May reminds me of Mom and the flowers that grow in the Midwest. She had special vases for her lilacs each spring. They don’t grow in Arizona, so I make do with pictures of them. Funny how we most appreciate what we have after it’s gone. This aphorism applies most specifically to moms. The other …
It’s me Chili Millie, here to spill the tea on Jan! As you might know, I’m literally a work of art (and some may say “a piece of work”). But seriously, I was created as a result of words and ideas, and so were you, more or less. This gives new meaning to the phrase …
When I lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I took part in a program called “Leadership for Five Seasons.” It was one of those year long programs where young leaders could learn about the community with the intention of discovering the volunteer opportunities they’d love. At graduation, we were all given a tag line, and since …
Can Women Talk About Shoes and Still be Taken Seriously? Read More »
Tuesday, I’m attending a business luncheon where we will be asked to tell about an influential woman from our past. I’ve done this type of thing before, and yet not once did it occur to me to select my own mom—until this year. I LOVE what Deb Guy, Executive Director of the Women’s Exchange in …
Dear Jan, Thanks for letting me speak today. After you read about the seven stages of a life by Shakespeare, I thought, Sheeeesh, that theory needs to be updated! And, as you know, I have a few thoughts of my own, and I’m not afraid to voice my opinions. In short, we keep “coming …
“Coming of Age” Happens Seven Times – a Letter from Chili Millie Read More »
This story is 5 years old, yet it rings true today! Cara STILL has her degree and her education, and still inspires others with her story. ********* A college degree is one of the best gifts you’ll ever give yourself. It’s deliciously something you do for you and only you. It can’t be transferred, stollen …
Writing is personal and tender and scary, and if you’re writing about your own life, you can multiply the fear by 10. There are a million stories you can choose to write, yet I’d recommend not skipping the ones about the struggles in your life. I call them Shark Stories or Mis-Adventures. So why would you …
There’s nothing quite as sweet as a grandparent’s love, and so the isolation of 2020 due to Covid 19 has left an unexpected pang of sadness for this group. As soon as I read Maureen Wilson’s poem, I knew many you would relate to her words as much as I do: Grandma’s Arms I …
The “happiest” days for some, ironically, can be saddest days for others—if we don’t plan ahead. One of those days is Valentines Day. By a show of hands, who has ever felt a little more lonely as Valentine’s Day approaches because there is no someone special in your life who will remember you? My hand …
Give Your Friends the Gift of Angel Valentine Cards Read More »
