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!
Looking for Part 2? Read “The Players.” Oh, yes. I’m going there. I’m bringing out the biggest, geekiest, and perhaps most endearing guns in nerdom: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Not a nerd? Don’t be scared. Hear me out. At the risk of over-simplifying, D&D is a cooperative endeavor in which players use strategy and creativity … More D&D Parenting, Part 1: The Supplies
Caught on tape: ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Watch a handful of boaters save a trapped and dying whale, who responds with literally awesome appreciation and joy.
Bored at home? Try out a new park. Bring a picnic lunch. Better yet, take a friend’s kid, so she can go get a pedicure (and swap the favor next week). We recently tried Bayview-Kinnear Park (below Kerry Park) on Queen Anne hill in Seattle. The play gear was completely different from anything Szaba (or I) … More Free Seattle: Bayview-Kinnear Park
If you live around Seattle, chances are you’re well aware of the San Juan Islands. If you’re not or live elsewhere, it’s a collection of islands off the Washington coast, north of Seattle and south of Vancouver, Canada. There are mountains, state parks, whales, yachts, bald eagles, farms, ferns, oysters, orchards, honor-system farm stands, and evergreens … More San Juan Islands
Toddler Talk Episode 5 “Zombies” Szaba, would you be my wingman in a zombie apocalypse?
Want a conversation starter for some yawn of a wall in your house? Try this easy wall art idea. An inspiring home begets inspiration, so first, pick a theme that inspires you. For instance, when we remodeled our bathroom, we found a newspaper from 1930 layered among the floor boards, which gave me an idea …
Have you ever considered donating to Locks of Love? It’s a non-profit that accepts hair donations to make wigs for kids who don’t have their own, due to illness (commonly cancer). I donated once right before I had Szaba, and ever since then, I’ve committed to an ongoing “cycle” for my hair: Grow it out. … More Locks of Love
Carve out a spot in your house or a time every day that’s all about you. It’s your “sacred place,” as Joseph Campbell put it. Your break to remember who you are, to listen to your gut, and to live the life entrusted to your soul.
I had a bored toddler, a rainy day, and an empty fridge. To the grocery store! 5 Ideas: 1. Let your toddler bring along a fellow adventurer: a favorite toy or stuffed animal. 2. Make it a game: Can you find something brown? Do you see an apple? Let’s look for something cold … 3. Point … More Grocery Adventure
When you’re a mom, you don’t have much time or money to put into a party. Yet like any good hostess, you want to do something special for your guests and, especially, your guest of honor. Here are 5 easy party decoration ideas I picked up from planning my daughter’s “Red, White, and Two” party. … More 5 Easy Party Decoration Ideas
My Castle Heart Publications 