~ Blog ~
I Had to Travel Farther to Get Closer to Myself
I was walking along the edge of the sea making my way through the afternoon crowds of Monterroso al Mare, the empty beach chairs and glittering water to my right, the crowded cafés and shops to my left. As my eyes swept over the scene attempting to take it all in, I noticed a spot in an outdoor café where one could enjoy an aperitif while the orange sun slowly set.
The Little Old Lady Who Sat Next to Me
She looked like a nice little old lady. I squeezed into the seat between her and a young girl reading a Japanese bible and looked back to make sure Bryan and Charlie had boarded from the rear. After our mini LA family vacation I was looking forward to a quiet flight,...
Mandy’s Story
I met with Mandy at Saint John’s and was immediately overwhelmed by the feeling that everything would be OK. Mandy’s quiet strength and honest gaze just made me feel safe. What’s remarkable is how far she’s come in just a short amount of time. It was a little over two...
Parenting is Harder Now So I’m Parenting Harder
Parenting a teenager is tougher than ever. Despite looking grown, our kids still need us deeply. The challenges are amplified, from school pressures to social media and more. Society may think we’re done parenting, but we’re still here, navigating new challenges every day and loving every moment of it.
Dear Teenager, I’ll Be Standing Right Outside Your Closed Door Waiting For You
As a parent to a teenager, the shifting dynamics are evident behind closed doors. From cherished moments to newfound independence, the journey unfolds with silent conversations and unspoken needs. Despite the changes, the love and presence remain constant, standing outside the closed door.
Why 13 is Everything
Parenting a thirteen-year-old brings enchanting moments and new challenges. From quiet times to unexpected delights, the journey is filled with love and growth. Despite dreams on hold, the priceless moments with a blossoming teenager are treasured above all else.
Life as the Most Annoying Person on the Planet
Never in my wildest imagination did I expect to spend thirteen years raising my daughter with the outcome being that I became the most irritating person on the planet. But here I am, the most annoying and offsetting person in the house. I have the power to repel my...
Marriage is Not Making Vows, It’s Keeping Them
Like dominoes I see marriages falling down. Some for more obvious and irrevocable circumstances than others. The shock can be incredible when you see a friend blindsided, their life turned upside down, their kids manipulated, and their home divided. I’m not pretending to be God here and judging everyone, I’m just noticing something that shocks me.
Something to Believe In
When I woke up this morning on my 11th wedding anniversary, I never expected to spend half the day in a hardware store. Missing Charlie’s soccer game, a parent texted, ‘Is Charlie coming?’ Rushing Charlie out of bed, we sped off. Meanwhile, on our anniversary, Bryan sneaked to Save Mart for a card, leaving his phone at home.
How many rocks can you carry—before you break your own back?
The last time my husband and I had a moment of contention, I couldn’t pinpoint the issue, but I sensed something wrong. After sixteen years, I stopped wanting to win, knowing it meant we’d both lose. We semi-argued over something invisible, using innuendos and zingers to convey we wouldn’t yield. I realized this wasn’t about today but about a thousand yesterdays.