts exhilaration and terror. Or not so equal parts of sucky. Below is my top advice for new girls (and boys) everywhere. Three Continue reading

About Me

I’m momma to two college students who have improved my sarcasm and my Spotify. I’m an Army brat who is well traveled but geographically challenged. I believe wanderlust is real, kindness matters and age is relative.