December can be an magical time. It can also be incredibly gut-wrenching. The fact that those two realities can exist together never fails to dumbfound me. Some years it’s easier. Some years it’s not. Some years it barrels through and knocks me down at the door. Some years it sneaks up behind me, whispering, bittersweet. When I was younger, I’d hear people … More December Duality
I am absolutely floored by this review of The Denim Jungle I just received from the 24th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Books Awards. And it couldn’t come at a better time. Last week was the one-year anniversary of finally having my book (MY book!) in my hands, and tomorrow is the sixth anniversary of losing Sue, who inspired me … More WOW! Writer’s Digest Review of The Denim Jungle
Oh, how I love encountering quotes scribbled on coffee shop walls. Call it coincidence, fate, morphic resonance, or pure egotistical naiveté, but they always seem to be speaking directly to me. Case in point, this quote:
Five years ago today, I said goodbye to my mother-in-law. I made her many promises that day, not the least of which was fulfilling her dream for The Denim Jungle.
It’s been almost five years since The Denim Jungle germinated inside me. It began as a promise and grew to be guide, challenger, and teacher. At times, it was downright maddening and frustrating. I would’ve given anything to just be done with it. But throwing in the towel was never an option. It was a mysterious inevitability inside me, … More Book Writing Postpartum
Hey, remember me? It’s been awhile. Things have been a little crazy town over here. Book progress is moving full steam ahead (for release this November!) while I juggle client jobs to fund it. Plus, summer has morphed into autumn, my youngest is in preschool, and my eldest has officially entered the wild world of kindergarten. And yet, … More Falling Forward
Today I take a break from the book stuff to honor one of the reasons behind it: My son. Sweet little Von never had the chance to meet two of the most incredible women I’ve ever known—the women who inspired this journey and would have been his adoring grandmothers. (Emphasis on adoring.) Despite the deep sorrow that brings, it … More Birthday Wishes for My Son
Occasionally a friend comes to me with a grief story so powerful I ask them if I may share it here with you. Wendy is one such friend, and her story offers a wonderful example of a new kind of memorial… one of celebration and ongoing conversation. When my mom’s Cousin John fell ill, we kind of … More A Word From Peter Pan’s Wendy
Did you know the brain “geotags” memories based on location? When you encounter a familiar place, according to a recent study, “It opens up these memory boxes and triggers a flood of old memories in vivid Technicolor, like they happened yesterday.” In other words, memory and place are intricately linked, on a biological level.
This is one of my family’s favorite Christmas presents, and this year Von got to enjoy it with us, too. I know some of you out there who’ll enjoy it as much as we do. So, may I present my gift to you… Sue’s voice, grandbabies, and spirit, all in one hilariously adorable little video… … More My Gift to You
My Castle Heart Publications 