You're in the Driver's Seat

I wish you a Merry Christmas, knowing full well that if it's mostly merry, well, then, hurrah! Hear what local counselor Dr. Carl Nassar advises on staying sane this holiday season as per my monthly community column published Christmas Day, 2014 in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





I sure wish someone would've said those things to me, oh, about 25-years ago when the smallest of perceived slights by one/more of my five sisters would've had me seething. Now I'm blessed to see things more clearly and to take things less personally.

Happy Holidays, and thank you for another year of loving support!

Giving Thanks for Gender Question

Ah, Thanksgiving! No matter your gender, who doesn't love a day devoted to feasting, family, football, and fun? But gender does matter, as you'll hear by clicking the 3:30 link below to hear an audio version of my Nov. 27, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





Wherever you are on the gender spectrum, I am grateful for your bravery in claiming the freedom that is yours to live your truth. Because you matter.

"Happy T-Day!"

Every Age is "Voteworthy"

Ever since I was old enough to vote, I've voted. In every election. While some would say this lifelong independent has more often than not thrown away her vote, it's participating that's important. Click on the link below to hear what else I wrote on the subject for "The Fort Collins Coloradoan" on Oct. 23, 2014:






While I pray I'll be voting for many years to come, who knows, right? Who knows indeed...maybe someday, sooner than you think, independent voters' votes will become the majority!

Mostly Proud Ram Fan Wants It All

If you asked me to pick a favorite season, I'd say, "The one we're enjoying right now." Truly, I cannot choose! But...I sure do love fall and football, especially when the University of Nebraska and/or Colorado State University are on the field. Click on the link below to hear more about my two favorite teams as I wrote in my Sept. 25, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:


Hmmm, come to think of it...college football really does encompass all the seasons: it kicks off in late summer; is played mostly during fall; and the post-season is part of what makes early winter ever so delightful. And then there's always the spring game to look forward to. "Go, Rams!" and "Go, Huskers!"

Clapping for More Happy Couples

Truly, it was the happiest wedding I've had the pleasure to attend. Click on the link below for the rest of the story, as featured in my monthly column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





Karen and Tammi are pioneering on the open plains just as our ancestors did not so long ago, opening hearts and minds just as those who passed this way before opened up territories.

To the happy couple!

MAX is Connecting Our Community

July 5, 2014 was the perfect day to take an inaugural trip on The Fort's new bus rapid transit system. It was hot, hot, hot, but ridership was low, low, low due to the holiday weekend. Click on the link below to hear what I wrote about MAX - and Ron, and Mark - in the July 24, 2014 "Fort Collins Coloradoan" newspaper:





The MAX really is a cool ride. Of course, we've got our work cut out for us on the infrastructure. Let's just say getting to DQ that day from the Spring Creek Station was a bit of a challenge, but the Reese's Blizzards were worth it.

Celebrating a Great City and a Great Father

I'm not much into words with as many syllables as I have sisters - six - but if it's just the right one, well, then that's another story. As Fort Collins celebrates its 150th anniversary, so is my family marking the 90th anniversary of our father's birth. Hear all about it by clicking on the link below, which contains an audio version of my June 26, 2014 column in "The Coloradoan." 

"Happy Heavenly Birthday, Bob!" You, Dad, are missed beyond words.

Long May Flag Day Wave

Flag Day has taken on a profoundly new significance for many in northern Colorado, as I wrote in my May 22, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan. Click on the 3:30 link below to hear why:







Glory be, I didn't think I could love Old Glory more!

The Gauchers' touching life and death story is one of such honor, such inspiration. In fact, I'm working on a book with Whitney and Tammy about their families' lives and Nick's and Paul's deaths, as well as another beyond words and this world individual, Mr. Bob Drysdale. Bob's widow, Cindy Drysdale-Kaufman, and his daughter, Erin Drysdale, are also contributing, as is Wellington Middle School Principal Dr. Alicia Durand and a host of other VIPs.

If you've been blessed with a connection with any and/or all of the above, we'd love to hear your story. Email me, Brenda Rader Mross, at radermross@msn.com, or call me at 970.568.0588.

God Loves Ram Fans

Westboro Baptist Church is so anti-gay, they can't see straight. Click below to hear what I wrote in my April 24, 2014 "Fort Collins Coloradoan" column about the church protesting Colorado State University's May 17 commencement exercises:


Some people, right? Thank God some people's kids - like my graduating CSU senior - are able to see with such clarity.

Got Time for a Riddle?

There's just no way to intro this piece without giving "it" away, so, rather, I'll invite you to click on the 3:28 link below to hear my March 27, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan: 




Riddled out? Or are you game for another? Send me your favorite!

Students Surprise and Amaze during Black History Month

There's a rich history of honoring Black History Month on the Colorado State University campus, where there's a lot of "telling it like it is." And was. I was honored to feature the BAACC (Black/African American Culture Center) in my Feb. 27 "Coloradoan" newspaper column. Hear all about it in the 3:37 link below:





When Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month in 1976, President Gerald Ford urged Americans "to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Amen, and say it again! And again! And again...

Stoners of a Painfully Different Ilk

Ironic, isn't it, that the two states in the U.S. that have legalized marijuana are on opposing sides in Super Bowl XLVIII. Regardless of how you feel about "Mary Jane," you should check out Bruce Barcott's feature in the Jan. 31, 2014 issue of "Rolling Stone" magazine. 'Tis indeed thought-provoking. My Jan. 23 community column in "The Fort Collins Coloradoan" may not blow your mind, but I hope it will enlighten nonetheless. Click on the link below to hear what I mean:





"Go, Broncos!"