“Smile, not the fake toothy smile,” I said to my oldest daughter. “Smooth your dress right there,” I pointed to my youngest daughter. “Okay, 1…2…3…!”  SNAP!  I took the photo. “Wait you blinked, let’s try again!” Does this sound familiar? We strive to capture that perfect family moment, the two kids smiling while wearing their …

During an employee conference break last week, I noticed I had voicemail blinking on my cell phone.  I listened to the message.  It said the following: “Thank you again for all the help you’ve given me with this project of ours.  I took your words and thoughts into account. You made my story better. You’ve …

  Have you ever gone to a party, office gathering or social event where no one really talked to you or acknowledged you?  Perhaps you had a person look you up and down then show no interest that you were there at all.  I’ve been in this situation.  It’s awful. One thing I pride myself on is trying …

I spent five hours writing and editing a 2-page critical analysis this weekend.  Prior to that, I researched material on and off during a period of four weekends.  As I type this and read my words aloud, I feel a bit ridiculous.  Yes, it really has taken me this long to do a simple homework assignment. To …

The lights were off.  No glowing pumpkins sat on our home’s front porch.  Zero candy bowls were gently placed at the door for children seeking chocolates. Darkness, fear and uncertainty filled the air inside my house instead.  The eerie feelings grew with each breath I took. Continual screams blasted in my aching ears.  I had …

I read an article recently suggesting that using the word “busy” or saying “I’ve been busy lately,” is not a good term or phrase to use.  The implication does not share anything specific going on in your life with others.  In fact, the word busy can even lead people to think you’re being ‘lazy’ and …

“Can I have just one more hug?” my three year old asked me this morning shyly. “Of course!” I replied. “You can always have one more hug from me. You can have as many hugs as you want,” I said. We embraced each other. I sure did appreciate my child’s extra affection and attention to …

Now that I’m over a month into my fall semester of graduate school, I’m beginning to feel the pressure and anxiety that goes along with homework reading and assignments.  Add to that my work and family obligations.  Specifically I’m thinking about my daughter’s second grade learning, her extracurricular activities, my family meals to plan, an …

I had a revelation recently about criticism.  Last week during a meeting with my book illustrator, I realized my change in attitude over helpful feedback. He showed me his initial sketches that are bringing my words to life (which I absolutely love!)  However, on one page, I had too many things happening in the story.  Within four lines …

Ever have an excellent idea pop into your head but then before you can take note of it, that notion slips away?  You strain the brain to remember it.  You curse the ghosts that took your innovative thoughts away.  The whole day passes by and then it returns the next one.  I wrote this poem …