“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 …

Have you ever noticed how most dogs are so happy, so incredibly excited to see their human owners when they enter a room? Even if you leave the room for a few minutes and return, most canines are just thrilled to have you around?  They crave your attention.  They want to be petted and adored. We had …

My friend Dana, who is also a writer, gave a speech in our Toastmasters group Thursday on the importance of writing everyday.  She urged the audience to write daily for four different reasons. Her first reason included the art of recognizing astonishment. She told a fabulous, descriptive story.  Dana detailed a scene she witnessed in the park …

Yesterday my family and I enjoyed a late Sunday brunch.  Then we shopped at an antiques and flea market style place.  I had my eye on purchasing a used chair for the corner of my bedroom – to design a small area for me to sit, read, write and study in peace. Two weekends ago I had spotted …

When I witnessed my seven year old yell at her younger sister during a routine bath, I blurted these words out: “When did Anger take control of you?  Can we try to find Joy again?” I could not help myself.  The summer release of the Disney Pixar film Inside Out has caused my brain to …

July has been an excellent writing month for me.  I am once again appearing in the Pensacola News Journal for an editorial I wrote on encouraging parents to talk to children early about sex, consent and inappropriate behavior.  The story also appeared in the Alabama online news media too.  I’m thrilled that attention to this issue …

I was featured in the Sunday, July 12, 2015 lifestyle section of the Northwest Florida Daily newspaper for this piece I wrote on dealing with children who say they are “bored.”  This was inspired by actual events and real conversation.  Below is the full article.  I’m placing it here since the newspaper did not publish …

My family’s budget was tight in the summer of 2013.  We had no travel plans.  With my children home from school, I strove to make our days feel like a vacation even though we stayed in our community. Beach days and pool time became tiresome.  We turned our daily routines of shopping, touring, playing at parks …