21
May
2007
By Pattie
(originally posted at Pattie’s Place)
This is a tough week at our house. Chaplain Hubby is shipping out for the “World’s Largest Beach.” I have been reading “mil-spouse” (military wives and husbands) boards and blogs of all branches of service, but nothing has prepared me for the heaviness of heart and sadness I feel as his departure looms ever nearer. The longest we’ve ever been apart up till now is with a military assignment which was around five weeks.
I have it so very easy compared to others. I met a woman a few weeks ago who cannot talk to her husband the entire year he is deployed. He’s in special ops of some kind and is in communicado. Another wife I know is home alone with her two sons while her husband has a remote assignment for a year. Thankfully he has leave around the holidays, and can come home, but then back he goes. I worked as a para one year for a teacher who had that same situation, and it was okay. Tough, but okay. Four months is nothing in comparison.
If you think of me, pray for us, my girls and I. We’ll be fine, and we’ll be strong, and we’ll stay very busy and play and pray and travel and keep a scrapbook and take lots of pictures on my new Mother’s Day/anniversary camera and go swimming and play at parks and attend a wedding and visit family and see our friends and eat fast food sometimes . . . and miss him with all our hearts.
Written By: Pattie
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Women's Voices . 
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25
April
2007
by Meredith Efken
Good things come to those who wait, and I’m sure you’ll agree that this was worth the wait today. Thank you to those of you who participated in my “guess my guest” contest. I’ll be announcing the winner at the end of the interview.
I’m very pleased to welcome an extraordinary woman to Violet Voices today…Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Mrs. Heinz-Kerry has been conducting a blog tour for the past couple of weeks to raise awareness of her Women’s Health and the Environment conference, which was held in Pittsburgh, PA, on April 20th.
I only knew Mrs. Heinz-Kerry as the wife of a senator I highly respect and admire. But after getting the opportunity to meet her in person this past December, I’ve become a fan-for-life. She is tirelessly dedicated to improving the lives of families, especially women, and she has a humility and genuine passion to serve others. She views her efforts to take care of the environment and to help improve the health of women and children as a moral mandate that transcends politics. I’ve found her to be an inspiring role model, and I’m so excited to get to introduce you all to this special lady.
VV: Was there a point in time or a certain event that first sparked your concern or passion about the environment? What is it about the connection between the environment and women’s health that motivates you to take action?
THK: Great questions – let me address each separately:
I think my interest and concern for the environment came from growing up in Africa. The combination of the laws of nature and lessons about cause and effect were important ones. My father was a doctor and shepherded me by his caring for people and working so hard to stem disease. My mother’s gardening and constant nurturing helped me to begin to see how one gets results—or does not!
The environment was real and tangible in Africa – there was an immediacy to it that you couldn’t ignore. One key lesson I remember is that all animals go to the water at sunset and sunrise, so you don’t go then. As a child, I learned to be a curious, caring healer, to protect and nurture, and to be practical about it.
Spending time with my father when he was providing medical care to the native people in the African bush, I began to understand very quickly how precious and valuable our surroundings are. The people of the savannah would kill animals only for food, not sport.
But Africa is very vulnerable to droughts and flooding. Africa is suffering terribly now because of the environmental issues.
With regard to my interest in the connection between women’s health and the environment, it is actually quite simple: we and our children are exposed every day to thousands of man-made chemicals. Hundreds of those chemicals can now be found in the tissue of every human being on the planet, including ones who are still in the womb. Most of us don’t know what chemicals are in the products we use, and there are no warning labels. Even though we know about phthalates and bisphenol A and other individual chemicals, we don’t know what the “cocktail effect†is. Some of the ingredients may be inactive by themselves, but mixed with others inside our bodies, they may be dangerous, especially to children. We can do biomonitoring on the body burdens of each chemical, but that information still doesn’t tell us how these chemicals may interact.
Our skin is our largest organ, remember. Everything we put onto it, we absorb just as if we were like eating or drinking it.
We have a Food and Drug Administration for food and drugs, and an Environmental Protection Agency for water and air quality, but we do not have an agency that monitors health and personal care products. Those products can be toxic, and women are more vulnerable than men because we use more than men, and our hormones are affected by some of the chemicals in these products. The European Union has outlawed 250 of the typical personal care products, whereas we have we outlawed only five. That’s because the EU utilizes the precautionary principle, whereby the manufacturer of a product has to prove it is safe before it goes onto the market. In the United States, it’s us getting sick or not who show whether a product is safe or not safe. The U.S. approach is shortsighted and punitive; it’s not the American way.
These kinds of questions led me to initiate the Women’s Health and Environment conferences we launched in Boston in 1996. And, this year, we just finished a wonderful conference in Pittsburgh. It was a full day of identifying problems and proposing solutions.
It is important to me that women and men have the information they need to make informed decisions, know how to find specific answers, or where to go with questions. Educating a woman means educating the whole family and I am happy to support that kind of learning.
VV: Africa sounds beautiful–I can see how you would come to care about our world so much by living in that sort of natural beauty. And the effects you’ve described of health and beauty products is truly chilling. Thank you for your efforts to bring these dangers to our attention.
A lot of us on this blog are moms. So I was wondering, as you were raising your children, what were some things you found helpful in teaching them to care for the environment?
THK: I didn’t start out being an environmentalist; I started out as a mother. I taught my boys about health, about beauty, and we witnessed as much creation as we could. Today, they are all good cooks; they care about healthy ingredients. We grew vegetables, and raised our own grass-fed steers on the farm when they were growing up. Food was and is a source of nutrition and wellness and pleasure. It was important to me that we had a lot of enjoyment around the table. But that takes some effort.
One of my grown children lives almost completely off the grid, and his family are healthy vegetarians. Another son loves to go to restaurants and he is an environmentalist who travels and fosters a healthier approach to life. My third son is aware and caring but not yet attached to a way of doing this. But all three are disciplined about the environmental impact of what they buy.
One of most interesting tools I used when they were growing up was to quote my father; I would tell them that they would get dyspepsia if they drank pop all the time! They had a little ginger ale at birthday parties, but no sweets in packages. Food should be of high quality, and they did not get a lot of sugar either. My late husband, John Heinz, was working on a bill on diabetes research in 1972. I read through it and decided it was time to make some changes! Sundays after church was the only day they could have sweets. I discovered the wisdom of this approach later on. They were much more disciplined about their intake of foods that were not healthy and when they arrived at the age when many children begin to experiment with drugs, they had a basic respect for self and for moderation and quality. Create the capacity for making good healthy choices and later that just takes over. It takes a lot of stubbornness to be a parent. I learned this from my own parents, not from a book, but it seems to have worked out.
It is also worth remembering that Pittsburgh’s air was for years laden with thick black smoke from the steel mills, and I think this impacted or enhanced their understanding. Kids know about asthma and other environmentally influenced sicknesses.
VV: Wow! That is actually so encouraging to me–the things you did with your children were so…normal. I can do those things. In fact, some of them, like limiting candy and junk food, I’m already doing. Whew…maybe I’m doing better at this mom-stuff than I thought. Thank you so much!
Okay, one last question: I’m 32 and a stay-at-home mom of two girls. As an experienced mom and someone who has been an active proponent of women’s health (as well as a rather wise lady with valuable life experience), what advice do you have for me in terms of either my own health or environmental safety at this stage in my life?
THK: Since our skin is our largest organ, I would begin by understanding what impact the cosmetics, personal and household products are having in both the short and long term. I have talked about this issue before but it bears repeating.
Second, I would look at the website for the Environmental Working Group to make sure the personal care products your daughters are using are not adversely impacting their normal growth process.
Third, look for ways to increase what you might be able to buy from local organic farmers, and if there aren’t any organic farmers nearby, at least get to know your local farmers and see what they sell and eat themselves. Are they responsible consumers and caring cultivators?
Try your hand at growing some things yourself. And look at the Environmental Working Group site for food safety hints. For example, hard-skinned fruit is generally safer, but you should buy organic soft skin fruit, preferably locally grown so you know the source. Make sure your meat (chicken and beef) does not have antibiotics, as well as your milk. It is preferable to look for grass-fed beef, pasture-fed cows, and corn-fed chicken, if you can find it. Eat vegetables from the broccoli family, including cabbage and cauliflower that are high in antioxidants. Wash them all well, of course, but don’t eat soft lettuce and spinach unless they very clean and/or organic because it is hard to get the pesticides off. If you can’t afford to buy organic milk or it is hard to find, one cup a day of the organic type is better than the hormone-laden regular milk. We do not want hormones in kid’s bodies. And if you’re want to eat meat, look into eating rabbit, which is high in protein with no fat.
Fourth, the future of the environment depends upon the willingness of each of us to get involved, whether locally or nationally, in an effort to create greater accountability of elected officials and the laws they pass regarding the environment. The old phrase “think globally and act locally†still rings true today, perhaps more than ever.
VV: Thanks so much, Teresa. These are great suggestions, and I appreciate how practical and doable they are. Sometimes, trying to be more careful about our health and taking care of our world seems really intimidating. It’s hard to know where to start. I appreciate the simple steps and suggestions. Thank you for all your efforts, and for being an inspiration and role model for all of us.
Be sure to check out the new Women’s Health and the Environment web site, and the rest of Mrs. Heinz-Kerry’s blog tour –there’s a wealth of information in every single one of her interviews, and several more days to go. Also, for a look at what other “normal people” are doing across the country to help improve the environment, take a look at the new book she and Senator Kerry co-authored:
This Moment on Earth: Today’s New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future
Tomorrow’s blog tour stop is one you won’t want to miss! For all you stay-at-home moms and for all you unschoolers, as well as anyone who enjoys the high-spirited and the off-beat, Cocking A Snook is a must-visit blog. (And if you don’t know what that phrase means, you’ll just have to visit the blog to find out. It’s not what you might think!) They’ll be hosting Mrs. Heinz-Kerry for another great interview, so stop by.
Now, for the winner of my “guess my guest” contest… *drum roll*
Kajudy!!!
(In my best game-show announcer voice:) Congratulations, Kajudy, you have just won an all-expense paid trip to Amazon.com where you will be able to spend a gift certificate on your choice of thousands of great products! (Hopefully environmentally friendly, healthy ones!) I’ll email you!
Thanks again, everyone, for helping make this special guest appearance so much fun. And a final thanks to Teresa Heinz-Kerry for her willingness to share a bit of her story with us. I think she qualifies as a Violet Voice, don’t you think?
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
5
April
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
What do you remember about Easter?
During Easter weekend the traditions in my childhood home included dressing in black on Good Friday to mourn our crucified Christ, and fasting to share in His suffering. There were always two church services on that day. One in the afternoon where the first four statements uttered by Jesus on the cross were taught. Then at the night service the last three statements were presented. One year a speaker displayed a huge nail similar to those used to pierce Jesus’ hands. When I contemplated such intense suffering it made me shudder. And didn’t it seem to rain every Good Friday, as if even creation mourned.
Then the glory of Easter morning.
I remember wearing a new dress, shiny shoes, and the all important hat, gloves and purse combo, which Mami taught illustrated our celebration of Christ’s triumph over death. I remember waking up early Easter morning, before the sun rose, to watch the reenactment of Mary’s visit to the tomb. For several years I played the part of the angel. I can still recite the line . . .
“Por que buscais entre los muertos al que vive? No esta aqui, sino que ha resuscitado.”
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5
And of course, Easter supper, an abundance of delicious food and relatives.
Now, I have my own traditions for Easter weekend. On Good Friday we still dress in black and attend church services. On Easter morning there is no sunrise service, but we have an Easter egg hunt. And included in the dozen plastic eggs filled with treats, hidden throughout my home, are the ones that tell the story of Easter. Each of these eggs hold a symbol, such as a leather strip for the flogging Jesus endured, or a piece of gauze for the linen his body was wrapped in; and best of all, the empty egg reminding us of the empty tomb.
What memories are you creating for your children? What family traditions celebrate this high holiday? Why not purpose to mark this holiday in your child’s heart with a moment he’ll treasure and remember always.
Christ is risen!
He has risen indeed!
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
19
March
2007
By Barbara
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s . . . The last of the Ten Commandments, it s in no way the least of the commandments. So hard to obey – but it so very important.
I am delighted to tell you all that my oldest daughter’s writing has been selected twice recently. The first time was for a Writers Night competition. The second time was for a highly acclaimed college publication.
Interestingly, my offered work was not selected either time. Interestingly, I had to literally force her to enter the first (all entrants to the first were entered into the second – something we didn’t know until today.) In fact, I hand delivered her entry to that competition.
All together now – what a good mama!
Not so fast my friends. As dearly as I love my daughter – and as proud of her as I am – and for as smitten as I am with her writing – there has been just that tiniest, niggling, bone of jealousy. (and me with blue eyes, not green)
Why was her writing better than mine? Why her writing chosen when mine was was not? Why?
Pretty juvenile, isn’t it? Sounds like sibling rivalry. Almost.
What it really is – is sin. It is coveteousness. And it is offensive to my Lord.
I have congratulated her – and I have done it sincerely. I will likely purchase a couple of extra copies of the publication when it is printed.
All that aside, I need to ask my Lord for forgiveness and pray that I can be a bit more like Him the next time she and I enter such a contest – and she is recognized and I am not. You see – that is likely to happen more and more as she grows in her craft. She is an accomplished writer and I am thankful for her gift
Written By: barbara
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Women's Voices . Email This Post
14
March
2007
By Pattie
There is a praise song, the chorus of which is:
God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty, You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
My ten-year-old was singing at the top of her voice,
God of wonders, beyond our wildest dreams, You are holy, holy
I said, “Did you know the real words are…” and I told her. She shrugged and said, “I like my way better.”
I think I do, too.
Written By: Pattie
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
26
February
2007
By Meredith Efken
A couple weeks ago, I got an intriguing comment to an archived post about alternative menstrual products. I felt the comment deserved a response, so I’ve decided to dedicate a new post to it.
Michelle says:
Maybe you shouldn’t too proud of your periods. It is after all a reminder that we women are responsible for original sin (via Eve). It seems to me that our periods should be inconvenient.
This sentiment made me terribly sad. I don’t think I know Michelle, but if she happens to see this post, I want her to know that God is not a vengeful, punishing Being who bears a grudge against all women because of Eve. He loves us, and our bodies and the way they function are a beautiful gift from Him because of that love.
I didn’t always believe this either, Michelle. I used to feel similarly to you. I used to think that God somehow wanted His daughters to be uncomfortable and in pain to forever punish us for something one woman did ages ago. I don’t know how my faith ever survived that horrible teaching. But I can tell you that I experienced such a sense of healing and love when I finally was presented with the truth.
Without getting into a lengthy theological discussion, I would like to point out that the Genesis account of the sin of Adam and Eve, as well as later references to it in the New Testament, clearly portray Eve’s problem as one of deception, and Adam’s problem as one of rebellion. Now, either way, the end result was still sin and death entering what had been a perfect world. But the teaching that Eve is somehow solely responsible or more culpable than Adam is completely incorrect. If anything, the Bible places slightly more guilt on Adam because he was not deceived–he sinned deliberately.
Furthermore, if you’ll notice in Genesis 3, God curses the Serpent directly. But that is the only being that is directly cursed. The only other time the word “Cursed” is used is in reference to the ground, because of what ADAM did. Eve is never cursed, and neither is anything cursed because of her.
Regarding all this stuff about pain in childbirth, etc., God’s Word To Women has a very good scripture study about this. My view is that God is simply letting Eve know what the consequences will be for what’s happened. As a result of her deception and Adam’s rebellion, things changed horribly. Their relationship was ruined. And because of the changes that would now take place between them and in the world at large, childbirth would become something that would cause pain.
This word for “pain” in Hebrew is the same one that God uses when He tells Adam that he would now have to “toil” to work the ground. It’s also a word that connotes deep emotional or spiritual sorrow and grief. I personally think this means that God was simply acknowledging that now that sin was in the world, raising children and caring for them would leave a person open to great sorrow because of the hurts that child would face. As a parent, this seems to be far more significant than simply physical pain during childbirth. (And I should know–I had the pregnancy from hell!!!)
So, am I “proud” of my periods? I don’t think that’s quite the word for it. I am grateful that God has made my body so wonderful and complex. If I take pride in anything, it is in the creative powers of the God that I worship. I want to treat my body–including my reproductive system–with care and respect.
But I don’t agree that there is any Biblical basis for suggesting that monthly cycles ought to be inconvenient or even painful simply as a way of punishing women. That doesn’t line up with the God I worship, who describes Himself as “loving, kind, faithful, and merciful.” I do acknowledge that periods can be inconvenient and painful, but I still maintain that as we women learn to understand our bodies better and appreciate them, there is much we can do to work with the way God has made us, instead of against. And this will result in bodies that function with less pain and with less inconvenience.
To me, this is all part of God’s redemption plan. His mercy. His kindness.
Because He loves me. A woman.
For Michelle, and any other woman out there who feels the way she does, I pray that this God of Love and Mercy will lift your heads and reveal to your hearts exactly how beautiful and precious you are to Him–in mind, spirit, AND in body.
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Women's Voices . Email This Post
13
February
2007
By Cynthia
Dear Lord,
When I have days like today, when I am frustrated with my child, with my own parenting skills — when I lose my patience and my voice begins to rise to ungodly heights — Lord, help me. I know this beautiful child you’ve give me is only testing his limits, trying to see how much he can get away with and me still love him. Lord, he doesn’t know that I will love him no matter what. He doesn’t appreciate that my discipline is to keep him from harm’s way — to save him some heartache in the future. He hasn’t matured enough to realize that mommy wants only the best for him, that mommy cannot bear the thought of him going astray. He wants what he wants because he is a child. He wants what he wants because he is human. He wants what he cannot have, because it seems so wonderfully forbidden.
I know that God. I know that because I am him. I struggle with the same thing. I, too, have seemingly uncontrollable desires. I, too, struggle in my growth to see that the denial of things is for my own good. I still sometimes reach out and touch the fire, knowing full well it is hot. That it will hurt. That it will scar. I still run to You in shame and pain needing Your healing touch. And You, how You must grieve to think that You warned me, and I didn’t listen. I cry, because I want to please you. I repent and apologize. And through all of it, I grow.
I don’t want a rebellious spirit. I don’t want a unteachable spirit. I want more of You. I want to be like You. Work in me, Oh God. Change me. Grant me wisdom for parenting and life.
Make me the mother, wife, and Christian I should be, for this is my heart’s desire.
–Amen
Written By: Cynthia
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
9
February
2007
by Meredith Efken
I’m so excited to welcome Sharon Hinck to Violet Voices today. Sharon has been a friend of mine for several years, and we met at a writers conference shortly after both of us had sold our first mom-lit novels. We have the same terrific literary agent, and share a love of fine literature and intellectual stimulation.
Now, she is releasing her second mom-lit novel, Renovating Becky Miller, which is a terrific sequel to the first, The Secret Life of Becky Miller. And we’re lucky to have been including in her blog tour to welcome her new book into the world.
Her interview is below, followed by a link to more information about Renovating Becky Miller and how to get your own copy!
I’m so thrilled to be part of your blog tour, Sharon. When they asked for volunteers, I jumped at the chance.
You and I have chatted a lot about literature and the fact that we both like a good intellectually stimulating read. What literature do you think most influences your own fiction, in terms of style or themes, etc.?
Hi Meredith!
It’s so great to be here to visit. I’ve always read such a weird mish-mash that it’s hard for me to pinpoint my influences. I suppose if I was classy I’d say I have eclectic tastes. But really, it’s a hodgepodge.
As a child I read Mark Twain (The Conneticut Yankee was a favorite long before I could understand much of it) and Jack London (The Sea Wolf was far better than any episode of Survivor), Dickens, Austen, the Brontes, Robert Louis Stevenson. As I grew up I dove into every corner of our local library – but fiction was always my favorite.
Writers are often told that they can find a clue to which genre they are meant to write by looking at what they like to read. That hasn’t worked for me. I read pulp mysteries, literary fiction, sci-fi and fantasy, historicals, humorous contemporaries, dark suspense.
I’d say I’m most captivated by works that have something unexpected or blend genres in an unusual way. In recent years I’ve enjoyed Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Ella Minnow Pea (Mark Dunn), Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books, The Stolen Child, The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. I’d love to be able to write with both intelligence and humor, with layers.
I also have read stacks and stacks of fiction by Christian authors in the past few years and love watching characters grapple with faith issues in a wide variety of genres. My fourteen-year-old daughter and I just went to a bag sale at our library and each nabbed fifty books – only $2 a bag. We were in heaven. It was fun showing each other our finds afterwards, and they ranged through every category. That must be why I’m such a “everything and the kitchen sink†kind of novelist.
I think “kitchen sink” novelists are the best kind. Speaking of kitchen sinks…here’s the question everyone always asks me—how do you balance being a wife, mom, writer, and whatever else it is that you do?
Balance? I think that page is missing from my dictionary. But I show up each day. I try to listen for God’s interruptions (because that’s where a lot of my life happens).
I hear you! In Renovating Becky Miller, your main character is working on remodeling a run-down farmhouse. I personally can relate to the remodeling a run-down house experience. Is this something you’ve gone through, too? If so, what was your worst (or funniest) remodel story?
My husband and I have fixed up and remodeled each place we’ve lived. We’re eternal optimists who continue to be startled by the problems we discover when we tackle what’s meant to be a “quick weekend project.â€
LOL! You and I are soul-sisters on that, honey.
Our first home was a poor abused little brick house that had been used as a rental before we bought it. The first night (sleeping on the floor, because we were building a closet in the bedroom) we learned that even though we’d pulled out the smelly old carpets, the house was infested with fleas. The windows looked like amber stained glass because of tobacco smoke. But the oddest discovery was when the dryer wouldn’t work and Ted tinkered with it to try to fix it. He found chicken bones in the dryer. We never did figure out why someone had been drying chicken bones in the clothes dryer.
Oh my. I’m not sure I’d WANT to know! 
Well, you’ve had a lot of mom experience…how about some free advice? My oldest daughter just turned nine and announced to me recently that she has a crush on the cousin of one of her friends. Any parenting advice or tips or encouragement for me?
On the theme of remodeling – now is the time to build a Rapunzel-style tower to keep her locked up in. And cut her hair short.
LOL! We’ll get right on that–I promise. (Oh, here…time out for a snapshot of me and Sharon at the 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. I think we both look a bit peaked…being a writer is a tough job!)Â 
Do you have any inspiring thoughts to share with the parents who read this blog who may sometimes feel as if their own lives are on hold because of the demands of their children? Is it possible for them to still pursue their own dreams and goals as well? If so, how?
Okay, this may sound weird (so what else is new?) but sometimes when I feel a little “trapped†or “limited†it comforts me to think about people who really ARE in a prison. Richard Wurmbrand (a Romanian pastor who was imprisoned and tortured for his faith) talked about feeling joy when the cell door closed on him, because he was “shut up with my Jesus.†Wow. When I’m folding the bazillionth load of laundry and wondering if God remembers I’m there in the basement, longing to make a difference in the world, I think about how Christians through the ages have taken joy in whatever circumstance they are in, and watched for ways to serve.
I’ve also noticed that with Biblical heroes. God may stir a calling to serve Him in a special way and then wait years for the big picture to unfold. I love dreaming big. I want God to use me to bring grace to a suffering world. But I’m slowly learning that God’s grace can pour out through our small choices and seemingly insignificant actions.
I want to stop measuring how valuable I am on this planet by the standards of this culture. I can’t throw a football, win American Idol, or build a mega-church. I CAN listen to my husband’s hopes, put a bandaid on a child’s skinned knee, pray with a friend, or send an encouraging email. As a SAHM, I often don’t get to set the course for my day. I spend a lot of time reacting to the needs that come up around me. And really, that’s kind of exciting. We are all sort of God’s secret agents – ready to handle any mission He sends our way.
Meredith, thanks so much for letting me pop by to visit, and I can’t wait until we have a chance to have a good long talk in person again. I love the way you convey intelligent, real women in your books, with depth and sharp wit. I also love popping in to read your blog (although I’ve had to start rationing my blog-reading time because of deadlines). Blessings! Sharon
You are welcome any time, my friend!
Please make sure to check out Sharon’s latest book, Renovating Becky Miller.
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
8
February
2007
by Meredith Efken
Mom-lit author extraordinaire, Sharon Hinck, recently released her second novel. Renovating Becky Miller continues the story from The Secret Life of Becky Miller, detailing Becky’s move to a dilapidated farmhouse and her quest for a more peaceful existence.
To welcome this novel into the world, Sharon is embarking on a blog tour, and tomorrow is her stop here at Violet Voices. I have a fabulous interview with her, so you won’t want to miss it. We talk about remodeling, tween girls, balance, and finding freedom when you feel trapped by life.
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
1
February
2007
by Meredith Efken
In my newfound quest to bring more peace into this world, starting in my own home, I’m trying to do a better job of teaching my kids how to resolve conflicts. Here is a good article called “Six Steps For Resolving Conflicts” that outlines an easy to use conflict resolution strategy. What strategies have you found that help you resolve conflicts?
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
