How do I tell my babies? How do I tell my mom? I’m always been the strong one. The one who says, “everything will be okay” and “it’s going to be fine.  Just fine.” But I don’t know that right now.  I have more questions than answers, and fine feels unreachable.  It seems like a lifetime... Continue Reading →

My love affair with books began well before I was old enough to feel even the most remote attraction to another human being.  Boys were loud and obnoxious, and generally they had a strange smell.  I wasn't interested. But take me to the little carousel library in town, and I could get lost in there... Continue Reading →

Go on.  Admit it.  You've missed me.... To those who have followed my journey for nearly four years, I owe an explanation for my absence here at A Broken Crayon. First, I thought I'd take a little break from writing, advocating and researching.  Summer began early with both of my daughters out of school before... Continue Reading →

Those with any experience with Lyme disease ask the same question:  what can we do to protect ourselves from ticks??  A critical questions with multiple answers. Yes, there are chemical sprays with DEET with great track records of repelling ticks.  This is the one my husband and his fellow hunters use during hunting season.  Research shows... Continue Reading →

We had watched from the sidelines, but now our captain was gone and ten tiny lives were completely in our hands. Momma dogs do more than just nurse their babies; they lick their bellies to stimulate pee, lick their bodies to keep them clean, and lick up their puppies' poop also to help with cleanliness.... Continue Reading →