About Me

I am a thirty-something Momma to four. I've been married to the love of my life for 16 years, and we are currently trying to concieve our fifth child.

Most of my posts are of a creative nature. I am an artist, and that is reflected strongly in all aspects of my life. Creating my own recipes, sewing, knitting, gardening, pretty much anything to do with making.

I also write about my parenting practices and life beliefs. I believe in parenting authentically, and for me, that includes many natural practices. For years, I shunned the title "Attachment Parent" out of hand, because I dislike titles in general. I don't like being told that there is a certain way to raise children, and I believe that what works for one child doesn't work for them all. I believe in nonjudgemental advocacy and self-education. I understand a person has to learn better, in order to know better.

I am pro-breastfeeding, and will stand up for that right if I feel it is threatened; but I admit that I did not successfully nurse all of my children. I understand all too well the pitfalls that prevent and even sabotage many nursing relationships, and the hang-ups that have been placed on our society that make women uncomfortable to nurse their babies. Although I am not currently breastfeeding, I do not let that stop me from speaking up about it. I hope to one day nurse a new baby, but even if I don't, I believe in supporting the nursing community.

I believe in economic and planet-responsible parenting practices, such as forgoing any disposable products including napkins, paper towels and plates, plastic cutlery, Swiffer, etc. I also think it's important to understand the impact our wasteful society is making globally and how the greed and selfishness of developed nations harm many struggling societies.

I strongly believe in parenting with respect and that bullying a child into compliance creates a negative impact on the way that they learn to handle disputes and conflicts. In my Bully Articles, I talk a lot about how bullying at home manifests in school and social settings. It is also my belief that treating children disrespectfully and fostering battle-reliant relationships contributes to ageism and lack of respect for elders in adults who were treated disrespectfully as children.

Mostly, I feel that successful parent/child relationships are the most important ingredient to raising raising healthy, well adjusted children and that is all any well-intentioned parent is trying to achieve.

Although this blog speaks a lot about parenting, I also sometimes write about my life philosophies, and my constant journey towards attaining inner calm and peace.

I am aware that there are many sides to one person, and I strive to find balance between all the different parts of me. The name of this blog, "They Are All of Me..." is not only a reference to my devotion to my children; it is a tribute to the many parts of me that I try to acknowledge and fulfill on a daily basis to achieve internal harmony and balance. I believe that balance is a significant factor in achieving overall mental and emotional health and happiness. Emotional and mental balance contribute greatly to our physical health, and vice versa.

Apart from the need to achieve balance, I have a practical nature that is uncomfortable with frivolity. I am often offended when I see blatant wastefulness or excessiveness without purpose. Some of that is reflected in my writing, as I am passionate about taking responsibility for our global community in many different ways.

When I write, I do so with the purpose of balance, being true to myself, open-mindedness and self-growth. And with a passion, speaking up for the little guy who either can't find his voice, or is too afraid to use it.