*Sometimes life blesses us with unexpected "moms". In my case, it was my Aunt Mina. She was my great aunt, actually, and as my grandma's sister she helped raise my dad and his siblings while my grandma, a single mother to five, worked a handful of jobs to make ends meet. As the first born [...]

Tackling a Mama Kat writing prompt today; one that is heavy on my heart and so fresh, even after almost 42 years, that it brings tears and a funky outlook on life. It's no secret to anyone who knows me or who reads my blog that Mother's Day is tough for me. As  mom, it's [...]

I'm thinking a lot about age these days; growing old, feeling old, acting old. Perhaps it was the heart attack my dad had, or my time with my grandma over the weekend, but it seems to be hitting closer to home than I'd like to admit. I realize that it's a blessing to grow old. [...]

Here we are….a full year later and still hopping. A huge thanks to Margie who hosts this monthly event. It keeps me accountable to checking in with my One Little Word and for that I am grateful. The January 1 hop goes live at 8 a.m. PST, and the entire list is below. If you're [...]

I love the threads that pop up on Facebook and the email chains that circulate that idealize growing up in the '70s. Wistful thinking about how we rode around on bikes without helmets, stayed out until the street lights came on and drank water straight from the yard hose. Of course all of that–and more–is [...]

Time is a funny thing. Ask me on any given Monday, when my afternoon is dragging, and I'll complain that it moves too slowly. Come Friday, though, it seems I can't remember where the week went, it whizzed by so quickly. Imagine my whiplash this past weekend, as I took my baby to visit his [...]

This prompt is a fun one, and the timing is perfect. As I was flipping through old photos earlier this week, daydreaming about actually having time to put them in albums for the kids (true confession: Nicholas is 10 and he has no scrapbooks. None. Adam is 15 and I think I've done up to [...]

Maybe it's because this year is a big one (if we're speaking chronologically, of course). Having turned 40 and barreling at full speed to 41, I've often wondered what I'm supposed to feel like right now. Despite being *ahem* twice the woman I once was, and more tired, and busier than ever I honestly don't [...]

Mother's Day…..you know how some people dread Valentine's Day? That's how I feel about Mother's Day. The concept is great, of course, and I'll admit that since I've become a mom I've enjoyed it so much more. How else would I have beefed up my collection of magic marker cards and gold-painted-macaroni jewelry? Priceless, I [...]

Welcome to the April 2011 OLW Blog Hop! If you're going in order, you've arrived from Margie's little home on the web.  Next, head on over to see Abbey .  And just in case you get lost, the entire list is at the bottom of this post. Thanks for stopping by! April's assignment put me [...]