I have to confess something: I love working on my Oscar speech. On long runs, music pumping, I imagine myself on stage. In my daydream, I’m married to Markie Mark (Matt knows), & I’m winning an Oscar for a movie I built entirely in my imagination – a retelling of Oliver Twist, based on a READ MORE
Tag: love
From Kids’ Book to Mental Health Advocate: Sharing My Author Journey
Discover how writing a children’s book for my kids became a powerful journey in finding my voice, speaking openly about mental health, and connecting with audiences through podcasts and storytelling.
Seeing My Story in Color: A Vibrant Reaction
Mom’s Cloud at the Beach was born from collaboration, imagination, and a touch of vulnerability. As she waited for the sketches to arrive, she carried the weight of expectation—wondering if the illustrations would capture the emotions she had poured into the story. When the PDF finally appeared, it wasn’t exactly what she had envisioned. The focus shifted, the colors highlighted emotions she hadn’t anticipated—and in that unexpected moment, she found the connection she truly needed.
A Conversation Had: Unlocking Some Insights
This author wanted the identity of Mom to be her whole world. She created a chosen family, she created her own family, and in doing so, she could leave the old self behind and fully embrace someone she was ready to share. She comes with clouds, yes, but on other days she brings fierce sunshine—a kind of sunshine born from knowing darkness, one she can use to spread joy.
One question stopped her in her tracks: “But why?” It was simple, yet demanded an honesty she hadn’t fully given before. She realized she’d spent so long telling a story of strength—the cloud she carries is only a part of her, not the whole. But in that moment, she began to speak more fully, more truthfully.
Breaking Cycles: A Weekend of Parenting, Joy, & Mental Health Awareness
This Mom faced a long weekend solo with both kids, anxiety in tow, and chose to do things differently. Instead of spiraling, she filled their days with joy: a cozy game night, movie time, a bubble parade, and an AFSP walk—dressed in beads, carrying love, and supporting causes close to her heart.
Even the harder moments—bedtime battles, tantrums, and morning chaos—became opportunities to pause, listen, and collaborate with her kids. Alma’s simple solution to the “shoe struggle” worked, proving that small shifts can break big cycles.
The First “I Hate You”: A Memoir of a Moment
The Background Ever since Creature started school, her sleep has been… well, let’s just say some curse words. At school, she naps with the class. At the grandparents’, someone always sleeps with her. At home? She’s decided sleep is optional. Instead, we get hours of screaming, thrashing, & inconsolable tears. Her tonsils are inflamed—I’m terrified READ MORE
Becoming Her Mom: Learning About Alma
The author reflects on their journey raising their daughter Alma, from initial difficulties bonding due to postpartum depression and silent reflux to discovering a deep connection through communication and presence. As Alma thrives, the author realizes their identity as a mother and embraces the joys and challenges of parenting, ultimately celebrating Alma’s vibrant individuality.
From Everyday Moments to the Page: Our Family’s Story
The post reflects on a family’s character sketching meeting, emphasizing deeper connections over mere appearances. The author celebrates her children’s unique traits and personalities, highlighting their joys, fears, and values. She portrays her husband as a gentle, supportive presence, and describes her own identity as a work in progress, focusing on the journey of trying.