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A Mom's Year

Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time

Archives for August 2012

August 31, 2012

International Courage or Sheer Madness?

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These passport stamps, spotted here and here, made me laugh. Partly because they’re so cheeky, but also because they reminded me of the terror I experienced at the hands of an immigration officer the first time I traveled internationally.

I was twenty-four and heading to Austria for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The other staffers and I had flown into Munich and made our way through the starkly modern airport to the customs desk.

The guard at the desk, a tall blond fellow, looked at my brand-new passport and then at me. He looked at my passport again and then said in heavily-accented English, “This is not good.”

I’m pretty sure my heart stopped. He shook his head and said again, “This is not good.”

I must have looked utterly panic-stricken. My mind raced as I tried to think of what could possibly be wrong and what they were going to do to me.

But then he started laughing. “Just joking,” he said. He handed me my passport and waved me on, still chuckling.

I mean, really.

Later, when I told Tim what happened, he said, “I think he was flirting with you.” I guess I didn’t pick up on that.

After that experience, I can’t imagine intentionally tweaking an immigration officer! But how about you? Would you dare?

P.S. Have you ever run into trouble at customs? What’s your most harrowing airport experience? 

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon 4 Comments

August 29, 2012

Mug of Wisdom #37 / Julian of Norwich

Filed Under: Inspiration, Mugs of Wisdom Shannon Leave a Comment

August 28, 2012

Pinterest for Writers

While the youngest three were in swimming lessons recently, I had a leisurely 45 minutes every day for two weeks to catch up on my stack of Writer’s Digest magazines. One article that caught my attention was “Pinterest is Worth a Thousand Words” by mystery writer Laura DiSilverio.

I’d never thought of using Pinterest as a writing tool, but I like DiSilverio’s idea: By creating boards of photos that “become visual representations and interpretations of the topics or themes of your choosing, you’ll not only attract new readers through images, but find new ways of looking at your fiction or nonfiction (literally).” [Read more…] about Pinterest for Writers

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon 4 Comments

August 27, 2012

A “Joy”-ful Flash Mob

Thank you, Gabrielle, for sharing this video. It’s a very nice way to end a busy day.

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon Leave a Comment

August 24, 2012

Things to Remember as the Golden Hours Slip By

“You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only because we let them slip,” J. M. Barrie once said.

I’ve been thinking about that quote because there are some big changes happening around here. Andrew will be starting high school in 11 days and Lexie is heading to middle school. They’re both excited about the changes, but I find myself wondering (not very originally) how we got here so fast.

The golden hours are slipping by, but as summer ends and a new chapter begins I want to make sure I don’t forget [Read more…] about Things to Remember as the Golden Hours Slip By

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon 6 Comments

August 23, 2012

Sweet Paul Magazine Summer 2012

This has been such a busy week of driving kids to practices and orientations (high school and middle school!) and birthday parties and everything else, that I’ve hardly been able to keep a thought in my head. So I was happy when a friend reminded me of Sweet Paul magazine‘s summer edition this morning.

I’m going to settle in with this online treasure trove and relax. Check it out if you have time.

 

Filed Under: Cooking, Decorating, Inspiration Shannon Leave a Comment

August 20, 2012

Hunger Games Party

Within seconds of the announcement that the Hunger Games movie would be released on August 18, Lexie asked if she could host a party to watch the movie. Alrighty, we said. So this past weekend Lexie and a handful of her friends gathered to channel their inner tributes and watch The Hunger Games. [Read more…] about Hunger Games Party

Filed Under: Books, Kid Activities Shannon 4 Comments

August 17, 2012

Country of the Week: Japan / Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Have you seen the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale? It’s a remake of a 1987 Japanese film about a dog named Hachiko, his human, and their amazing, true story. I don’t think that the movie, which stars Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Sarah Roemer, and some adorable Japanese Akitas, even had a theatrical release in the United States. Tim said it’s more of a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, and I think he’s right.

But it’s such a sweet, beautiful story. The basic premise is that an Akita puppy, in transit from a Japanese monastery to a U.S. destination, gets lost in transit and ends up with a college professor (Richard Gere). The two become best friends and every day Hachi walks the professor to the train station and then meets him again at night when he returns home from work. Until one day—

I’d better stop there. It’s hard to believe this is a true story, although if you’ve had a dog for a best friend it’s not too hard to believe at all.

I think this movie is appropriate for all ages (unless you have an exceptionally sensitive child). It deals with love and the kind of loss that all of us will experience at some point. Every single one of us cried, but in a good way. If you watch it, make sure you have a box of tissues handy!

Filed Under: Country of the Week Shannon Leave a Comment

August 17, 2012

World Traveler First Birthday from One Charming Party

As we wrap up the last country in our Country of the Week series (next up is Camp Week followed by State Fair Week), I wanted to share One Charming Party’s adorable World Traveler First Birthday party with you. One Charming Party has all the ideas (and free printables) you need to celebrate the first year of your baby’s exciting journey with style. [Read more…] about World Traveler First Birthday from One Charming Party

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon Leave a Comment

August 17, 2012

Country of the Week: Japan / Origami + Cat

During our visit to the Tomodachi store in Roseville yesterday, we picked up some origami paper so we could give the traditional Japanese art form a try. Origami (from oru meaning “to fold” and kami meaning “paper”) has been a celebrated art form in Japan for hundreds of years. To create origami sculptures, you fold small, flat sheets of paper this way and that until you end up with everything from a boat to a polar bear. (The whale I made involved some cuts, so I think that makes it kirigami instead of origami.)  [Read more…] about Country of the Week: Japan / Origami + Cat

Filed Under: Country of the Week, Kid Activities Shannon Leave a Comment

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Welcome

Hello! My name is Shannon Taylor and I’m a mom of four, originally from Minnesota and now living in Maryland. I "published" my first newsletter when I was nine, and since then, I’ve written and edited for magazines, websites, and textbooks. I started this blog when my kids were small to reflect on life, share ideas, and preserve memories. Now that my children are grown, I continue to use this space to document meaningful moments and practical ideas.

If you're in the mood for a bit of Christmas cheer, you might enjoy THE ADVENT BOX, available wherever books are sold. You can click on the cover below to learn more.

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Dear America...

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18084812023930902
Dear America...

I grew up in Minnesota. My mom was the Social Justice Chair at our Lutheran church, so it was normal to see her rush out at all hours to deliver food, diapers, and other aid to people in need. When St. Paul began welcoming Hmong refugees, my parents were among the first to help. For my Vietnam-vet dad, I`ve always believed it was an opportunity to atone for the sins our country committed in Vietnam. I remember two families in particular because they made wonderful food as a gift for my graduation party. Another time, a Somali woman and her daughter showed up at our church looking for community. So my mom invited them to Thanksgiving dinner.

That was the world I lived in and why adopting a child seemed like a natural extension of motherhood for me. I had faith that my child would be safe in my community. And my country.

Which brings me to the reason I`m writing this post. There are a lot of conversations right now about speaking up. I`m not sure anyone "owes" my family an explanation of their political beliefs. But we sure trust and appreciate those who speak out against a government that profiles people of color. And who are equally alarmed and ashamed that Mr. Thao, a U.S. citizen like my daughter, was pulled out of his shower after ICE agents broke his door down.

It’s painful to know that the neighbor who gave our daughter a delightful picture book when we brought her home is supporting a party that is encouraging its agents to ask, “Where do the Asians live?” It`s painful to be a guest in the home of someone who assumes my family is as white as hers and confidently tells me how glad she is that God is working through Trump to "clean up" our country and get rid of all these "dangerous criminals.”

I have so much admiration for people who speak up when they don`t have to. I mean, I`m on board this ship whether I like it or not because we`re an Asian-American family. To all of you out there fighting the good fight: I see you and I thank you.

To that end, I`m going to put resources I trust in the comments. Please share yours, too. Or DM me if you prefer.

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18179362702374619
I grew up in Minnesota. My mom was the Social Justice Chair at our Lutheran church, so it was normal to see her rush out at all hours to deliver food, diapers, and other aid to people in need. When St. Paul began welcoming Hmong refugees, my parents were among the first to help. For my Vietnam-vet dad, I've always believed it was an opportunity to atone for the sins our country committed in Vietnam. I remember two families in particular because they made wonderful food as a gift for my graduation party. Another time, a Somali woman and her daughter showed up at our church looking for community. So my mom invited them to Thanksgiving dinner.

That was the world I lived in and why adopting a child seemed like a natural extension of motherhood for me. I had faith that my child would be safe in my community. And my country.

Which brings me to the reason I'm writing this post. There are a lot of conversations right now about speaking up. I'm not sure anyone "owes" my family an explanation of their political beliefs. But we sure trust and appreciate those who speak out against a government that profiles people of color. And who are equally alarmed and ashamed that Mr. Thao, a U.S. citizen like my daughter, was pulled out of his shower after ICE agents broke his door down.

It’s painful to know that the neighbor who gave our daughter a delightful picture book when we brought her home is supporting a party that is encouraging its agents to ask, “Where do the Asians live?” It's painful to be a guest in the home of someone who assumes my family is as white as hers and confidently tells me how glad she is that God is working through Trump to "clean up" our country and get rid of all these "dangerous criminals.”

I have so much admiration for people who speak up when they don't have to. I mean, I'm on board this ship whether I like it or not because we're an Asian-American family. To all of you out there fighting the good fight: I see you and I thank you. 

To that end, I'm going to put resources I trust in the comments. Please share yours, too. Or DM me if you prefer.

Had a great time at my first student band showcase! Thank you to Stages Music Arts; Brett, our awesome instructor; and my band mates for making it such a fun night.

I was so surprised and thrilled to look out in the audience and see two of my wonderful friends from our Special Olympics International days (back in the `90s!). And thank you to Tim and our girls for being there and being such a great audience. Will had class, but I hear there`s another showcase in April. Rock on! ❤️😂

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18079265525197806
Had a great time at my first student band showcase! Thank you to Stages Music Arts; Brett, our awesome instructor; and my band mates for making it such a fun night. 

I was so surprised and thrilled to look out in the audience and see two of my wonderful friends from our Special Olympics International days (back in the '90s!). And thank you to Tim and our girls for being there and being such a great audience. Will had class, but I hear there's another showcase in April. Rock on! ❤️😂

Who wants to talk books?! These are the books I received this Christmas:

1: FRANNY AND ZOOEY by J. D. Salinger. I love Holden Caulfield in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, so I don`t know how I’ve managed to go this long without reading this book!
2: MERRY by Susan Breen. From the cover copy: "Fans of family stories, classic literature, Christmas novels, and holiday season magic will adore MERRY." Also, it`s set in London and features a copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL signed by Dickens. (We have a copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL signed by Dickens`s great-great grandson, Gerald Dickens, from the one-man show he performed at the Saint Paul Hotel years ago. ❤️)
3: THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager. "Deliciously Gothic" and "jaw-dropping twists" sounds good to me.
4. 6:40 TO MONTREAL by Eva Jurczyk. This has an Agatha Christie vibe: locked-room, which is always fun, and the protagonist is a writer named Agatha who`s on her way to a writing retreat on a train with beautiful views when disaster strikes.
5. THE SNOW LIES DEEP by Paula Munier. Dogs, snow, and mystery is right up my alley.
6. STORY by Robert McKee from Andrew. I love the study of writing (English lit textbook editor and all), so I`m excited about diving into the definitive book on screenplays. Andrew and I have started a wonderful collaboration on our writing projects, so I hope this will help me understand the nuances of screenwriting—and maybe help me write my own for THE ADVENT BOX!

How about you? Did you get any books for Christmas? Please share!

P.S. My aunt Joan made these beautiful bookmarks for everyone. They arrived with a huge bag of homemade caramels. It doesn`t get any better than that! ❤️

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18054157025347750
Who wants to talk books?! These are the books I received this Christmas:

1: FRANNY AND ZOOEY by J. D. Salinger. I love Holden Caulfield in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, so I don't know how I’ve managed to go this long without reading this  book! 
2: MERRY by Susan Breen. From the cover copy: "Fans of family stories, classic literature, Christmas novels, and holiday season magic will adore MERRY." Also, it's set in London and features a copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL signed by Dickens. (We have a copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL signed by Dickens's great-great grandson, Gerald Dickens, from the one-man show he performed at the Saint Paul Hotel years ago. ❤️)
3: THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager. "Deliciously Gothic" and "jaw-dropping twists" sounds good to me. 
4. 6:40 TO MONTREAL by Eva Jurczyk. This has an Agatha Christie vibe: locked-room, which is always fun, and the protagonist is a writer named Agatha who's on her way to a writing retreat on a train with beautiful views when disaster strikes.
5. THE SNOW LIES DEEP by Paula Munier. Dogs, snow, and mystery is right up my alley.
6. STORY by Robert McKee from Andrew. I love the study of writing (English lit textbook editor and all), so I'm excited about diving into the definitive book on screenplays. Andrew and I have started a wonderful collaboration on our writing projects, so I hope this will help me understand the nuances of screenwriting—and maybe help me write my own for THE ADVENT BOX!

How about you? Did you get any books for Christmas? Please share!

P.S. My aunt Joan made these beautiful bookmarks for everyone. They arrived with a huge bag of homemade caramels. It doesn't get any better than that! ❤️
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