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.
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 finally dropped my baby boy off at daycare for his first full day. I meant to do so months ago, but circumstances had other ideas. But every time I got frustrated with my lack of work time, I’d snuggle my baby in my arms and remember this post I wrote back when my now-four-year-old was the baby in … More Dreams Persist
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
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
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
It’s not often that I recommend a book so unilaterally. Frankly, I don’t recommend most books I enjoy because they’re usually too far in the realm of classic on the one end or fantasy on the other. Not true with The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Whether you’re man or woman, adventure lover or philosopher, page … More The Goldfinch
Regardless of your political preferences, this is a refreshingly honest talk on grief (see video below) from Joe Biden to military families in mourning. For anyone coping with a loss, I hope it will bring you some peace during this reflective time of year. “There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of … More Hope and Hard Truths
As many of you know, this blog began because of Sue. I needed a positive way to cope with grief, new motherhood, and the task of teaching my child about the amazing grandmother she’d never know. My hope was to help other parents as well. Szaba was five months old when Sue passed, so for several years, that … More The Hard Part Begins
My Castle Heart Publications 