My sister-in-law wanted to know what kind of crazy you have to be to get a dog right after you’ve had a baby, because the record shows, I did this five years ago too–got a dog when my youngest was about four months old. I’ve had to conclude that the dog, for me anyway, flows rather naturally from the event of the baby. Something in my brain fires up when I’ve just had a child. I’m more alert, more empathetic,... Read more
Thanks to Manny for the recommendation! I can’t wait to read this book! Read more
Me: “Nope. No more talking to me. I’m done parenting today. From now on report all your problems to Dad.” Boy: “OK. See you tomorrow then, for another long, hard day of parenting.” Read more
Earlier this year, I had an opportunity to read and review Love and Salt for the Patheos book club. Lauren at The Lovliest Hour has two copies of the book to give away. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity. And you’ll love Lauren’s blog if you don’t already read it. Read more
I was dropping off a bag of stuff at Goodwill, and another car pulled up behind me. An older lady got out with one very pretty blue sweater in her hands. She gave it a once-over and started towards the drop-off. When she approached me, she held the sweater up. “Do you need a sweater? This would look pretty on you,” she said. I was sorry that I did not need the sweater. I was trying to get rid of... Read more
There’s an article circulating from Psychology Today about Why French Kids Don’t have ADHD by Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D. With a few exceptions, the “share” comes with a comment like “Americans always want the quick fix” or “Parents should learn to say no.” I agree with both of those statements in general. The problem is that neither of them really follow from the evidence presented in the article. Dr. Wedge asks the question: “Is ADHD a biological-neurological disorder? Surprisingly, the answer to... Read more
Well, here’s something fun: Through the wonders of modern technology, I have been able to collaborate (in a very small way) with author/songwriter Matthew Lickona, and a few very talented musicians to sing back-up vocals on the first song release from the Korrektiv Records Album, “Good Country People.” “Play Me” – the first single from the musical collective Good Country People. Vocals: Mary Ann Carr Backup vocals: Betty Duffy Music: Bill Wilson Words: Matthew Lickona Amazon I... Read more
My daughter and I were on our way to the store when she said something like, “When I grow up, I’m only going to have one child.” “Why only one?” I asked. “I just think it would be easier.” I have to admit that at first pass, I was a tiny bit worried about my daughter’s life plan, not the number of kids, but the “easier” part. I feared she was developing the dreaded “contraceptive mentality” that fears hardship of... Read more
I came across an old home movie recently, of a picnic with my siblings and cousins when we were all on the cusp of adulthood. My sister and her fiance were manifesting their first timid acts of public affection, the rest of us were clowning around. Since that day, about twenty years ago, we have all married and had children, so that now, between all of us, there are roughly thirty new people in existence. The oldest of our children... Read more
Maybe fifty years ago, two young women could meet each other at school or a party, and rest assured that they shared some commonality of belief. In today’s post-Christian American culture, those same young women would guard their belief like a neurosis, waiting for the moment when it would have to be revealed, probably in a piece of writing or a late night heart to heart, that they were one of those “God people.” Such was the case for Amy... Read more
Betty Duffy
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