Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday: Fool Me Once... (Cheating Songs)

This week’s theme for the now famous blog hop, Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday, is Cheating Songs.

From blues, R and B, country, and rock come so many songs about cheating I didn't know where to begin.  

Hollering?

Lamenting?

Filled with high-suspense and drama?

Then I realized that I usually listened to cheating songs after a painful breakup.  So, I took a short trip down memory lane and recalled some of these post-relationship-collapse songs that obviously or not so obviously are about cheating.

Five Songs about Cheating

1. Where Did You Sleep Last Night? - Nirvana

I was thinking Lead Belly but then thought celebrating the recent anniversary of Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance would be just so right.

2. Red Rain - The White Stripes

Although the lyrics do not specifically say that his woman was out cheating, these lines seal the deal for me:

You think not telling is the same as not lying, don't you?
Then I guess not feeling is the same as not crying to you.

and

If there is a lie, then there is a liar, too
And If there is a sin, then there is a sinner, too.



3. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart - Wilco

Is he not returning her calls? Drinking too much? Maybe. Cheating? Could be. Or was she the one who cheated?  Not sure, but cheating was definitely involved in this very ambiguous love story.




4. If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night) - Meshell Ndegeocello

I remember when I first heard this song back in the early '90's. I couldn't believe the boldness in the lyrics and I loved it. I still do.

This was probably not a breakup song for me.  More likely, it was a rebound song.



5. I'm a Fool to Want You - Billie Holiday

This is an obvious choice.  Thank you, Billie.

I'm a fool to want you
I'm a fool to want you
To want a love that can't be true
A love that's there for others too

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Halloween Twisted Mix-Tape

It’s the 31^st Twisted Mix-Tape blogging link up and it’s falling on Halloween week!

How apropos!

Technically Twisted Mix-Tape is a Tuesday thing and today is Thursday, but I have never been on time or apropos in my life.

This week’s theme is Scary Songs.  I enlisted the help of everyone in my house which resulted in quite a long list.  Then I checked the parameters of the link up over at Jen’s My Skewed View and realized I had way, way too many songs.  

This created another challenge—editing.  I am about as good at editing as I am at being on time (or apropos).

 

Here’s my five song playlist for Halloween and Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday (in no particular order, play it on shuffle):

1. God’s Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash

I was going to go with Long Black Veil, then I remembered Cash's God’s Gonna Cut You Down and chose the latter.  I grew up Catholic with a grandmother who did not much appreciate Vatican II and a few nuns for teachers who did not seem to appreciate children.  I remember as I was preparing for my First Reconciliation in the second grade that I was freaked out by the fact that God could not only see everything I did, but God also knew my thoughts.  I lived in complete fear.  I’m older now and understand that as a child there is no way I was thinking about anything requiring God to strike me down.  But still, the song creeps me out.

2. Bugs – Pearl Jam

I love this song.  I especially love that when I played it for my daughters to get it approved for this list, they asked me to turn it off.  Apparently bugs creep them out as much as God did me in my youth.

3. Forty Six and 2 – Tool

Lyrics: 

My shadow's
Shedding skin and
I've been picking
Scabs again.

I'm down
Digging through
My old muscles
Looking for a clue.

It’s for dark moments only, obviously.

Forty Six and 2 got the thumbs up from everyone in the house, even my Chihuahuas who know a little something about shedding. . .fur.

4. The Stone – Dave Matthews

Another one for darker moods.  Another one that I like due to being raised Catholic and always feeling like I had done something wrong.  It’s a beautiful song, really.  Especially this version.

5. Secret – The Pierces

This is the theme song for the show my daughters are obsessed with, Pretty Little Liars.  I find it scary when my girls sing it in unison in their pretty little voices.

Be sure to check out Jen and the rest of the bloggers who participated in this week's Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday to see if your favorite scary song made it onto anyone's list!





Happy Halloween!

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Dear Daughters: I Love You

I made a big announcement last month and last May that I would be blogging regularly.

No more big announcements.  But, I'm blogging.  And the blog, this space, is in the state of being overhauled--posts relabeled, tabs removed and added, I may even purchase a more simple url.  Nothing fancy.  No servers and me trying to program a site.  Simple.  But here and consistent.

So I was Instagramming all weekend and got minimal done here.  It's OK.  I love Instagramming.  It makes me feel good.  I like looking and seeing and trying to translate what I see to other people.  It's difficult to do so with an old Samsung Galaxy, but I manage.  And I love getting out of the house.  Love it.

I digress...and that's OK.

I am getting the blogging ball rolling with Monday Listicles.  One of my favorite memes.  The theme this week is love: 10 ways to say, "I love you."  Because it's midnight and I have to be up at 4:30 a.m. for work, I am going quick and easy.  Rattling off of the top of my head the things I do for my two adolescent daughters...the things I do because I love them so much that it hurts.  This stuff is the least I can do.

And here we go.

10 Ways I Show My Daughters I Love Them

Dear daughters,

The next time you are angry because I ask you about your grades or suggest you clean up your room try to remember that I love you.  How do you know that when I am scrunching up my face in disapproval?  Here's how:

I tell you.

I pack your lunch for school.

I tuck you in at night.

I sing for you.

I dance for you.

I wash your clothes (most of the time).

I do not require you to do many chores.

I  go to all performances (choir, plays, musicals, band)

I make you food to eat after school.

I cry when you do something wonderful.

There's more.  Much more.  But this is a nice list you can memorize and recite to yourself
the next time I embarrass you in public.

Love,

Mom

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Wednesday's Woman Returns

I turned on comment moderation.  If this is inconvenient for you, I do apologize.  While I was on hiatus from blogging the spam took over my comment section.  Moderation will help me to regain control and give me time to clean it up.  Thanks for your patience.

My hope is that the clean-up becomes maintenance and the work in progress never ends. There’s beauty in the process, isn't there?

Speaking of process, I visited my old blogger friend The Mommy Padawan just a minute ago at her space on the Web.  I was grateful to see her and read her words.  She’s still here!  And she’s embraced her work in progress. She is embracing change and it is working out well for her.  She continues to be an inspiration to me.

Read about her journey here: Changes

Speaking of Mommy Padawan (Anna Mahler), she was significant in helping to keep my series Wednesday’s Woman going.  In fact, I felt as if it was more our series than solely mine.  As I resuscitate Sperk* I am also reviving Wednesday’s Woman.  Today.

What is Wednesday’s Woman?  Here’s a screen shot of how it currently stands:

It will stay the same.  I still want guest posts.  Your contributions, perspectives, and interpretations of what makes a Wednesday’s Woman have been invaluable.  The women that stand out to you, have impacted you…their stories can only come from you.  I need YOU!

The only change I am making is instead of it being weekly, it will now be bimonthly (occurring twice a month).  I think the first and third Wednesdays of each month will work well, don’t you? 

So, who wants to be my guest for next week?  Don’t be surprised if you get a solicitation for a guest post soon.  Or, you could make it easy and be the first to raise your hand.  Email me or leave a comment if you want to be featured here next week, or the next next week, or the week after that.  If you have contributed in the past, you again can contribute.   

To get the ball re-rolling, below is a re-post honoring Anna for all her contributions to Wednesday’s Woman.  Enjoy.

The Mommy Padawan screenshot 

Last week I mentioned that Wednesday’s Woman keeps me going.  This is true.  I am grateful for all of the bloggers who willingly take time out of their schedules to share with us stories of the women who inspire them. 

There is one woman, a regular contributor to Wednesday’s Woman, who is instrumental in the endurance of this series.  She is flexible and forgiving of my lack of scheduling skills.  She is always willing to read my rambling emails and regularly responds with compassion and empathy.  Her name is Anna Mahler.    

Anna's first submission was last March honoring Lisa Shannon.  For her intro I wrote: 

This week’s Wednesday's Woman was written and submitted by Anna Mahler, of The Mommy Padawan.  I am certain you get the “Mommy” part.  But are you familiar with the term “Padawan”?

A "padawan" is a term for “student” taken from the film Star Wars.  I think the title of Anna’s blog is fitting.  She is a careful observer of life and looks to her experiences for opportunities to grow as a woman, wife, and mother.  She sees her three year old son as her greatest teacher.    

Students learn most through their experiences teaching others.  Anna is no exception.  She shares the wisdom she has gained as a wife and mother in her ebook You are Loved - Caring for Our Children, Families, and Ourselves with Loving Kindness.  

Her philosophy of self-care allows her to create a harmonious home.  Self-care also allows her to recognize the importance of sharing her uplifting attitudes with the readers of her blog.  I encourage you to spend time at The Mommy Padawan where you will find a voice of authenticity, grace, warmth and courage. 

I’d like to honor Anna today by revisiting all of her contributions to Wednesday's Woman.  They are linked below.  Be sure to thank her.  And be sure to let her know she is quite deserving of being honored as this week’s Wednesday’s Woman.

Wednesday's Woman: 
Works of Mommy Padawan

Wednesday's Woman:  A Call to Action

Honoring Lisa Shannon, author and founder of Run for Congo Women, which is a volunteer effort to raise funds and awareness for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  She also spent months in eastern Congo exploring the link between mining and the world's worst sexual violence.


Wednesday's Woman: Impacting Families
Honoring Dr. Jane Aronson, founder of Worldwide Orphans Foundation.


Wednesday's Woman: A New Generation of Widows
Honoring Taryn Davis, founder of American Widow Project.


Wednesday's Woman: This is a Safe Place
Honoring Diane Latiker, founder of Kids Off the Block

Wednesday's Woman: Zainab Salbi
Honoring Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi American writer, activist and social entrepreneur who is co-founder and president of Washington-based Women for Women International.


Wednesday's Woman: Christy Turlington Burns
Honoring Christy Turlington Burns, American model and founder of Every Mother Counts, a campaign to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world.


Wednesday's Woman: Being of Service
Honoring Seane Corn, founder of Off the Mat and Into The World


Wednesday's Woman: Mildred Loving
Honoring Mildred Loving, civil rights activist. She and her husband successfully defeated Virginia's ban on interracial marriage.

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN IS A WEEKLY FEATURE DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN WHO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR DAUGHTERS. . . AND THE WORLD.

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Hello Again

Wow.  Where have I been?  I took the summer off from blogging in order to spend more time with the kiddos.  Summer turned into autumn.  Swimsuits and shorts into jeans and sweaters.  So much has transpired.  So much in my life has been fixed and much more is in need of fixing. I don’t know where to begin.  I’ll start with a welcome back to me!

It’s easy to stop blogging.  Especially if one has a gift for procrastination, which I do.

“Oh, I’ll do that link-up on Tuesday.”

Tuesday rolls around and I say, “Well, I don’t think anyone really wants to hear about that.  I mean really.  Next Tuesday.”

And so on.  And so on.

It’s difficult to start blogging after a long hiatus.  It’s very difficult.

I mean, what do I say?

“Sorry it's been a while, I’m a lazy bum?”

“I’m afraid you won’t like what you read?”

Dribble, dribble, droll.

Fear.  Fear.  Fear.

Plus, my story is not only my own, but also belongs to the people in my life—my partner, my daughters, the people in my community that may read Sperk*.  I feel a need to protect them, their privacy.  Plus, as far as my daughters, I don’t want to embarrass them.

I've missed having a voice, though, which is the most precious gift of blogging.  Not all in this world have a voice.  I do.  I should be using it.  Forget hiding in silence.  Forget fear of judgment.  Forget thoughts like, “I’m not where I should be at this point in my life.”

“If I really share my opinion, I may be ignored at the next school function.”

And so on.  And so on.

Furthermore as I was searching for stock photos to include with this post I came across this:

And to that I say, "whatever," because I then came across this:

My blog’s layout needs updated.  My bio needs to be rewritten.  The tabs need to be made relevant. 

So much to do.  So much to say.

I must proceed with patience.

I must acknowledge that the hard part is done—getting started.

Here it is.

Blog post number one, after a very long, lonesome hiatus.  I've missed my blogging connections.  I've missed you.

Hello, again.

 

"Hello again, its been too long, too long, too long, hello again" DMB



I have been consistently taking mobile photos and posting on Instagram.  In case you missed me there:

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Feed Your Head: A Mix Tape for Time Travel

It’s Twisted Mix Tape Tuesday and I’ve been transported back in time to 1969. My mission is to comprise a list of songs you must listen to in this year of my birth. My mission’s instructions include keeping in mind that I “. . .have no knowledge of the music to come, however [I am] fully aware of the music in [my] past and can make full use of it . . . .”

This is no easy mission.  So much great music, so many great artists emerged in the '60's.  Should I consider popularity?  Influence and impact?  I just don't know.  So, these are the songs I simply think you must hear.

Jackson – Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

The first concert I ever attended at the tender age of three or four (I don’t remember exactly) was that of Glen Campbell at Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling, West Virginia. Guess who Campbell’s special guests were? Johnny and June! I was absolutely mesmerized. That show was in the early ‘70’s and in keeping with my mission of not knowing what music will come post 1969 or of not knowing I would see Johnny and June in the flesh, I am safe with this choice. Jackson reached number 2 on the country charts in 1967.



Colours – Donovan

Donovan was considered an imitator of Bob Dylan. But as in all forms of art, when creating music there is no imitation, only inspiration. Colours came to me on a mix-tape-gift by someone I don’t remember. The song, though, is so sweet, it’s unforgettable. And although the mix tape was given to me in the 80’s, I’m safe in my mission. Colours, the single, was released in the UK in 1965.



Wishin’ and Hopin’ – Dusty Springfield

The anthem for the not yet liberated woman of the ‘60’s. Prayers don’t work.  However, a great voice and stellar musical performances will get you the guy. Thank you Dusty.



These Boots are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra

The anthem for the liberated woman of the ‘60’s, 1966 to be exact. The skirt, the boots, the legs. Am I objectifying Nancy? Forgive me, but she had the moves. And the song? Try standing still while it’s streaming from your music device (being that it's 1969, 'device' means record player or 8-track).



Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills and Nash

Performed at Woodstock, this is Stephen Stills’ ode to his break-up from singer-songwriter Judy Collins. If you’re looking for a gateway song into the world of classical music, this is it. Why? It is divided into sections (very remedial reason, I know). That being said, the real reason you should listen to this song is, well, it’s beautiful.  The harmony slays my soul. (I promise to work on my ability to describe music. It’s a tough gig).



Light My Fire – The Doors

This one gets you right from Densmore’s opening crack on the drum. Then you have Manzarek’s trippy organ melody, Krieger's guitar, Morrison’s sultry voice. All very mysterious. The first time I heard it I remember stopping what I was doing (probably having a tea party with my imaginary friends) and thinking it was the strangest most wonderful thing I had ever heard.  Yes, that would have been the early ‘70’s, but, once again, I’m safe in my mission. Light My Fire was released in 1967.



White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane

Feed your head. Not with drugs.  With music.

"Canadian psychologists from McGill University have shown that the neurochemical benefits of music can boost the body’s immune system, reduce anxiety, and help regulate mood." [source]






OK. There is a ton of music you should listen to while visiting with me in the year of 1969: Beatles, Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Monkees, The Kinks, Marvin Gaye. . . . For lack of time, I must close, and transport back to 2013.  My children there are hungry.

Our soundtrack as we travel?  Movie soundtracks, of course:

The Sound of Music
Thank you, Rodgers and Hammerstein


West Side Story
Thank you, Leonard Bernstein

Back to 2013 in 3…2…1....

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She Would Be a Freshman

I remember just about a year ago, it hit me:  A few months of summer and then she would be a freshman in high school.

That’s when I stopped breathing.

Would it be as awkward for her as it was for me?  Would the same things happen to her? 

Would she learn the important stuff, like how to be a friend, how to be safe, how to be happy?

Not all of her tests were marked as stellar.  Not all curfews met.  

There were disagreements with friends and flirtations with potential romantic interests.  She rode around in cars with teens who were her elders, yet her peers.  She made it home alive.

There were triumphs and disappointments, all accompanied by drama.  Her drama.  In her room.  In this house. 

Celebrations. 

Self-criticism.

Pep-talks.

Silence.

Loud music.

A beautiful face buried in an iPhone.

She became mysterious.  Inaccessible at times.   However, at times she needed me like when she was a toddler.  Her skills so much more developed, the challenges greater. 

The hugs were as easy to give as when she was two years old.

Her freshman year officially ended a few days ago and I allowed myself to breathe.

I missed it, the air, the oxygen, the freedom.

I will not miss the fear.

Her time in high school is not going to be like it was for me.

She is not me.

She isn't even mine.

Yes, I gave birth to her.  This is true.

However, she belongs to the world.

And she will be ready.

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10 Worst Band Names

I’ve been a big fan of music since childhood and, therefore, have become accustomed to the oddness of band names.  I remember looking at album covers of Jefferson Airplane and Abba and thinking their names were so strange and, yet, mysterious.  I liked them and still do.  However, today, I imagine at least one of them has made it onto a list of worst band names.

This evening, as I was attempting to compile a list of 10 Worst Band Names for Monday Listicles, I found there are a ton of such lists out there.  Looking through some of them I realized, yes, some band names are bad.  But really, what are the options for naming a band?

I mean, The Band already exists.  The most logical name for a band is taken.

It’s popular to name bands after their founders and/or lead singers, and, why not?  Even though it does come across as ego-maniacal, what are the options?

Hole? Rush? Styx? 

Kansas, Boston, Chicago?

So before I give you my own list of worst band names, let me say, I appreciate the attempts, the creative vigor, and the bravery of musicians who give themselves a collective “name” and put themselves out there.  I’m grateful for the music.  (Although I could do without Butthole Surfers).

10 Worst Band Names

Swans – Are they like feathered creatures from the Swan Lake ballet?  Do they sound like Tchaikovsky?  Maybe they should have taken a cue from E. B. White and gone with The Trumpet of the Swan.  At least that would evoke something musical.  What does a swan sound like?  Well, I found out.  You can listen here:  Swan Sounds

Yellow Ostrich – Another of the ornithological variety.  I actually love this band.  However, do yellow ostriches exist and if so, what do they sound like?  You can find out here (make sure to listen to the screaming ostrich selection):  Ostrich Sounds

Flogging Molly – I actually love this band, too.  And this name actually works.  It’s memorable and catchy.  But who’s Molly?  Why is she being flogged?  Wiki explains:

the band's name comes from the bar (Molly Malone's) thatfaithfully supported the band from the very beginning, "We used to playthere every Monday night and we felt like we were flogging it to death, so wecalled the band Flogging Molly.

I like that story.  I am now uncertain Flogging Molly even belongs on the list.  But it stays.  Onward we go….

Fun. – Whenever they come on the radio I always say to my girls, “Hey! It’s fun period!”  Yeah. 

Toad the Wet Sprocket – Creatively derived from a Monty Python sketch, the band meant it to be nonsensical. Whew. 

Bubble Puppy – The images this name conjures...I see my tiny Chihuahua dogs floating above me...each imprisoned in his own...bubble.

Pussy Riot – Great story, inspiring really.  Very brave young women.  But, you have to admit, their name is well chosen for a prison-stay.  And I just wish they could be vocal about feminist issues without naming themselves after female genitalia.

The The – You would think this name would be impossible to Google.  It's not.  Pops right up there followed by Mr. Mister.

Days of the New – I find this name highly annoying.  Why?  I have no clue.  Does it bug you, too?  Is it perpetually Easter in some parts of the world?

Dave Matthews Band – I’ve seen this on other lists.  And I love this band.  But even Tom Petty added “and the Heartbreakers” to his identity.  DMB simply lacks the creative spirit I expect from someone who has beguiled me for 25 shows and counting.

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Save It for Later: Mother's Day

In Save It for Later you’re getting a brief run-down of each week's stand-outs from things I've bookmarked to "read later" either from Diigo "Read Later" list, Pulse News, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.  


Read Reel Girl

Reel Girl Screen Capture

I took my 12-year-old daughter out to get her nails done on Wednesday for our monthly “date night.”  It was a pleasant experience, she’s a fun kid and I love her so, so much.  However, the salon had their giant flat-screen tuned to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer who was going on and on about the women in Cleveland who were found and brought to safety after a decade of being held captive, raped and tortured.  The coverage was annoying, to say the least, and failed to articulate the real problems we have with violence against women in the US.

In lieu of CNN, please check out these two articles from Reel Girl who does a great job articulating the complexities of violence against women in this country:

Ex-wife of Ariel Castro charged him with domestic violence, case dropped
Rep. Jackie Speier takes the lead to stop sexual assault in the USA

Stories about Moms

On a lighter note, I have been curating “Stories about Moms” for a little over a year on Pinterest.  It’s a group board, so if you’re on it, start adding and a BIG "thank you" to those who have.  If you would like to add some stories let me know.  If you are looking for a lot of wonderful stories about moms, you now know where to go!

Stories about Moms

Kid President

Lastly, I was reading some blogs in an attempt to catch up (I still haven't, but will, eventually, by the end of the year) and came across a lovely Mother's Day post from one of my favorite bloggers, Kimberly Rues of Rubber Chicken Madness.  In it was this video message from Kid President, of course.  Check it out!

Wednesday's Woman And finally (which always follows "lastly" ...in case you didn't know) don't forget to check out the inspiring Mother's Day Edition of Wednesday's Woman. Happy Mother's Day!

Off the Cuff

I am still participating in BlogHer's NaBloPoMo for May.  But, I haven't blogged everyday.  AND I am going to make-up for it.  There will be 31 posts in May.

I haven't been too busy.

I am no longer depressed.

I could blame it on my having ADHD and not being medicated.  However, ADHD is a disability that shows itself in one being unable to get started on something they do not like to do.  I can use it as an excuse for my house that needs cleaned or the trip to the store I need to take.  But, I like blogging.  So, what's the deal?

Am I lazy?

I don't think so.

Last Friday I woke up at 4 am to go to my gig as a nanny, picked up my daughter who was returning from camp from school at 3:30, did her laundry and packed her for her dad's pick-up at 5:30, then concluded the day volunteering at the high school for the OMEA state choir adjudication from 7-midnight.

Not all of my days are like that.

And my word for the year is "patience" so I'm trying not to beat myself up for leaving things on my to-do list unchecked.

But, I'm thinking I need an intervention. Like Tabatha-Takes-Over-style.

I think I am simply stuck in the old behavior of depression--choosing to sit idly while watching "interesting" things online or on cable TV--because it's comfortable.

It's 2:41 pm.  I need to shower, get to the store for my daughter's allergy medicine and pick up both daughters from school by 3:20.  The shower probably won't happen.

My daughter's clarinet lesson is here tonight, in this house, and it desperately needs cleaned.

I've always been last minute.

But I've always worked to change.

I've been patient enough.

So, blogging?  I procrastinate maybe because of ADHD, but mostly because I'm afraid.

"Do I sound stupid?"

"Does anyone care?"

Anyway...I'm writing this post totally "off the cuff", right in the Blogger "create new post" window.  No Word document and editing.

Fearless?

I'm leaving you with the shows and videos I watched all morning instead of blogging.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and I totally understand if you do not have time to watch two full episodes of NOVA.

Thanks for listening.

Beautiful Day U2

Bert and Ernie on Family Guy Madeline Kahn sings with Grover (I love this so much) Bert gets carried out of his bedroom by dancing sheep Oh, yes, Stravinsky I now understand God The dancing I get, the biology, not so much NOVA - Doctor's Diaries

NOVA - Life and Death in the War Zone

Linking up with:

and:

I will be commenting.  Soon.  I promise.

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Wednesday's Woman: Mother's Day Edition

Welcome to the Mother’s Day edition of Wednesday’s Woman!

When I began the Wednesday’s Woman series I thought many I asked to guest post would write about their mothers or women who were like mothers to them.  That has not always been the case.  The scope of women highlighted here has been greater than I anticipated and for that, I am grateful.  Still, every once in a while, I’ll receive a guest post from a writer who wishes to honor her mother and I’m always deeply moved.  The mother-child relationship is complex and is not necessarily bound by biology.  Adrienne Rich wrote in Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution:

“Probably there is nothing in human nature more resonant with charges than the flow of energy between two biologically alike bodies, one of which has lain in amniotic bliss inside the other, one of which has labored to give birth to the other. The materials are here for the deepest mutuality and the most painful estrangement.”

And Oprah has been quoted as saying:

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."

Below are links to past Wednesday’s Woman posts by writers honoring their moms or those who mothered them.  I encourage you to read them all.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wednesday's Woman: Mother's Day Edition

Mothers and Daughters -by Missy Bedell of Literal Mom

Sometimes the time for a story comes and you're afraid to write it. I agreed to write for Sperk* for Wednesday's Woman a long time ago.  And when she reminded me that it was today, I had a bit of a panic attack. I can write about moments.  I can give you kid vignettes.  I can hide behind humor and tongue in cheek posts, like I did last week. What I normally don't give you is information about my past. (read more)

The Door Is Always Open -by M

Susan is the mother of three extraordinary people and although I am not her son, I like to count myself as her fourth. She is married to an awesome man and father Rolf, is active member at her church and holds a master’s degree in counseling.  Susan has devoted her life to helping others. She is the founder and director of Brandon’s House Counseling Center in New Albany, Indiana. While working (read more)

How I Met My Mother -by Kerstin Auer

When thinking about women I connected with or who made an impact in my life my mother is certainly the last person I want to think about. Throughout most of my childhood and into my adulthood I considered my mother the enemy. When she got engaged to my father she was the age my daughter is now – 15 years old. She married my father when she was 17 and two years later I was born. (read more)

Fostered By Example -by Tamar at Ladies Holiday

My Aunt Linda, wasn't really my aunt at all. She was my mother's best friend since the age of 7, and as many best-friends-of-moms, she received the honorary title of Aunt as a way of recognizing that close connection not only to my mother but to my mother's children as well. When I was about 5-yrs-old, Aunt Linda had her first daughter (adding to her small family of two nearly grown sons), Jenny, became instantly my "cousin" or almost like my own little sister. (read more)

Three Generations -by Anna Mahler

Each week, I look forward to reading all the awesome Wednesday's Woman posts here at Sperk*. I've learned about well known women doing great things and causing needed change, everyday heroes and even women who are no longer with us but through their own courage and drive, was changing lives and the world we live in before I was even born.

But some of my favorites have been the personal friends and family some have written about and I have to admit, I often feel twinges of jealousy while reading.  I wish I had a great female role model, someone personal involved in my life today. (read more)

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN IS A WEEKLY FEATURE DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN WHO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR DAUGHTERS. . . AND THE WORLD.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography via photopin
cc photo credit: Indy Charlie via photopin cc

10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing

Today’s theme for Monday Listicles is 10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing.  I thought about how much I love watching movies on HBO, playing games on my smartphone, and eating hummus from Trader Joe’s.  But when considering the cable, Sprint and grocery bills, those all technically cost something.  So, for today’s list, I tried to choose things that bring me joy that are not linked to any sort of recurring payment.  

10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing
(In no particular order)

*Listening to music

*Exchanging smiles with a stranger

*Writing

*Taking naps

*Hearing my girls practice their music—Sophia sings, Antonia plays clarinet

*Laughing, dancing, talking, anything with my kids (the video below is old, like at least two years old. Yay! for this post which has reminded me that I need to make more).

*Dancing  (this video is also old.  It's from last June.  I promise more in the future because I know you love them.)

*Feeling the warm sun on my face

*Sitting with my dog, Frodo, on my lap

*Tucking my girls into bed at night

What brings you joy?

photo credit: bigvern via photopin cc