Why the Name “All is well, Nowell”?

Cheers, grandma! All is well.

Everyday on my way home from work, I used to call my grandmother. It became our little ritual - those car ride chats that covered everything from what we ate for lunch to the state of the world. We’d talk about the small things: new TV shows we were watching, recipes we found, stories from our day. But we’d also talk about the big things: me losing my dad and her losing her sister, falling in love, and Supreme Court justice nominations - nothing was off limits. Those calls were a constant in my life, a grounding, comforting space that I didn’t realize I would miss so much until they were gone.

My grandma passed away two years ago now and ever since, I’ve felt this quiet emptiness in my afternoons. That stretch of time when I’d usually dial her number and hear her pick up with her warm, familiar, “Hello, Miss Hayhay, how are you?”

I’d always reply, “All is well.”

It was our thing. Those three words became our rhythm. A little phrase of reassurance, even when life wasn’t perfect. It was my way of saying, I’m here. I’m okay. Let’s chat. And so, when I decided to start this blog - to create a space to share my thoughts, dreams, stories and everyday life with the people I love - it only felt right to name it after that exchange. “All is well, Nowell.”

Nowell was my grandmother’s middle name. It felt like the perfect way to keep her with me, woven into every post, every word. This blog is a continuation of those conversations that we used to have. A space for the little things and the big things. The laughter and the questions. I may not be calling her on my drive home anymore, but I’m still talking, still sharing and still listening.

And I want you - my friends, my family, and anyone else who finds themselves here - to be a part of it too. Please feel free to comment, respond and keep the conversation going. This is meant to be a living, breathing space, just like those old car rides home.

It also feels beautifully fitting to launch this blog on June 8th - her birthday. I can’t think of a better way to honor her memory than by creating something rooted in connection, conversation and love.

So welcome to All is well, Nowell. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s chat!

All is well,

H