Category Archives: Mom World

Orientation for Parents Who Need to Learn

August 20, 2019 · 23 comments

My middle son doesn’t need me to go to his Parent Orientation this week at Occidental, after all he’s gone off to college twice now. We all know what’s going to happen—well, let’s be clear, we know how orientation goes—not necessarily how the year itself will go. That’s still up for grabs. But late last week when I was pouring over the orientation schedule for Oxy and I showed him the dessert goodbye for parents on Friday, the end of the 2 day orientation for parents, son made it clear he wasn’t interested in going. “I hate goodbyes,” he said. “Let’s not do that.” Panic filled me. “It’s the only time I see you on Friday,” I said. “You can … Continue reading Orientation for Parents Who Need to Learn →

I’ve Missed My Voice

August 18, 2019 · 34 comments

Why begin blogging again? Why talk now? It’s selfish really. I’ve felt increasingly disconnected from women, and myself. I’ve become silent in the wrong ways, contained when I’d benefit from sharing, shut down when what I crave most is community. It’s hurt me emotionally, and it’s hurt me spiritually, and this isolation has spilled into my work making writing harder and harder because I can’t find words anymore. I’ve spent so much of the past 7 years buttoning myself down, gritting my teeth, holding tightly to faith and sheer will power that I feel as if I’m slowly turning to stone. My silence has created more silence, and the silence and grinding of teeth, and clamping of jaw, and holding … Continue reading I’ve Missed My Voice →

Mom Confession

August 16, 2019 · 36 comments

I really thought parenting would get easier as the boys got older. I figured they’d need me less, and I’d be glad to see them out in the world, doing their thing. And some of that is true, but there is a whole lot of gray area in there where its just murky, and confusing, and as both Jake and Ty head to new colleges next Thursday (Jake to Chapman as a junior and a history major, and Ty to Occidental as a sophomore and music production major) I am struggling with the reality of….me. I like having them home. I like feeding them (okay, being a short order cook every morning can get old, but I wouldn’t do it … Continue reading Mom Confession →

Celebrating Life & Love

September 17, 2015 · 136 comments

Four years ago today Ty and I married in Las Vegas. We wanted a celebration, and we wanted it to be fun. I hadn’t planned on ever marrying again and I’m a deeply spiritual person but being married by Elvis in a tacky little chapel seemed right. Why? Because it was Ty and me, combined, doing this–love, life, marriage–our way. We’d done everything backward to that point and so making our wedding uniquely us, felt right. It felt hopeful and fresh, making our commitment, new and strong. In just minutes we’re taking off for the Dana Point Harbor to take a boat to Catalina for the night. It’s a quickie escape as we’ll be back by noon tomorrow, but … Continue reading Celebrating Life & Love →

Happy Holidays!

December 21, 2014 · 258 comments

Happy Holidays! It’s my middle son’s 16th birthday this week and we’re heading to Disneyland with my sister’s family and brother’s family for a Porter holiday. I hope your baking is done and your shopping is finished and now you’re just left with wrapping and celebrating. I’m sharing a few of my favorite carols to keep things festive and fun! and this one: What is your favorite carol, and do you have a song by a favorite artist? Let me know and one of you will win a box of holiday treats, sweets, great reads and so much more! Winner will be announced on the 26th of December.