My daughter is so fantastic.  I adore this child more than words can express.  I'm so proud to call her mine, and I'm proud to have raised her as a strong, thoughtful, compassionate and hard working little person.  So, when it came time to ask her whether she was ready to join the big girl ranks and get her ears pierced, I was excited to hear her answer.  I've raised my kids in such a way that I try to give them as much structured independence as is appropriate for each of th...(more)

Okay, so I have to admit that this isn't the greatest photo that I've ever taken, but it's worth telling the story behind it, so I'll just have to suck up my vanity for the sake of charity.   I was at one of my favorite places in the world yesterday, the Santa Monica stairs, getting a quick work out in before the sun set on a beautiful Wednesday evening.  As I made my way down the steps on the first of many repetitions, I noticed a strapping young fellow making his way up the...(more)