I See What You Meme

Thanks to everyone who commented on the first book excerpt I posted a few weeks ago.  I thought you might enjoy another sneak peek excerpt of my forthcoming book, Four Seasons for Charlotte: A Parent's Year With Pediatric Cancer .   The book will be available on May 15th but you can pre-order now!   If you will be in the Ashland, VA area on May 17th, you are welcome to attend the Book Release Party at Gallery Flux in Ashland from 6-9 PM.  This excerpt is from Chapter 4: Course of Treatment. I also like to refer to this as the "Cancer is a Hurricane" excerpt.  Charlotte turned four on July 9, 2009. Her birthdays had always been cause for celebration, but this year was a bonus beyond measure. Her party was at Romp n’ Roll. We sent out an open invitation to everyone in our support circle: Bring no presents. Just show up, wear Charlotte’s favorite colors (pink and/or purple), and help us celebrate. We had not just one but three birthday cakes donated for the occasion

I look forward to listening to my podcasts every week.  During my time in the car, I catch up on a variety of news programs with topics ranging from the arts and culture to politics and religion.   I have learned so much from the Planet Money team . If you haven't checked out their stories on NPR or the stories they do in conjunction with the PRI program This American Life , you are missing out.  Planet Money covers topics from "Should we use a dollar bill or coin?" to "How did the United States get into a housing crisis?" With their stories, I have gained new insight into topics that are barely brushed over in most other media outlets.  One of the most important things I have learned is that any  current problem our country is experiencing related to money is complicated.  There is no quick fix. There is no easy answer. Yes, most of the causes of monetary problems come down to greed. However, finding a solution that works for everyone without major disrupt

There has been a lot of emotion in my most recentposts .  I thought it was time for a change of pace.  With that in mind, today’s post is a list. Who doesn’t love a list? It’s easy to read, straight to the point, and all the hip kids are making lists these days.  Today I’m going to share my top five celebrity BFFs.  Admit it.  You’ve made this list in your head before.  No, I’m not talking about “The List” .  That’s different.  We might share that on another day.  So, in no particular order, these are the five celebrities who I wish were on my speed dial.  If the agents or publicists of these celebrities (or the lovely ladies themselves) are reading this, I promise that I’m not a crazy stalker.  I’d just love to grab a cup of coffee with them someday.  Mindy Kaling I just finished reading Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?  It was a refreshing celebrity memoir.  It’s almost an anti-memoir.  She didn’t have a horrible childhood. She hasn’t faced a life

Dear Sweet Charlotte, Time plays tricks on us.  It does strange things.   It seems like just yesterday that you left us.  Yesterday, though, marked two years since we planted your butterfly bush.  It was Easter 2010.  When you died, we had your body cremated. We chose a special urn that functioned as a biodegradable planter. A good friend gave us a beautiful butterfly bush. We spent our Easter morning planting that tiny seedling in the ground, using your ashes as part of the fertilizer.  In the two years since you have been gone, that butterfly bush has grown.  It has attracted many butterflies each summer.  We love tending your garden. We have added purple echinacea on either side of the bush. This year, I added four more purple tinted flowering perennials.  Sometimes people leave anonymous butterfly-themed gifts near the garden.  We love them. Your dad takes time every day to look at the garden. No matter the season, we feel your presence there.   Now the butterfly bush