curiouser & curiouser

04/03/2026

It’s so hard to fight against those strong neural pathways that, if we’re not careful, lead us to the same default thoughts again and again. I’ve worked — and continue to work all the time — at being more aware and in control of my thoughts. I get to decide which ones I listen to, which ones I believe, and which ones I disregard.

It’s HARD work, but so worthwhile.

I’m also doing what I can to arm my kids with the awareness and tools to do the same.

Maggie and I named the “mean girl” in her mind, and sometimes I encourage her to talk to that voice — to tell her she’s not telling Maggie the truth, and that she needs to be quiet. She felt silly doing it at first (and still does sometimes!), but that approach has worked really well for me personally, so I wanted to share it with her. It can be such a helpful way to talk about how just because our brain has a thought, it doesn’t mean that thought is true or that we have to entertain it.

This being a heathy human thing is exhausting work, but so incredibly rewarding, too (like most hard things tend to be!).

04/01/2026

Maggie is 9!! And we had SO much fun celebrating her last weekend — guinea pig style! 🐹 🎉

It’s such a joy watching my girl grow and thrive, and I’m so thankful she has such sweet friends in her life, too. Hearing her read the kind cards they wrote for her for her birthday made me tear up with gratitude. 🥺❤️

You’re doing great at this whole being a person thing, my Maggie-girl. And I love being your mama. 💕

03/29/2026

Proud to be part of the 8 million who stood up for democracy and decency as part of the 3rd No Kings protest. ❌ 👑

It was heartening to have such a good response here in Winston-Salem. As we stood on the highway overpass and again by a busy road, car after car honked in support. As Maggie said with delight, “We got so many honks and only two middle fingers!” 💪

Way to show up, America (and beyond). Let’s make the next one even bigger!! 🇺🇸

03/25/2026

⛰️ 🦅

03/25/2026

Pictured: Me in my happy place. ☀️💕

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

This is an oldie but SUCH a goodie, so I just had to make it into a reel. Check out 2-year-old Maggie’s reasons for being tired of preschool. 🤣🤣🤣

(It kills me EVERY time.) 😴 🍽️ 🤷‍♀️

03/12/2026

💪👏❤️

03/04/2026

We all had so much fun hanging out with capybaras, fennec foxes, zebras, goats, otters, monkeys, badgers, and so many more animals last weekend at ! 🦓 🐐 🐓 🐒

02/26/2026

Remember to get out there and VOTE in the primaries, y’all! 🇺🇸

And if you have kids, bring them along to the polls. Not only will they leave with a sticker (every kid’s fave!), they’ll also see from your example that voting is just something you do as a good citizen once you’re an adult. They’re more likely to be consistent voters themselves if you demystify it for them now. 👏

Oh, and if you’re in Winston-Salem and need some help navigating your ballot, check out the amazing nonpartisan slideshow by . I can send it to you if that’s helpful. It’s an amazing resource to help you learn about the candidates, the election overall, and more. ❤️

01/02/2026

May we enter 2026 with our eyes and hearts and minds wide open and searching for the joy that already surrounds us every day, and may we also work to create more joy for both ourselves and others to delight in. ✨

12/17/2025

Maggie had the best time performing at retirement communities all over the Triad to help spread some holiday cheer with this December. They had their final performance last night at HanesBrands Theater downtown, and it was such a fun way to end the show’s run. 🎄

(Swipe to see her sing her favorite song of the show! 🤗)

I’m so thankful Maggie had the chance to be part of this amazing cast — her first show with both kids and adults. It’s such a joy to watch her perform — and it’s evident how much she loves it. So proud of our girl!

(At the end of last night’s show, the director presented everyone with stuffed hippopotamuses. So, so cute!! 🦛)