I’m going to hell in a handbasket with my hand-held-device — The internet, and our ability to access it anywhere, anytime, is the new TV; the new rock and roll and rap. It’s the new cigarettes; new weed. It’s big, bad, and terrible and will be the demise of civilization. While my mom has a basic smartphone a Kindle, she is…

A Facebook memory reminded me of a painful time in my marriage — I sipped coffee and scrolled my social media last Sunday morning, legs casually crossed, not a care in the world on a summer day with no plans and no obligations. I learned that friends had enjoyed picnics the day before, and many celebrated weddings with loved ones. A friend from…

I lost one dog years ago. Soon I will say goodbye to another. — My dead dog came to me in my dream last night. I remember none of the details from the dream but I remember she was there and I fell to my knees when I saw her because the encounter was a surprise. I wrapped my arms around her and began to cry. “Dingo,” I called out to her. …

I found freedom after letting go of years of guilt. — I fell in love with Caroline when I was 12 weeks pregnant. I told my husband Andy, one night during dinner, “I love this baby more than I love you.” My pregnancy and delivery of Caroline were perfectly normal. So I found myself saying years later, over and over again, to nurses and specialists. Our early days with our daughter felt typical…

I tried out the style to see if it worked for my 44-year-old mom bod — The dressing room light was harsh and unforgiving to my body, highlighting my pale and sallow thighs. Big blotches of red created a map all over my body, revealing the places my hands neglected to properly apply the 50+ Sun Town City sunblock the day prior. I stood in front…

I’ve learned that this is actually a good thing — Snow fell gently that December. We hadn’t had a good winter storm yet and most of us were thankful, knowing foot-dumping blizzards would cover the land in a blanket for months come the new year. I didn’t need my Sorels or even my down Patagonia coat that evening. I zipped up my knee-high, heeled boots…

Her decision honors the strongest woman in my family — I hadn’t been home from the hospital for more than a week when my mother called. I didn’t answer because I was busy changing my daughter’s diaper. The call was quick and my husband said a few words beyond “Okay, I’ll tell her.” …

Well, almost — A seagull flew overhead, its body white and gray against a picture-perfect blue sky. Mom and I held our suits in our hands, sweat rolling down our t-shirts after a few minutes removed from the air-conditioned car. The door to the women’s bathroom hadn’t opened in the five minutes we’d…