How do you make introductions?

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Meet Sam. She's tremendously loyal and loves fiercely. 15 years ago, after living in Austin for only a few weeks, I was invited to join a women's group. It was all serendipity. I befriended a stranger in the craft store checkout line (perhaps it was fate. I never go to craft stores.) and, as we chatted, she invited me to join the group. I thrilled to be included and eager to make friends ... Continue Reading

Whats YOUR booster shot?

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We are due for boosters next year. I say we because I'm always the one to bring the Child to the doctor and every damn time it's so exhausting I feel as though I've endured the shot. (At our last round she flung open the exam room door & ran down the hall shouting I'm going to the car! I'm leaving! When I mumbled to the nurse This must happen all the time. She looked me straight in the ... Continue Reading

Our Mindful Summer Bucket List

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we've done TRADITIONAL lists for as long as I can recall. We'd already created our 2016 Summer Bucket List when a friend mentioned to me the idea her Mindful Summer List. It sounded heavenly. We'd had no trouble finding new and LOUD activities to fill our next few months, but I admitted to her looking at our list (on the heels end of school May-mayhem) made me feel exhausted. Actually, ... Continue Reading

5 Signs Someone Is Your Person.

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I'm his person. I'm in love with the Netflix series: Grace and Frankie. This feeling has taken me by surprise (never a Jane fan and, while I adore Lily, Martin and Sam, my Jane-dislike was enough to initially deter me from watching). I s-l-o-w-l-y consume each episode (no binge watching) pausing frequently to rewind/re-hear conversations or phrases. (I wanna be Frankie. Yam lube and all. ... Continue Reading

5 Ways to Combat Adult Peer Pressure.

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Happy Memorial Day and start of summer to us U.S.A.-types. In honor of that fact, here are some tools in case you're one of *many* dreading the pressure-filled parties and gatherings which often mark today. My personal first aid kit contains my drink of choice. I don't reflect upon my youth with a wistful "Ahhh if only I could go back there! Life was so carefree!" It isn't I didn't ... Continue Reading

No is not a four-letter word.

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Tomorrow The Husband and The Child leave for a 48 hour trip to Chicago. I was invited. I paused (good to give illusion of consideration). I smiled (kindness always). I responded: No, thank you. The no was unexpected (The Child), not delightful to hear (The Husband), and completely my prerogative (we'll get to Bobby B. later). (it will look like this. I am very OK with this.) I ... Continue Reading

Are You A Happiness Bully?

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We've established I love me some trashtastic television. Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, all things BRAVO. Quite frankly, I don't know if it's better or makes me profoundly more annoying (I think the latter) I actually pay attention to the trashy shows as I watch. I don't just bask in the mind-candy of the experience. I absorb scenarios. I dissect dialogue. And, as a result, I often ... Continue Reading

The secret to my success.

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many accomplishments contained inside. I may be a misfit & oddly comfortable in my swiftly-wrinkling skin, yet even I hesitated before hitting PUBLISH on a post bearing today's title. Success is such an odd word. One woman's definition (money, fancy home, fast cars, unlimited high quality jerky) may look entirely unlike another (time to pursue passions, enough money to cover basic bills, ... Continue Reading

5 Ways to Raise a Brazen Girl (or become a BRAZEN woman).

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My BRAZEN baby girl. I parent in a bubble. Inside The Bubble. The ten year old knows almost anything goes words-wise if used appropriately, with permission and inside our judgement-free zone. I like words. I adore when people, especially those better at word-weaving than I, employ them in unexpected ways. I sporadically fall in love with words, chickenbus for example, and ... Continue Reading

10 Ways To Practice Self-Care With Kids.

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One morning, when the Child was five, she followed me around the house. The sort of following where she practically pressed up against me as I went about my routine: Brushing my teeth? Five-year-old smooshed at my side. Washing my face? Five-year-old face mashed up against mine. Finally, in a fit of exasperation, I asked her what she was doing: “I’m watching you, Mama. I’m learning ... Continue Reading

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