Living Creatively, Living the Dream
Several years ago, my cousin Siobhan was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I had no idea what I could possibly do to help her. There were thousands of miles between us so I couldn’t just show up with Continue reading How to help someone you love when they’re dealing with an illness…
I use three mind tricks to try to ward off stress and relax when things go a little wacky in my life. This last few weeks, there’s been a lot going on. For me, part of the problem is the weather. Winter has taken Continue reading Mind games…three ways to de-stress and relax…
I thought twice about putting my “fat-shaming” post out there. Alright…more like a few dozen times. Part of me was thinking…”hey, maybe I’ll wait until I lose a few pounds before I publish it so I don’t feel so bad Continue reading Sticks and stones…
“If I eat all the M&Ms will I be fat like that lady?” the little boy innocently asked as he and his mother stood next to me in the public washroom, washing our hands. Time stood still. Usually, I’m quick Continue reading I was fat-shamed by a four-year-old’s mother…
Last week, an early morning conversation with my fourteen year old daughter…threw me for a loop. It was one of those parenting moments where I’m left a little bit stunned…a little bit shaken. A whole lot sad. “I know you’re Continue reading #IBelieveHer…
I’ve one Chapter left. A chapter where I’m unsure if, after finishing, I’ll be the same. This weekend, Fancy and I traded a few books and I posted a photo on my Facebook Page, asking which one I should start Continue reading Still Alice…
“You should use the 24 hour rule before you write anything,” my son said. It’s a hockey thing. When you’re upset or angry…have to speak to the Coach about something that’s bothering you, the rule is…wait 24 hours. Wait for Continue reading Jordan Boyd #JB17
I left The Tall Blonde in a hot car when she was a baby. She wasn’t a sleeper. Wouldn’t nap. Fought to stay awake and only slept if she was laying directly on me. Being a young mom, I barely Continue reading But for a moment…
For some reason, I seem to have these amazing discussions with Spiderman and Bones when we’re in the car which tells me one of two things: 1. either we spend too much time in the car, or 2. I Continue reading What my kids are wearing…
As a young girl…desperate for news of my friend while knowing there was no way he could have survived…I sat in front of the TV as a helicopter circled the Irish Sea. I stared, heartbroken, as a piece of plane’s Continue reading Fighting terrorism…
A few weeks ago, I found myself alone in the car with my son…about to go into the mall to do a little shopping. We were pulling into our parking spot as the station we were listening to broke into Continue reading Rehtaeh Parsons…
At one point, there were so many panic attacks, I actually started having panic attacks for fear of an oncoming panic attack! It was a circle I couldn’t get out of…without help. I’m still not sure what started it but Continue reading Let’s talk…
That superbowl ad…the one with the Clydesdale and his trainer…you know, the Budweiser horse that rode in the parade, saw the man who was there to bring him into this world…the man who loved and trained him then proudly stood Continue reading Margot and Ozzy…
“Twenty-six,” Bones said after we’d had our discussion. “Wow, that’s a big number!” “Yes it is, twenty-six is a big number,” I echoed as the three of us sat there. Realizing the enormity of it. Twenty-six. The number of students and Continue reading #26Acts
Note: This post was written following the Sandy Hook Shooting in the United States. It still brings me to my knees when I think of all that was lost. – – – – – – – There’s a part of Continue reading All I can do…
A few years ago during the holidays, while heading to a lovely restaurant with friends, a man stepped from a downtown doorway and asked if we could “spare some change.” We made eye contact then he quickly stepped out of Continue reading Out of the Cold…
You knew Raylene Rankin as the singer. Her beautiful voice bringing goosebumps to the surface. Her new album, “All the Diamonds,” just released this year. Not me. I knew her as a hockey mom. We’d meet in the rink a Continue reading Raylene Rankin…
When I was in grade twelve, my cousin Tina came to live with us to attend university. We were thrilled! Tina and her six brothers and sisters (who are actually my second cousins… probably once or twice removed but none Continue reading Jack Hand…
It was a strange day that had me sitting at a table listening to Barney Bentall at The Carleton last evening. I’d had a busy week… the kids running amok with several activities, a few trips to the gym, the Continue reading Something to live for…
Have you heard of TBH? It stands for “To be honest” and it’s pretty popular with the teens on Facebook. They’ll create a status that says something like “First 10 Likes for a TBH” which follows with their Facebook friends Continue reading #schoolprobs