I'm just getting settled in back at home from a week of vacation. The great thing about traveling is that you realize the things you love and miss about your home while getting to take a break from things that are rubbing you raw. You come home with a new sense of gratitude that a little distance can provide. On this vacation, I unplugged from work, stayed up reading fiction into the early hours, drove with the windows down and the music loud, and quieted the track of go-go-go that seems to … [Read more...] about coming home, as good as going away
authenticity
my very own space
Now that the weather has turned, I'm happy to have my nook back. It's technically a three season porch so in the winter months it is uninhabitable. Even with the direct morning sun, you could still see your breath in there. So, the door stayed closed and my little room sat empty most of the winter. In our old house, which was a small two bedroom, we had an extra room that we called the sun room because it had two walls of windows. It was one of those useless rooms that was too removed from … [Read more...] about my very own space
i gave up wine (this is not a joke)
I'm giving up wine for Lent. The words just sort of came out of my mouth. My kids had heard it, and there was no turning back. They were giving up candy, so I was prepared to lay down something serious. Obscure food groups and random habits weren't going to cut it. I'm giving up shellfish and leaving the cabinets open (a recent habit my husband is constantly pointing out to me). Not on the level. I gave up wine for Lent. I'm gluten free, so I don't drink beer either. That leaves … [Read more...] about i gave up wine (this is not a joke)
from sunday blah’s to monday a-ha’s
The last couple of Sunday's I've had an intense case of The Sunday Blah's. By 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon I've found myself in a funk of the worst proportions. A downward spiral of crabbiness that I couldn't seem to shake. It's not the looming week that sets me off. I actually love Monday's. I love the back to school and back to work industry of a Monday morning. Routines and systems in place. Monday's make me feel like anything is possible. No dangling carrots are needed. Now Wednesday … [Read more...] about from sunday blah’s to monday a-ha’s
i’m worried about girls
I'm worried about girls. As the mother of two boys, some days I feel relief that I don't have daughters. I'll be honest - girls sort of terrify me. Yet some days I still feel the pang of what if...or who will take care of me when I'm old? Even without daughters in my house, I'm still worried about girls. Part of it is just a general anxiety about the world we live in and what society values. The cult of popularity hasn't lost any steam. And right when the world should be opening up … [Read more...] about i’m worried about girls
you just might learn something
I took some time over the last few days to reflect on my one year anniversary of blogging as more than just a day or a milestone or an excuse to buy flowers (which I did). And by taking that time to dig a little deeper, I was reminded of a few things, lessons, that I have learned along the way. Maybe they apply to something that's on your mind, a challenge you're trying to work through or a puzzle you're trying to figure out. Lesson #1 - I don't want to be a blogger. When I first … [Read more...] about you just might learn something
one year blogging
One year ago today I published my first blog post. I didn't have a plan other than to write about my experiences. I've tried to figure it out as I go along. I didn't know what I was doing, but I had to start somewhere. And that's what I want to say today. Don't wait. That thing you've been wanting to do or try. Stop mulling. Stop researching. Stop strategizing. Get on with it. If I've learned anything in writing 110 posts in the last year, it's that if you wait for it to be perfect, it … [Read more...] about one year blogging
on purpose
I've been staring at the screen for awhile now. Looking over a running list of things that I want to write about here on my blog. Some days, I know exactly what I want to write and my ideas and opinions can't get from my head on to the screen fast enough. It doesn't help that I am a remedial typer at best. But today is not one of those days. Today is the day where I stare and stare and eventually give myself an ultimatum. Pick something and get started or....or what? It's hard to be your own … [Read more...] about on purpose