Do you know the older radios where twisting the dial tunes in the station? I think relationships are like that; in that, you need to tune your listening and empathy skills to the different frequencies of a person in order to meet their needs. As a counselor, I know this to be accurate, as IContinue reading “Smitten To Listen”
Category Archives: Writings
Toddler Talk #1
A once-blank journal rests on a ledge above the piano. Once-blank, you ask? Yep, but it’s starting to fill fast. For 950 days, the “The Kids Say the Darndest Things” diary has sat waiting for Evelyn-isms to spring forth, and although it’s still far too early in the talking race, I thought I’d share a few.Continue reading “Toddler Talk #1”
Pickin’ at the Ritz
It’s our annual family reunion potluck at a sprawling park it’s been at for decades; fit with two playgrounds, a broken-down water feature I’d play in as a kid, BBQs, and cedar siding picnic areas. I enjoyed observing the customs and norms of my family today. “Is she a mushroom picker yet?” Evelyn’s eyeing theContinue reading “Pickin’ at the Ritz”
Untethered Parenting
I juggle; three balls max of the same size and weight. Do I intend to add a fourth? Nope. This party trick I learned in 7th grade PE is fine as is. So why am I trying to juggle 50 balls in my work life? Am I a masochist, an aspiring Guinness Records circus performer,Continue reading “Untethered Parenting”
Otter Than You
I’m in a self-editing and walking on eggshells mood in my writing. So it’s challenging to speak my mind. For example, I had four paragraphs of content written, then simple Simon selected all and deleted them. I’m all twisted up like a cow’s stomach. Cow brought up a thought about Stolz’s dairy farm across theContinue reading “Otter Than You”
Last Resort River
Picture two people who hate one other more than anything. Now, put them in a room together. Ta-da! Welcome to my 4 pm appointment. The white water rapids in my mind were intense and jostled me out of my seat more often than I preferred. Gripping the safety rope, I did my best to maintainContinue reading “Last Resort River”
The Art of Daily Blogging
At the year’s start, I took up blogging. Not only to improve my writing chops, but to also give myself a consistent place to process day-to-day experiences. I’ve tried to keep the stakes low, tossing as few pennies into the pot as possible. Because, like Seinfeld, it’s a show about nothing. And the simple things;Continue reading “The Art of Daily Blogging”
Da Doo Ron Ron
On a pontoon boat with friends today, I felt my maternal claws loosen their grip as Evelyn sat in the boat’s rear with her friend, his attentive Mom, and his equally attentive Grandma. Nestling into Dave’s chest, I felt the unknown feeling of complete relaxation as the wind blew across my face and the sunContinue reading “Da Doo Ron Ron”
Ginnin’ About Town
I want a cute little Disney-esque curated Wild West-themed duck sanctuary. Picture a mirror – ducks LOVE looking at themselves in mirrors – with a little sombrero hat at its top. And perhaps a couplea’ six-shooters affixed to the left and right sides of it, providing a photo op-like experience for said ducks. What ifContinue reading “Ginnin’ About Town”
A Diddly Day
While creating invoices for my clients, I noticed I sat up a bit straighter, and my imagination drifted to seeing my parents walking in and seeing me in the midst of spreadsheet inputting and giving a “we’re so proud of you” stroke on my kitty head. They’re not here yet, but my brain still experiencesContinue reading “A Diddly Day”
Going On 40 