I’m her mother, not her friend

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime. It wasn’t because I went to some exotic tropical destination or to a ridiculously expensive resort hotel, but because I had the privilege of spending five days alone with our daughter Brooke to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event, her graduation from college.  She and I (just the two of us!) flew to

#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Amy Skjei

When I met today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman, it was on the tennis court at women’s league. Little did I know that the kind woman with the killer serve was also a classically trained concert pianist, composer and recording artist. Like Wonder Woman, Amy has depth and character. She’s multi-faceted and multi-talented, with a heart of gold.  These days, Amy’s traded in her

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Nicole Taylor

It was a crisp January day in New York City when I first spotted today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman. I caught a glimpse of her as she dashed by. She was quick. She was smart. She was strong. Instead of a cape, she wore a fancy camera around her neck. She was capturing a remarkable day–an assembly of other super heroes who gathered to support

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet CeCe Terlouw

We encounter passionate, fascinating women every day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny red boots and may not wear tiaras to work, but they get stuff done. They are employees, wives, sisters, daughters, caretakers, volunteers, mothers, partners, bosses and lovers. They are real women—awesome and inspiring women—with stories to share. I’ve made it my personal mission

Wear Sensible Shoes and Other Observations of College Graduation Day

Our oldest child graduated from college over the weekend. I wasn’t sure what to expect, which may sound silly since I’m a college graduate myself. I graduated several decades ago from a mid-sized public university in the era of Aqua Net and patent leather pumps. I remember the fashion, but honestly, I can barely remember the ceremony. It’s likely sandwiched

Great Grad Gift Idea

Looking for a fun and inspirational grad gift?  Look no further than Dr. Seuss! His books may be disguised as children’s books, but underneath the quirky rhymes, bold colors and whimsical stories, they are filled with valuable life lessons. Dr. Seuss has a lot to teach us about life and character qualities that matter. He addresses things like integrity, self-care,

#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Melissa Sturm-Smith

Wonder Woman inspires me with her grit and determination. She fights for truth and justice and possess super-human strength. Yet, she has the heart of a woman. We encounter passionate, fascinating women every day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny red boots and may not wear tiaras to work, but they get stuff done. They are employees, wives,

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Amy Sue Nathan

I have a thing for Wonder Woman. She inspires me with her grit and determination. I love that she fights for truth and justice. I appreciate that, in spite of her super-human strength, she has the heart of a woman. We encounter passionate, fascinating women every day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny red boots and

10 Things to Teach Teens Before They Move Out

If you’re a parent of a recent high school graduate, there’s a good chance your child may be moving out in the upcoming months.  Wait! What? This is the same kid who is incapable of getting dirty socks into the hamper.  How will he keep up with his own laundry?  She has no idea how to read a map or

#Real Life Wonder Woman — Meet Martha Rush!

I have a thing for Wonder Woman. She inspires me with her grit and determination. I love that she fights for truth and justice. I appreciate that, in spite of her super-human strength, she has the heart of a woman. We encounter passionate, intelligent, fascinating, wonderful women every single day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny