Sometimes I get so caught up in writing about things that are happening or have happened in my life, I forget that I am also just busy living this life.
There is a lot happening and going on around me and with my friends and family and even my on-line life.
Each new day brings something different and sometimes new challenges, good news or maybe some bad. Hurdles, sadness, joys and awesomeness. Yes, that could be all in one day. For you too sometimes, right?
Tim’s grandmother was not doing too well a couple of weeks ago and I was really worried. She is such a beautiful person and after 97 years of life, she has left an imprint on many hearts, including my own. Tim always says that we are very similar in the way we like to keep our homes and in personality. I am honored that he says that about me because she is one of my favorite humans ever. This past week Tim was able to go see her in Texas and spend some time with her and she was sad that she could not read my blog from her bed (she is an avid reader, God Bless her!) and so he set her up so that she could and he sent me a picture of her reading this here blog and said she was SO happy. I cannot tell you all how this makes me feel because I do not think I can fully express it. Every time I see her she tells me how much she loves this space and seeing the photos of the kids, etc. Even though I love having readers from many facets of my life, that right there is all the blogging validation I need.
Thank you, Grandmother Carolyn for always reading and being so encouraging and loving. I love you.
The kids love her too. 🙂
Speaking of (grand)mothers – Jennifer and I are gearing up for the next Listen To Your Mother show in Southeast, TX, coming May 9th. We are still taking submissions, so if you are in the Southeast, TX area (or even live near me, it’s not that far, trust me) and have a story about motherhood that you want to share, then send it to us! All details are HERE.
I also found out last week that I will have another essay of mine published in an anthology with the theme of what we learned from our mothers. I am thrilled to be included in another book of essays, and especially on this topic. I want to thank Susan Maccarelli from Beyond Your Blog for leading me to this opportunity. Here site is FULL of helpful tips and submission information for those of us looking to have our writing featured and published in other places.
Also, a photo of me (taken by K, by the way) was featured in this wonderful campaign started by Stephanie Sprenger, #SoGladTheyToldMe, and it’s taking the internet by storm! First it was featured on The Huffington Post and now Stephanie has been interviewed on her local news station and other places as well. This multitude of photos are all about what we are glad others told us about motherhood and that is okay to not feel like the “perfect” mother all the time. It’s encouraging and unites us in one of the hardest “jobs” ever. Join the social media “blitz” on Tuesday, the 17th. All info is in the link above with the hashtag.
It’s Mardi Gras week so my house is covered in beads (and kids who are out of school) and we’ve possibly enjoyed too much King Cake already. We had a wonderful Valentine’s dinner as a family on Saturday and enjoyed some great family time outside during the day.
So, that is what is up with me lately, what is up with YOU?
Kerstin says
i love that your Grandma reads your blog! And I really wish I could be there at your LTYM show. xoxox
Elaine says
I really wish you could too!! xo
Alison says
Love that Tim’s grandmother reads your blog faithfully. Such a testament of love and support.
Yay for LTYM!
Alison recently posted…Through The Lens Thursday: Candy
Elaine says
She’s an awesome woman. Thanks, getting so excited for the next LTYM show!
Leslie says
How sweet is it that she reads your blog?! Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on right now, in all the good ways. Enjoy your Mardi Gras!
Leslie recently posted…12 Happy Love Songs for your Valentine’s Day
Elaine says
It’s SO sweet. Mardi Gras was fun, now comes the hard part… 😉
anna whiston-donaldson says
Would love to road trip for your LTYM show! Congrats on your new book!
anna whiston-donaldson recently posted…Keeping the Spark Alive
Elaine says
Would love to have you HERE! How awesome would that be, Anna? Thank you!! xo
Kristin Shaw says
This picture of your kids with signs for their grandma is SO cute. So precious.
Kristin Shaw recently posted…Friday Favorites: The Friday the 13th edition
Elaine says
Thank you friend, we are ALL so blessed to have her in our life.
Angela@JumpingWithMyFingersCrossed says
That’s a lot going on! I love that Tim’s grandmother reads your blog!!! And congrats on the anthology!
Angela@JumpingWithMyFingersCrossed recently posted…The Beyonce Mom
Elaine says
Well, you know the drill. 😉 Thanks! xo
Susan Maccarelli says
So awesome that she reads your blog! Big congrats on the anthology!
Susan Maccarelli recently posted…Beyond Your Blog Podcast 027: Tiffany Romero – Founder, The SITS Girls
Elaine says
Thanks, Susan! 🙂
Jennifer says
Lots of awesome stuff going on!
Jennifer recently posted…Soon
Tamara says
I’ve never had a king cake! I’m off to research what that is. I kinda love this time of year with Mardis Gras and Ash Wednesday and St. Patrick’s Day and the Oscars, and all those things we honor.
It means winter is ending!
So awesome about your Tim’s grandmother reading your blog! And you know I’m happy about the anthology!
Tamara recently posted…Is This The Real Life Or Just Fantasy?
Elaine says
Never had King Cake? Oh, you must remedy that! I know it’s not a big thing where you live. Mardi Gras is a HUGE deal down here. Some people will still be recovering tomorrow. 😉
I’m good with winter. It’s when we have our best weather here. But I know it can be rough up where you are.
And yes, THE BOOK! YAY! 😀
Nancy Collins says
I bought a king cake to take to school for our Fat Tuesday lunch. As luck would have it, I got the baby.
Nancy Collins recently posted…Stream of Consciousness Saturday
Elaine says
Well, of course – ha! Hope it was yummy!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
I too love that Tim’s grandmother reads your blog and loves it. It is the best validation, isn’t it? And the photo of your kids! So sweet. Congrats to you on the anthology! That’s wonderful news! And I have to admit that I’ve never had King Cake either!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…11 Ways to Manage Stress and Feeling Overwhelmed
Elaine says
I know, it IS the best validation!
Oh, you must get some King Cake at some point. You know, when you come to LA to visit me! 😉
Natalie says
Aww that’s so awesome that she loves your blog and that he got to spend time with her!
Natalie recently posted…Early Valentine’s Day Celebrations