Do New Year's resolutions work for you? Nope? Me neither. My ever-present dedication to lose ten lbs, eat less junk food, exercise more, floss daily, and stay out of the sunshine unless I’m wearing SPF1000 sunscreen, somehow always seems to go by the wayside by no later than February 1st. Therefore, for 2016, I’m trying a different approach: I’m creating a doable list devoted to things I can shed/toss/throw away. Who’s with me? Image Provided Courtesy of Morgue File: … [Read more...]
How I Found My Midlife Tribe
This week, I did something I’ve been waiting to do since April 13th, 2014: I registered for the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop (EBWW). EBWW only happens every other year and when the last one ended in 2014, I knew I would be going back in 2016. Why? Because in 2014 I found my tribe of funny, big-hearted, midlife women. And in midlife, it can be tough to find your peeps. In your earlier years, life readily presents opportunities for tribe building. For example, high school, for all its … [Read more...]
The Dirty Dozen Babes of the Blogosphere
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of how grateful I am for a family who loves and supports me, a husband who puts up with me, and a son who makes me laugh every day. I have the added joy of announcing that just this week my son Jimmy attained the status of ABD – “All But Dissertation” – in his trek toward doctorhood. Proud mama is bursting with pride as Jimmy moves ever closer to #MYSONTHEDOCTUH! Image provided courtesy of … [Read more...]
Life Lessons from An Irishman
Today, October 2nd, is my dad’s birthday. It’s kind of a big deal, being that it’s number 75, but I think he wants to keep it a bit low key. That’s alright, it’s his day, he’s entitled to celebrate any way he wants. However, as his daughter, I get to shout: Image provided courtesy of MorgueFile: Image URI: http://mrg.bz/L4mLzi What was happening back in the year Dad was born? Well, let’s see: the first social security benefits were paid (oh, I know Dad is loving this one!); the first … [Read more...]
You’re In My Spot
It happens at the beginning of each summer. Right about the time we’ve perfected our routine, established a rapport with the instructors, and staked our claim to our preferred spot in the room, they swarm in and wreak havoc upon our community. Image provided courtesy of Pixabay, http://pixabay.com/en/fish-sea-ocean-fish-swarm-22646/ I am of course describing the coeds who invade the gym and our exercise classes each summer when they return home from college. We middle-aged gals have … [Read more...]
Sign Language
Way back in 1998 (can that really be 18 years ago?!) a little book called The Celestine Prophecy caught my attention (along with several million other readers). Very true to the book, it wasn’t a coincidence–at least I didn’t think so–that I became aware of this gem at a time in my life when I was searching for a bit of direction and purpose. I’ve gone back to this little treasure several times, most often when I’m looking for some sort of sign from the Universe. If you haven’t read The … [Read more...]
We Interrupt This Blog
We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog post to make an important announcement: The 2nd edition of I Was In Love With a Short Man Once will be released by Booktrope Publishing on June 23rd! Cover design by Lizzie Russell, www.lizzierussellcreative.com WOO HOO! To celebrate, let’s play a game of twenty questions. Here we go: 1. What inspired you to write this book? My nana’s apple pie recipe. Nana made the best apple pies, but she never wrote down the recipe. Now she’s gone and no … [Read more...]
What Would Mae Say?
I’m a picker. I love to scavenge through flea markets, estate sales, and yes, even other people's trash, looking for cast-off treasures. I come by it quite naturally via my Irish nana who never passed by a thrift store without first stopping in to peruse the bins, shelves, and dusty corners looking for items that deserved a second chance. I recently did my nana proud when I found this gem tucked away in a pile of forgotten photographs for sale at the annual Luckett's Spring Market: Added … [Read more...]
Dear Doctor, Please Speak Human
It’s one of the things we midlifers, hanging out here in the middle-aged cheap seats, most dread: the idea that our parents may someday become ill. On a rational level, we know it’s highly likely that at some point we’ll need to step up and help take care of our moms and dads. But at an emotional level, we want our parents to remain in the driver’s seat, firmly planted in the position of authority figure, indestructible and steadfast. My dread became reality two weeks ago when my kid brother … [Read more...]
Is ‘Know Your Audience’ Sexist BS?
Awhile back I was having coffee with a fellow who I consider to be one of my writing and networking mentors. We were discussing this past year, my book, and the future of this blog. As we were sipping our lattes and talking about our latest projects, he noted that he admired how I’ve been able to really drill down to my target audience: women; of a certain age; who like to laugh and share their wisdom. I agreed and noted how much I was enjoying this creative work. I shared that I’ve been … [Read more...]
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