memories – Aprons, Heels, and Yoga Pants

Let’s Talk

I. Am. Tired. It isn’t from lack of sleep, or the one million loads of laundry I just completed. It is from love. The love I dispense on a daily basis is beautiful and exhausting. Each day as I sit to write, my heart tells me who to encourage. I have some unusual categories in…

Afraid of The Ball

I have been sitting at my desk for an hour now. I sat down to write. I even repeated the mantra in my head this morning….”writing first, writing first, writing first.” Unfortunately, catching up on text messages and rearranging my calendar for everyone came first. I do not know how to be selfish, but I…

Rain, Giggles, and Exhaustion

Reason number 10,000 why having children keeps you young…..running in the rain. Today I was able to enjoy a spontaneous, special lunch with my two most moody children. This can change throughout the years – but currently they own the title. I don’t say this to insult my sweet babies, but to point out what…

Yes Mom and Donuts

We kicked off summer break with a sleepover last night and donuts this morning. I know….I rock. Being a single mom is really tough sometimes. (auto correct changed single to sinful and I thought that was quite amusing) It’s lonely. However, there are perks to being the only adult in charge, in a house full…

Awkward Partners

I need to be careful to not focus on only one age group of my children when writing. However…..sometimes there are stages in life with each child, which lead to constant comedic entertainment for their mother. That stage currently falls on my 15 and 16 year olds, Lily and Luke. Not a surprise since 13-…

Slow and Sexy

By: Melissa April 11, 2017October 19, 2017

nostalgia1970s, antiques, childhood, collecting, collections, memories, memory, nostalgia, rotary phone, vintageLeave a Comment

Sometimes all it takes is a little retail therapy…… Most of us have that one “thing” that makes our heart pitter patter when we walk into a store and see it. We want it, need it, must have it. Sometimes we spend hours window shopping on ebay, just to lay our eyes on our beloved obsession.…

Chlorine, Baby Oil, and Orange Crush

By: Melissa May 3, 2016October 19, 2017

nostalgiaantiques, baby oil, childhood, childhood memories, crushes, feelings, gym baskets, memories, nostalgia, orange crush, pools, suntanning, swimmimg, swimming pool, vintage6 Comments

I’m passionate about antiques. I’m quite sure I was supposed to be born in the early 40s. Nothing stirs me like walking through an antique store, especially one filled with vintage treasures that now remind me of my childhood. Guess that makes me “vintage.” It’s cool, right? I’m in love with these old metal gym…

Soundtracks

By: Melissa April 22, 2016October 19, 2017

Heelschanges, childhood, grief, loss, memories, midlife, mourning, music, Prince, soundtracks, teenagers, teens, youth4 Comments

It’s not silly to mourn the loss of an artist whom I never knew. The artist known as “Prince” died yesterday. Today I am listening to his music non stop, all day long. I am mourning this man I never personally knew….and I think it makes sense. I’m not literally grieving the person….I’m grieving a…

Mom’s Faithful Table

By: Melissa April 20, 2016October 19, 2017

Heelschanges, childhood, choices, friendship, memories, midlife, mom, mother, motherhood, red wine, secrets, tea13 Comments

It’s about six feet long, four feet wide, made of a sturdy, old formica….and it knows all of my secrets. If mom’s kitchen table could talk, I’d be in big trouble. It’s edges are lovingly worn from our elbows leaning, and our hands running across the smoothness as we share our hearts. My mother and…

I Was Toast

By: Melissa March 29, 2016October 19, 2017

HeelsBon Jovi, changes, childhood, concerts, entertainment, first time, friendship, memories, midlife, Motley Crue, music, rock concerts, Rock musicLeave a Comment

I recently wrote about my love for concerts, so now you have to hear about my “first time.” Two flat chested, big haired, 15 year olds dropped off by our mothers at The Metro Center in Rockford, IL to see Bon Jovi. (you know you loved Slippery When Wet!) Our moms were good sports. They…