I ventured into the world of book (and blog) writing to fulfill a promise to my beloved mother-in-law. Sue's bright light was extinguished on December 2, 2010, after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer... just five month's after her first grandchild (my daughter) was born. Now as a mother, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and torch-bearer of a legacy, I paddle my boat, one wave at a time, toward that promise to her—and now to myself. In death as in life, Sue continues to motivate and inspire me. Follow me, and I'll do my best to pass the inspiration along. To life!
Here are three of my favorite kids’ books published last year. If you don’t have them, check them out. I think you’ll like them as much as your kids do. And if you’re interested in my other Top 3’s, check out my recommended blogs for moms and apps for traveling toddlers. Have your own Top 3 … More Top 3: Kids’ Books of 2012
In her TED Talk “Dare to Disagree,” Margaret Heffernan speaks to the power of “no” and the people who aren’t afraid to tell us that. I know all about this kind of person. I’m married to one. He’s honest with me and challenges my ideas, even when it’s not what I want to hear. And … More The Power of No
I’m going on week two of my birthday now. Nearly every morning since my actually birthday, I’ve been awakened by two dancing brown eyes and the excited whisper,
I made one of my favorite gifts ever this holiday. I wanted to share it with you all December, but I was afraid I’d ruin the surprise. (Some of the recipients kindly read this blog. You know family; they’re supportive like that.) Even though the holidays have come and gone, I thought some of you … More Picture Puzzles
I recently reached 200+ followers after a year on Twitter. I’m not sure what grade I’d get for that. (Solid C, perhaps?) To be honest, there’s still a good deal I don’t understand about Twitter and how other people use it. All I can tell you is how I’ve used it and what I’ve learned, … More 15 Things I Learned From My First Year on Twitter
We all know our body language affects how others perceive us. But did you know it affects how you perceive yourself? It also directly impacts your probability of professional and personal success. As Amy Cuddy explains in the TED Talk below: Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it. I mentioned … More Body Language
We talk a lot about what we did and what happened to us at the close of a year. But what about what we’ve learned? As I step into 2013, I take with me the lessons I gleaned from 2012. Included below is my personal list of 12 for ’12. But I’m curious: How would you complete … More 2012
I’m always amazed by the human spirit’s agility in the face of unending change, and never more so than at the start of a new year. What will 2013 hold for you, for me, for the world? New jobs, news discoveries, new inspiration? New losses, new challenges, new hope? This poem captures that adaptation better … More The Passing of the Year (Poem)
This year, as with any year, we all had our ups and downs, some higher and lower than others. To remember one is to reverently honor the other. The good and bad arrive—and depart—hand in hand. “Should we continue to look upwards?” Victor Hugo asked. “Is the light we can see in the sky one of … More New Year, New Hope (Video)
I would like to recognize that for each perfectly posed family photo, there are hundreds of not-so-perfect ones. And in the words of Clarice to Rudolph, “That’s what makes them so grand.” This is in honor of all those photos that never see the light of day … until now.
My Castle Heart Publications 