Good Mothers have hot glue guns. They also have craft bins fully stocked with amazing supplies. Like a mini-version of a Michael's store. Arts & crafts lessons abound, and art camp is held at their house every summer. They don’t care about messes and paint everywhere. They are focused on giving their children freedom to express themselves as they desire, and explore art in all its Continue Reading
Is It Merry Merry?
At this time of year, I pause, and I think of you. The You’s everywhere. And I wonder…is this time, “the happiest time of the year,” really truly joyful for you? Because you are on my heart. Growing up I didn’t really loooooove the holidays. The holiday time just reminded me once again that I had this crazy-complicated family story. Parents divorced. Multiple times. Lots of Continue Reading
A Recovering Perfectionist’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays: 7 Tips
1). Wake up every morning and have your coveted beverage (mine is coffee!) in your favorite holiday mug. Write 3 things you will be grateful for this season. And don’t feel like you need to post on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram. Gratitude is still gratitude even if no one hears you say it. 2). Write your YES list. Here is a sampling of mine: YES I will enjoy and savor the holiday time Continue Reading
I Love Myself, I Love Myself Not (Part 1)
Do I? Do you? Say, "I love myself." Right now. See how it gives you the absolute willies? It's exceptionally uncomfortable to say that. Try looking in the mirror and saying that. Barf. It makes me think of the Stuart Smalley character from Saturday Night Live, and I just cannot take myself seriously. Cannot. What does it EVEN MEAN to love yourself? I give myself permission to take Continue Reading
To My Daughter on Day 1 of Motherhood
Dear Kate, Congratulations, honey, on the birth of your first baby! This is what I wish someone would have said to me when I first pushed out little Luke. Take these words to heart. I love you and believe in you. 1). You can do this, and do this well, with grace, humor, and wisdom, and love….even if you doubt yourself a hundred million times, which you might. Which you will. You CAN do Continue Reading
The Nasty Shoulds
You Know Exactly What I’m Talking About Mamas and Girlfriends. The voices inside your head that are cruel, relentless, and oh, how they love to torture you. And me. All the time. They go like this--based on my own, AND my overhearing of you lovelies: I should be more patient with my kids. I should be thinner and more toned. I should cook more, use all my gorgeous cookbooks this Continue Reading