Sleepovers are woven into the fabric of American childhood.  In today’s world, an invite to a sleepover may likely outrank the wonderment and anticipation of waiting for the tooth fairy. Writing an article about the inherent dangers of sleepovers is as popular as pillaging honey pots from Winnie-the-Pooh.  Why would I try to discredit…

I have a great reverence for deep bodies of water.  Not long ago, we took a Saturday excursion by boat to remote and deserted Watts Island, a mile-long sliver of land nestled in the Tangier Sound of Virginia.  The monotonous hum of the outboard motor mixed with the taste of salt water from the spray…

Have you ever considered a food makeover? We don’t think twice about refreshing the kitchen but what about an overhaul on the food we eat?  Could certain foods trigger your chronic headaches or other health issues? Everyone loves and, on occasion, needs and deserves a makeover.  Like me, you’ve at one time experienced an organization…

Before entering the mommy arena, I unpacked baggage from my childhood and wrestled it to the floor. Then I carefully repacked the baggage and affectionately renamed them “experiences.”  I devoured every parenting book in print, or so it seemed, feeding my insatiable appetite for mommy knowledge.  My misguided quest to be the perfect mom, eventually,…

The line at my favorite coffee spot coiled the length of the room and landed me right in front of a shelf stocked with “all-natural gluten-free maple granola.”  Since I had nothing to do but wait in line, I picked up a small bag of this gluten-free earthy, real food and read the list of…

As a nation, we ardently campaign for the rights of individuals.  When it comes to accommodating people who struggle with reading, our classrooms and places of employment often don’t reflect that endeavor. We erroneously assume that everyone who sits in a classroom or a conference room should be called upon to read aloud. In an…