Flannery O’Connor was not kind to the characters she created for her stories; they were deeply flawed, and in need of redemption. Ann Napolitano does not spare Flannery of those characteristics in her own novel, A Good Hard Look.
It takes a certain level of confidence to fictionalize the last months of a famous American novelist’s life. Napolitano handles the challenge with grace; O’Connor could be walking around in one of her own stories. But does she get the one thing she really needs, that all her characters needed? Does she get a little grace, and forgiveness?
2. A hug and a kiss really can make you feel better.
3. Be upfront with people. Ask for what you want (remember to say please), and name your feelings. “I want some ice cream,” and “I’m sad” are a lot easier to deal with than non-specific pouting. Even if Mommy already ate all the ice cream.
4. There is almost always enough time for a snuggle.
5. Spend a little time coloring, drawing, or otherwise being creative every day.
6. Sing out loud when you are happy – it multiplies your joy, and it makes other people smile too. Even if it’s just in amusement.
7. Dance in the living room – who cares if the windows are open.
8. Playing is serious business.
9. Naptime is like hitting the RESET button on the day.
All the benefits of a robust metropolis and yet, nestled between the mountains and the Salish Sea, it takes no effort at all to let nature envelope you in Seattle.
And now, from around the interwebs…
Me: As Seen On…
TV: yes! really! I was on CNN! So here’s the deal: I got an opportunity to say thank you, and help tell the story of a woman who was there for me while I was going through the worst of my cancer treatment. Debbie Cantwell created The Pink Daisy Project to pay it forward after her own bout with cancer. She helped me at a time when the expense and exhaustion of getting through cancer treatment was really wearing me down. She sent gift cards so I could get food, diapers, and gas, and she hired some people to come clean my home. It’s hard enough to keep your home clean with a toddler – add the side effects of cancer treatment, and it’s overwhelming.
From what I understand, out of the 25 heroes highlighted throughout the year, CNN will be selecting 10 finalists for the awards ceremony. Web traffic and buzz are considered in their selection criteria – so the more you view and share this story, the more you like or recommend it on Facebook, and the more you comment on the story there on the CNN website, the better the odds that Debbie will be selected as one of the finalists. As a result of the story so far, Debbie has already received an increase in donations to help more women. She also received a significant increase in requests for help. As we get the word out more, Debbie will be able to help more and more women. And that’s the whole point.
There is also a second video; this one is even longer and shows more of my family.
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Darrah Parker Photography: We met up with Darrah at Ravenna Park on a sunny afternoon, and she took the most beautiful pictures of us. My little family was hot and tired, and bordering on cranky, but Darrah found the best in us. We had a grand time posing for photos, and the results are just lovely.
Awesome stuff I found while I was pretending to be busy
It Matters: Mama Wants This explores the unexpected ways her life has has been enriched by blogging, and the unexpected ways in which she has been hurt by blogging.
The Aums: a discussion of that emotionally charged issue of, gasp, body image.
Dog Days of Summer: Northwest Mommy hosts guest blogger, Diane LeBleu, and her discussion of starting a business, getting a dog, breast cancer, and other bad ideas.
The Days Pass: Susan of Toddler Planet is one of my heroes. She’s battling her fourth cancer in four years; this time it’s metastatic. She writes so beautifully about balancing her pain management so that she can tolerate the pain, yet still savor the moments with her husband and young children.
The stars came out and hung a giant, full moon for her birthday party, as we sipped our drinks under twinkle lights strung from a Parisian street lamp at Bastille in Ballard.
We noshed on good food
Enjoyed great company
As the sky continued to darken
Thanks to the Perseid meteor shower, it was a good night for shooting stars; I saw quite a few.
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Flannery O’Connor was not kind to the characters she created for her stories; they were deeply flawed, and in need of redemption. Ann Napolitano does not spare Flannery of those characteristics in her own novel, A Good Hard Look
