Published inILLUMINATION·Sep 6Member-onlyHow The Pandemic Saved My DaughterSurviving drug addiction. — The thing about addiction is that it affects everyone, not just the person using. From the friend the addict calls in the middle the night to the child they forget to pick up from school to the parent who must hide credit cards and valuables. Unfortunately, until the addict gets…Drug Addiction3 min readDrug Addiction3 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Jul 4Member-onlyOne Fart Away From FreedomThe family that farts together, stays together — Fart. Poop. Underpants. I’m betting right now you’re chuckling. Or at least you have a smile on your face. Because according to any kid under five, those are some of the funniest words in the English language. And let’s face it, we all have a bit of “kid” left in…Independence Day4 min readIndependence Day4 min read
Published inMuddyUm·May 12Member-onlyA Mother’s Day Tune-UpA Mother’s Day tribute — Please bring vodka. That’s a normal request from a host throwing a party. Not so common from a ninety-eight-year-old woman, with breathing issues and dementia calling from the hospital. But if you knew my mother, you wouldn’t think it strange at all. My mother is anything but ordinary. Every six…Mothers Day3 min readMothers Day3 min read
Published inContemplate·Mar 2Member-onlyDon’t Write Me OffFor my young grandchildren — Don’t write me off, Because my hands are old. And I may tell a story, That’s already been told. Don’t write me off, Because my knees don’t bend. And I may a tell a joke, And forget how it ends. Don’t write me off, Because my hair is white. …Humor1 min readHumor1 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·Feb 24Member-onlyLights-Camera-Action. My Mother a Star at Ninety-SevenNot a dry eye in the house — What’s the first thing you do when your photo editor at AARP says they are sending a photographer to your house for a photo shoot featuring you and your ninety-seven-year-old mom? First, reread the email to make sure you read it correctly. And then book hair appointments. At the time…Photography3 min readPhotography3 min read
Published inContemplate·Feb 5Member-onlyHow The Easter Bunny Saves PassoverA joyful tale of celebrations — The act of sitting down in front of a computer and creating a world full of characters who live, breathe, laugh, love and cry can be a daunting experience. It can also be one of the most thrilling and satisfying. Not to mention, that all these quirky people who inhabit…Holidays3 min readHolidays3 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Jan 22Member-onlyOy Vey, Adjusting To They“What’s your sign?” has been replaced — I can’t seem to wrap the voice in my head around the singular “they.” The one that edits my thoughts and makes sure the only foot I’m stepping on is my own. It’s already hard enough to have a conversation with the younger generation. …Humor3 min readHumor3 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Dec 30, 2022Member-onlyWe Held Our Breath When the Ball DroppedAnd then life went on — Here it is, nearing the year 2023. It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since Y2K. The turn of the century when we thought technology was going to bomb and the world would collapse on January 1, 2000, altering the plot of our future. We counted down to the…20233 min read20233 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Dec 15, 2022Member-onlyFive Funny Books To Feed Your SoulPlus one for inspiration and one to warm your heart — I believe that when the world is falling apart, we’re only one laugh away from putting it together again. There is nothing better than reading a collection of humorous stories to lighten my mood. Even better, is knowing the author personally. If I were stranded on a desert island, I…Humor4 min readHumor4 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·Dec 8, 2022Member-onlyWhy I Can’t Stand This New ExpressionWhat is it you can’t do? — I can’t. This short sentence seems to be the new expression used by the younger generations in my family. It’s as if their brain goes on pause, searching for the right word. Yet, nothing follows. Except maybe a more emphatic “I can’t.” I stare at whoever has voiced this lament…Family3 min readFamily3 min read