I’ve been back in Albuquerque for almost nine months now. Sometimes this realization makes me dizzy. It still feels so recent – packing up my life in Portland and preparing to drive 1,400 miles on my own in a U-Haul, with my dog as co-pilot. I turned 35 in November, and I feel like that…
Category Archives: Love
Missing Pieces
Last night, I had a shockingly vivid dream about my wedding. I’ve had many of these dreams over the years, some more vivid than others, the truly special scenarios staying in my memory for me to revisit when I’m in the mood to engage in conscious wish-fulfillment fantasies. This dream started off lovely… The details…
Modern Dating – The Struggle for Singles Refusing to Settle
“Be open to online dating sites,” they say. “Step outside of your comfort zone and do things that scare you,” they say. “You have to be willing to put yourself out there,” they say. These statements are made with the best of intentions; and I love the people who care about me and encourage me…
Hurting, Healing, Loving, and Living – The Struggle is Real
I’ve been navigating some difficult emotions the past few months. I’ve been struggling to find a healthy balance, and to remain functional enough to be successful at my newest job that I feel so fortunate to have been given; and where I desperately want to be the high performer my bosses need me to be…
Sweet Victor Blue Eyes
I believe some backstory is needed here, before I delve into Victor’s story. I was born and raised in a tiny Appalachian town in Western Maryland. After I graduated from high school in 2001, my mother decided to move back to Albuquerque, New Mexico so she could be close to her mother and her sister’s…
Rescuing Hippo – Saving Myself
This is a weird time of year for me – a sad, emotionally restless time of year. April 6th was the nine year anniversary of my father’s death, and I’ve noticed that each year – around the end of March – I start feeling ‘heavy.’ My thoughts are darker, my moods are lower, and everything…
Let’s Talk (Real) Love
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d write about true love. No. I’m sorry, I can’t even type that without wanting to gag. I really don’t mean to sound cynical, but I f**king hate V-Day. Now, if there were a day honoring the single folks, my attitude might be a tad altered. Maybe. If there were a…
Learning to Fly
I’m going to take you on a different journey this week, by sharing the story of another. Another kindred soul, another fierce warrior, and yes – another Hot Mess. This is a story I find inspiring, humbling, and beautiful; and I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold – if only from a distance –…
Delicious, Untouchable, and Unashamed
I’m just going to say it – I want to write romance fiction. I don’t want to be Danielle Steele, or Nora Roberts, or Nicholas Sparks. NO. I want to be utterly, truthfully ‘me,’ and I want to use my unique voice to speak to the individuals who aren’t afraid or ashamed to enjoy the…
Beaches
I always loved the movie Beaches as a child, mostly because I’ve always loved Bette Midler. I recently had the opportunity to watch it for the first time in at least 15 years; and I have to say, the film carries an entirely new meaning for me – as an adult who has faced so…