by Meagan Francis on January 27, 2012
“Hmm?”
This might be the most-used word in my vocabulary, followed closely by “Uh-huh” and “Just a minute.” And almost always aimed at my kids.
I don’t mean to tune my kids out. But sometimes I’m distracted: trying to finish up those last few lines of an important email, edit the blog post I didn’t quite finish before they got off the bus, pay attention to a recipe. Other times I’m simply overwhelmed by the jumbled noise of excited voices tumbling over one another, trying to be the first heard. Tuning out can seem like a coping mechanism, a way to deal with the chaos of family life and competing obligations without losing it. [click to continue…]
by Meagan Francis on January 26, 2012
Right now my family is on a “working” vacation at Shanty Creek Resort in northern Michigan. As a travel writer, every so often I have the opportunity to go check out great destinations for stories I’m writing, and locations in our home state of Michigan are my favorite to cover.
But if you knew me, you might think it kind of funny that I’m writing about a ski resort. For one thing, I’m sort of a klutz, and I’m not even close to being a thrill-seeker. I’m the nervous Nellie warning you to slow down, drive more carefully, keep both eyes on the road. I’m the one who stands back at least 10 feet from the ledge, even if there’s a three-foot titanium fence surrounding the perimeter.
And I’ve always insisted that I have no interest in downhill skiing. [click to continue…]
by Meagan Francis on January 25, 2012
I’m taking a break from my mini-resolutions (because everyone needs a break from self-improvement now and then!) to let you know about a couple of offerings for writers, moms, and especially moms who are writers:
- I’m teaching a new series of writing classes [click to continue…]
