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!
A friend posted this on Facebook recently, and I was floored. Who knew the martial art great Bruce Lee had the heart of a poet and a philosopher? Apparently a lot of people. Just not me. And maybe not you. In which case: Read the story behind the letter here. To live content with small … More Inspiring Minds: Bruce Lee
My fellow Americans, we’re lucky enough to live in a democracy where we can affect our future. So why not elect to party? Get your friends together tomorrow night (from both sides of the aisle) for an impromptu Election Day Party. Then when people ask, “Where were you when [insert candidate or your choice] was … More Elect to Party
I usually do a funny, frivolous post on Fridays, but with Dia de Los Meurtos culminating today, I’m inclined to do something a little different, if that’s alright with you. As I wrote last year, fall and the holidays have a particularly poignant shade for many of us who grieve. I use “grieve” in the present tense, … More Dia de Los Muertos
What what your best Halloween costume ever? The women-in-history trio I created for my daughter is high on my list, but my personal favorite was: Carrie. Hands down. Unfortunately it was 1999, so I don’t have a picture to share. Most of us didn’t have camera phones or digital camera then (cue gasps from the post-Gen X … More Best Halloween Costume?
Welcome to my new “Top 3” feature. Today, I’m highlighting three of my favorite fun (and helpful) blogs for moms. In the future I’ll cover books, video games, board games, TED Talks, crafts, and whatever else suits my (and your) fancy. So let me know what you’d like to see! Please note that I have … More Top 3: Blogs for Moms
Need an easy (and impressive) finishing touch for that last-minute costume you’re pulling together? Here’s a great solution: If you need a wig… And can’t really sew (like me)… And don’t want to spend $40 on an itchy, ill-fitting travesty at a costume shop… Make your own no-sew wig! Pssst: As promised, if you want … More No-Sew Costume Wig
One fall Saturday, a hungry and bored couple (newly enamored with Iron Chef and pumpkin coffee) had an idea … That couple was me and my husband back when we had the kid-less luxury to lay around all day and scheme up pastimes. Now Pumpkin Day has stuck. It’s our own made-up holiday, but our … More Pumpkin Day!
How do parents put up with year after year of the same Halloween costume ideas? Just the thought of a rack of princess-in-a-bag ensembles makes me want to gouge my brain out. Sure, Szaba will probably come to me one day (as soon as next year?) wanting to look like everyone else, but until then, … More Women in History Costumes
Come on, just that title alone should make you laugh. It’s pretty ridiculous. But actually, I do have a laughter quiz and video for you. And the video make you laugh, 65% guaranteed. Why 65%? Because seeing other people laugh reflexively makes us laugh, like yawning. Research shows it’s triggered by a neural circuit in … More Laughter: Quiz and Video
Do you ever wonder if maybe life isn’t about trying so hard or racing to the finish or filling up every minute with something productive? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s good to be lazy all the time either, but what’s the point of life if you can’t enjoy it? That’s why it … More Inspiring Minds: Kurt Vonnegut
My Castle Heart Publications 