my book
  • I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power
    I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power
    by Brené Brown
this i believe . . .

on my nightstand
  • Best Friends Forever: A Novel
    Best Friends Forever: A Novel
    by Jennifer Weiner

    I just might be interviewing her on my blog for the 7/14 launch of this book . . . hmmm.

  • The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series)
    The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series)
    by Sister Joan Chittister OSB

    I think this is going to stay on the nightstand. I'm trying to follow the cycle and read from it everyday. Joan Chittister is church for me.

sing & dance
  • Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
    Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
    by Lyle Lovett

    I just can't get enough of him. His music always makes me feel like everything is going to be OK.

  • Hymns of the 49th Parallel
    Hymns of the 49th Parallel
    by k.d. lang

    OK. It's official. I'm obsessed with k.d. lang singing Leonard Cohen. It's a thing now.

  • American IV: The Man Comes Around
    American IV: The Man Comes Around
    by Johnny Cash

    Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Hurt move me to tears. You really have to listen.

  • Colour the Small One
    Colour the Small One
    by Sia

    And something new . . . check out "Breathe Me" and "Butterflies." Beautiful.

Thursday
02Jul

tgif + chookooloonks giveaway!

Happy 4th of July weekend! We're celebrating the holiday weekend with a wonderful giveaway from my good friend Karen over at Chookooloonks! Two lucky winners will get a set of her beautiful botanical series notecards! It's like winning a bouquet!

All you have to do to win is leave a comment (before Monday) telling us:

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?

 

Here's mine:

Today, I'm trusting that it's OK to slow down. Take time off. Do nothing.

I'm grateful for fresh flowers, really cold iced-tea, and OPI's nail color, "Party in my Cabana." I'm the last person in the free world who would actually host a party in a cabana, but I love the poppy pink!

I'm inspired by the goodness of my family. My big, complicated, wonderful, imperfect, messy, amazing, love-you-'till-it-hurts family.

Happy TGIF! Can't wait to read your comments!

Thursday
02Jul

upcoming events

We're finally settling into our summer rhythm around here. It's been over 100 degrees everyday and our house is starting to smell like summer . . . chlorine, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and grilled food. Perfect!

It's funny because I'm on the same "school schedule" that I've been on since kindergarten. As an academic, I still keep time by semester. It's the only rhythm I know. Thankfully, I've made a few adjustments - no more tanning with baby oil on my skin and lemon juice in my hair. My kids and I don't leave the house unless we're slathered in at least 40SPF.

I'm going to slow down on the blog this month so I can be fully engaged in the summer mayhem. I'll continue with TGIF (because I really need it) and plan to write one additional post each week (I have to write so my head doesn't explode). I have an awesome TGIF giveaway from the lovely Chookooloonks tomorrow!

Below are three great events coming up in the next few months. I'd love to see you at one of them!

 

A Weekend Parenting Retreat!

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

August 14 - 16

The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck, NY

Click here for more information!

 

 

 

3-Day National Training on the Connections Curriculum for Mental Health and Addiction Professionals

9/17 - 9/19 in Houston, Texas

Sponsored by The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston and Hazelden

Registration for this event will open in mid-July. Seating is limited and we anticipate it selling out.

For more information and registration (when it opens), click here.

 

 

The Midlife Journey: Falling Apart, Growing Up, and Finding Joy

Tuesday, September 29th, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Houston, Texas

Sponsored by The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston

Seating is limited and registration will open in mid-July. This is a dessert and coffee evening event! I think it will be great fun for couples and groups of friends!

Click here for more information.

 

If you want to find out more about upcoming events or registration openings, add your email to my my newsletter list. I promise I won't inundate you with emails. I send 4-6 per year. You can also check out my schedule.

Again, I'd love to see you at an event!

Happy Summer! (P.S. Super Target has large Icee's on sale for $1. Ellen and Charlie are VERY happy).

Wednesday
24Jun

thoughts on cell phones, dignity, and the chicken dance

A response to the conversation started here!

You can listen using the embedded player or download the file for your iPod or MP3 player here.

Thoughts, ideas, and laughter are always welcome!