Lately

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?