Graduation. A time of transition. The end of one chapter, and the start of another. Commencement ceremonies abound, from preschool to graduate school. Each step a celebrated milestone. Luckily, my kids send photos and videos of my grandkids’ awards and …

Graduation Season  Read More »

When you become an adult, birthdays often loom large, and you wish you were younger…with fewer wrinkles and pounds. Kids, on the other hand, can’t wait to be older…at least usually. One of my granddaughters recently had a birthday. When …

Birthdays through the Ages Read More »

Melodic music soothes the soul. However, the screeches and twangs of a budding musician can  have the opposite effect. Kids have to start somewhere, but practices can be torturous to the ear. The missed notes and discordant sounds are painful …

The Sound of Music  Read More »

As I’ve previously mentioned, most of the humorous scenes in my books are based on real-life incidents. My children and grandchildren have provided ample fodder for my stories. My beta readers have had fun guessing which child served as the …

Bad Hair Day Read More »

Family photos can be a painful ordeal. It’s tough to coordinate naptime schedules and the best sunlight for photographs. And, if you want a beach photo, the tides must be considered as well. Sometimes, getting a group photo in which …

Family Photo Fiasco Read More »

I used to scoff at dog owners who put bandanas or sweaters on their furry friends. Now I’ve become one of those people. My kids ridicule me ruthlessly. When I included Ruby’s cute little mug on the back of my …

Furry Fashionista Read More »

For me, the best part of the holidays is the chance to gather together with friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I love the food and festive décor, but those are just the trappings, they don’t open the door …

Family Time Read More »

We’ve all heard the tale about the Tooth Fairy. She is a folkloric figure during childhood in the United States and some Western-influenced countries. Many other countries have their own fun customs and traditions. When my grandchildren lose a tooth, …

The Wart Fairy Read More »

What are you going to be for Halloween? It’s an oft repeated refrain each fall. When they are young, children may stubbornly set their sights on a particular costume, making their parents scramble to purchase or create the necessary attire. …

Trick or Bleat Read More »

Over the years, my husband developed the Waffle Theory. It’s an apt analogy to raising children. When making waffles, sometimes the batter isn’t prepared properly and it’s too thin or lumpy…not nice and thick and smooth. Similarly, it can be …

The Waffle Theory Read More »