Shooting From the Hip

As some of you have noticed (I hope?), I'm putting a renewed effort into this blog because I love it, and it's a creative outlet that I enjoy and need. I began the blog with a sort of happy-go-lucky, middle of the road kind of approach, but over time, I've learned that the most interesting, and perhaps touching, things simply can't always be full of sunshine and roses.

Don't get me wrong, I do love sharing funny stories, pictures and videos of Anna, which I will always do because I never run out of material!  But I have decided to allow myself to shake things up a bit when I feel the need. I'm not only going to be all warm and fuzzy because, while I do sometimes enjoy that, it's not what drives me or makes for my most compelling writing. So, I'm also going to be more edgy and raw and honest.

Anna's view of me, which she captured on my phone (along with her finger)

Reality Check Moments

Every now and then something comes along and stops you in your tracks, offering a heavy dose of perspective.  That happened to me this morning when I first became acquainted with the blog, Avery's Bucket List. It's a must-read.

I learned about the blog when I learned that baby Avery had passed away due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Her parents had known her life was probably going to be a short one, but they savored every moment and shared those moments with the world via their blog. Not only is it a touching and beautiful collection of memories, but it's also proved to be a major tool for raising awareness of this catastrophic and incurable disease.

I had never heard of it until this morning. Maybe you hadn't either. But now we know. And, thanks to this wonderful little girl and her remarkable parents, hopefully, this increased awareness will make a difference for other children and families.

It also is a wake-up call for those of us (like me) who sometimes get bogged down in our everyday stresses and forget to take a moment to just be grateful that our kids are healthy, and that they are in our arms every night. I'm going to take that moment now. And I'm going to hug my Annapie extra tight tonight.

Photo of Avery from averycan.blogspot.com

Photos of the Week: Lemurs!!

I'll get right to it:  our kid has a strange affinity for lemurs.

Photo from sheppardsoftware.com

That's them, the weird-looking but strangely cute little fuzzy beings native to the island of Madagascar. Thanks to the movie of the same name (and Madagascar 2, The Penguins of Madagascar, and the soon to be released 3rd Madagascar movie), these little primates are a sensation.

Anna with her lemurs and (in a headlock) penguin Skipper

Finding Me

Yesterday, I discussed some of the reasons behind my decision to start working with a life coach. The question then becomes, how is it going? (After all, it is a work in progress, as are most things.)  The answer?

It's awesome.

I've only been coaching for roughly a couple of months, and in that time, I've noticed some BIG changes in myself.

Get a Life!

No, that's not necessarily directed at you, personally.  Actually, I directed this statement to myself a few months ago.

Yes, my "shadow days" are over....but that doesn't mean that life doesn't suck sometimes. It does.

Over these past few years, my resolve and determination have been tested, my relationship has been tested, my sanity has been tested. And my vision of the life I want to have has been tested. It has altered so much that sometimes I don't recognize myself in it.

Something had to change.  So I started working with a life coach. Now, now, don't make fun - hear me out. Because it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time, and, if you want, you can do it too. Our email address is mylifewithpie@gmail.com, in case you want it. After I tell you all about coaching....you just might.