On Photographing Food

Almost every day, without fail, my friend and I exchange food pictures...

On Turning Forty-Five

I've never been one to care about age, and I'm not afraid to tell my age when asked (just ask me!). But something happened to me when I turned 45 in January...

On Engagement and Wedding Rings

How do you feel about wedding rings? Are they merely a representation of love and commitment or a fashion statement? What about engagement rings? Do you favor a more classic and modest ring like the one former First Lady, Michelle Obama used to wear (apparently she got an upgrade after she left the White House)? Or, is bigger bling better as in the case of current First Lady, Melania Trump?

On Raising a Champion

Several years ago, when Buddy Roller was still an infant, I heard a phrase that would change my life and guide one of the most important roles of my life...

On Being Named Teacher of the Year

This week has been incredible...

On Trying New Things in Teaching

This school year, I'm trying all things new. New strategies. New ways of doing old things. Fresh. New. Unfamiliar. New.  And I'm discovering that the very things I've always been afraid to try, aren't as daunting as they first appeared...

On Parenting

Last week, I attended this art thing that one of the teachers at my school was hosting. It's like one of those sip and paint deals where you create your own "masterpiece" from start to finish while snacking and hanging out with friends. Only, we didn't just get to work with paint...we also used a lot of different mixed media which put a whole new spin on things. 

Anyways this got me thinking.  An artist starts with a blank canvas, and can put a lot of thought and planning into it, never truly knowing how it will turn out. Parenting is kinda like that.  You plan, and you dream. You make sacrifices, you toil, you teach, and you learn.  You do the best you know how, and you hope for the best, but sometimes you never know what you're gonna get, or how things will turn out...

On Fourteen Years of Marriage

Some things you just never forget.

Like what it felt like to own my first car. But I'll also never forget the day I drove away in my second car. It was a used 1991 Honda Accord, and at the time, it was almost ten years old, but to me, it felt new. And exciting! I remember driving off the car lot and feeling a sense of joy and pride. Me and my car! We were going places, and I looked forward to the little things like taking it through the car wash, and driving to places like the grocery story was now no "ordinary" trip because, now, when I walked to my car, in the parking lot, I could admire it, once again, thinking...that's my car!  Over the years, my car and I developed a rhythm. We understood each other. I knew it needed it's regular maintenance, and I knew my limits with my old car. Like how it would almost tremble and slightly shake when I tried to push it to the limits of driving fast speeds.  But through it all, my little old car remained faithful and never left me stranded. Never.  Even when I had my doubts, my car always came through for me.

Being married for 14 years is kinda like that...

On the Inevitable

She's a true talker. You know those people who when you see them, you know you're in for a long conversation.  You could say anything to her, and she always had a story to share. Always. I'm normally in a rush when I see her. But this time, I wasn't, thank God, and I took the time to listen to her. Really listen.  I sat down on the tiny bench made for little ones, fearing the planks wouldn't hold my weight. They did. And I patiently listened. It was as if I knew this would be an important conversation to have. It was. And it was the last one I would have with her. She passed away on Sunday...

On Making Dumb Mistakes

 

Let's face it. We all make stupid mistakes. At least I do.  Some I wish I could do over, and some I wish I never even had the dumb idea to do in the first place...

On Food Trucks

Regarding food trucks. Three words. I support them...

On Nature's Beauty

What is it about palm trees that always make me stop and take notice? 

Is it the island girl in me? The one who always longs for the beach and the feel of the hot white sand sliding between my toes?

Or is it the way they stand so tall...towering above all below them...with such majesty and grace.

Maybe it's because they think they're all that...dancing in the tropical breeze, swaying this way and that way, as they touch the sky.

I'm not sure what it is, but palm trees get me every time.

Happy spring break!

On the Proposal

Since today is National Proposal Day, I'm reminiscing about The Hubs proposing to me almost 14 years ago...

On Taking on a New Last Name

Before I was Alicia Laman Cooke, I was Alicia Yolanda Laman!!!

I've always hated (sorry mom!) my middle name. So. When I got married, I was delighted at the chance to get rid of it, keep my maiden name as my middle, and take on The Hubs' name.

This got me thinking, though, not every marriage brings with it...the perfect new last name. Am I right, or am I right?

On Creativity

As a mom, I know I have a smart kid. And I'm not saying that to brag or anything. I mean which mom doesn't think her kid is smart?  I've invested a lot of time in my son, making sure he's learning, he's reading, he's well grounded, he's kind and respectful, and he's surrounded by the right people who can influence him positively.

But there's just one area where I think I may have fallen short...

On Baby Love

What is it about holding a newborn baby...okay any baby...that makes me just want to have one all over again?

On My First Car

I've only had four my entire life, and selling my second one this week has got me reminiscing about my very first one...

On Dressing up at School

Two Halloweens Ago

How do you feel about your child dressing up at school?