Adventures In Motherhood

My October 13th Twitter feed uncovered a memoir contest to be judged by Cheryl Strayed. I had contemplated publishing my unique story of resilience for years, yet lacked the gumption and time to begin with a busy career and four children. Surely a sign, I thought to myself, having recently completed Cheryl's book 'Wild' with much adoration and appreciation for her mutual resilience. Hemming and hawing all weekend with the October 31st memoir deadline rapidly approaching, I unwrapped a stick of minty fresh gum, popped it into my mouth and glanced at the wrapper. Voila!! It was as if the gods were personally addressing me with a wrapper unlocking the key to my fate on that sunny Monday morning, October 16th. Ultimately living a life with no regrets, this shiny green daring challenge was shouting at me, you only live once lady! #YOLO Carpe diem! With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I undertook an enormous task for two weeks, pouring my heart and soul into the p...

Have you seen the #MeToo hashtag on your social media feed?  I struggle with those two simple words on social media as a platform to stand against sexual harassment and affect change.  As a modest woman, I shy away from sharing my personal stories of sexual harassment and wonder if this movement, like the gun control movement following a mass shooting, will quickly dissipate with the next news story.  #MeToo is not sufficient explanation for the pain and suffering endured by victims, and unfettered access to growing internet pornography and social media exploitation are largely to blame.  Personally I choose to take a stand for those who are finding their voice. I fear all women have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives and we all have many stories to tell.  My 13-year-old daughter was sexually harassed in eighth grade following our relocation last year.  Transitioning as a teenager to a new school in your last year of middle school is diff...