Cathartic journaling of an adoptive mom.

Latest Posts

  • Entrepreneurial mindset 

    Entrepreneurial mindset 

    Kids may surprise us many times over if we are open to the possibilities. I don’t presume to know what they will do in life, even as I notice inclinations, interests, aptitudes. It is delightful to notice and image the possibilities.  My left-handed junior, the visual learner, the technical and the architect type, she struggled…

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  • Low stakes

    Low stakes

    I’m impressed with j’s ability to navigate difficult conversations. She gets herself in sticky situations but just as graciously she comes out the other side stronger and wiser and clearer. As I occasionally make suggestions, after we chat for a long time, I tell her she is free to make her own decision. The stakes…

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  • Tag! You’re it!

    Tag! You’re it!

    I noticed how j interacts with the boy she likes. Similar to how she relates to Conrad. She is sarcastic, and bossy and uninterested. I wonder of it’s a subconscious thing. For the last 3 years we have had many girly talks, and I am afraid I have inspired them to be feminists through and…

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  • Transfers and anxiety 

    Transfers and anxiety 

    A familiar sense of agitation stirs in my stomach. It usually means I am alert and ready to complete a big task. But if this feeling lingers it erodes my stomach and my peace of mind. I am determined to observe my feelings and let them be. Take deep breath and pray about the outcomes…

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  • Ne ținem de cuvânt

    Ne ținem de cuvânt

    Lecția din săptămâna altfel. Livrată cu un ton apăsat. Din păcate. “Sincer, eu nu prea am chef să merg mâine in excursie cu clasa” E vineri și se încheie săptămâna altfel. Apoi începe vacanța de Paști. A fost târg azi și zilele au fost pline de distracție și gustări delicioase. Ieșirea de mâine e scumpă…

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  • Why am I so invested?

    Why am I so invested?

    I do care about my daughter. Her heart. Her feelings.I encourage her to be true to herselfAnd kind to others I listen and I get excited about this new chapterAnd I see her with new eyes I realize I feel ready to let her goTo explore her heartBut I feel the tug to remain closeTo…

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  • Glean

    Glean

    Glean (April 1st) I’m an intelectual hoarderExperiences that are difficultare valuablePain is inconsequentialJoy is a treat My daughter is going through a first romantic interestwith the boy next doorHe is also learning, growing, experimentingShy but determined And she is introspectiveBut she doesn’t fit the moldWill he have the patience, the courage to take her on?…

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  • Siblings

    Siblings

    I was 4 years old and my brother Dan Paraschiv was 8. Already in 3rd grade, aware of life’s hardships – he was not a natural early riser and school was in session Monday through Saturday when he first started. Dan was always patient and kind. He protected me and taught me how to write…

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  • Intentional Connection Daily

    Intentional Connection Daily

    Listening & Sharing.  We could fill tens of books with our conversations. But we are not. I’m starting to see there is no need. I hope they will remember much of the wisdom I passed on, but I trust they will remember my heart.  “You will reap what you sow.” (Galatians 6:7) They may not remember…

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  • Club de carte – mame adoptive

    Club de carte – mame adoptive

    Când alți oameni ne admiră e greu de primit.  Cu siguranță îi suspectăm ca nu înțeleg deplin complexitatea poveștilor noastre. Dar între voi, între povești, cu lacrimi și tăcere și reverență și râs terapeutic și cu pofta, mi se umple inima de admirație și apreciere.  Ajungem să ne îndrăgim copiii reciproc, să-i privim prin ochi…

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  • O frustrare ridicolă și repetitivă

    O frustrare ridicolă și repetitivă

    Dimineață iau micul dejun cu Ivy. Îi pregătesc gustarea pentru școală cat ea își termină cerealele. O duc la școală împreună cu alți trei vecini care merg la aceeași școală. Ea în fața. Povestim despre toate. Le răspund la întrebări. O iau la 12 de la școală, împreună cu ceilalți vecini. La întoarcere procesează cu…

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  • A deep sense of acceptance starts at home

    A deep sense of acceptance starts at home

    My youngest is a lot like me. Quiet and observant. I know there is a lot going on behind these beautiful attentive eyes. And I have little control over what happens outside my home. She is learning to adapt to the world, its fickle friendships and exclusions, the sense of loss, lack of understanding, the…

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