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!
Helicopters, French, and Tigers, oh my! Lately there’s been deluge of articles about parenting styles. Or maybe it’s just that so many of my new-parent friends are social media mavens; thus I get hit with it everywhere I look. Regardless, it makes my head spin. The funny thing about these articles: I have a sneaking suspicion … More Parenting Styles
Since I do live in Seattle, that gives me the right to co-opt Frasier’s “I’m listening” catch phrase, right? For those of you who’ve been following this blog for awhile (thanks!) as well as you newbies (welcome!), I’d love to hear from you. This has been my basic format so far:
Here’s a cheap and easy treasure hunt activity to help entertain your tot. Just put some bird seed, rice, or sand in a plastic container with a lid, for easy storage. Throw in small cups, pretty stones, orphaned figurines, shells, or whatever else you may have on hand (that’s not a choking hazard, of course). … More Treasure Hunt
Yesterday a friend posted a story about a older gentleman diligently searching for the perfect Valentine for his wife in the greeting cards aisle. Sadly, the card he picked was too expensive at check out, and he left empty handed. I was so moved by this story that it inspired me to share this idea … More Card Making
That’s right. Super kids. Out to save the world. And I found out about it on Pakistani TV, of all places. My old college roommate posted a video about it on Facebook. She recently returned to Pakistan to help her family after a decade of running charities in Vancouver and Seattle. (Yes, she’s amazing.) Her sister was … More Super Kids Save the World!
Some of us like the gym. Some don’t. Some of us have time for the gym. Some don’t. I’m a double “don’t.”
When I worked at Cranium (before it was sadly decapitated by Hasbro) we had a saying we applied to every game and toy we created: Surprise and delight. When I think back to my childhood, it’s the “surprise and delight” moments that really stand out—something wonderful that happened on some ordinary day, suddenly making it … More Surprise and Delight
I was inspired to start this whole blog after my mother-in-law and dear friend, Sue, died from breast cancer a year ago. Sue was integrally involved with the 3 Day Walk for the Cure as a fund-raiser, speaker, crew member, and walker. (Once she even walked 60 miles on chemo for the cause.) Given Sue’s close ties … More The Real Enemy: Breast Cancer
My friend April recently posted a link to Dalton Ghetti’s tiny pencil art on Facebook with the simple, eloquent comment, “People are amazing.” After seeing pictures of Dalton’s work and learning more about him, I couldn’t agree more. My favorite quote from the artist:
This is a very special Wednesday for me. Why? Because the incredible songwriter Leonard Cohen just released his new Old Ideas album! At age 77, Leonard is just as dapper, talented, and insightful as ever. Take a moment. This man’s words are sure to feed your soul. Before we get to the new stuff, here’s my … More New Old Ideas
My Castle Heart Publications 