Author: Angela Taylor Hylland

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!

Soak It In

May 9, 2012

It’s that time. The time of year worse than the whole of winter combined. When we’ve had it. With every synapse of our minds, every follicle of our skin, every phantom cell of our soul: We need Summer. But Summer is a flighty, uncaring temptress. She takes her damn time. She naps and adorns her hair and organized her closets. … More Soak It In

Confession

May 7, 2012

Yes, I was raised Catholic, but that doesn’t have anything to do with this. It’s a realization I had when I read a stirring essay by April Perry. (Thank you, April, for writing it.) And here is that realization:

Living Art

May 4, 2012

If I won the lottery (which would be pretty difficult, since I don’t play it), I would commission a house that’s a living art piece. As in, a piece of art you live in. Stick with me here. There is a point that pertains to you.

Word Art

May 1, 2012

Last month I offer several fun ideas for Poetry Month. But words can be much more than a carefully crafted phrase, poem, script, or story. They can be visual art as well. Here are 3 easy “Word Art” projects for execs, parents, bloggers, teachers, kids, crafters, photographers, and anyone else I’m forgetting. 1. The “Wordle” I discovered http://www.Wordle.net the … More Word Art

Words of Wisdom

April 30, 2012

As I venture forward into a future without Sue or Shirley, I’m comforted by these words of wisdom from Shirley herself. They are from a speech she wrote for our wedding, and I read them at her service. Take advantage of the insight that only a century of living and loving can truly bring. I think you’ll find … More Words of Wisdom

Pure Happiness

April 27, 2012

This Koop song is exquisitely lovely. I never get tired of it, especially when I’m in a peaceful and reflective mood, like this chilly, but sunny morning. I hope it reaches you in the same way.

Bereavement

April 24, 2012

What has helped you through grief or a particularly challenging time? For me, it’s writing. Very few people have ever read my poetry. It’s my great intimacy. But right now, I can find no other way to express the events and emotions of the last few days. Shirley’s death clings to my soul in a … More Bereavement

Meaning of Dreams

April 23, 2012

Oh, to write again! Today I’ll be pouring words onto the page and trying to organize them in some meaningful sense for me and for you. In the meantime, I wrote this (rather eerie now) piece last week, before the shock of Shirley’s death, and I feel I must share it now. The holiday apparently … More Meaning of Dreams

A Life on a Page

April 18, 2012

I wrote my second obituary this week. That’s not something I ever thought I’d add to my repertoire, though I guess it’s nice to have something productive and helpful to do in times like these. The last time this happened I was like a deer in headlights when the family asked me to do it, … More A Life on a Page