“Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity—a very challenging and exciting thought … Continue reading Secret Confessions of a Not So Perfect Mom

‘Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.’ Ma Jaya Sati BhagavatiI started trying to mediate for the health benefits.  Reduced stress, more focus, less chronic diseases.  WHAT?  You say?  It does all that!  (And more!)Yep - in a few recent studies meditation has shown to lengthen telomeres and increase telomerase activity.  (What the heck … Continue reading Angela ‘Shiny-Things’ McAffee (Yeh) Manages to Meditate

I have decided this weekend will be all about me.  My husband thinks I’m crazy.   Me: “This weekend is all about me.” Husband: “That’s ridiculous.” Me: “I’m the momma.  I’m taking a weekend for me.”Silence while he gauges my facial expression for a hint of a smile to tell him this is a joke.  … Continue reading The Hash Brown Incident

“Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.”  Herman MelvilleA young black man in the brightest red suit I’ve ever seen, blue tie, blindingly white Nike sneakers came walking up the driveway yesterday while … Continue reading Growing Hope in the ‘Hood’ of the Whitelands

Before you throw up/roll your eyes/gag yourself with a wooden spoon jus’ listen for a second.  Don’t listen to me - no no - listen to yourself.  How many times a day do you mentally say things to yourself that are negative?  Don’t pay attention to the negative things you say about OTHER people.  Don’t … Continue reading Positive Affirmations

“If you have your attention on what is, you will see the fullness in every moment.  You will discover the dance of the divine in every leaf, in every petal, in every blade of grass, in every rainbow, in every rushing stream, and in every breath of every living being.”  Deepak ChopraI practiced a little … Continue reading Mostly Managing Mindfulness or, Diaper Meditation Fail

Monday: The book reader at the library got too close and scared Ellie.  She cried (loudly) and uncontrollably for about 7 minutes.  In the library.  With about 30 other kids and moms and she was all we heard…book reader was duly startled.  Deer started eating my bird food from the bird feeder. Tuesday: Ellie fell on … Continue reading The Shorts

Anne Sexton said, Live or die, but don’t poison everything.  That’s the reason I try not to use this blog as my personal ranting forum.  Let’s just spew my rants to my close friends and family the way a good ranter is supposed to, yeah?  That way it only hurts/annoys those who are already doomed … Continue reading Rant # 85

While Ellie and Bill were sharing Ellie's very first donut ever Saturday...I was thinking 1) how grateful I was to have a bit of a cold so I didn't have to share any of MY maple-glazed donut... 2) Are we going to be late for swim class?  3) all the books I wasn't reading.Here are … Continue reading Sharing a Moment with a Scatter brained, totally unfocused Schmuck.

So, rejection.  You’ve heard the hype.  It can be a stepping stone or a stumbling block, it’s up to YOU….well I call BP!  Bull Pucky!Rejection is hard and I hate it and I don’t want to feel it again.It is especially hard for me, as a creative person, to put myself out there and then … Continue reading HA! I guess I SHOWED YOU!