I’ve been a parent for almost 19 years. For 12 I’ve been the mom of three, and I’ve never minded when my kids occasionally tell me they hate me. In fact I’ve been known to thank my little detractors whenever they utter these three words. I know it’s my job as the primary scolder-in-chief to put the kibosh on building swimming pools in the basement or using a sibling’s … [Read more...]
With Age Comes Wrinkles & if You’re Lucky, Wisdom
When my first child, Tom, was a baby I made sure the two of us got out of the house and went for a walk every day we could. Unless it was raining, snowing, or 10 below, I bundled him up and either put him in a front pack, or his carriage and we would walk the streets of our Queens neighborhood. Often we would stop to get a coffee, (for me, not him) or stop in the market, the … [Read more...]
A Gift to Myself
Five years ago I sat down at my kids’ computer and started to connect with the online world. I found a Family Circle website and replied to a few posts. Each time a comment of mine got a like, I experienced a high I’d never known before. It didn’t take long before I started my own blog on one of the site’s platforms. When the very first piece I did, on the recent loss of … [Read more...]
Competitive Mothering
Have you ever sat in a PTA meeting and broke out in a sweat as you recall that you sent your kid to school with a plain old sandwich and juice box while you listen to the woman next to you describe the lunch she packed for hers. The one complete with bread she made herself and cut into the shape of a snowflake? Or while you are watching your angel play at a Baby-and-Me … [Read more...]
My Office and Me
One of the things I love the most about writing is that it’s just me and my computer. Some days the words come easily, and my fingers glide quickly over the keyboard. More times than not, it’s like pulling teeth as I sit and stare at the screen, willing something witty and clever to magically appear. No matter how hard or easy it is, I’m the boss. Unlike my previous creative … [Read more...]
