The Other Side of Disappointment
Eight years ago, I wrote on this blog, "I have a little idea for a novel budding in my head," and that novel is still in manuscript-form on this very computer, resting, rarely opened lately, and otherwise simmering away so that when I face it again I can put it into shape with fresh eyes. I write things wrong before I get them right, apparently it's just a thing I do.
All the Yes
I went to Baltimore for work again last month. I went a little unsteady, emotions-wise. I had a kindred spirit in Australia who had just passed away from ovarian cancer, quickly taken from her life - so similar to mine, from her husband she married the same year I married mine (twenty years ago), from her four children - the oldest two born the same years as my oldest.
That Stage Though
They all say it: I've worked so hard for this, I've dreamed of this since I was six years old, last year I watched this show from a bar across the street.... (that last one belonged to Maren Morris at the CMAs this year, not to an Oscar winner, but the sentiment is the same). I watch them say it from the couch in my pajamas, and I raise a glass, because I hear ya, sister friend. There are way more bars across the street than there is room on that stage.
Fierce, fierce love and hope that just won't already
Look at me, dipping my toes into the discussion that is America these days. The internet is all, "Come on in, the water's fine!" And I'm like, It is so not fine, nobody wins ever, there is nothing right to say, and by the way you're on fire.
Where to Find a Hero
Sometimes I need only two things in life: stories, and my children to unveil the life truths within them. See this post in which my oldest is less than 5 and teaches me the journey actually is the destination. Or this post about how bad guys have the best stuff, but good guys win. And now this gem of a conversation from Jake, who's ten very grown up years but still with all the life-delight of a child.
Be The Change
You know what I can't stop thinking about lately? How alike we all are. We all have fairly similar wishes about the day: I hope it's not a typical Monday. I hope I don't feel overwhelmed. I'd like to be inspired.
How to Have it All
Because I want it so much, it's hard to remember the truth - that I am living my life according to specific, chosen values. They have not gotten me rich and famous yet - and they almost definitely never will, but I continue to live by them on faith - without any actual proof - that living by them will make me happier in the end.
The Bright Side
Sometimes I think we focus too much on what we have to give up in order to make things happen. If a writer says they don't have time to write, you might tell them to give up Netflix or having a life. But once I had my routine in place - do this much every night - it became about what I would do each day, not what I wouldn't.
The Relief Behind Door Number Three
There are two really good options when you don't like something. And then, there is a third option, which has recently saved my life.
Starstruck
On April 28, I had a conversation with Christopher Daniel Barnes. He is the voice of Prince Eric on The Little Mermaid and my Teen Beat crush from back in the day.
Here's What We're Going To Do
This year, none of my boys are on a roster. The question we get asked, always with a hint of sarcasm because it's not like people don't have some idea of life outside of baseball, is this: What are you going to do? In no particular order, I have some thoughts on that.
Someday, Someday Maybe
It's the title of the book I'm reading (by Lauren Graham, a fictionalized version of her early years in New York City trying to become an actress) and how I feel in this weird, building year in the story of me.
How I Saw It
Alicia Vikander in Belle-inspired yellow by Louis Vuitton. That was my favorite dress of Oscar night - so much that I don't even have a second.Oscar night is my favorite.