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: Feb-March 2020
Okay…so monthly updates on books I’ve read seems a little much. As in, too much pressure. So, I’m going to wrap up February and March, then switch to quarterly summaries. And let me just say, February and March have been odd months; I don’t know how non-readers survive. More to come on that but thank goodness I keep a stack of unread books.
Pandemic Pondering
Remember to be kinder to each other and to ourselves. Remember the heroes are those on the front lines: nurses, lab techs, grocery cashiers, restaurant workers, baristas. Remember this sense of caring for our community. May we remember to extend grace.
Count Me Present… and Grateful
“I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” --Anna Quindlen
Bookshelf: January 2020
I’ve never been great at tracking the books I read – and I’ve been known to question whether I’ve already read a book that appeals to me. Rebecca and I tend to share books, so she’s the person I can say “you know that one about ….” And she actually does know.
Favorite Books for Each Age
It’s hard to pick favorite books, and I won’t even include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling on my list. Harry’s story is an epic tale of the power of love, friendship, loss, and the triumph of good over evil. Though categorized as “young adult,” I read them in my 40’s (when they came out). The series defies age limits and would be consistent on all my lists. But here are some favorites for different age groups, as well as 2019 favorites.
ER Memories
When my friend’s son (ok, it was Amy’s son) leapt for an interception and landed in the ER, I headed out to lend moral support. Honestly, it was as much for me, to hug Amy and all her kids, and see if I could help. Here’s the rub…it was the local hospital where I spent my career. A little more than half my lifetime so far.
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
