The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Amid all the terrible news, the sorrow, and grief, I thought we could just take a break and hear about something good. Something kind. Something that should be expected but often isn't. I woke at the 00 early Tuesday hour to make breakfast for hubby, then prep for coffee duty at our MOPs program. Every other Tuesday MOPs (moms of preschoolers) is held at our church. This is a relaxing, laughing, chatting with adults, networking, have an awesome time for moms of birth to preschool age children. And the moms love it. Usually mom's bring in a breakfast food to share. I've often thought how difficult it is for them to get up, get all their munchkins ready, load them in their car seats, drive to the church, then cart the kids, diaper bags, and the breakfast food inside. Wowsers. But they all do it.  At this very moment I'm listening to their friendly chatter in the other room. This meeting, though had a wonderful surprise.  The p...

Karen Schravemade is my friend from Australia. I love the way she says, "Mom". Karen is living a life many young moms do: several young children, developing a career, volunteering, and all the other things mom's pack into a day. Come read her honest and encouraging words...ripe for anyone with a busy schedule. A Childhood Dream My dream of becoming a writer began as a child. I loved books from the very start, but I vividly remember the moment when I first realised I could be a shaper of stories rather than just a passive recipient. "Mum," I asked, "where do the storybooks come from?" "People write them," she replied. Those simple words sparked something revolutionary inside my little-girl brain. Right then and there, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to write stories. That dream has stayed with me from childhood, and I've never wavered from it. That doesn't mean there haven't been times of discouragement alon...

Photo Courtesy My adult son made his opinion crystal clear. No birthday celebrations for him.  He is turning one of those golden numbers and hasn't figured out our girly trick--perpetually 29. The rascal even insured there could be no celebration by tightly packing his day. Even Houdini couldn't squeeze a visit to my son. Hah! As though he could stop a mother! My covert plan went into action a week before his birthday. Super charged with kindness and infused with respect for him, a brilliant idea flashed in my mind (shh, his birthday is today--don't tell anyone) Step one : Buy small gifts that he likes. Hubby and I went to a bookstore and found a small sign complete with his style of humor and perfect for him to hang in his apartment. We also found a book about his favorite topic: political history. Step two : Leave gift in bag (make sure receipt and price tags are removed) Step three : Write a check for spending money. Step four : Engage plan. A we...