cindy
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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. 2022
What book will I start in October? I haven't decided yet, but for now, here are the last quarter’s selections and a few thoughts.
Of newspapers and neighbors…
Newspapers can make good neighbors, or something like that. My neighbors use my old print newspapers to line their bird cage. Seriously.
Reflections on a Road Trip….and a Beautiful Wedding
When I told people we were driving to Chicago, they were incredulous. Why drive such a helluva long way? It was about family.
Bookshelf: April – June 2022
Looking for something to read this summer? These were my book choices – and some commentary – from the last quarter. Some are new releases; others not so new. (You can find 1st quarter book summaries here.)
Not Again. Still.
So is it possible to find common ground? Can we agree that reducing the need for abortion would benefit everyone? Fewer unwanted pregnancies, fewer abortions, fewer risks to women, as well as healthy, deeply desired children born to women able to care for them.
Bookshelf: Jan – March 2022
My new year typically starts with a nice selection of books/Christmas gifts waiting to be read. 2022 was no exception, and I collected a nice variety of styles. (You may recall that 2021 started with a common theme of life do-overs.) Amanda Gorman’s poetry signaled a perfect place to start.
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
