I did the craziest thing. I thought back to when I was a kid out in the country, and we’d run around singing Kenny Roger’s “The Gambler”. (Don’t you judge me!) To this day I think of the words, “Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Ladies and … Read More
Be Fearless, My Zombie Apocalypse Team!
I’m a fan of Facebook. My page is a mishmash of writers, the kids I grew up with, extended family, and people who have since become my family. It is also the home of my Zombie Apocalypse team. I stole this status from Kara McElhinny, and it made me laugh hysterically. It reads: “Go to your profile. The first 5 … Read More
Guest Post: “Why I Hate The ‘R’ Word” by N. Paslay
Let me introduce you to my writer friend and fellow Williams Syndrome mother, N. Paslay. She wrote an essay that struck deep into my heart. I’m grateful that she allowed me permission to share her words here. I cringe whenever I hear this word, precisely for the reasons that she so eloquently states. Please, let’s realizes there are consequences to … Read More
“Butterflies and Battleaxes” by Mercedes M. Yardley
Hey, it’s my YouTube debut, and it doesn’t involve any singing or dancing! Check out this reading of my essay “Butterflies and Battleaxes,” a chapter from my Williams Syndrome memoir. Thanks to Mason Bundschuh of Atlas Takes Aim for the uber cool music and JBund for the very striking video.
Incompatible With Life
We learned that while one baby continues to develop normally, the other one has been diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly. This is what ultimately led to the demise of the first triplet. We just learned that it will most certainly lead to the demise of the second. My sweet girl (they’re all girls! Yay!) has severe intracranial and facial deformities that … Read More
Today’s Theme Song!
Today I heard the phrase “Roll With It” at least three times. And even from my horoscope, nonetheless. It’s great advice, always.
Robert Duperre Explains Himself
And why he’s so crazy. And then we have a maniacal laugh-off. I’m gonna win that one, too. You can read his take on the contest here. Has this already kicked me into high gear? Oh yes, and I’m excited. I’ll tell you one thing: never bet against me. 😉 Thanks for the challenge, Robby D! It’s just what I … Read More
The Gauntlet, My Dears, Was Thrown. (Wild Laughter)
I received the best phone call yesterday from my friend Robert Duperre. Robby D. started the phone call with wild laughter and the words, “I challenge you!” This, naturally, caught my attention. Robby D. proposes this: we’ll both finish our novels by April 1st. He has 75,000 words to rewrite and about 25,000 new words to write. I have about … Read More
Bust It Out
I had a deadline yesterday. An important one. But life has thrown me a few curve balls lately, and I haven’t been writing as I would like to. I was THISCLOSE to emailing the editor and saying, “I’m sorry, but I simply can’t make this deadline. My story isn’t finished.” I’ve never done that before. I also think it’s a … Read More
A Valentine’s Day Story About Broken Hearts
This is one of my favorite stories of all time. I refer you to “Flowers”, published by a gorgeous magazine called Blueprint Review. Please read and enjoy. May life mend your broken heart.