A Bad Weekend by Conlee Ricketts


I was a math teacher more years than I’ve been a parent. At some point that will flip, but it hasn’t just yet. There are moments in parenting when I catch myself doing the exact things I know way better than to actually do, but I do them anyway. I ...

Willie’s Home by Conlee Ricketts


This is an essay I wrote a few years ago. As I muddle through holidays, a sick child, bad attitudes, laughter, and chaos, I needed to post this to remind myself and others how it's the little things we do that teach our children about poverty, mental illness, and compassion ...

5th Grade Science by Conlee Ricketts


My daughter had to participate in an “Egg Drop” again for science class this year. Last year she had to create something to keep her egg safe from a two story drop. She had to work on her own, at home, and using any supplies she wanted. This year, at ...

What is a good age to leave kids behind… by Meng Fong


    I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind" He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time"    ..from Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin (1942 to 1981)      I remember the first time I left The Kid at child-care – he was 3.5 months old. So tiny. It ...

Memories are made of this…by Meng Fong


Some grief, some joy Memories are made of this... .. sung by Dean Martin, 1956   8 months old: He hasn't started crawling. He shuffles on his butt. Like one of those dogs in a doggy wheelchair. I keep wondering if he'll ever start to walk. 12 months old: He's not really walking. He's ...

When I’m 95 by Conlee Ricketts


 The following is a personal exercise I did during a 21 day course called Remember and Do What Matters offered by Artist, Author, and Actionista, Mary Anne Radmacher.  The exercise was for me to write a letter to myself now, from my 95 year old self.  Enjoy a private peek ...

Finding My Inner “Single Mom” – by Cara Potapshyn Meyers


As Mother’s Day approaches this year, I am truly feeling the essence of being a “Single Mom.” I never actually put myself in that category before, but I feel it’s presence emerging more and more each day. I think it started several weeks ago when I realized that Mother’s Day fell ...