When my husband and I started dating, we, like other couples seeking out compatibility, asked each other the usual questions—ones that got to the heart of our moral compasses. We discussed religious beliefs, political affiliations, hopes, dreams, desires and fears. When we eventually got around to … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Pretending To Dance” By Diane Chamberlain
Until I was about 10 years old, I longed for a doll house. Oh, I had the Fisher Price one, along with the barn and the school, but I wanted a “real” doll house, the kind that stood three feet tall and had rooms full of miniature furniture. I imagined myself rearranging each tiny piece until I got … [Read more...]
Book Review: “The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs” By Matthew Dicks
I have to say that I’m pretty proud of myself: I’m actually almost done with my Christmas shopping after an impromptu visit to the mall last week. I know, impressive, right? I finished earlier than expected with an appointment last Wednesday and figured that a quick shopping trip was in order. It … [Read more...]
How You Can Survive Your Parent’s Terminal Illness
When my mom was first diagnosed with cancer, I moved home to help her out. I had no experience with caregiving, but I figured that my knowledge would grow as the days passed. Boy was that the truth. In the same way that having a baby throws you into parenting—ready or not—caring for a critically ill … [Read more...]
Book Review: “The Secrets of Lake Road” By Karen Katchur
My dad and I were talking recently about of friend of his who has been blind since birth. We are in complete awe of her ability to function almost as normally as a sighted person. Sure, she has a seeing-eye dog and some cool electronic gadgets to help her out, but she is amazingly capable … [Read more...]
Book Review: “The Good Neighbor” By Amy Sue Nathan
You know the saying, “You marry the man, you marry the family”? (And boy, isn’t that the truth ladies?) I’ve found out recently that a similar relationship forms when you buy a piece of property. My husband and I had a list of “must-have” criteria when shopping around for a cottage last year. We … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Furiously Happy” By Jenny Lawson
I kid you not: I was at the gym the other day and the guy on the elliptical machine next to me was eating a candy bar and drinking a Coke. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing, and I thought to myself…well, I’m sure you can guess what I thought—you’re probably thinking the same thing right … [Read more...]
Book Review: “The Other Daughter” By Lauren Willig
My trip to England two years ago was magnificent, until I had a tantrum in the middle of a street. My sister, niece, aunt and I had looked forward to the trip for months. We had never been to London before, so we didn’t want to miss a thing: Westminster Abbey, the Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s … [Read more...]
Book Review: “The Girl Who Wrote In Silk” By Kelli Estes
I have a confession to make: I am super envious of anyone with a beautiful singing voice. I would love to be a singer… not a performer mind you, but someone who sings well. That way I could belt out tunes in the shower or harmonize with the car radio without completely embarrassing my child. I … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Pretty Is” By Maggie Mitchell
My family doesn’t watch a lot of television, which is why I became a tad bit suspicious not long ago when my daughter told me (within the total time lapse of about an hour) that I needed to buy an elliptical/treadmill cross-training machine, a no-more-tears detangling brush and an amazingly painless … [Read more...]