Relationship Glue Recipe, Carpe Diem, Forget the Work

I'm continually realizing how blest our family is. The holidays always bring that home to me. We had a lovely Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil). Two of our children went mass with us. Our son in Detroit celebrated Passover with his girlfriend then went to a Spanish mass at Holy Redeemer (a Latino parish) in Southwest. Our daughter and son-in-law "celebrated" with us via Facetime. I think part of it is that we have a new motto, my husband and I--carpe diem. Seize every opportunity to be together. The work we will always have with us. But relationships are precious and must be tended carefully.   Relationship Glue Recipe, Carpe Diem

Skills and Tools Parents Need for Raising Teenagers

Like the army, parenting teens is the toughest job you'll ever love. Teenagers are naturally manic-depressive. On one side are raging hormones, mercurial emotions, sassy mouths and self-centered behavior. On the other, charm, wit and intense passion. Here's what parents need to survive the tempestuous teens.  Skills and Tools Parents Need for Raising Teenagers

'When I Am Old, I Shall Wear Purple" Good Warning Poem Not to Take People for Granted

April is National Poetry Month. Common poem themes are love and relationships. I like the more sideways views, like that of poet Jenny Joseph. Born in 1932 in working-class Birmingham England, her most famous poem is whimsical ode entitled Warning which begins with the famous line "when I am  old, I shall wear purple." The Red Hat Society, comprised of older ladies who scorn convention uses this poem for its mantra. This poem speaks to me on a much deeper level than clothing. It says that those of us who have always followed convention, may not always do so. When we discover our identity and self-worth outside of doing what's expected, we may do so very unexpected things. Read on  National Poetry Month: 'When I Am Old, I Shall Wear Purple...'