When Mockingbirds Sing: And the Winners Are…
It's been fun, this week, helping get the word out about When Mockingbirds Sing. And, it's Friday, and time for the winners of the two free autographed copies of the book to be given away! So, without further ado, the winners (per random.org) are... LYNNE RITTLER and JESSIE LAWSON WooHoo! I've already got Lynne's address, but Jessie, will you please message me with yours? They will be sent to the publisher, who is on standby to ship the books directly from their stock. Thanks so much to all of you for helping get the word out this week! And be sure to get your own copy (also available for e-readers) by clicking right here!
Staying in Step
Lilli and Valé started a little dance class this week. It's the first for either of them, and two more excited dancers you would never find. Now Valé is six, and just finished kindergarten. Hers is a pleaser-type personality, and she really likes to be the teacher's favorite, often achieving just that. We all knew she'd have no problem listening and doing exactly what was asked of her. Lilli's a little different. She listens (most of the time), does what you ask (most of the time), but is pretty easily distracted (all of the time). I've wondered whether it would be something she would carry with her into her school experience, or if it's just her own three-year-old experience....
When Life is Hard
Want to hear the understatement of the century? Life is hard. I think we always have at least one challenge coming up against us at any given time. Sometimes, though, they come at you from all sides and you feel like they're moving in so close and squeezing so tight that you'll be completely crushed beyond all recognition if you don't get yourself out of there. It's tempting to just cut and run. That's where we are right now. It's not an impossible place by any means, but we've got a lot on our plate, and while it started out full of what we chose to put on there, it now has a bunch of stuff piled on top that we never wanted. It looks unappetizing, and suddenly we feel like...
Words and Music
There are those people in life who sort of glide through their days and their relationships and their jobs with an ease and elegance that you don't see all the time. They speak with respect, always putting the other person first. Their words are uplifting and encouraging, never tearing down the one receiving them. They are the people whom you desire to emulate, because they are always setting such a good example, almost dancing through life to a beautiful waltz unlike anything you've ever heard. We have several of these types of people in our lives, but in particular, are Uncle Roger and Aunt Norma. They are Kevin's relatives, but I claimed them as my own long ago. They live their...
Mimmie’s Heart: Letters to Lilli #5
My darling Lilli…when you get to be as old as your Mimmie, you might start to realize there are things you wish you’d said more intentionally to your own kids, as they were growing up, or, at the very least, you'll wish you had said them better. I heard once that grandchildren can be a kind of “do-over.” I don’t agree with that entirely, for you are not mine to raise, day in and day out. However, because I am removed from the constancy of your daily care, I think those things that need saying can rise more easily, and with greater clarity, to the top of my heart. It’s my hope that this letter (and the ones to follow in years to come) will help make your life’s road a little easier...