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!
This baby is officially due Wednesday—if I haven’t had it already. You see, you’re reading this today, but I’m writing it a week early… just in case. I wanted to let you to know that I’m going away for a little while, at least digitally. You’ll still see the occasional updates from me on Facebook, … More Maternity Leave
Any parent-to-be can’t help but worry (at least a little) about the great unknown of transitioning from one child to two. In addition to logistics like sleeping arrangements, meltdown management, and nap juggling, there are the uncertainties of adding another person into the family dynamic. As one parent explained it, you’re not just adding one … More Being a Big Sister
So, how many of you gamers out there got the reference? Despite these glorious glimpses of sun, we’re not through Seattle’s rainy season yet, and as long as grey clouds loom, you’ll find this dish in our fridge or freezer. It’s a staple: easy, filling, and damn good, too, if I do say so myself. … More Dragonbreath Chili
Who doesn’t occasionally get bogged down by today vs someday, practical vs ideal, reality vs dream? It’s easy to let your left brain win out in those stacked matches. But Effie Waller Smith splashed cold water on my face with the following poetic revelation. May it inspire you to make a choice today—tiny or grand—on … More Today vs Someday
You know that saying, “Stop and smell the roses”? Well, in Seattle it’s more like, “Stop and see the tulips.” Because Seattle is crazy about spring. We are outdoors people, and being cooped up inside for four months is quite enough, thank you very much. That’s why in April, we blissfully exit our rain caves to … More Free Seattle: Tulip Festival
This is Lupita Nyong’o. You may know her as the Oscar winner from 12 Years a Slave. But it was her speech on beauty that many of us found more Oscar-worthy—especially us moms already battling the pretty princess phenomenon with our little girls.
As more people are having kids later in life, many find themselves navigating the unchartered waters of parenting without the guidance of their own parents to help light the way. When I lost my adored mother-in-law, Sue, and grandmother-in-law, Shirley, mere months after having my first child, the thought of raising my daughter without them was, well, … More Parenting Under the Influence
There has never been a home owner who has said, “Now everything here is done… forever!” There have been and are and always will be more projects to tackle. Come to think of it, same goes for parenting… But at least with the home projects, I’ve found a solution that (dare I say it?) is genius. … More To-Do To Done
One of the most magical things about books is their ability to transport us into other places, lives, and experiences. This is especially important for kids, giving them a larger context of the world beyond their backyards—thus paving the way for creativity and acceptance. Here are some our family’s favorite multicultural children’s books. I would love … More Multicultural Children’s Books
Did you know parades were originally a chance for rulers to display their military might and authority? Eventually they became associated with festivals and holidays. People used them for a chance to socialize, witness a spectacle, and have fun (as they still do). They say the original Macy’s Day Parade (1924) was the first to … More Free Seattle: Parades
My Castle Heart Publications 