cindy
Overflowing with words,
but where do I begin?
A misfit, middle child, preacher’s kid, I escaped into the safe spaces of books and cozy chairs. Hidden behind glasses and ugly-shame, I observed. I was too much an introvert to speak my words, but pen and paper opened the valve to writing my truths. My explorations and experiences led me to question organized religion, to identify as a feminist and ally, and to understand the value of my own voice, as well as the price of remaining quiet.
A career built on writing and language skills gave me a voice in a meaningful way and an accumulation of stories to inform my life; gave me confidence. Marriage, two children, sandwich generation caregiving, the loss of loved ones have added richness and depth to my worldview. Failures, regrets, and pure bad luck color my story. Friends, older and younger, continue to teach me so much and fill my heart with joy.
My words, as a woman of slightly-more-than-middle-age, indeed overflow and cascade into the words of the next generation, my daughter Rebecca, a strong voice of her own.
Writing has always allowed me to speak the unspeakable,
empowered my thoughts and spirit, and given me grace and peace.
Writing has always allowed me to speak the unspeakable,
empowered my thoughts and spirit, and given me grace and peace.
recent posts.
Bookshelf: Jan – March 2024
The first of the year brought a stack of new books to enjoy, along with anticipation of new releases. But how is it already April, and I've read those and more? Guess I have to wait until my birthday and Mother's Day for more. (Just kidding.)
The Nicest Thing Anyone Ever Said to Me
Words. No trophy more significant; no weapon more powerful. Nothing with more capacity to change the world.
Full Circle, Friend
As my dear friend Sharon reminded me, “You don’t always realize you’re making memories when you are.”
Bookshelf: Oct – Dec 2023
The final quarter leading to Christmas and hopefully, a new stack of books, but several of these were real standouts for the year.
Another Ending, Another Beginning
As 2023 draws to a close, I’m filled with deep contentment. For me, it’s not just “jolly holiday” happiness either. It’s more of a “what do I have not to be happy about?” feeling.
My Era of Hearing Aids
Why are hearing aids so different, seemingly a harbinger of old age? Truth: I’ve been wearing hearing aids for more than a month now.
favorite things.
authors:
Ann Patchett | Anne Lamott | Anna Quindlen | Antoine de St. Exupery
books:
The Little Prince | Harry Potter series | A Thousand Splendid Suns, and everything Khaled Hosseini has written | The Magician’s Assistant, and everything Ann Patchett has written
quotes:
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de St. Exupery
“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” – Khalil Gibran
“The truth will set you free but first it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem
background & interests.
self care:
Reading | Time with friends (and coffee or wine) | Massage/sauna
professional background:
Communications education, with a dose of English and theater. Career in public relations and marketing, primarily in not-for-profit health care.
personal growth experiences:
Becoming a mom | Losing my parents | Redefining self after an unplanned career transition
