Our puppy saga continues. The adventures can be described lately through song. In fact in the two short weeks we have welcomed Tiberius “Ty” in our family, I have composed a greatest hits album of puppy classics. They include a good mix of R&B, Country, Pop, 60’s classics, dance and rap. Please see the artists …

We welcomed a new member to our family a week ago. We purchased a four-month old puppy, a Siberian Husky, from a local pet store two days after Thanksgiving. Meet Tiberius or “Ty” The first two nights were like bringing home a typical newborn. My husband and I received no sleep. We gave each other …

Today is Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday. Today is the day I thought I’d be selling my children’s book in local retailers for #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal. I had it all pictured in my mind. Friends and family would come by to pick up their copies. Maybe I’d even sign a few of …

My oldest daughter and I formed a book club recently. Right now she and I are the only two members. We named it “The Terrific Toad Book Club.” My first suggestion was “Bloody Brilliant Book Club,” but Vivian didn’t like the idea of using the word “bloody” in it so she changed it to “Brilliant …

A place I have missed visiting A place I once tried to push away A place I slipped from furiously A place for simply another day A place I thought unworthy A place I didn’t appreciate A place I deemed trivial A place to almost hate A place to prevent growth A place to stump …

My mind is a scattered machine these days. Life has held non-stop action between visitors staying with us for two weekends in a row, my new job with its transition and training, and the anticipation of what is coming (my book…I’m waiting for an update from the publisher). Also, we are planning to put our …

I started a new job this week. My first day consisted of an all-day orientation and training. The words I heard the most for the first two hours were “culture” and “community.” I work for an organization where culture is the thing that is valued most. This is because that culture affects the entire community. …

Greek philosopher Plato is quoted as having said “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” I often agree with this. To start a new project, chore or duty can often be the most daunting task. We procrastinate.  We make excuses.  We find something or someone else that “needs” our attention. Sound familiar? …

“Mommy, you’re always working. You never have time to play with me.”  My oldest daughter (age 8) said these sentences to me about three weeks ago. She said it out of the blue in the middle of the day.  She said it sincerely with a disappointed look.  It brought me to tears almost instantly.  I …

I draw most of my inspiration for my writing from real people and real experiences.  From things I witness to conversations I overhear to the hilarity I spy in my own home, nothing is sacred. I may turn around and write about you.  Therefore, I believe it’s time I read you your “Mrs. Mandy Warning” …