Open Letter to Taylor Swift 💜

Dear Taylor Swift,

Thank you. 

You have brought women, girls, SWIFTIES together in this beautiful moment of literal decades of wonderful music. My daughter grew up listening and belting your tunes. I grew up with you on your journey. I cannot thank you enough for creating not only epic songs and being the music industry, but also the vibes. Girl, you inspire all of us. 

I didn't get to attend the Detroit shows, but I did make bracelets.

Not only are you creating tunes we resonate with, but your an awesome fucking person. You give back to charity. You speak your mind about politics and injustices. All around, you are wonderful. This is why your fan base are also just great human beings having a glorious time. 

I am inspired to write to you because you are in my home state this weekend. So close, yet so far 😅 Kidding. I've tried my hardest for tickets, and yes you did break the internet with your tour release, but honestly that is just a testament to how much all of us want to be there with you. It's really cool. 

I have considered being the hard-core Swiftie and having out outside Ford Field just to be near. Not so sure I will do that - yet - lol. The fact that people are, man, it's just so fun! Making the friendship bracelets, trading them, the outfits and all the kindness! It's all so incredible. You are exactly what we need in the world. Please never stop! 

Midnights has definitely become my favorite album. Obviously I love every one, but this one inarticulate has really resonated with me this year. I have felt like I was the problem and also overcame quite the injustice. It's hard to be a boss bitch but dude, you totally show us how it's done!

I have cried watching videos of you interacting with fans and how much it means to people. Your legacy is changing the world. I am so proud to be a Swiftie and raise the next generation of Swifties! 

Thank you Taylor. 

Be Part of the Solution

Sometimes when I can't sleep I need to get my thoughts out on paper. When my brain won't shut off I need to write.

My daughter's school had another violence threat today. Nothing prepares you in regards to parenthood, the absolute gut-wrenching feeling of uselessness and indescribable pain when your kid is involved in potential tragedy. We are the lucky ones. We are not a school who was shot up, yet. It's horrifying and honestly I'm tired of feeling helpless. We need to be part of the solution.

Walking my teenager to the bus stop. She fought me at first but I know she enjoys the time now. ❣️

I am not here to complain about the school. I could not be more proud to be a parent of our school district. The response to these frustrating potential threats has been serious and so efficient. Our kids are safe and that confidence in my daughter's school is humbling. Again, we should feel extremely fortunate.

As a parent who grew up in the time of Columbine, it is our job to raise our children and speak to them about these acts. We want our kids to know right from wrong and grow up to be successful adults. That starts at home. Not every kid is fortunate to have a loving and supportive home life. How can we help?

I want to shower the school with love and support. I want the teachers and staff to have free coffee. Breakfast. Anything I can do honestly! They show up for our kids and I could not be more proud of the school and how they are molding the minds of our future generations. How can you help?

I think parents need to be more involved. I've been a parent for 15 years. I know the hard days, months, years. I can only imagine how insane it is to parent multiple kids close in age. It is a lot. We still need to do better. Screens open up a world of the internet to young minds. My daughter found lots at a young age. We can't just not allow the internet. We as parents need to have weekly dinners without TV or phones and talk with these young people we are raising. It's like the age old "How was school today?" Kids' response: fine. No! You need to dig deeper. Be involved. What do they like to do? I know, I have it easy with a girl. HA! If you haven't experiences it yet, enjoy those teenage years 😅 Still. I find small ways to connect between the bouts of insanity of raising a teenager. Starbucks. Five Below. The Mall. And I'm sure I could spend 15 minutes with your kid and find something to talk about.

This morning on our walk.

I know, these threats are not all on parents either. I just have to clear my head and sometimes that rant just flows out. Teenagers' brains are not fully developed. As much as they are gaining independence they still need us/parents. I also worry about the kids who might not have good role models. I want to help! I want to be more involved. Wanting to help is half the battle. Together, we can get through this and hopefully stop the cycle. ❣️

For Donna

I have already been journaling this year which is preparing me to write some more blogs. I am inspired to write about my girl Donna. If you are a crazy Starbucks and fall lover you may have heard of a little group on Facebook called The Leaf Rakers. It is a wonderful collection of people who share a love of autumn, coffee and just being cool people. I have enjoyed the group for a few years since a friend introduced and added me to the group.

There was the sweetest lady who posted sometimes, this would be Donna. She shared uplifting and positive quips including a sassy lipstick wearing smile and love of Starbucks coffee. Donna had some health issues that came and went, some of her recent posts included her wearing oxygen hosing. She did get better and us Leaf Rakers following her journey were overjoyed.

Image shared with permission of Donna's daughter.

Donna had also recently started her own little blog group. She shared about her lipstick and nail polish collection. She only ever shared positive and happy things. She definitely was a wonderful addition to the Leaf Rakers group.

Unfortunately a few weeks ago Donna passed away. I cannot even begin to comprehend the loss for myself, let alone other Leaf Rakers. It hit me pretty hard, considering I had never met Donna in person, only enjoyed her posts and was so excited for her blog.

The past few weeks have been incredible. Leaf Rakers began posting themselves in lipstick, nails done with their favorite coffee in tribute to Donna. It is incredible to think of how a person can have such an impact and legacy and never know how much they helped complete strangers.

I had to get in on the tributes to Donna. I'm not a lipstick person 💋

I am completely in awe of how many people were affected by and loved Donna. It brings hope to the world, one small act really can affect so many. Thank you Donna for what you gave our little online community. You will be truly missed. ❤💋☕️ #fordonna #bemorelikedonna