Parenting can be a tough gig. And Tough Love an even rougher ride. But it’s all a vital part of parenting, an essential element in teaching our children about the important stuff in life. You know, stuff like vajayjays and other things, like how to fish… As such, I loved reading this Circle of Mom’s piece on one mother’s creative … Read More
I’m Sad
Two days ago I was so mad it gave me a rare, pounding headache. The kind that makes your eyes bulge and your entire body hurt. And last night I was the kind of sad that brings giant crocodile tears. The kind that builds towers out of snotty tissues. I’m sad because I realized, yesterday, for the first time … Read More
Trash, Twenty-Three Candles, Heavenly Hugs, and a Pizza
Today, we celebrated my eldest’s twenty-third birthday. For some reason, this one is the most dreamlike. Big Guy, Warren, and I sat in the hot tub last night, figuring out how we were going to shape Gavin’s special day. I’ve been listening all week to advertisements for our city’s annual, Downtown cleanup event. I’ve accompanied my children and swept many … Read More
Following The Voice Within
Photo via http://www.kansasbob.com/2013/02/intuition-vs-logic.html And old pal refers to me as her Clairvoyant Friend. I can’t begin got count the many times someone has popped into my thoughts with absolutely no rhyme or reason. Often, if I don’t take some form of action like call the person, write a letter, or drop a quick electronic note, that feeling will repeat itself … Read More
Feast or Famine
Anyone who is self-employed or works for a seasonal company—heck, works, period—knows the pressures of The Busy Season. That sentence makes me laugh because it reminds me of a job interview I once had. Dressed in heels and my finest skirt ensemble, I walked into the petroleum office door to find the jeans-and-t-shirt-clad secretary counting an obscene amount of cash. … Read More
Cute as a Baby’s–
The photo says it all! Mark Twain meets Gerber Baby! This Lil’ Shaver pacifier by Fred Baby Products made me laugh out loud as I browsed the gift shop. Happy happened in a Cracker Barrel restaurant. What about you? What Moments of delight made you laugh or smile this week? Share your insights here and create a smile in someone else’s … Read More
The Gift of Receiving
I find great joy in giving. And following my recent surgery, I acknowledged how great it felt when friends delivered food to my back door. But there was more to that story. An uncomfortable more that made me stop and access my behavior. The third bearer of gifts sat down at the table and chatted with me as I scarffed down … Read More
The Joys of Giving
Breakfast for a group of growing boys I love preparing special little gifts, special occasions, everyday events, and surprises for the people in my life. I recently put together fun packages for my college kids and their companions. I felt so much joy baking the goodies, wrapping other little wintry whatnots, and writing a personal note to each of … Read More
Parents of Well-Behaved Children Rewarded – Good or Bad Practice?
I recently stumbled across Circle of Mom’s blog entry about a restaurant discount one family received because their children were well-behaved. The comment boards were lit up with parents and non-parents, alike, arguing both sides of whether or not this bill reduction is fair and/or moral. As of this writing, the HuffingtonPost piece that originated the discussion had 732 responses. … Read More
Admitting to the Martyr in Me
Warren and I will soon be traveling south to watch SS compete in a national event. I can’t wait to be in a little warmer climate after the harsh winter we’re having in the northeast. I’m also looking forward to spending a couple of days with my family who live only about five hours from the venue. As I was … Read More