Three publishing industry insiders have been working behind the scenes for the past several months in a secret author lab. Well, not really, but they’ve kept the secret since December. Thomas Unstated, Jeff Gerke and Mary DeMuth have created Bestseller Society, and they’re really excited about it. Why did they create this site? Because they got [...]

Dropping from its long-held position of second place, the mammogram has moved into third place as the most painful or embarrassing of annual events for women over 40. Still in first is the dreaded gynecological exam. Apparently, having to sit in a freezing cold room for an hour wearing nothing but a large paper towel [...]

  After a week on the beach at South Padre Island in far, far, far south Texas, I’ve returned home with a new perspective, a fresh perspective, a renewed spirit. What a blessing to enjoy down time! The only things required of me all week included a decision about where to park my beach chair [...]

Announcer’s voice: “For too long Hollywoodhas treated the role of mother using only stereotype and/or prejudice. Think about it. Films such as Mommy Dearest, Throw Momma from the Train and Monster-in-Law typecast moms (or mothers-in-law) as unkind, unbending, unforgiving. Like fish in a barrel, moms have been easy targets. On the opposite end of the [...]

Yesterday, we borrowed Jeff Foxworthy’s technique of observing rednecks and applied it to motherhood. I hope you enjoy this second installment. You might be a mommy if . . . You’ve ever told your pediatrician, “No, you’re wrong.” You’ve ever washed a pair of jeans that were so dirty they could stand up in the [...]

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy has built a career on poking fun at his backwoods beginnings. His “You might be a redneck if . . . ” sends readers and audience members into laughing fits—as they recognize their brother-in-law (or themselves) in the stereotypical behavior. Just in time for Mothers Day, I’ve compiled a few more signs [...]

Most women struggle with body image at one time or another.  For some, that battle starts early in life and wages war on their heart, their mind and their relationships. In the book Hollow: An Unpolished Tale  (Moody Publishers, 2010), author Jena Morrow recounts one of her earliest memories. While wearing shorts, she sits in [...]

Use this post as a tool to get to know someone very quickly. Ford or Chevy? Coke or Pepsi? Chocolate or Vanilla? North or South? Protestant or Catholic? Hot or Cold? Morning Person or Night Person? Shy or Outgoing? Optimistic or Pessimistic? Fight or Flight? In a Hurry or Laid Back? On Time or Always [...]

It’s spring. Time to take a look at this baseball season’s lineup. Not players, their mothers. Here’s a beginner’s guide to Little League Moms. The Team Mom, usually the head coach’s wife, is the glue that holds the other moms together. Part cheerleader, part hand holder, part organizer, she spends baseball season with a phone [...]

My newest book, a project co-authored with four fellow columnists, releases today! Happy BIRTHday to A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts: Stories to Celebrate & Wisdom to Bless Moms! Here’s an excerpt that I hope will spur you on to add your own views on mom-job security: Leslie’s View on Job Security As a mom, I can [...]