Don’t tell me I’m beautiful. I have already heard the word rubbed raw across the flesh of so many girls before me. Thrown at them like rocks that beat the skin of those we do not understand. “You are beautiful” we yell with such contempt. “God Dammit! Why don’t you just believe me, you’re beautiful” . It is not a compliment. It is a victory march of your own self-sacrifice. “You are beautiful” we say through gritted teeth. “You are beautiful” we spit out through tears, looking at a reflection of hate. “You are beautiful” we say holding the body that has never felt the arms of another. “You are beautiful”.
” DON’T tell me I’m beautiful”. A word like that floats on the surface, give me something with depth. Tell me I’m intelligent. Tell me I’m courageous. Tell me that when I laugh the whole world smile…

I’m going to have an angry rant. And I’m not going to apologise for it. Because a man I had nothing but respect and admiration for said some truly contemptuous things this week. Yeah you guessed right – I’m talking about Steven Fry.

I’d always held Mr Fry in high esteem. He’s a highly intellectual man who has made a stand for people with mental health issues. To me, it was admirable to see a celebrity talk openly about the hideousness of depression and disclose that it is something they have experienced. That’s why I was so impressed when I saw Ruby Wax give a talk on her latest book this week.

At the same time, that is what makes his moronic comments about abuse victims really sting. I don’t usually get angry about the stupid things celebrities come out with, but I was genuinely hurt by him trivialising the…

Thirty years ago, families with biological children were unlikely to adopt. In our present culture, considering adoption has become almost trendy, thanks to celebrity endorsement, movies like Annie and educational campaigns like National Adoption Month. Individuals, couples and families with children (both young and grown) are adopting.

In spite of the increase in attention, 102,000 children in the foster care system alone wait for an adoptive family (adoptuskids.org). This number doesn’t account for children awaiting agency placement. So, should you consider adoption? Here’s why you shouldn’t (should).

1. “Adoption is too expensive.”

Cost is a valid concern. Our friends adopted from China; the total was well over $30,000. Agency adoptions in the US can be just as expensive. Shelling out that kind of cash is not an option for most people.

Here’s the good news: simply search “Financial help for Adoption” to find hundreds of available resources online. Private funds, special interest…

Kitten Agenda

Skittering upward,
Climbing my cape,
An agile kitten
Makes her escape.
Prancing the hallway,
Evading my grasp,
Rattling the padlock to
Swing on its hasp.

Scampering everywhere,
Chasing small bugs.
Acrobat tunneling,
Mounding the rugs.
Purring rapscallion
Explores with no map.
Rests at her day’s end
Secure in my lap.

The prompt today is scamper.

To the momma who lost her child…

I know you. I understand you. I’ve been there. My son died – a year ago, today! When I should be waking up to his midnight cries, I was crying alone at midnight. When I should be by his cot and cradle, I was by his hospital bed. When I should be feeding him and playing with him, I was arranging for his funeral. I died a 1000 deaths everyday after. Please know that I know you. If I hugged you now, held your hands tight, you’d know that I know.

It’s been a year; it’s been a lifetime!

You are breathing, and there’s your child in every breath. Your heart is beating, and every beat yearns for that one more kiss & drool. I know, you wake up with the same thought that you sleep with. And, that thought, will last till…