About Me

I am a mom.  These days, that is surely and most accurately, my title.  First, I am a mom.  My two lovely boys, Baz (6yo) and Elwyn (4yo) reign supreme over most moments, thoughts, activities and decisions in my life.  And, I am finally to the point where I accept that without cringing or feeling inadequate, because that is the way it is.  It is a fact.  And, moms are awesome. 

In addition to “mom”, I am also an active wife, sister and friend to those that will have me.  I do specify “active” because these are the roles that occupy my time.  I try to prioritize being with people I love, helping out where needed, and experiencing life, well above my other personal pursuits like dancing, being an artist, and writing. Lucky for me, there is not much time to dwell on those dormant notions, because of the charming little time-suckers.  So, right now, it’s all about the boys.  And, I admit, it’s pretty a pretty good gig. They're really cute and I make them give me hugs and kisses whenever I want.  

Homeschooling takes up a good deal of my time, as does simplifying our household, family time, cooking and re-exploring my home - all very deliberate parts of my new lifestyle goals.  Its been a hard year.  I am adjusting to moving back home after a 9 month stint in Sydney, Australia, (trying to use my experience there to affect my St. Louis lifestyle for the better, rather than simply missing it terribly), and trying to navigate my life and beliefs after my dad died in August 2013.  

Manchester

Trying to be better, in general, is my major goal these days - to find joy, love, and peace both within myself and in my environment.  And getting my household in order - with fewer things and more gratitude.   I'm trying to change habits, routines, outlooks, and flabby bellies. But, I do not have my shit together.  Lets be clear about that.  I love reading blogs about women  who do - who are creative, who post their latest healthy recipes and share their wonderful simple living tips. That is not me.  I want to be that person.  I hope to write about my efforts in becoming the me I want to be - through all the hardships, ridiculousness, success and disaster.  And there will be a little cursing here and there. Sorry.  

So if you want boring details "about me", I grew up in Missouri, went to college in Missouri, got married and moved to Chicago briefly, and I currently reside in, you guessed it, Missouri.  That is all another story – or many stories – which may pop up in my writing here and there.

Slightly more interesting details are that I have degrees in Studio Art and Art Education, I have traveled to India, Europe, Australia, and many states in the US, I teach kickboxing on occasion, used to play the banjo, and I adore Argentine Tango and most dancing in general. Chris and I love road trips and have a few under our belts, as well as a bit of backpacking, and venturing to several National Parks.

I believe in letting those you love, know how much you love them;  And in spending as much time with them as possible.

I try to be kind to everyone I come across, and give people the benefit of the doubt, because you never know their story.

I believe optimism, smiles and joy are contagious.  That they, along with love and kindness can make people better and, in turn, make the world a better place.

In summary: Family, Love, Joy, Nature, Arts, and Travel.

And apparently, i am also a cheese ball.