Allowing children to be themselves

Countless childrens books and parenting books tout the importance of letting each child be themself. They discuss the importance of allowing a child to be who they are, explore their interests and talents, and express their feelings in the way that feels "right." Young children still need some guidance, but it takes a parent stopping and listening to really know who their child is and is becoming.

The last three years I've watched my oldest blossom into the person he is becoming. He is outgoing, sweet, inquisitive, soft-hearted, and (not but) also strong-willed, active, loud, and more of a talker than a listener.

He has become a second set of hands for me and an eager helper.

And as time goes on, I hope I can take the time to really "know" my kids. I want to give them permission to be who they are and tell me what they think, even if we don't agree. I want to be supportive of the ambitious and trivial pursuits. And the same person to them in public as I am in private.

Looking back at my own life, it's especially important to me. Because I wish I'd had the same permission.

New singles column

I want to announce that I have a new column for singles! Stop by and check it out. I also encourage everyone to suscribe and keep on top of updated entries. Here's the link : http://www.examiner.com/x-11867-Dallas-Singles-Guide-Examiner

Vogue again, again, and again!

So how many times has Victoria Beckham been on the cover of Vogue? (Not counting the stories and features she's been in and not graced the cover.)


Vogue Sport

Russian Vogue

UK Vogue

Priscilla of Boston fall/winter bridal show '08

A model walks the runway in the Priscilla of Boston '08 bridal show in New York.

Bad Poetry

I decided to enter the 2009 "Bad Poetry Contest"-- Thanks to my brother who sent me the link and his own entries "The Ballad of Ned the Hamster" and "Hero Hajid and the Golden Harp of Gimladi."
(NOTE: this is BAD poetry, not the good stuff!)

Grass is the Color of Love

Tuesday a day for shopping
sad pantry running bare
An anniversary to remember
such a lovely little affair

Jim and I are now together
for years and years at last
After waiting months to see him
his business overseas is mowing grass

But now retired and happy
a dinner I decide to make
And what would be more fitting?
Than a grass-seed chocolate cake!

Oh so delicious I know it
oozing layers of decadant brown
One plate won't be enough
seconds and thirds will be going down

So to a feed store I hurried
secret recipe stored away
As any good wife I protected
the recipe for grass-seed cake

I bought six pounds of the best
for Jim is the kind of guy
Who deserves all natural ingredients
and determined I was to try

I made a mound of decadence
put candles on my prize
Oh Jim would be so excited
it's amazing what a devoted wife tries

That night just after dinner
candlelight dinner settling well
Would he like my cake? I wondered
It was just the time to tell

I cut big lumps of chocolate
with grass seed such a sin
Watching my husband's face light up
As a big bite was shoved right in

Not two seconds later
Jim writhered on the floor
Amazed I watched him loving
the bite he must adore

But the medics told me other
reasons were to blame
For we quickly discovered
He was allergic when they came

Poor Jim is on a gurney
I fear now for his health
But I'll sit here and eat it
juicy cake all to myself!

- Agnes (My alter ego?)

"Fallen Angel" May 2009 in Oil

The paint isn't even dry yet, but I wanted to share these.

Geekiest wedding cakes

You know you married a geek when...

See more geek-inspired cake photos HERE.