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: July – Sept. 2023
Book lover friends: I read some truly wonderful books this quarter. The first and last were particular standouts, but half a dozen of those in-between were excellent.
Barbie (and who’s Danny O’Day?) Feminism 2023
This is the summer of Barbie! The movie showed Barbie for who she really was, and it was an empowering view of female reality.
Becoming the Older Generation
Some of us are lucky enough to reach a stage in life when we are suddenly, surprisingly the older generation.
Bookshelf: April – June 2023
Half the year is gone! But I’ve read some great (and some not so great) books. Check out this quarter's list. Don't worry; the list is longer than the picture shows.
Bookshelf: Jan – March 2023
First of a new year means a Christmas stash of books (pictured). Of course, I read more than those, but it’s a great way to start the year. Here’s what I’ve been reading.
Me and my girl….wedding planning begins
Jacob said I’d find inspiration for another blog soon enough. He already knew what I was about to find out. What’s prodding me to write, though, is a conversation Rebecca and I had recently about wedding planning.
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
