Family Legacy
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Simply Do the Right Thing
Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question, “Is it politic?” And Vanity comes along and asks the question, “Is it popular?” But Conscience asks the question “Is it right?” And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right. – Martin Luther King, Jr. “Just, do the right thing.” Lately, I hear myself saying this more and more often: really, how hard can it be? In truth, it can be very hard and that’s the problem. Sometimes the right thing seems so hard that we…
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What’s Your Struggle?
Right now, I am struggling to stay focused on my writing goals. It’s that time of year again, when I pack up a few of my favorite things in preparation to head north in support of The Consultant and his work. This is the fourth summer of our temporary lifestyle and, it is starting to feel like my new normal – at last. The transition to this new way of life has not been easy. When we started this path in 2011, it seemed everything was a struggle. Looking back now, I can see why. Virtually everything in my life changed within four months. I left my secure full-time job…
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Lessons From the Chick That Flew Coop
I am thrilled to have my daughter, Princess, guest posting on my blog today. She has written from Koh Samui, Thailand. This letter is a keeper. Dear Mom, Dad (AKA The Consultant) and Buddy, Thank you. Without all of your travel stories, shared experiences and encouragement I would have never been inspired to take this journey. As of April 1, 2014 I have been gone for seven months and I’m terribly homesick – the homesickness kicked in on about month three – but that is beside the point. You convinced me at a young age, that traveling, in some capacity, should be on every young person’s priority list. Hearing…
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Where I’m From
I have always believed that in order to know where you’re headed, you need to know where you’ve been. I was inspired to write my “Where I’m From” piece by Lisa Hall-Wilson. It’s from a fun and easy to follow template shared by Sharla Lovelace. I have linked their posts for your enjoyment. You can find the template here. Why not give it try? Here is what I came up with. Where I’m From… I am from Fanta Orange Soda, Wint-o-Green Lifesavers that sparked in your mouth when you chewed them in a dark closet and grape Popsicles that dripped on your bathing suit after running through the sprinkler on a hot day.…
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Mom’s Love
My mother’s love Is aron-knit Steady row connects Even rows Intricate pattern rests Compassion on my shoulders Wrapped in wool Gentle rock Way forward Then back to protection Tucked over lap Cocoon keeps Chills at bay Secure insulation Or waiting Over chair back Patiently For the right time Reach up Pull on Hair smoothed over Buzzing brain And inhale deeply Her scent Permeates skin Released through tears I breathe. Note: My mom, Dawn Ostrom, showed her love in so many ways but if you received one of her hand knit sweaters, you knew you had something special. She passed away in July…
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A Thanksgiving Message to Buddy and Princess
It’s looking like our family won’t be together for Thanksgiving this year. Buddy is off to visit a friend in Montreal, Princess is starting her mini-life down under and The Consultant and I are taking advantage of the last fall weather to squeeze in a few more work hours here in Slave Lake. So, I thought it would be nice for us to convene on the pages of my blog in an attempt to “meet” somewhere. So, imagine us all sitting around the Thanksgiving table about to dig into turkey and all the fixings, when I say, “Life is all about gratitude, kids. I’d like to believe I gave you…
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Strong Women Leave No One Behind
I casually mentioned the Open Letter Challenge, organized by Josh Irby, to my dear friend and writing pal, Janine, not expecting her to jump at the idea. Inspired by her excitement for the project, I decided I’d better get to work on my own letter. The following is my response to An Open Letter to You from the Rest of the World. Dear World, My story is one of sisterhood. My house was full of sisters. Daily, I experienced their unconditional love. I understand the power of women to guide one another and consciously influence, positively. Yet, I watch as women push each other down. I watch as we hold each…
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Right-Brained Girl in a Left-Brained World
“We are right-brained girls functioning in a left-brained world.” My eldest sister and I say that to each other all the time. Since I have reached the empty-nest stage, my aim is to do something about it. I want to unleash my right-brained, creative self. She’s been dying to get out for years. Somehow my sister and I compromised our creativity. Maybe you have too. In our society, we place the most value on practical left-brainers who work with details, invoices, numbers, formulas and statistics. We can easily grasp left-brain ideas. They are logical, don’t take as much effort to sell and quickly find supporters. We have bought into the…
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My First Lesson in Parenting
I don’t remember where we were headed or why we were on the highway. I only remember waking up in the backseat of the car to overhear my dad sharing his philosophy of parenting with a lady in the passenger seat. She was visiting from Samoa and was interested in learning about the ways of our culture. He told her that when he was growing up the answer to all his requests was “no.” And when he questioned that answer “because I said so” was added. That didn’t give a kid much to go on and he often wandered off scratching his head not really understanding the “why” behind the…
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Sometimes It’s Comfortable To Be Uncomfortable
Life can change by stepping outside the door, at the flick of a light switch, with the buzz of a text message. In split seconds, uncomfortable presents its self, accompanied by unknown. Some of us recognize it as fear. But fear not. Discomfort can be one of your very best friends. It is unrealistic to believe that we can get through life feeling nothing but comfy and cozy. During those “life is good” times we hang on tight because we never know when circumstances will change. That’s life. In the empty nest stage, discomfort sneaks up on us. We can see it coming but we don’t know for sure when…
