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.
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.
When the words rage
When the words rage, I can only write. Yes, I rage, I protest, I vote. And I have hope.
Bookshelf: Oct – Dec. 2021
For the final months of 2021, I read a wide assortment of books -- from non-fiction investigations to mystery thrillers to escapist fiction. Christmas brought some eagerly awaited books to start the new year, but the following wrap up the 55 books I read in 2021.
My Mother’s Dishes
I was raised believing china dinnerware was used only for special occasions, which meant Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Crystal wasn’t an issue because Mom didn’t have any and didn’t drink.) A set of silver flatware from my Smith grandparents was also safely stored and rarely seen.
Bookshelf July – Sept 2021
Another quarter of this crazy year is over. I managed to get in a fair amount of good reading, so enjoy my list if you're looking for a new read.
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
