Author Archives: bonnevivantelife

A Wonder of a Woman

I have to tell you, I’m still sort of on a high the day after our first gig. I know, you’re thinking I’m a bit intense if I’m still so worked up over a half hour set the night before. … Continue reading

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Keep Calm and Rock On

“Are you nervous, Mama?” La Chica asked me about my gig tomorrow. See, I picked up the drums in late spring of last year. I’ve wanted to play since I was a little kid. I joined a rock band 14 … Continue reading

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An Open Letter (and a Cake) to Friendship

Tonight was an annual cake auction our Cub Scout Pack holds to benefit Friends of Scouting. I was reluctant to join cub scouts five years ago for various reasons, none of which matter now. Tonight was the last year we’ll … Continue reading

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Family Secrets

A friend asked me what my parents’ reaction was after I told them I was published in the Huffington Post. I crinkled my eyebrows and said of course I hadn’t told them. I haven’t told them for a lot of … Continue reading

Posted in Empowerment, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relationships | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Hard to Find Good Help

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has become a day of service. Choosing specific days of service is a wonderful thing–soup kitchens on Thanksgiving, donating to Toys for Tots during the holidays, volunteering on MLK, Jr. Day, etc. I also value … Continue reading

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When Was the Last Time?

Originally posted on Thrive Fully Creative:
They grow up so quickly, everyone reminds me. Time flies faster as we get older, they tell me. Cherish every moment, people implore me. What no one told me was how funny it is…

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On Loss and Grief

Originally posted on Thrive Fully Creative:
Grief, my new constant companion, has moved in. I thought I’d take a good look at him since we’re spending so much time together now. And I’ve realized a few things. Grief is not…

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Recipe for Resilience

La Chica, age 8, wanted to make pancakes from her special princess recipe book. Yes, Hell has a bookstore section, and Satan sells this cookbook. Unfortunately for me, she was already feeling a bit verklempt that morning by the time … Continue reading

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I Hereby Resolve: No More New Year’s Resolutions!

  Have you created your list of New Year’s resolutions yet? I haven’t, and I won’t. I’ve never been one to wait once a year to decide to change something. Throughout the year, I decide to change my behaviors or … Continue reading

Posted in Meditation, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relationships | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Family: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The holiday season is a special time. For eating too much, drinking too much, stressing out over gifts and sending out Christmas cards. In short, an ambivalent time for people. There’s a lot of pressure to have Hallmark-perfect family gatherings … Continue reading

Posted in Mindfulness, Parenting, Relationships | Tagged , , | 4 Comments