King of the Mountain
Here on the icy summit, I don't mind telling you what's flashing through my mind: Do my legs still have it in them? After all, it's been almost 20 years since I last put on skis, and now I've gone…
The Insiders
Every parent of all girls or all boys has all kinds of ideas about why their particular arrangement is preferable to the other. That’s just what we do. As the mother of three daughters, or a girl-maker as I have…
5 Simple Steps
As an elementary school teacher, my classroom was always described as organized. Friends who came over and happened to see my pantry couldn’t believe how food was in labeled containers. If a family member or friend needed help getting an…
Much Ado About Maggie
Today I would like to introduce Maggie Mollie Mostly Muppet Mighty-Mop Moore. You may call her Maggie. Maggie is sixteen weeks old. Maggie is a labradoodle. A labradoodle, is, obviously, a dog breed created in a lab. Maggie traces her…
Laws of Dogdom
I’m a dog-lover and have been my whole life. Most stories from my youth include, at least in a supporting role, my beloved childhood dog, Button. My dad always referred to her as “sweet breath,” which she definitely didn’t have,…
Sudden Loss and Terrible Twos
Q: My husband died suddenly a month ago and we are reeling from his death. How can i help my kids, ages 4 and 6, cope with the loss of their father? A: Although it seems unimaginable, it is best…
Words & Legal Woes
Here are a couple of legal terms for you: slander and libel. I know what you are thinking. I’m a law-abiding type, so why do i even want to know about it? Well, if you are one of the billion…
Feeling Holidazed?
It’s happening. The air feels crisp. Boots and scarves greet you at every turn. Suddenly an insatiable craving for anything mulled overtakes you. That’s right, friends. The holidays are here – complete with lovely visions of nights spent sipping cider…
All I Want for Christmas
Dear Santa, Yes, that’s right. It’s me. After all these years. You were probably expecting letters from my children, weren’t you? Well, keep your eye out; they’ll be along shortly. The kids have been busy making their lists, and this…
Santa Babies
From their second-level perch, it’s apparent that the line starts just outside the food court, winds around the snow-flocked enchanted forest, and doubles back in front of Auntie Anne’s pretzel cart. That’s convenient – the mom decides as she…
