As a child I admired those with talent. Nadia Comaneci was my hero for her amazing abilities as a gymnast. Marie Curie’s story stuck with me for her example of what one woman could do for science. Young violin and piano prodigies captivated me with their skill. At first these gifted people inspired me. I…
expectations
Family Bucket Lists: Let’s Land That Helicopter, Mom
My breath caught at the sight of the bright flags piled near the gym wall. A few girls were already spinning and tossing the aluminum-poled silks. Instinctively my body reacted to the sharp thwap of fabric slicing air, hands itching to join the movements. Suddenly I was 15 again, standing in the early morning haze…
All In
This month I’m making a leap. I’m stepping off the edge. I’m diving into a new venture (or adventure). This month also marks the start of a year in which I’ve decided I’m going to stop holding back. I want to be all in. The new venture is a series for parents at my church….
Celebrating Amidst Imperfection
A symmetrical evergreen bedecked with ribbon garland, white lights, and glass ornaments sits in the front window giving off a subtle pine scent. The soft sounds of carols play throughout the house, mixed with the crackles and pops coming from the glowing embers in the fireplace – the perfect counter to gently falling snow outside….
Wish Lists
It’s that wonderful time of year – those weeks where we head to the stores or our craft rooms or kitchens to buy/create an item from a loved one’s list of wishes. Our goal now, and in the weeks ahead, is to fulfill a wish (or wishes) for every person on our shopping list. But…
A New School Year & The Dreaded “H” Word
Yesterday my children started school. And they arrived home with homework… for me. I always forget this is coming. So many forms for me to complete, even after all we filled out already at registration. There’s the personal inventory of my child’s personality and academic/social strengths and weaknesses (which I keep swearing I’ll photocopy to…
Sharing Mother’s Day – An Obligation or Celebration?
For moms, Mother’s Day can be laden with expectation. We expect to be pampered and coddled – breakfast in bed, a trip to the spa, dinner at a fancy restaurant. But what we don’t expect is to be lost in all the craziness of family obligations. Yet for some women with family living nearby (or…