The Writing on the Wall

I haven't put a post on here in a long time updating you on my writing career... so I'd like to take a moment to do so. Here are some links to articles I wrote in 2010 and early 2011... I'm hoping for a bigger and better year so if you are an editor and like what you see or if you are a follower and have any connections to publications in your area... please pass along the information. I'd love to write some articles in your area!!!

On The Minds of Moms Magazine: August/September 2010

"Angela Kolling has a tattoo. The red and white bracelet wraps around her left ankle and has the name ‘Morgan’ surrounded by hearts printed on each side. This tattoo has meaning. It’s not something Angela got on a whim; she didn’t pick

it out from a sample book. Unlike a tattoo inked out of rebellion or a misbegotten night, Angela’s tattoo is a symbol of unwavering love and devotion. The bracelet is a permanent reminder that someone is missing from Angela’s life—her daughter..."

The Village Family Magazine: Mom's View Column: February/March 2011

It’s not that I set out to be (or for that matter, wish to be) one of those pushy parents who posts on Facebook every milestone their child achieves. We get it, we get it––your kid rolled over/ took a step/lost a tooth/rode the bus to school. Clearly, he’s a genius and will surely be President of the United States. But try as I might, I also can’t help but wonder about my tiny daughter’s potential greatness every time she does something remarkable (three poops in a day!).

Gulf Coast Parents and Kids Magazine: August/September 2010

Getting your children back in school may offer some welcome relief to you. But sending your kids to classes once again may bring a whole new set of challenges to your family. From homework to bullying, and sleeping to sports, a fresh school year can mean fresh problems. But there are things you can do to make this school year your child’s best yet – so read on!

On The Minds of Moms Magazine: October/November 2010

Isn’t there something you would like to change? Something in our world, country or community? Sure! We all do, right? The difference is many of us don’t do anything about it except talk or complain. Or we may feel like one person can’t

really make a difference. But there are people like Kris Wallman. People who, when they see a way to improve something they care about, do something; something for themselves, their children, their community. That’s Kris. When she sees something that needs changing, whether it is personal or professional, she doesn’t look for someone else to do it...she does the research, looks in the mirror, takes a deep breath and charges ahead.

Gulf Coast Parents and Kids Magazine: November 2010

Are the holidays a perfect excuse to make like a turkey and gobble everything in sight? Put the drumstick down and check out these tips for a tasty, yet trim, holiday season.

Trusting Life

On The Minds of Moms Magazine has done it again! My editors, Dani and Sheri, have put together another amazing issue filled with incredible advice, meaningful stories and inspiring profiles. I am so honored to contribute to this magazine and I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing for it.

For this latest issue, I met and interviewed an incredible woman named Laetitia Mizero. At first, her story will bring you to tears (and yes, I admit, that's sort of the vibe I was going for) and then it will uplift your spirit to make you feel like anything is possible. And it is. Laetitia is proof.

To read the entire article - click here!

You can pick up your free copy at any Hornbacher's or Sunmart grocery markets in the Fargo-Moorhead area. OR, if you really like what you see, sign up for a subscription! You'll be so happy everytime you find a new issue in your mailbox - I promise!

Finally, if you are an editor, blogger, Web host, or any other business who desires a writer, please feel free to contact me. I am an award-winning reporter/writer who specializes in parenting, lifestyle, fitness, health, and design writing. But I can do it all: magazine, newspaper, television, web and radio. For more of my work, head over to my Web site and be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn.

It's a Procreation Vacation (Deuce)

Whattup y'all? Well... it's been, like, forever since you last heard from me. So sorry!!! I think the reason is that I've finally stopped hibernating and am enjoying our early spring. This beautiful (and early) weather pattern is something I've never experienced here so I'm taking advantage of it while I can. Last year it rained all of June and July so my theory is you've got to get the good while the gettin's good. Or something like that.

Anyway, my real reason for writing is to let you know I've had several writing assignments published since I my last posting. My freelance career is so much fun... and yes, work... but I love it and am really thankful for all the opportunities editors have given me thus far. Here's a sampling of my recent stuff:

Babymoon in the ‘Burgs: Romantic Travel in Fredericksburg, VA & Gettysburg, PA: 

as seen on The Vacation Gals

'SuperFutureDad and I had just crossed the border into Virginia from North Carolina when a ferocious rain storm nearly knocked us off the interstate. The fat drops fell fast as the wiper blades in our compact rental car furiously sloshed the water to the side. Good thing we spotted a “Virginia is for Lovers” sign. We pulled into a rest stop and bounded inside to collect some Virginia Tourism Board swag.'

Heather Butler: Life - embrace it, live it, love it:

as seen in the April/May issue of On The Minds of Moms Magazine

'If you had told Heather Butler when she graduated high school what her life would be like in twenty years, she would probably have thrown her head back and launched into her hearty, infectious laugh. She would have looked you straight in the eye—she’s spunky and direct—and said in her throaty voice, “Yeah, right!” Who knew she’d be a dental hygienist and a stay at home mom? She’d spend thousands of hours volunteering and fishing. She’d be divorced once, married twice and have not three, not four, but five, beautiful children. And believe it or not…she wouldn’t have it any other way.'

I hope you get a chance to check these out!

Until next time...

Ugly Betty Made Me Do It

So tonight I created my nest in the basement next to the fire and hunkered down for a good, old-fashioned boob-tube marathon. SuperFutureDad made his killer spinach lasagna, I burned the garlic toast and my cat, Daisy, licked the leftovers. If ever there was a perfect winter night, I think I experienced it.

Here's what I zoned out to on my Tivo's 'Now Playing' list:

NCIS
NCIS: Los Angeles
Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (ABC's much-hyped crossover event)
The Good Wife (congrats to lead actress Juliana Margulies on her Golden Globe win)
Ugly Betty

And while I was watching all of that, my lov-er-ly Tivo was picking up CBS' Monday night comedy lineup: HYMYM, Accidentally on Purpose and Big, Bang Theory.

Ahhhhh, bliss.

But what really caught my attention in my otherwise mind-numbing glory was one of Ugly Betty's themes: finding inspiration. Betty Suarez, the lead character, started a blog that she hoped would inspire someone. Turns out, her blog inspired her boyfriend to move to Africa to work as a volunteer in a village in Botswana. Too bad for Betty, great for her man and the people his work will affect in Africa.

Well, now I'd like to introduce you to someone with her own connections to Africa. And what she and her family are about to do is, perhaps, the most inspiring story I've ever written.

"Most people would say that it takes guts to quit your job, sell most of your belongings, and pack up your husband and two children to move to Africa to run an orphanage. But Lindsay Erhardt of Fargo isn’t like most people. She radiates kindness, warmth and generosity. You feel it the moment she bursts into a room, arms extended for a hug even though you’ve just been introduced. And while this wife and mother of two humbly waives off the idea that’s she gutsy, there is no doubt she is about to undertake something many of us wouldn’t dare to do..."

Read the rest of the story at On The Minds of Moms Magazine... click here! 

While you're on OTMOM's Web site... don't forget to sign up to be their fan on Facebook! And while you're on Facebook, why not become my friend at Patricia Carlson? I look forward to connecting with you!