I have a bad habit. The fact is – I have many, but this particular bad habit is quite literally detrimental to my health. No, it isn’t smoking or drinking. It isn’t substance abuse of any sort. It’s simpler than that, and so much more complicated. I don’t pay enough attention to me. Too busy […]
Battle Fatigue & Holiday Headaches
I’m feeling war weary, though I won a battle recently – and to me it was gargantuan. Yep. Moving my site! It was also symbolic, because if I could win one battle, maybe I could win one more. And I have many battles ahead. Battle fatigue and holiday headaches I’m certainly not alone in having […]
Who Are you? What Are You?
Who are you? What are you? Silly questions? Maybe not. I know who my “dream self” is – and of course, what she does. And then there’s reality. So, when asked who you are or what you are, how do you answer? Is your response automatic and factual, based on your “here and now?” Does […]
Parenting is sloppy
I woke early, remembered four extra teen boys sleeping in my house – somewhere – and stopped by one of my favorite spots, trying to hold off on that first dose of caffeine. I dropped in at Kristen’s place, Motherese, where there was a particular cookie. And it looked delicious, and perfect, and made me […]
Tell All? Don’t Think So!
Why oh why do you think that you must “tell all?” Every little corner of the self revealed? Whether confiding in a significant other or writing in a social media forum, do you know when enough is enough? Would I, personally, present my every thought, my every tale and detail for public or private consumption? […]
Something Like Marriage
A marriage. Or something like it.
Are You Superstitious?
When a birthday rolls around, I want a candle and a wish. My kids shake their heads, but I don’t care if it’s a candle in play-doh, a bran muffin, a cupcake, or a piece of fruit. I want to make a wish. Why? Because since my sons were born, my birthday wishes have always […]
Painting Over
Our walls, ourselves, our children.
It Takes Two Hands to Hold the Mirror Steady
My mother was beautiful, stunning really – 1940s movie star stunning. She had black curly hair, pearly teeth decades before bleaching and veneers, wide-set hazel eyes, and lush, arching brows that gave her face softness. Her nose was fine, and her full lips were painted deep red, shimmering coral, occasionally pink. She wore no other […]
Courage
Sometimes our children surprise us. Really surprise us. I remember my older son defending his much littler brother against a bully, a kid who was beefier than both of them put together. But my first-born threw himself into the fray without hesitation, and got the bully to back off. Flash forward nine years. That bully […]