Playgrounds are a childhood right of passage. My childhood would’ve been incomplete if it weren’t for park playgrounds. Parenting my daughters would’ve been very different without playgrounds for entertainment. They provide an outlet for socialization and physical exploration. Imaginations soar, and clouds are within reach when kids go as high as possible on the swings.…
Once upon a time, life gave me what most would call a nightmare. At the encouragement of others, I turned the nightmare into a dream and wrote a book about the experience. But what is it called when a dream I’ve never imagined comes true? I can only think a blessing is what you call…
I’ve been volunteering in my friend’s first grade classroom. At times the group of six and seven year old’s can get a little too rambunctious. On one such occasion I interjected, “T.O., T.O.” and made a “T” with my hands. Not wanting to continue until all of the kids were quiet I repeated myself. In…
In my opinion there’s not a more important skill than communication. Communication is key to identifying and expressing our personal needs and wants. To be able to speak truthfully and honestly is more than necessary, it is vital. Applying this vital skill with a firm but gentle delivery is an art. One must keep in…
When I was in high school a friend from Spain came to visit for the summer. Her English was very good but she couldn’t remember the word, smile. Whenever the word escaped her she filled in as best she could and substituted the words “happy teeth” instead. I have never forgotten the phrase. At times…
Meet Malucca my eleven year old Portuguese Water Dog. In Portuguese his name means crazy. He does an excellent job of living up to his name. We have found him jumping on the trampoline and sliding down playground slides. Crazy I know, but not as crazy as his being terrified of water. Some water dog,…
Everyone has a story to tell about a traumatic experience because there’s no escaping trauma. Trauma is a thread that connects people, as no human is immune to it. What trauma looks like is individual, but at the core is loss. Death, divorce, illness, natural disaster, and war are just some of the kinds of…
As the curtains closed on my Gramma’s life she had one request, “take me with you.” Those were the some of the most important words my gramma ever spoke. With little time to live she took the opportunity to ask her daughter for what she wanted. “When I die have me cremated and take me with…
Bring on the temporary distractions from life. Pull up the curtain and strike up the band. Let the shows begin. Theatres, stages, concerts, and comedy shows are welcoming larger crowds. Performers are once again sharing their talents with captivated audiences. Audiences are craving the feelings of love, joy, and pleasure, collectively. We want to laugh…
Every day is a beautiful day in my neighborhood because I’m blessed to have incredible neighbors. Though Mr. Rogers and Tony Danza don’t come by, and Big Bird isn’t really invited, our neighborhood has no shortage of characters or camaraderie. We genuinely care for and about each other. Our friendships are especially unique as we…