Keep the focus on building up not tearing down. I’ve lived in Michigan for 13 years. People ask me if it was difficult moving here from Pennsylvania. How hard was it to get used to the weather? (Answer: I loathe going out into ‘the weather’, so it was very easy for me:. I…

My career was forever changed by the TV Guide — The first thing I ever sold in a bookstore was a TV Guide. Oh, sure, I’d worked there for over a week. Not that you would have noticed me. I was the brunette in a velour tunic and stirrup pants (yes- and they were both eggplant-colored. I was stylin’. Really. It was the 80's.) shelving…

Be yourself- everybody else is taken — I am a liar. Well, now that I’ve typed and read it to myself that does seem a bit harsh. I have lied; most often to myself. I’ve told myself many lies. These lies are scripts that I’ve made up and run through my head. One lie is that I am not creative. I…

And for everyone that has shared their struggles — There was a night that I sat at a table, alone, with a glass of sherry in front of me. (Nasty stuff, that cheap sherry. But I don’t drink much, and what did I know?) I sat and thought about the tired, sad, messy business my life had become. I…

East Coast woman adrift in the Mid-West — I don’t mean to be rude… but I suppose that I am. Perhaps it’s because I’m from Pennsylvania? I remember hearing someone describe me as ‘from the East Coast.’ I thought that was odd. New Jersey is East Coast. Philly is East-ish Coast-y. I’m from Pittsburgh. Then, learning that I’m…

Babies grow (they were my “push presents” in the 80's). Time goes on Days into Years. Constant yelps and demands Turn into (sometimes) calls and (sometimes) cards And (usually) texts sent my way With the seasons. Daily schedules Appointments, practices, plays, and performances. Time is mine now. …

I’m not 100% positive I remember my mother. I think I might have a real memory, but I’m not sure. In my mind I’m on a bus, standing next to the driver, and looking down the stairwell. I see my mother: she’s outside the bus and to the right of…

My best friend — Doing some much-needed deep cleaning I pulled out ALL of the stuff that slipped under the refrigerator. Among the very-important-receipts and must-hang-on-to-them post-it notes was a small photo. I flipped it over and was surprised by those patient brown eyes looking at me. Bailey. I have missed you. My ex-husband’s…

What and How you speak shapes the world around you — Words Matter. This video shows the ways kind, thoughtful, appreciative words and tones show others how you care about them... and then shapes them forever. It’s a powerful reminder. Words can heal or wound. They can build up or tear down. Become either a treasured or terrifying memory. Refusing…