The Real Life of a Dance Mom

cvalda

Ever since the TV show Dance Moms came on TV I find myself being asked, "Are you a dance mom?" It isn't a casual question. It is filled with intrigue and scandal. The show Dance Moms has made dance moms look loony, domineering and downright selfish.  But the reality is that most dance teams in America are filled kids and parents who love and … [Read more...]

Electronic Idols :: A Confession Story

tv

I recently took a writing class at Multnomah University.  In the class we were given the assignment to write a confession story. This story, from my life, is what immediately popped into my mind to tell. Electronic Idols My previously promising future appeared muted from the perspective I had on my life, while sitting in my dimly lit living … [Read more...]

Come Climb with Me

steeple_rock_from_camp

My daughter Selah has presented a new challenge for me this year. She has asked me to climb Steeple Rock with her in Montana when we go there in August. I have a history with Steeple Rock, memories that make my first instinct be to say “no thanks” to Selah, but I want her to have the experience of conquering Steeple Rock. Let me share my … [Read more...]

Fitness :: It is a Love Hate Kind of Relationship

My Fitness Puppet Master's idea of fun

For the past few years I had been having a serious conversation with myself about fitness and health. I had been beating myself up for losing control of the foods I consumed and the lack of time I spent exercising. I kept promising myself that I’d fix that problem after I wrote the first book, then the second book and then again after the third … [Read more...]