a conversation that matters

This is the About page at Stigmama.com who "believe in the power of women, especially those who have been touched by mental illness or mental difference, to create change. . . We need the wisdom and support of others to unpack stigma of mental difference in motherhood. How does it impact your life as a mother? How did it impact your mother’s life? Or your grandmother?"

Sometimes the path is bumpy and full of roots, which leads me to be in awe of the stirring honesty of the contributors of Stigmama.  I have read Shannon's beautiful, yet painful poetry  and admire SM's strength in her abundant use of curse words.  Today, I am joining these powerful mothers on the Stigmama blog for their series "Why Do I Write?"  It's mostly pre-published material, but there is a smidgen of new writing too.   

I write to sort out the complexities of being a mom.  As my daughter stands strong before the start of second grade, I wonder how things will change for her as she grows into a women and maybe a mother.  I consider this as I raise my son in a way that honors his sensitive, sweet self forever, therefore honoring the same in the women around him.

If the intense suffering of mothers around me can be combined and conveyed with such talent, so will I strive to do the same.   It feels so much more real this way, making room for more joy to come bounding down the path at us!

Butterflies All Winter

This winter will be remembered with butterflies.  One hat for me and one for her, both knit with the free butterfly hat pattern.  In honor of our matching hats, a very pink end of the season collage.  Soon we won't need to be wearing them everyday (or in the house as I do), but it's always such a surprise to me how our choice of hats in November will carry us through (unless they get lost) and appear in most of our photos over the next few months. If you need a fun pattern that knits up well, even for beginners, I recommend this one.

{this moment}

 {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (Playing along with Soulemama.)