Sunday, January 29, 2012
Please Visit Me At My New Home!
Hi dear friends! This blog has been a special place to me for the past few years, but over time it became clear that my intentions weren't focused and it just didn't feel quite right any more. Still, my love of storytelling continues - simply with a stronger purpose. So, I've created a new blog that I am over-the-moon in love with! Please stop by and visit. I think you will feel right at home!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Bedazzled Pitbull
What do you get when you cross a dance mom with a hockey mom?
For sure something crazy, right?!
Between Sarah Palin's line about pitbulls and lipstick and the "Dance Moms" reality show, neither of my titles carry a very good rep.
And I can't say I am doing much to help the case!
I'm the one in the lobby of the dance studio - still in my high heels from work - brushing one kid's hair while changing another into sports gear, all with a cell phone pressed between ear and shoulder and a Snickers bar (my dinner) in my mouth, before flying out the door 10 minutes late for another event, frantically digging in my purse to find my keys which are probably sitting back on the bench on other side of the studio where I first set them down with my five bags 20 minutes before. And, shoot, I forgot to pay and now there's a line at the desk...
A jumbled run-on? Yes, I know. With a competitive dancer and two hockey players as my kids, that is my reality.
But do you know the really crazy part? I love it! Believe it or not, I - the one who wears only a brush of mascara and owns not a single piece of sparkly attire - have grown quite fond of applying stage makeup, fake hair and rhinestones. And I - the one who hates the cold - now have a wardrobe of fleece blankets and cute hats for the arena. I'm even learning to tie the skates! (Yes, this is a big deal for me!)
Not to say it doesn't take a toll. I certainly do cross the line to seriously crazy sometimes. We have very little down time. And I wish my primary mode of communication with my husband wasn't mobile technology. But it's all so worth it.
I am fed by my kids' energy and feel blessed that they have healthy little bodies that enable them to participate. And I am proud. Incredibly proud. I even wear the oversized buttons with their pictures to prove it.
Just cut me a little slack if you see me at the ice rink in a bedazzled "Dance Mom" shirt. I probably just didn't have time to change.
For sure something crazy, right?!
Between Sarah Palin's line about pitbulls and lipstick and the "Dance Moms" reality show, neither of my titles carry a very good rep.
And I can't say I am doing much to help the case!
I'm the one in the lobby of the dance studio - still in my high heels from work - brushing one kid's hair while changing another into sports gear, all with a cell phone pressed between ear and shoulder and a Snickers bar (my dinner) in my mouth, before flying out the door 10 minutes late for another event, frantically digging in my purse to find my keys which are probably sitting back on the bench on other side of the studio where I first set them down with my five bags 20 minutes before. And, shoot, I forgot to pay and now there's a line at the desk...
A jumbled run-on? Yes, I know. With a competitive dancer and two hockey players as my kids, that is my reality.
But do you know the really crazy part? I love it! Believe it or not, I - the one who wears only a brush of mascara and owns not a single piece of sparkly attire - have grown quite fond of applying stage makeup, fake hair and rhinestones. And I - the one who hates the cold - now have a wardrobe of fleece blankets and cute hats for the arena. I'm even learning to tie the skates! (Yes, this is a big deal for me!)
Not to say it doesn't take a toll. I certainly do cross the line to seriously crazy sometimes. We have very little down time. And I wish my primary mode of communication with my husband wasn't mobile technology. But it's all so worth it.
I am fed by my kids' energy and feel blessed that they have healthy little bodies that enable them to participate. And I am proud. Incredibly proud. I even wear the oversized buttons with their pictures to prove it.
Just cut me a little slack if you see me at the ice rink in a bedazzled "Dance Mom" shirt. I probably just didn't have time to change.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Much More Than Word Play
The power of the written word is richly evident in the blogs I follow. I am continually amazed how each author's distinctly chosen words allow thoughts and emotions to be expressed so clearly. I often feel deeply connected to authors I have never met or that I am finally really getting to know an old friend.
Every once in a while my attention gets pulled away from the blog world, but I always get drawn back in.
During November my husband's identical twin brother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. My sister-in-law Anne, who is generally a quiet and private person, began a blog to keep family and friends appraised of his condition and treatment. What I expected was status updates. What she delivered was a deep look into her beautiful soul. Rather than providing quick reports, she is allowing us to experience this journey with her. Her honest and inspiring posts have been revealing to the core and I admire her more than ever.
Another favorite example that I have mentioned before is Liv Lane's blog. I knew Liv as a child, but it has been at least 20 years since I last saw her in person. Yet, through her blog I feel like she is welcoming me into her home. Liv's positive spin on life and thoughtful commentary always leave me with a cozy feeling.
Just as the written word helps me feel more connected to others, I find it also helps me feel better connected with myself. When I stay away from my writing too long I feel like something is missing.
Writing is mindfulness for me.
With that realization, I've decided to make my writing more of a priority with greater intention behind it. And who better to turn to for inspiration than Liv Lane! I just started Liv's online course, Build A Blog You Truly Love, and what a treat it is to be devoting energy to this! I am looking forward to six weeks of digging deep and building connections through words. Here I go...
Every once in a while my attention gets pulled away from the blog world, but I always get drawn back in.
During November my husband's identical twin brother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. My sister-in-law Anne, who is generally a quiet and private person, began a blog to keep family and friends appraised of his condition and treatment. What I expected was status updates. What she delivered was a deep look into her beautiful soul. Rather than providing quick reports, she is allowing us to experience this journey with her. Her honest and inspiring posts have been revealing to the core and I admire her more than ever.
Another favorite example that I have mentioned before is Liv Lane's blog. I knew Liv as a child, but it has been at least 20 years since I last saw her in person. Yet, through her blog I feel like she is welcoming me into her home. Liv's positive spin on life and thoughtful commentary always leave me with a cozy feeling.
Just as the written word helps me feel more connected to others, I find it also helps me feel better connected with myself. When I stay away from my writing too long I feel like something is missing.
Writing is mindfulness for me.
With that realization, I've decided to make my writing more of a priority with greater intention behind it. And who better to turn to for inspiration than Liv Lane! I just started Liv's online course, Build A Blog You Truly Love, and what a treat it is to be devoting energy to this! I am looking forward to six weeks of digging deep and building connections through words. Here I go...
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