Author Archives: Ilene

The Misconception About Philanthropy

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  Today’s mixer is BYOB! That would be, “Bring your own bacon.”Today’s guest of honor, Jennifer Barbour, is a bacon lover, pie hater, mom to two boys and three dogs, and all around do-gooder.   If you haven’t checked out Jennifer’s blog at anotherjennifer.com, it’s definitely worth the read.  Jennifer writes about motherhood, living in Maine, blogging, social media, and she also lends her voice to an abundance of worthy causes, through her Philanthropy Friday series.   I am so happy to have Jennifer here on my page today.  Please give her a warm welcome! photo credit  When I worked for a nonprofit, I was the person … Continue reading →

Use Your Words

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It was a conversation I had never planned to have, the one with the friendly customer service representative from the limousine company. Normally, I would hit someone up for a ride, but given I would head to the airport at 4 am on Friday morning, I decided to drive and leave my car there….until I realized that parking would cost more than a car service. Saturday, when I contacted a local car service to make a reservation, the call was taken by the sweet and patient D. D. was friendly, engaging, and not at all in a hurry to rush … Continue reading →

Me and The Beebs

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    It wasn’t supposed to go down like this. I never forget my music. I have it in my purse at all times. Except this week, when I switched purses. Any yoga teacher knows that her playlist is everything. And anyone who has ever taken yoga remembers the playlist. They may not remember what was on that playlist but they remember how those songs made them feel. So when I arrived at the studio on Tuesday without my music, I felt empty handed, to say the least. I should mention that my music fail was preventable. That “free” cell … Continue reading →

My Week in Laundry

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  There were two piles in the middle of the floor, one dirty that needed to be washed, and one clean that needed to be folded and put away. I’m always behind on the laundry, this week no exception. Early on Saturday, with coffee in hand, I began to sort through the piles, four clean loads lying on top of each other in one basket, and four days of dirty in the other. I pulled out the shirt Miss F. wore when we had harsh words before school Tuesday morning, where I, in a terrible mood, said regrettable things, things … Continue reading →

Hello…Goodbye

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  We stood on the grass as the van made its way over the gravel driveway.  As it came to a stop, E. emerged with a brown cocker spaniel in her arms.  “This one’s yours!” she said as she handed the dog to me. “Isn’t he a beauty?” The kids gathered around me as we said hello to our first foster dog Brock. That was a year ago.  We’ve fostered fourteen dogs since.  Many people don’t understand why we have chosen to take in dogs on a temporary basis as fosters versus adopt.  Today, I’m explaining my famliy's decision to … Continue reading →

Midfielders Make the World Go Round

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It’s time to mingle again! This time, with Eli from Coach Daddy. I could never dream of asking Eli over without serving pizza, so please! Grab a slice. A brilliant story teller, Eli chronicles life and parenthood with humor and heart, from anecdotes about coaching soccer, to some of the unusual questions he fields from his daughters, to his “almost” convincing justification of Chick Fil A not being a fast food. Today’s post combines the many elements that makes Eli’s voice so compelling. A soccer metaphor, some philosophy, and a tribute to his girls. The kids’ shirt said a lot … Continue reading →

In Praise of Pop Tarts

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  “Sprinkles, Mommy!  I want sprinkles!” “Rainbow or chocolate?” “Both, Mommy! I want them both!   Ow!”  My daughter winces. “They’re hurting me!” “Look at me, baby!  Look at me!” I turn her head to face mine.   “Don’t look down there!” “You can have whatever toppings you want.  You can have every topping in the store.” “Mommy!  Make them stop!” S. looks past me at the open wound and at the nurse, in the middle of sewing 17 stitches into her leg, as a result of being hit by a car hours earlier. The staff assures me that she can’t feel … Continue reading →

What If My Aunt Had Balls

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It’s all about Michelle Montero from Callias Corner today! And in her honor, dirty spicy martinis, wine, and chocolate are all on the menu.  There might be some irony in what I’m serving today as a hostess, given I met Michelle while we were both during a green smoothie challenge last summer. And while my cleaning eating diet didn’t last very long past August, I’m so grateful that my friendship with Michelle did. For the past several months, I have had the pleasure of tracking Michelle’s photography career and the start of her business.  In addition to being phenomenally talented … Continue reading →

I Am Me

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  “First time? For real?“ “First time,” he says cracking a tentative smile. “Dude! Awesome,” I shout as I give him a high five. “What about you girls in the back?” I ask as I return to the front of the room. I look at a cluster of young women sitting in the back, who I guess to be in their 20’s. “Second class,” the one in the corner says. “Second class ever?” She nods. “This is the best night!” I say slamming the palm of my hand on the floor.  “I’m so happy you’re here!” I am sitting on … Continue reading →

I Will Say Yes

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  I believe in the impossible. Thanks to running. Running has taught me that the impossible starts with one step followed by another step and then another until you run your first mile or ten or 26. When you run a marathon, especially your first, you have no choice but to believe. You have to believe. You have to say yes, even if you’re unsure, because there’s no way to do this thing, even for one moment, if you say no. The impossible starts with saying “yes” and taking your first step. And while at first this “yes,” was about … Continue reading →