I had the name of this blog, long before I ever wrote that first post, about my kids driving me nuts. I chose Tales From the Motherland because at this stage in my life, everything I do or feel is in some way informed by my role as a mother. I am a mother first. It defines me as a friend, an aunt, a sister, a wife, a dog owner, and a woman. However, the three people who made me a mother are top priority.
For 27 years I’ve been the mother of three intelligent, adventurous and very opinionated children: My daughter- is a college grad, living in Israel. In August 2015 she gave birth to the light of my life, a little boy, who magnified my love and joy immeasurably. The fact that they live so far away, hurts my mother-heart, all the time. My oldest son- is a college grad, who lives and works about an hour away. It’s wonderful that we can see each other when we want to. My youngest son- just became a college senior in Colorado, where I love to visit.
I’m the wife of an equally challenging, opinionated neurosurgeon*; we’ve been married 30 years, together for 35. With foreign exchange students, nieces, nephews and siblings, who have all lived with us in the past five years, our nest only emptied in November 2016… we’re still figuring this new gig out.
I wanted a place to express myself… however I want, on the topics that interest me. No holds-barred. Straight up, with a twist… my twisted take on things. I gave birth to Tales From the Motherland in June 2011.
My Favorite Sayings: *It doesn’t take a brain surgeon; it takes a brain surgeon’s wife! and Education is wasted on youth.
Room with a view; from my kitchen.
My Space: I live in the NW corner of Washington state, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Interesting people and natural beauty abound. While I grew up in the Boston area, and will always connected, this is where I belong– where I’m anchored, where I’ve been happy to raise my kids and live. There isn’t a single day that passes, when I don’t feel grateful that I landed here. I’ve written a lot about it; check this post out, and see why.
What Makes Me Ticked: Diets; finding my Haagen Dazs coffee ice cream gone (see diets); mean people (on and off my blog); mosquitoes (is there an evolutionary reason for them?); stale tortilla chips (see diet); flat tonic in my grapefruit cocktail; cloudy skies during the Perseid meteor shower, and flight delays. That might be the short list.
Who Am I: I’m a natural red head, who’s never colored her hair, read this. I’m a writer, reader, hiker, painter, photographer, chatter box, yogi, and daydreamer. I’m moody, swear too much, prone to melt downs, and I have a heart that bleeds, openly and frequently. Here’s a prime example. I’m a survivor, but healing is a long process. I’m most at peace in wild places, where I can hear my thoughts and feel the Earth. I’m always happy in the forest, especially the deep, lush forests of the Pacific NW. I love getting above the tree line– even if I hate uphill climbs! However, I need to be near the sea. It’s my “natural habitat,” as my grandfather always told me.
I don’t really wear glasses, but they make me look smart..er.
The thing that truly drives me however, and has since I won a “Pulitzer Prize” in sixth grade, is writing. It’s with me every day, and every night– even if I lost track of that for a few years being a SAHM. It colors and sometimes defines how I see the world: how would I write this down? I see the world in words, and I am forever editing something that is being written, in my head. Even when I’m stuck, the words are waiting to be written.
My Goals: I want to be published. I want to have my writing read. I thought a blog would be a great place to start that effort, but it took me years to get here. I let procrastination, raising kids and filling my time with other things, get in the way of the writing. I like to think it gave me lots of material! I’m about 10+ years off my game plan, but I’ve got my mojo back and I’m stepping out. I’m shopping a work of fiction, and a memoir about our year as host parents to a Danish girl and a Chinese boy– as my mother entered Hospice.
My Work: I am a freelance writer and editor. My work has been featured extensively on Huffington Post, as well as in BlogHer, SheWrites, Today show online, Cascadia Weekly; Bucketlist Publications; SLAP’D (Surviving Life After A Parent’s Death- a site for young people who have lost a parent); The Whatcom Land Trust, and two of my stories were included in the anthology Tangerine Tango, Women Writers Share Slices of Life, available on Amazon, edited by Lisa Winkler (all proceeds go to Huntington’s Disease Society of America/HDSA). But Tales From the Motherland is my home.
What I’m Good At: I love to connect with people through my writing. To that end, the work I enjoy most is working with high school and college students on their admission’s essays. In that capacity I get to help young people find their own voices. I love the challenge of seeing them figure out what they really want to say, and then helping them say it in a way that will impress colleges. It’s great to do something I really enjoy, and I’m really good at. “My kids” have attended: Stanford (2), Northwestern Univ.; Quest College; Scripps; Univ. of Washington Honors Program, and UW; Mt. Holyoke College; Pomona; Western Washington University; Claremont McKenna; University of Portland, University of Denver;UCLA, Colorado College, Vassar, Harvard, and UBC.
I’m creative and good with concepts and ideas that help agencies express themselves. Need a catchy name or phrase? I’m your girl! To that end, I’ve worked with several in my community. Contact me if these things interest you.
I love working at Hospice, and I think my personal experience allow me to bring a unique energy to my role, that resonates with patients and their families. It is something that brings me enormous fulfillment and joy. Read more here.
And clearly, I’m good at wearing big fake fur hats!
What I Want From You: If you read my posts, feel free to give feedback, or share your thoughts… I may not always agree, but I always appreciate what my readers have to say. So leave a comment. I’m building a “platform;” if you haven’t already, visit these sites and hit Like/Follow: Twitter, Facebook Thanks!
There is more, but you can find that in my posts. Go check them out! Thanks for sharing the journey! For now, that’ll do pig.
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Thanks again Maineiac! I love it out here and don’t miss the snow at all! I do miss New England sometimes, but I’m where I belong.
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I too like to write. Someday I will have my own blog. I commend you on following through with your dreams. Keep up the good work.
The west, and especially the north west are very special places.I can relate to why you feel at home there. Have you ever been to Alaska? That is some awesome landscape. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the great outdoors.
I Would love to hear more about your trip to Wyoming.
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Is that you Doug, reunion Doug? We could have chatted about Wyoming then! If it’s not you, then oops. 🙂 Haven’t been to Alaska, but want to and will some day. Loved my road trip though and will hold on to that good vibe for a while! thanks for checking out the blog and for taking the time to comment.
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yes it is me, reunion Doug. I wish we could have had much more time to chat. There were people I did not even get a chance to say hello to.
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I love your blog! Congratulations on your Fresh Pressed post too….can’t wait to read more! Your writing is just lovely…thanks for sharing. I’m new to blogging myself, as an aspiring writing I thought it would be nice to see my words in print, even if I never get published.
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Thank you so much Faun! I really appreciate the wonderful feedback… my heads bursting. : ) I hear you; I started the blog for similar reasons. It’s been great! I’ll check out yours when I get home. Hope you’ll read some of the other posts here and let me know what you think. The feedback is so valuable.
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I never thought in a million years that she would go with me to the reunion. I had to ask if she would like to go, and she double crossed me and said yes. I was just trying to be nice.I will get even with her though, Hers is coming up around Thanksgiving time. I just might have to go to hers.
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HA ha!! joke’s on you. : ) have fun tonight and say hi to everyone.
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You have probably read or been told to write about what you know, which is a good place to start, but it is also important to write what you feel.
Write with the words that best express the topic and also what you feel. Don’t hold back, lay it out, make it real… leave the mother and wife behind and write in the voice of the woman that you think and know you are. Also don’t publish what you write until you are comfortable with the words and open to others opinions and comments, good or bad.
Good luck and good writing.
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Great advice; thanks! I rarely hold back, though I do respect the fact that my kids (who are 15, 19, 21) might be effected by how or what I say. I’ve struggled with that aspect, but essentially agree that I owe them so degree of privacy and respect in what I print. As for when I publish, I generally read, re-read and then read it again, trying to get it the way I want it to be. Sometimes I even go back and edit after I’ve posted, if something sounds wrong to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this information about me and share your insights. They encourage me to continue pushing through on my writing. I hope you’ll read some of the posts and share more thoughts!
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I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award because I really get a kick out of your blog. I especially enjoy your humour . Check out the link here and enjoy :
http://ritarussell.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/hip-hip-hooray-its-the-liebster-blog/
Rita
P.S. cool new look to your blog
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Why thank you darling! I would have nominated you right back, but I sensed that we are suppose to keep the hot potato going? I hope so, because you are one of my favorites for sure! Thanks a lot. 🙂
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I have just discovered your blog and will definitely have to read more. I, too, am originally from just outside of Boston. And I live 1/2 hr. south of Bellingham! I definitely relate to needing to be near the ocean, and loving photography. Please accept my condolences regarding the passing of your mother. I am so very sorry. (I found you through She’s A Maineiac). Looking forward to reading more of your work.
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Funny how many of us New Englanders end up here… always fun when I hear the accent and make the connection. Thanks for stopping in and I hope you will go back and read some of the older, lighter stuff too. It’s not all doom and gloom! 🙂 thanks for taking the time.
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Just wanted to follow up and let you know that we used the neuropsych you recommended and she is fabulous. We definitely have more clarity and a direction to go now. Thank you so very much.
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So very welcome. Glad it worked out… she really is fantastic!
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I love your blog, and I just passed along the Versatile Blogger Award to you! You may have it already, but I just wanted you to know that your blog is awesome! Stop by my site for more info. 🙂
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Jean, thank you so much! I am truly honored. I have indeed gotten that award, but it is always (really) wonderful to be supported by your peers! Thank you.
😀
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Blogging is a great way to practice your writing! Nowadays, some blogs get more traffic than newspapers that have been around for many years!
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Great point Frances! Thanks for checking out my blog. 🙂
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Hello there! I just tagged you in a game of tag on my blog AND gave you a Good Apple award. Hooray! If you have time, check it out. Hooray! 🙂
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Thanks Jean! Man, that took some thought… but I tried really hard to stick to my instant answers. Thanks for the love. 🙂
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I am glad to have found your blog. I think it’s really important for people to be able to respectfully disagree with one another. Someone may try to convince me their point of view is better, correct, or whatever, or vice versa, but as long as 2 people can agree that even if they don’t agree with one another 100% they will try to listen, understand, and again ultimately respect each others thoughts.
I look forward to reading your blog, both new and older posts. It’s great to read about someone’s experiences in life in a raw and unaltered manner. There’s just too much…falseness… out there, and it’s refreshing to be able to see unfiltered thoughts 🙂
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Thanks! I couldn’t agree with you more, though I admit that it doesn’t always work out that way. My goal is to be as authentic as possible in my posts and not give in to concerns about other issues… short of hurting others intentionally or being disrespectful.
I’m glad you found the blog too, and hope you enjoy some of the older posts. I think there’s been a real evolution, from where I started to now. It’s good to be getting it down. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and share your thoughts. 🙂
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I’m one of the other writers in Tangerine Tango…nice to meet you!
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Thanks Gabi (not really your name)! Nice to meet you too. I’ll have to check out your site as well. Very exciting stuff; can’t wait to see the book finished! Thanks for checking out my site, and I hope you’ll read a few other posts. I’ll do the same on your page. 🙂
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…loved reading just a smidgeon of your very excellent blog!
its funny you talk about washington state…im a born and bred englishman and always wanted to emigrate to your “evergreen” state…spent something like 6 years of my life trying to get there legally…but they didnt want me…perhaps they prefer illegals instead!! anyways, i did the next best thing and moved to canada…im virtually a neighbour of yours..just over the border in BC!
just like yourself, ive always been a fancier of forests, mountains, etc, so im in my element here…and just as you say..i still cant believe im living where i am….its the paradise for me…! and wow…is it synchronicity or something here….as i also practise yoga, with tai chi and chi gong thrown in…! anyway, i digress…..carry on the good work!
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Well filmcamera999, thanks! Glad you found my blog and that we share so much in common. Today we share even more in common, as I’m enjoying Vancouver for the weekend… because, indeed, we are so close to that fabulous place! Synchronicity abounds. 😉 Thanks for taking the time to find my work and follow. I hope you’ll look over some older posts and let me know what you think.
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no problem…will do!
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I’m always excited to meet other writers in the area, and so glad you spoke up on the BWG list. I’m also an artist/writer hybrid! Depending on where you do your shopping, I might even have sold you some of your painting/drawing supplies. It’s good to e-meet you–hopefully soon we can shake hands instead of trading keyboard taps. 😉
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Hoping to go to the Writer’s group meeting tonight… we can shake then. 😉 And yes, it is really great to find kindred spirits. I haven’t had a lot of that.
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I am awarding you the Versatile Blogger Award for the quality of your work. Further information is available at this site – http://wp.me/p2FYRz-9F.
Congratulations! Keep up the good work. I will be following along. – Mike
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Mike, thank you! You are so sweet, and much appreciated. I’ll respond as soon as I can. I know that it involves some questions and referrals, but I need to settle in and catch up a bit first. Got in from Israel at midnight last night, after 36 hrs of travel, and having been up for 53 hrs!! I think my head will be spinning for a few days. So thoughtful of you though, so thanks! 😉
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found you over at HF, love your boat pic above!
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Thanks for taking the time to stop by and check out my blog; much appreciated! I hope you’ll weigh in on some other posts as well. It’s always fun to have new voices onboard! The boat is an old wreck near my home (love it too) and I’m a huge fan of of HF!
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Lost in your blog this morning as you know and has calmed me right down 🙂
Now I should go do some work…
What’s the name of your first book published Dawn?
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I haven’t published my first book yet Annie. I’ve been stuck… I need to just do it! Hence the Hawaiian magical trip to Ron Artis studio. I have some blog posts published in Tangerine Tango, Women Writers Share Slices of Life, by fellow blogger Lisa Winkler. My goal is to get going on my own work… it’s a climb, out of the muck. 😉
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Ah yes so that’s what you’re stuck on of course! Go girl 🙂
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amongst other things… :-p
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xx
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I get chills reading your blog. You are a fantastic writer with such a colourful style. I’m glad I found your little corner of the internet. I quite like it here.
T.DM
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Wow! Thanks so much Teresa. I appreciated the feedback and support. I’m glad you found my corner too, and I hope you’ll stick around. Love getting feedback; thanks for the effort!
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Nice to meet you at your blog. I, too, feel the need to be by the sea. I lived there for awhile and now am inland again. Maybe some day, I’ll get back there. That’s quite a beautiful view from your house. I also relate about letting those distractions keep from staying the course and writing. I’m so impressed you have finished a novel and are working on the next ones. That’s awesome!! Best to you and your writing. – Amy
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Thanks Amy. I’ve been reading your posts for a while, but hadn’t jumped into the comments yet. I tend to wait a while (I subscribe) and see what the post are like, over time. However, a one year anniversary is worth celebrating! I enjoy your style of writing and topics you address.
Yes, I’m very fortunate to live in such an amazing place, with so much to offer… in terms of activities, personality and beauty. Thanks for stopping by, and saying hi! We have a lot of blogging friend in common, so we’re bound to cross paths some more. 🙂
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The view is amazing. And your “what makes me tick” is so inviting and entertaining, I can’t wait to learn more about your publishing journey! 🙂
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Thanks Kourtney! So happy you stopped by. I’m really enjoying reading all about your journey! And yes, this view is amazing, every single day. Guest room has the same view. 😉
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So, interestingly, I just read this after you said you live in a vacation destination. I thought, “LUCKY DUCK, she must live in Florida or something.” My boyfriend asked where you live, so I came here to find out. He’s from Washington, and we’ve been considering moving about a year from now and enjoyed that it’s where you live. 🙂 He said you probably live in quite a beautiful place.
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I do indeed live in a VERY beautiful place! Bellingham, about an hour+ north of Seattle and an hour south of Vancouver, BC. By the sea, surrounded by mountains… and personally, the rain/mist doesn’t really bother me. It’s green, green, green all year; the summers are sublime, and we can ski in an hour. Love, love, love it here. If you come to take a look, let me know; our guest room is fantastic, and I love connecting with other bloggers. : ) BTW: I mostly hate Florida. I really do. Mostly. Thanks for checking out my About page.
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So you traveled from Boston to Washington State? Everyone’slife is bound to travels. If you want to save memories of your life with pictures, audio, satellite views, travel account, etc. then have a look at my blog to see how to make downloadable video presentations: http://mushtaqtariq.wordpress.com
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Thanks for stopping by mushtaqtariq; I’ll definitely go check it out.
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Wonderful intro! You’re a Renaissance woman.. after my own heart. Have one daughter who is going to university in San Francisco. Amazing what one can accomplish with the kids grown isn’t it? -smile-
Cannot thank you enough for your kindness, knowledge and acknowledged love of the ocean. Although I spent the 80’s in NYC I’m a California girl raised in LA. Would love living in Washington but have to stay closer to NoCal to be close to my mother and daughter.
Congratulations on not only being a mother of three (holy shit Batman! don’t know how I raised one, although she is spectacular heh), recognizing the nightmare of neurological afflictions, empathy and bestowing your thoughts on all things that interest you.
Am off to peruse your posts.
Take Care and many thanks
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Rachael, thanks for stopping by, and hope you enjoy my work. I was Freshly Pressed this weekend (Friday), so it’s been a blurr for days now! Very exciting though… it’s the one on dialogue, if you’re perusing anyway. I write a lot about my daughter, who is immigrating to Israel… big stuff. Raising three… hmm, never seems to end, but yes, Holy Shit Batman, indeed! Regarding your posts: Empathy, for sure. Good to hear from you.
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I awarded you the Leibster because I love your blog. I know it looks like Nemo offering a Shark some food, but hey, i do love your blog! 🙂
http://shreyapunj14.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/eeep/
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That is SO sweet of you! I humbly accept, but have to tell you that I can’t do anything about it for few days… I’m traveling. I will thank you properly, and link back, as soon as I can; and, I do appreciate the gesture. Congrats, that means it landed in your lap as well. 🙂 You deserve it!
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🙂
I was aware that you already have one (obviously!) but I love you, your blog and your style of writing too darn much.
Responding is no problem, I just had to appreciate the blogs I have grown to love.
Travelling? Where?
And thank you!
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Thanks Shreya! I will respond when I get home, but I really appreciate your support. 🙂
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AnElephantCant say too much here
He tries to be kinda wary
He means no offence
But in his defence
He thinks you are kinda scary!
Love the blog
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AnElephant kinda confuses me I don’t know what’s scary that he can see I’m a reasonably nice chick Who’s spontaneous and slick Writing things about the world in front of me.
Glad you like the blog AnElephant, and hope when you read more, you realize I am only scary to those who should be fearful. 😉 Thanks for taking the time to do some exploring. Much appreciated!
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This is a fabulous blog! I look forward to exploring more : )
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, Dreamrly! Glad you found my blog, and are enjoying it. I appreciate you taking the tim.
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You have very beautiful blog! I enjoy it! I will be glad to see you at me in the blog.
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Thanks Vlad. I appreciate you taking the time to visit Tales From the Motherland!
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My name is Sarah Foster. I have HD and I started the HD Pie in the Face Challenge Hundreds of people, many of them symptomatic, pulled together and we raised a little awareness, about $40,000 for HDSA as well as lots of money for other HD charities around the world, and were left with the feeling that our community seized that little moment all by ourselves and accomplished something good that we will always value. When you mischaracterized the challenge on Huffpost by saying it never got off the ground you did not consider the infinite value that it had for the hundreds that did participate. People who lost people to HD dedicated the pies to their loved ones. Whole families who were either at risk or symptomatic lined up and enjoyed a moment of hilarity, seeing and loving each other right through HD. People in wheelchairs smiled and put pies in the faces of their adult children. If you are interested in HD advocacy, your words could be powerful if they described the positive things going on in the HD community. And I’m not talking HDSA. Look closer. I am talking grassroots. Also, please be aware, when you use your voice on Huffington’s Post to describe Huntington’s Disease, that the newest lexicon excludes the word “horrible.” No matter how you state that the disease is horrible and the people are not, people hear horrible and turn away. No one cares about or even wants to be around horrible. Still, thanks on behalf of the hundreds of people who are thrilled that you mentioned us, even as you did. They were thrilled to not have been completely ignored. Such are the expectations of the HD community. Anything you can do to change that? I DARE YOU.
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Sarah, usually I read a comment and respond right away. I answer every comment I get– good or bad, because I honestly appreciate the time it takes for each reader to read my work and then share their thoughts. I wrote a post on Israel a few months ago, on Huffington, and it got so many very anti-Semitic, some even violent responses… and I was urged to not answer some of those. I didn’t. However, I try to answer all comments on my personal blog. When I read this comment, something in me was compelled to wait… to digest your words a bit.
There were quite a few other comments after yours, which gave me time to digest this comment… Then I saw your second, comment, below. I’m glad I waited.
You asked me to consider deleting both comments, and I’m choosing not to– but let me tell you why:
Your comment is passionate, and it comes from a very caring place. You’ve made some very powerful, and important points here, and I’m touched. I agree that your emotions, perhaps, lead you to miss some of my points… but maybe I miss some of yours, too. Admittedly, I have had a very hard time connecting with the larger HD community. I rarely attend HD walks, or events, while my sister (who is symptomatic) does all of that. She finds it connecting and encouraging; I find it overwhelming. I go, and I am a deer in the headlights– seeing all of those amazing families, fighting this fight. It breaks my heart… even though I know I should find hope in it, I don’t.
Your statement: “I am symptomatic and I take something the wrong way and mistakenly get upset. It happens to me almost every day. ” brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry, Sarah. I have seen the same things with family members, and I’ve learned to let a lot of things go. But, it doesn’t erase the sadness I feel, the utter helplessness I feel, in seeing it.
I hope you can understand that I wrote the piece for HuffPo to make some broader points. I was putting a toe in the water… testing to see how receptive a bigger community might be, in reading about something that just get ignored so often.
Your point that the pie challenge helped the HD community in so many ways and that you “were left with the feeling that our community seized that little moment all by ourselves and accomplished something good that we will always value.” is so valuable. I’m part of that community and I too was excited to see it spark… and my point, which you got in your 2nd comment, was that it didn’t get the attention that all those ice buckets did– when it deserved to! Frankly, I’d rather have a pie in the face any day! It was clever, creative, and fun… and you are amazing for having thought of it. It deserved to do even better!
As for my use of horrible, well… you make a very good point, but this is my personal journey and it has been nothing short of horrible. As a former social worker, and someone who works with hospice, I think that we all can use many different words to describe our experiences… whatever the lexicons. I believe that people do care about horrible, when we show them what it means.
So… this is a long response, addressing both of your comments. I am deeply touched by your words, and your experience. I don’t say that to be polite; I mean it. IF you still want your comment, and mine deleted, I will do that. I doubt anyone else has read this, as it’s posted on a section of my blog where people intermittently drop in– to see what I’m about. However, I would suggest that if you let me use your comments, and my response… I might write another post, that touches on these issues… or, we, you and I could write a post together?
I have another blog, The Huntington’s Chronicles, that I don’t advertise as much, or write on as much… I want to, but it’s all so raw and I worry about my other family members. But, it’s there, if you want to check it out. The Huff Po piece got a lot of notice form HD Awareness and some other groups… it was featured in the following sites as well: The Denver Sun Post, The Chicago Times Post, The Houston Sun Pot, Updates News, Cause Hub, Las Vegas Times Post, Orbit Health, The Omaha Sun Times, The Kansas City Sun Post, and HD Awareness– Even, if some of what I wrote isn’t ideal, it has now been read by a lot of people that might not have heard of HD before… and isn’t that an important step in not being “ignored” any more? I want that as much as you…!
Let me know if I should erase this, or what you want me to do… I respect your feelings, and wont leave it up, if you want it taken down. Thank you so much for taking the time to share so honestly. I really appreciate it.
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I have to pull an Emily Letella. I went back and looked at your words and you said
“that didn’t get anywhere near the publicity that the ice bucket challenge did. HD just doesn’t have the visibility other illnesses have.” which is stating a fact and not minimizing. I am sorry. I am symptomatic and I take something the wrong way and mistakenly get upset. It happens to me almost every day. and each time I am embarrassed. I’d love it if you’d just delete both posts, but do what you feel is right.
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You really do understand. I fear that other readers who don’t know about HD will read my earlier words and not realize that they were the result of a microagression caused by HD and will think that I am a beast. But I guess, whether I wanted to do it this way or not, I presented an authentic example of the implications HD has on functioning. And since it elicited your kind and thoughtful response, I will agree to let my comments ride, if only for that reason.
Coincidentally, I already have your blog listed on sarahshdlist.wordpress.com under blogs. The list is a collaborative, curated and aggregated collection of info and resources for the community and I welcome you to suggest any additions or alterations.
I have my own hd blog called meandhd.wordpress.com . Maybe you can take a look at it if you have time and see what I have been up to. I’d like to give you my personal email address somehow, but maybe you can help me figure out how to do that.
Thank you for your kind, gracious, well-thought out response and I understand about the “horrible.” It just is.
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Thanks Sarah! I absolutely think that this dialogue is an “authentic example” of many elements of HD… and I don’t think you come across as a “beast” in any sense. You are eloquent, informed, and as I said before, passionate– all things I admire. I’m honored that you took the time to engage in this dialogue.
To discuss any of this further, I’ve left you my email on your FB page… Thanks again for taking the time to be open and honest about this. I know how vulnerable and challenging it can be to discuss. Dawn
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Loving your blog so far, also you sound like you’d be an awesome mom, and friend! Also my current arch nemesis is flat tonic water, so if I see him around I’ll give him an extra kick from you! Also I too currently live in WA, back and forth between Port Townsend and Seattle- it really is one of the most beautiful places in the US. Following you on fb and twitter!
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, PWI! Thank you so much for all of your kind thoughts and the time you spent reading and sharing. Generally I am very prompt in responding to comments, but have been traveling… and barely catching my breath! I really appreciate you making the effort!
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Came accross your blog, and love it already so far! Look forward to reading more!
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Thank you and welcome to Tales From the Motherland! I hope you enjoy what you read, and leave a comment; share your thoughts.
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Thanks for stopping by me blog. I enjoy reading your posts. And a little TICKED is not so bad.
thelonelyauthorblog
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No, we can all stand to be ticked once in a while… makes the good times that much sweeter, right? I’m glad you’re enjoying my work, lonelyauthor. I suppose it’s less lonely when you connect with other writers, n’est cest pas?
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Yes it is a lot less lonelier now. Thanks.
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I came here to you after reading your Huffinton Post piece today on the lonely during holiday season.
I too am a natural redhead who at age 61 still has not dyed her hair. I love your writing and relate so much to so much of what you say.
Your volunteering in a hospice is very inspirational, something I’d like to consider doing. I didn’t think hospice’s would have volunteers. I’ll call a couple in my neck-of-the-woods-New York (as if I don’t have enough on my plate). But I’m always game for new meaningful experiences. There’s just too much great stuff to do while we’re here.
I too have a daughter living in Israel, with a whole bunch of kiddies. She’s veeeerrrrry right wing religious. I visit once or twice a year. She’s been there for 15 years and loves her life she’s built.
Always fun to find a writer I connect with. I love words and their power to touch souls. Best to you. I’ll be back.
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Wow! Harriet, that’s a lot of similarities we share! Thanks so much for reading my work and checking out my blog. I’m thankful that my daughter has come back from living quite Orthodox, for a few yeas. It’s really quite a journey! So hard to have grand babies that far away, though.
Love your curls and red locks! People don’t get that one. wink wink As for Hospice, it’s not that easy. Most hospice orgs throughout the nation are largely supported by volunteers. Ours could not legally run without us. They are required to have volunteers. We do so much there! I love it. However, the training was incredibly long. I love it, but it’s not for everyone. If you are drawn to it, definitely look into it… it’s so meaningful and rewarding! Thanks for connecting and happy holidays!
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I am new to blogs, just started one yesterday ! mainly because I want to put some of my stories down which people tell me are interesting and I do love writing. Just scrolling through other blogs and yours jumped out. I really enjoyed reading who you are and just read through many of your readers comments and your replies. I am a bit daunted as your work is quite prolific and your blog is so full of interesting things that I am not sure I can measure up as a true blogger. Anyway, more will be revealed as I embark on this journey and hope I can keep it up! I salute you and your great writing skills. I need to pace myself as doing this journey means I spend nearly all day on the computer and I also need to go out sometimes!!!
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Thank you so much for your kind words of support. First: yes, go out! It’s not good for writing or mental health to be at the keyboard all day! 😉 Second, we all start somewhere. When I started my blog (4.5 years ago), no one read it. No. One. I wrote because I had things I wanted to say and it brought me joy. That is as good a reason as any to do it. Please don’t compare yourself to me or any other blogger/
writer/person. We each have something unique to contribute, and you will make your own contribution. Thanks again for your kind words and good luck with blogging!
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Thank you for YOUR kind words of support. I like that you wrote because it brought you joy and you had things to say and your comments on being unique are so true and hopeful. So good to hear from you and thank you again. x
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I’m looking forward to following your future as a writer/mama/empty nester. That is a description of me too. So far, I like your way with words. Three times a week? Whew. Wish I could shoot for that. Sounds like we are very much alike. Nice to meet you.
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Thanks Lisa; I appreciate you taking the time… I think I should do some editing, however, as I have barely done once a week, over the past few months! In a bit of rut, and trying to dig out. 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Hi Dawn,
I didn’t know where to let you know that one of your blog posts says – Page Not Found –
‘We Interrupt Your Holiday Chaos, For Some Fun’
I thank you for adding my blog to it. I didn’t see it but there’s 3 lines that showed in the e mail notifications I get. You can delete this message after you read it. I thought you should know.
Isadora 😎
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Thanks Isadora. I pulled the post, because I couldn’t add the link I wanted to add. I put up another post instead. Thanks for letting me know!
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Your welcome ~~~ : – )
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Reading was a joy but the pig at the end killed me:)
All the best from windy Germany
Laureen
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Danke! I appreciate the fun feedback. 🙂
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