Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

“How old is your kid?” I’d ask. “Eight.” “That must be fun,” I’d smile. “Oh! It IS!” she’d beam. I’d pretend to believe her but secretly felt sorry for the fact that she no longer had a toothless baby or a waddling, gapped-tooth toddler like mine. It was hard to imagine that eight-years-old was as […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Lisa@TheGoldenSpoons - Oh, eight! My youngest will be 10 in a couple weeks, which means all my kiddos will be in double digits!!!! Ack!!! There are parts that I love, but the older they get the more I find myself missing the baby snuggles and toddler times. It is a cruel paradox of parenting! 🙂 Happy eight to Tucker!!July 21, 2017 – 11:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Lisa! It all goes so fast. When they’re little, each month feels so significant, as if we’re timing it all.. and then, all of a sudden, it’s been another year (!?!!) and wow. You’re so right about the cruel paradox of parenting!July 21, 2017 – 8:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Excellent video editing mom! As techie as I am, video editing seems to overwhelm me. I love the first one too, “Where’s Tucker?” and the giggles. So sweet. Those endearing moments of entertaining, and then there’s a million hours left in the day. Six more months to THIRTEEN here, and I can’t even. I’ve got to go back and see what eight looked like. 🙁July 21, 2017 – 2:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Why, THANK YOU, to the video editing. I won’t admit how much time it took but have gotten more comfortable with iMovie. I spent WAY too much time looking for how to get a speech bubble on the end of the video and tried PhotoShop, etc. and didn’t figure it out. I thought his “it was epic!” wasn’t clear and wanted a speech bubble. Anyway! Thank you (I know you’re the queen of iStuff so appreciate it). OMG the giggles. I miss tiny him. THIRTEEN!?!??!?!!? Wowza. I bet Christopher was adorable at eight. BTW, Tux is almost as tall as I am… sigh. some of his friend are still pick-up-able.July 21, 2017 – 9:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - I love the relationship you have with Tucker. He is precious. They grow up so fast…..but I can honestly say after raising four kids, they get better and better as they get older. I have loved every phase of parenting. I know you will, too.July 21, 2017 – 4:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Marcia. I needed to hear this! I know I’ll love every age but still, am sad at times that baby-Tucker is never to be seen again (unless maybe I see him in a grandchild!!!).July 21, 2017 – 9:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - I love this so much!

    I miss my toddler and my 8 year old, but 11 has it’s perks too! He has his own agenda, but mom still makes the best breakfasts, mom makes the best inappropriate, but appropriately worded jokes and mom still has to tuck him in and say good night!July 21, 2017 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Moms will ALWAYS make the best breakfasts. I still miss my own mom’s breakfasts although I don’t even know why or what she made! I miss all of the ages, but also look forward to 11 and older and OMG we’ve known one another forever because I think your son was like 7 or 8 when we met??? Time. It’s the lyrics I can’t think of now other than “If I could save time in a bottle” which isn’t OUR GUYS lyrics… Oh wait, they did redo Turn the Page…
      Out there in the spotlight you’re a million miles away…
      Oh wow, ok nope. METALLICA for the win. But um did we just open this up for more??? YIKES and AWESOME. xoJuly 21, 2017 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Sweet memories and so much fun…you two have so much fun. Bonds like that only grow stronger, I am sure. Happy Birthday to Tucker and I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the summer together.July 22, 2017 – 9:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We do have fun, and I’m thankful for that but also there are of course moments of wondering how we’ll get though the next hours 🙂July 22, 2017 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Sigh…I miss 8. It IS a great age. Right now I’m dealing with teenagers taking the car without asking and sneaking out of the house to meet girls – UGH! The good news is the boys never seem to outgrow things like mini golf and water parks — T’s bday looked so cool! Anyway, enjoy the rest of the summer — always goes too fast!July 22, 2017 – 5:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - 8 is great? Maybe there is a reason for that or maybe I’m channeling the cheerleaders? I remember when my step-daughter was sneaking out to meet boys… UGH is right. Here’s to mini golf and water parks. YIKES though, Em!!!July 22, 2017 – 11:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - Everything’s different when it’s your kid, I think. Also, now that I think about it, Arby’s curly fries DO kinda look like poop emojis, don’t they?July 22, 2017 – 9:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So right that ALL is different when it’s your own kid and yes, Arby’s curly fries are total poop emojis for sure. This particular one was from the food bar at the pool snack place, but same same. 🙂July 22, 2017 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - Eight is WONDERFUL. I miss those middle-elementary years, even though middle and high school kids have their own gifts. I can tell how much you enjoy Tucker, and I bet he can tell that, too!July 25, 2017 – 4:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - Oh my goodness! How he’s grown and yet, still manages to look so cute!! Eight is definitely fun and it gets better!July 25, 2017 – 7:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I cannot believe how much he’s grown, Roshni! Seriously he’s almost as big as I am already and I’m loving eight but also wow, time can slow a bit, you know? July 26, 2017 – 9:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I totally see the poop emoji in that curly fry!

    I agree with you that 8 is magical, and so is any age that is the age your kid is now. Teenagers aren’t like toddlers or 8 year olds, but they have their own magic that I’ve learned to just embrace and enjoy. Happy belated birthday to your fabulous 8 year old boy, Kristi!July 26, 2017 – 10:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me too! Poop emojis everywhere! And I’m learning (slowly) that each age really does have its magic and thank you for the birthday wishes! xoJuly 26, 2017 – 9:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Happy (late) Birthday sweet Tucker! Your summer is half over and mine id done, done, done! Kids started back at school today. Crazy. And we celebrated Cammy’s 10TH! birthday last week. No more single digits in my house:(>August 3, 2017 – 1:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! Cammy’s 10?!?!!? Happy birthday, sweet boy! We so need to catch up!August 4, 2017 – 9:34 pmReplyCancel

If I had a magic wand, the first thing that comes to mind is that I’d “fix” my son. A dozen others. A billion others. An infinity others. In fact, I’ve said before that if I could have a superpower, that it’d be to have magical healing powers. I’d like to fix all kids who […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - I’d fix the world too. Yes, there are things that need to be fixed – disease, illness, hunger, war – but there are many things that can be fixed with a different perspective. That’s what Our Land is all about,right? And yes, Tucker is perfect exactly as he is.September 5, 2013 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - That was fantastic, my friend. I hope you are proud of this post- you asked some really challenging and deep questions. I loved it.September 5, 2013 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - He’s perfect. You said it best 🙂

    Long live Our Land.September 5, 2013 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Totally wish you could fix the world and your magic wand would do wonders in healing for sure. Sounds quite perfect and really wish this was possible now Kristi!!September 5, 2013 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh my, you brought me to tears. In a good way. Because the minute I saw you had the same thought as me, fixing our awesome kiddos I had the same guilt. They are not broken or dying. It’s really not them that needs to be fixed but the world.

    I wonder how Kerry would answer your question, if she would wand away her CP?

    The thing that is awesome? You already waved your wand. You created Our Land and am changing the world one post at a time.

    Adore you my sweet friend.September 5, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Yup, I’m totally with you on fixing the world. I’ve had these discussions a lot about “fixing” my child. We reached the point with him a few years ago where we could keep trying to “fix” him (with more therapy) or just let him be who he is supposed to be. If that means he doesn’t want to make friends or if that means he is always going to be a bit of a goofball, or is always going to ask unfiltered questions, or not make great eye contact, so be it. Sometimes it’s just so hard to distinguish what is just his natural personality and what is the developmental disability? And in the end, does it really matter? I think you’re right that to live in this world as it is now, I suppose it does matter up to a point. But, I do hope that changes — soon. And well, if I had a magic wand, you know what I’d do right this instant and I appreciate you acknowledging that that is what the wand is for…completely agree. Wonderful post as always!!September 5, 2013 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - You ask the readers for their thoughts at the end of this wonderful post. I’ve never had to ponder on that dilemma, but you are such a sensitive soul and such a gifted writer that I got so engaged and went through the exact same thought process, identifying with every word and emotion and leaving the post thinking I, too, would probably fix the world.September 5, 2013 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Such a beautifully written post, Kristi, and such a multi-layered question. I’ve thought about this for nearly my entire life. I love, love, love your idea about fixing the world, and I second Kerri — you are already working your magic…you are already making the world a more accepting place.

    With regards to whether I would fix my disability if I could: my mom always talks about there someday being a cure for CP, and I remember one time when I was eight years old, I told her that I wouldn’t take it if there was one. She was shocked and tried to convince me otherwise.

    And then a couple weeks ago I walked into the living room and found her crying and shaking. And oh my God that is not something that I ever, ever want to see again. She had seen a commercial where a premature baby stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. I could tell that she was trying to keep it together for my sake, and it hurt.

    “That baby looked just like you,” she said. “They should have given warning…they should have given warning…” Sitting there and watching her shake like that…it’s haunting me and I can’t help but wonder if my desire to keep my CP is selfish. Up until two weeks ago, I would have totally said that I would keep my CP and work on changing the world…I’m still all for changing the world, but if taking away my CP meant that I never had to see my mom crying and shaking like that ever again, I think I would choose the cure. xoxoSeptember 6, 2013 – 12:15 amReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - You are amazing! The fact that you would use your magic powers and do for others is awesome.
    Your little boy is so special and I love your big heart.

    My magic wand consisted of transporting myself to anywhere in the world whenever I wanted. {Mostly beaches and included lots of liquor — so when you are done healing and Janine is done cleaning … y’all can come with, Mmmmk? 🙂

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.comSeptember 6, 2013 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Louise - I love this. And agree. I think I’d wish to make the world a more understanding place of others and differences too.September 6, 2013 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica - This is just so thoughtful and beautiful, Kristi. It’s a tough question. I think changing the world would be a great thing. Get people to start accepting others as they are, even if it’s not “convenient” or comfortable for the rest of us. But I think it would also be nice to get rid of some of the frustrations and anxiety, etc, that wouldn’t necessarily be cured by changing the world. If we could wave a wand and make everyone happy and healthy, that would be just perfect.September 6, 2013 – 12:41 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Dana,
    Yes, that’s what Our Land is all about and yet cancer or other childhood illnesses can suck it because they totally need to just go away. It’s about fixing the world, right? Thanks for getting that.
    —
    Stephanie,
    Thank you.
    Thank you huge. —-
    —-
    Lizzi,
    Long live Our Land.
    —-
    Janine,
    Yes, Me too. I wish it was perfect.
    —September 6, 2013 – 1:34 amReplyCancel

  • Misty @ Meet the Cottons - it’s probably selfish, but i’d use my wand to make patty a regular kid without any need for afterschool therapy and special education. maybe then we could spend our afternoons at gymnastics or dance class. i wouldn’t want to lose my sweet, loving kiddo, though. so if i couldn’t keep that part of her, i wouldn’t change a thing. i wouldn’t even try to change the world.September 6, 2013 – 5:32 amReplyCancel

  • Southern Angel - As a mom to 2 boys with different issues, one is bipolar OCD with generalized anxiety and the youngest is a high functioning autistic, I get this. However, I would help my bipolar son with rages, especially now that he is a parent. Patience, and understanding there is NO such thing as a perfect parent or child. We are both struggling through trying to keep the other afloat. This was absolutely beautiful..September 6, 2013 – 6:02 amReplyCancel

  • karen - OMG…wiping away my tears…wow…what a post babe. I wonder if kids accept who they are better than we as parents andadults can?

    I think changing the world and their perception of what is perfect, beautiful, acceptable, and kindness is a good choice. I think you and Tucker are so blessed to have each other,September 6, 2013 – 6:06 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - I agree, it’s the world that needs fixing…..the world and all it’s pre-conceived attitudes and notions!September 6, 2013 – 7:08 amReplyCancel

  • TK - Yes, he is perfect and yes, we need to fix the world. We definitely need more compassion, more understanding and more love – especially towards our children. #FTSFSeptember 6, 2013 – 7:26 amReplyCancel

  • Dani Ryan - This is such a beautiful post.

    I’m with you – I’d fix the world. Because that boy? He’s pretty darn special (and cute!).

    xoSeptember 6, 2013 – 8:40 amReplyCancel

  • Linda Roy - I would fix the world. The world completely needs fixing. We need more kindness, compassion and understanding.September 6, 2013 – 9:44 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - As far as I’m concerned, the only thing missing from his life is that I’m not following him around with a camera! Someday.
    The problem with magic wand thinking is that I’m such a good daydreamer that I can start getting little tingles and rapid heartbeats from dreaming of impossible things. I’d like to believe they’re not all impossible.
    If I had a magic wand, I’d make all of your blog posts go viral. Like yesterday.September 6, 2013 – 9:45 amReplyCancel

  • Kathy Radigan - Beautiful post!! I have often thought of this myself. I have to admit that today is a rough day so it’s harder for me to answer. Thank you for your words!September 6, 2013 – 9:56 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kerri,
    Kerry actually commented and she’d fix herself but only for her mom. Sigh. Which means NO – she should stay the same, right? And I adore you,too…
    —
    Emily
    “And in the end, does it really matter?” Yes. what you said. Because who can say what is personality and what is a delay? And Friend, I’m totally with you on what YOU want to fix. Yes. Let’s please fix that. And soon.
    —
    Katia,
    Thanks, you. I think the world is the choice, too….
    —
    K –
    Ok. Wow. First,I suspect that your mom was shaking and crying more over the idea that she could have lost you than over your CP. If the only reason to fix yourself is for her, please don’t, when you get that magic wand. Without CP, would you be blogging? Sharing your amazing heart? Be so wonderful and compassionate? Maybe. But why risk it? I say that you’re perfect exactly as you are, my friend. Totally and fully.
    —September 6, 2013 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Lanaya,
    Yes! Your place sounds perfect! Janine was cleaning? Hehe – haven’t read yet. We’re out of town and (wait for it) have NO WIFI. I HAVE NO WIFI! I have to borrow MIL’s computer. Ouch.
    —
    Louise,
    Yes. Perfect.
    —
    Jessica,
    Yes, it certainly would be nice to get rid of anxiety. And I’m not just speaking about our children any longer. Thanks, you.
    —
    Misty,
    I don’t think that’s selfish at all. I think wishing Patty had gymnasitcs instead of therapy is perfectly fair. But yeah, how much of that is her personality, too? Sigh. Hugs.
    —
    Southern Angel,
    Wow, yeah, having rages as a parent is hard. I think I’d fix that as well. Such a hard question. I mean what is perfect really? None of us are truly perfect people or parents, even though we may be “typical.”
    —September 6, 2013 – 10:18 amReplyCancel

  • Surprise Mama - This beautiful post made me cry. It is so wonderful. All of a sudden the life that we are given (no matter how imperfect) sometimes seems like the perfect life after all.September 6, 2013 – 10:56 amReplyCancel

  • Jamie@SouthMainMuse - This was so beautiful. We as parents and people need to appreciate the uniqueness of others. Of course the world will always intrude but the older I get, the more determined I am not to let the world affect my peace and joy. And appreciation of every person in all their glory.September 6, 2013 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

  • Kate - I’d struggle with this too- but if you fixed the world maybe that would fix all the children with it? Moral dilemmas!September 6, 2013 – 2:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Kristi, this is just beautiful! I think fixing the world is a wonderful aspiration and I wish it were possible. Life would be so much better for everyone!September 6, 2013 – 4:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - So very thought-provoking. You hit on some big points. One is delineating between fixing for you and fixing for Tucker, and the difficulty in being able to tell the difference. Two is this: “Would fixing him take away Tucker’s Tuckerness?” — which makes me wonder just what is a person’s essence and what is not. And three, I love where you ended up, with this: “I think I’d rather fix the world.”

    Well done, Kristi. Making me think on a Friday afternoon.September 6, 2013 – 4:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I just left this super long comment on Kerri’s blog.

    I think you are being too hard on yourself. Of COURSE you don’t want your child to struggle more than he has to, more than other people. Even if the world were perfect, even if you could fix everything and make the world perfect for him, he would still struggle with *internal* things. No one wants to see her baby struggle. Not now, not ever.

    But yes, if you could fix the world and make it better, please do. 🙂

    And I just have to say again, although I know I always say this — he is truly, stunningly beautiful.

    And now I’m crying again. 😛September 6, 2013 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • MJM - There is nothing wrong with Tucker…it’s the world that sucks donkey. So much hate in this world, it’s really sad and very unfortunate. Great piece as always my friend.September 6, 2013 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - That was a lovely sentence to finish, and you did it so well. 🙂 Your love for Tucker is amazing (and you are amazing!) He is perfect…September 6, 2013 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Betty Taylor - I so agree that it is the world that needs fixing.September 6, 2013 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - Dammit, Kristi, you’re supposed to be just another skanksta like me, but you keep getting me with these hugely profound posts. How many times have I used “profound” to describe your work? But it’s so true. I found myself nodding so many times throughout this post–and you made me think, too. Thank you!September 6, 2013 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Galit - Is it really an either/or? Can we help children overcome those aspects of their disability which are actually disabling, and at the same time work to fix the world which treats difference as less than, and not just in math? Whether gender or race or religion — or disability — the world needs a LOT of work on this. That doesn’t change the fact that speech difficulties and cognitive struggles — like heart defects and vision/hearing issues — do limit people’s options in navigating the world. Right now they are adorable little kids, and it is easy to say that they are perfect as they are — which is true! But many older people with intellectual disabilities struggle mightily, and can be very unhappy indeed if they are dependent on others for their daily care. They, like typical adults, wish to be independent and productive members of society. That is why we give them therapies and specialized nutrition and so on, in order to maximize their potential once they are out in the world. If we can achieve the same result with a medical “magic wand”, why would we not?September 7, 2013 – 2:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I would want to fix anyone who was in pain. But in the case of special needs I would want to fix for world. Though we are a just a dot here in the blogosphere, I think you are doing and excellent job sharing the knowledge to fix us (fix the world).September 8, 2013 – 6:39 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Oh, Kristi, I knew this would be good. I totally agree with you, we need to fix the world, we will always have our differences, whether it is developmental or political or physical or spiritual, and to have a world where all of that is embraced would be amazing. I have taught many kids with developmental delays or autism-spectrum disorders, and it IS hard to tell what is the delay, and what is them… because they are just them. And sometimes, as teenagers, they have an honesty and genuineness about them that is beautiful and I wouldn’t want to “fix” and I imagine their parents wouldn’t want to either. Another fantastic post, lady.September 8, 2013 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - I cannot even put into words how blown my mind is on your perspective on this.
    Can’t.
    All of our children are perfect because they’re humans and humans have flaws.
    It’s society that needs the fixing.September 8, 2013 – 4:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Tatum - A great piece on such a difficult subject. I do often say that if could change it for Owen I absolutely would…because I think that some day he’ll wish he was like the other kids on the playground, or the ones eating at the table while he’s pour formula in a tube. However, your point is so important – how can we expect our kids to accept who they are if we want to change them…even if our desire is because we think it’s what they want? This parenting thing can be really heavy sometimes, can’t it. thanks for starting the conversation, Kristi.September 10, 2013 – 12:48 amReplyCancel

  • catherine gacad - this reminds me of a moment during the fertility workshop i went to in woodstock last weekend. the workshop tries to bring to the forefront all the “orphans” or issues that we have in our lives that are blocking us from reaching our full potential (i.e., motherhood). this one woman talked about how her orphan is that her brother has cerebral palsy and hence she’s scared of conceiving a child with a disability. the instructor led her in a chant: “sometimes bad things happen to good people. sometimes children are born with illness and disabilities. my brother is going to love my baby so much. my baby is going to love my brother so much. there is so much love to go around.” watching that was very cathartic. maybe things don’t happen exactly as we imagine them in our head, but the process and the experience and the people can be absolutely perfect regardless.September 15, 2013 – 12:55 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Wow, I was the first commenter almost four years ago! I’d say the same thing now as I said then. Tucker is just as perfect, just four years older. How did that happen??July 7, 2017 – 8:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So cool that you were the first commenter back then! That’s when my comments were all messed up and I couldn’t reply individually to anybody. And yeah, I think he’s pretty perfect.July 7, 2017 – 4:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - I struggle with this question a lot, for myself. If I could, would I make myself have perfect vision or would I make it so I could live in a more accepting world? Hmm.

    Good one to repurpose today Kristi, in the times we live in.July 7, 2017 – 9:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kerry. It is an interesting question, right? I mean, would you still be you if you had perfect vision? How much of who you are has to do with not having it? Hmm.July 7, 2017 – 4:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I thought this sounded familiar with the magic wand. So much has changed since 2013 and though my answer is the same I feel more deeply about the world needing to be fixed. For starters for November 8, 2016, whipping up some magic for that day so the results would be different. The world has been contaminated more so in that time and I’m sure the magic wand would work wonders.July 7, 2017 – 11:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s scary how much the world changes based on that one day… I wish the results were different and am STILL in shock about how bad this guy is! Disgusting 🙁
      I wish I had a magic wand.July 7, 2017 – 4:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Karen - Such a touching post. I think you worded it all so well and I would have to agree.July 7, 2017 – 3:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - I’m with you—-I’d rather fix the world. People need to be kinder & gentler with one another.July 7, 2017 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - It’s a tough question. I don’t have an answer right now.July 8, 2017 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me neither. I’m old, to have this boy… not that that’s related to this, but more to you turning 40. I had Tucker when I was 40….wow. Life is weird.July 8, 2017 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - ***I don’t know. What makes him him? Would “fixing” him take away Tucker’s Tuckerness?***

    LOVE! Love! love!

    Yes, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could accept people for who they were and just fix the f*cking world?

    Because man oh man, it needs LOTS of fixing.

    I’d take that wand and slam it over what’s his name’s head. You know who I’m talking about.

    Luv u.July 10, 2017 – 1:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I do know, and that would be one amazing and wonderful thing, my friend. YUP. It needs so much fixing. But you’re doing fixing, I think. Maybe, all of us are, in a way.July 10, 2017 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Oh, Kristi:
    Lindsey tells me all the time she wishes she didn’t have disabilities. At least the ones that keep her struggling so. And yet I do love your point about changing the world. Maybe with a magic wand, we could do a little of both! But it is so difficult for me to see Lindsey suffer/struggle. I wish she could reason better because that is also difficult.July 15, 2017 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Linda Atwell - I didn’t actually finish: Just one more line! (or several!)

      I say in my book that if I did have a magic wand, I would wave it like a madwomen. I think that is what I would actually do. But then again, if I truly had those powers, I’d probably be very careful how I used them. Hugs! And beautiful post, as always.July 15, 2017 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda, I wrote this post a few years ago, and re-posted it last week because I sat at the keyboard and had NO IDEA what to say about “what moves me.” My attitude has changed SO MUCH about Tucker, and all of it. I don’t know what I would do, after spending the last two days at camp with him. I don’t know.July 16, 2017 – 12:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I might wave it too, now. Like I said, I posted this very early on, and things have changed but I don’t know what to write, now, while keeping Tucker’s privacy but also keeping help if it’s helping.July 16, 2017 – 12:04 amReplyCancel

“Babe, help me up – the ladder isn’t down for some reason, and I’m exhausted,” he said treading water, smiling (and twitching a bit) at the thought of his notebook waiting for his recordings of the sea life diversity he’d seen while diving. She looked at him, reached for the rope before getting lost in thought […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - I love your stories, whether they are six sentences or longer!June 26, 2017 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! My husband didn’t like this one that much but I guess I get that 🙂June 26, 2017 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - Wow, this one took my breath away… and his… and I was cheering for her the whole time! I once was married to a man who used to tell me that I didn’t have the balls to leave him. He discovered that no balls were required, just enough money saved up for an apartment and enough courage to start a new life for me and the kids, and thank God I did! Twenty five years later and he still hasn’t managed to maintain a successful relationship with anyone, some people never do change or grow.June 27, 2017 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Josie! I’m so glad that you were able to get out of your marriage and find Papa Bear and a whole new world for yourself that’s better and more fabulous!June 27, 2017 – 8:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - Wow! Powerful! It is so sad when women and sometimes men are treated so brutally and feel so powerless, until that moment they don’t. Then the crimes of one instigates the crime committed by the victim. Even with many places now which provide a place of refuge for those who are being abused, it is usually very difficult for those being abused to safely get away to these safe havens.June 27, 2017 – 5:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So true, Pat, about feeling powerless, until they don’t. I used to volunteer in an abused women and children’s home and there are so many reasons people stay. They can’t afford to not stay. They know the abuse will worsen toward the kids. It’s awful.June 28, 2017 – 9:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Love it Kristi! Excellent! I’m going to click over to Ivy’s blog because I like to write like this. I’d be good for me when I run out of real life writing.

    P.S. Love the * 😉June 28, 2017 – 8:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ivy is awesome and you’ll love her. I like this, too. I didn’t want to write but six sentences? I can do that.June 28, 2017 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - Well, isn’t that special?!

    Hahaha, I love this and I love how you can have fun with your writing!June 30, 2017 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - hehehhehehe!July 17, 2017 – 6:40 pmReplyCancel

Sometimes, writers think they don’t have anything to say. More often, writers have too much to say, but can’t say what they want to, don’t have the energy to do so, or feel paralyzed by their now, or memories of deep, dark, nameless stories. Writers share the un-sharable. They breathe life into rattling bones of […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • My Inner Chick - Great tips, Sweets.

    Everybody has their own process, don’t they.

    I agree w/ the READ. READ. Read.

    I mean, how can one write if one doesn’t read? NO. Impossible.

    I’ll never forget what one of my writing instructors told us.

    She said, “NEVER apologize for your story, writing, words. This is your gift to the world.”

    …as you said, “there are countless better writers than I.”

    but they are NOT “YOU!”

    You are SPECIAL & Amazing.

    xxxxxx from MN.June 22, 2017 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love the advice from your writing instructor. It’s so true (and at times, hard to remember). Our stories are our gifts to the world. YOU are special and amazing, Kim! <3June 23, 2017 – 8:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - This is so true about writing. I often have a list of things I could write about and want to write about but have trouble figuring out which angle I want to use. And of course, the angle I start with is rarely the one I end up with. But I love all your suggestions. I could use some of these—especially sitting on the stoop. I especially love that one because it encourages us to SLOW down and check out the world. Even if it is for only a little bit.

    I wish I could write as prolific as you. And then you respond to each of our answers too. I have decided you must be the MOST ORGANIZED mother on the face of the planet. Anyhow, I do believe we were born to tell stories. I especially like yours. 🙂

    Happy Friday to you!June 23, 2017 – 1:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love the moments on the stoop. You’ll have to let me know if you try it. For me, it’s a mini-vacation from my head and it helps me to remember how big the world really is.
      Also? OMG I am SO NOT organized. At all. Truly. Thursday nights, Robert comes home earlier than usual, and I eek something out. I edit (usually) the next day… I’m really not organized. One of these days, I’ll get the nerve up to send you a photo of our office. It’s horrifying.
      And I especially like YOUR stories, too. <3June 23, 2017 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

  • JY Walters - I think my writing sucks so I’d say I can’t write all the time. You have looked at my stuff so you know. However, I insist the only way I will be a better writer is if I continue to write.

    After a marathon writing session around 10K words I have to take a mental break and the go right back at it. Most of the story is mental written before I turn on the computer. Writing, even poor, is healing. Breaks are not writer’s block but a rest. Mentally, I am writing all the time.

    Great article!!!June 23, 2017 – 9:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your writing does NOT suck!!! At all! Thanks, JT!June 23, 2017 – 8:48 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - Brilliant article and very well written. Aw, thanks for the kind review beta!😘June 23, 2017 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - These are fantastic. I do a lot of these to find inspiration.

    I also agree that often writer’s have too much to say and sometimes, it becomes all jumbled and it sounds like a bunch of nonsense. I tend to have that problem, word vomit. When my words get upchucked all over the page and make a huge mess, lol.

    I guess, we should just grab some whiskey in a jar, turn the page and try to reload.June 23, 2017 – 9:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sometimes I have so much to say and then it’s just crap on the screen, totally all over the place. Here’s to whiskey in a jar and turning the page. And then, reloading. xoxoJune 23, 2017 – 9:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - So true, just doing it and then just doing it being the hardest. I find that I have to get out of my bubble because that I have a drawer full of stories just by looking at the pictures, but I have to try too hard to get the story started. When I go somewhere else to write or at least get it started I’m able to tune out Starbucks or the book store, but I can’t tune out the interruptions calling me at home. Two are calling now……..Netttttflixxxxx, fooooldddd clooooothesssss.June 23, 2017 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to the two calling you now! Interesting that you can tune out at Starbucks or the book store. Maybe I need to try that again. I end up feeling self concious there for some dumb reason. I like to write in the basement (it’s a townhouse) all alone. Then I can go to the stoop and Tucker can’t hear me. Of course, for this to work, Robert needs to be home, both fed. Or, both asleep. That happens a lot. NETTTTTFLIXXXXX.June 23, 2017 – 9:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Hall - I am so excited that I’ve written something and that I’m linking up with you! Your #1 up there is a bit similar to a point I made in my own post, about other people’s lives. So good to be here!June 24, 2017 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie G smith - The first paragraph is genius. Sucked ne right in. And yes, Netflix is a rabbit hole! Grace and Frankie are currently sucking me in.June 25, 2017 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so sweet. And Orange is the New Black is what’s sucking me in now. I haven’t watched Grace and Frankie. Must check it out!June 25, 2017 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Another great one Kristi. Disappointed I didn’t link up. I meant to, but had a rather busy weekend. I had company staying with me. Lots of family time and the Niagara trip. All a success.

    I do have so much to write about that often I can’t choose which thing I want to go with in any given moment. I have so much racing through my mind. Must add meditation or yoga to my life to help me slow down a bit, maybe calm my mind some.

    I like your ideas. I think being outside is the best thing for a writer. I thought about all the people I passed on the busy tourist street in Niagara Falls and I wondered where they were from and what brought them to that place. I wondered what their impressions and feelings were upon seeing such a thing because it still affects me so deeply, even after the umpteenth time of me going there. I hope this can lead to some good ideas in my writing.

    It’s not that I’ve meant to stop writing for FTSF, as I do love it here, but I have had so much on my mind. I am a frequent weekly visitor here though and will make my return appearance, one of these weeks.

    Hope you are well.June 26, 2017 – 9:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m sorry you’re disappointed but busy weekends win, always, right? You are amazing for doing the Niagara trip (I must visit to see more – I saw some on Facebook but wowza, so cool!!!).
      I know what you mean about not being able to choose what to write, and yeah, I need yoga or meditation too. So much. My mind is crazy (and a little bit mean).
      I think Niagara will lead to more of your fabulous writing, for sure. I love that you wonder what brought them all there.
      I’ll see you when you’re ready and we’re all well. I so hope you are as well 🙂June 26, 2017 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

We’d finished supper, wiped the table, and loaded lingering plates into the dishwasher. My brothers and I dressed in our jammies to carry bowls of popcorn to the basement where we waited while Dad loaded the projector with slides. Neighbors knocked, hugged my mom, poured cold beer or soda into fizzing glasses, and came downstairs. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - That photo in the kayak is awesome…frame it, please!!June 16, 2017 – 12:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Well, I was too lazy to get a post up this week, and I have no vacation excuses either! I could get lost for hours in old photos – even just glancing at the ones on my phone is like walking down memory lane. And FB’s “On this day…” – somedays I want to reach through the screen and squeeze those little faces I see staring back at me.June 16, 2017 – 2:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - There’s still time if you decide to join! And I know exactly what you mean about the Facebook “On this day…” ones. EEEP! Seriously!June 16, 2017 – 7:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - It’s amazing how photos can take us on a journey backwards and usually to happier times, even if some of those memories make us cry.

    Remembering the past is just as important as worrying about the future.

    We all have to Turn The Page.June 17, 2017 – 8:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Love how you fit Turn the Page in there so perfectly! Here’s to remembering the past and our former selves for whom The Bell has Tolled!June 17, 2017 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - I could get lost for hours looking at pictures. In fact, I often times do. I love looking at pictures of my children when they were younger. I marvel at how much they’ve grown. I have walls in my living room covered with picture frames and memories. I love it.June 17, 2017 – 5:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I have walls covered with photos and memories too and love love love it! Sometimes, I think about updating them to more recent ones but I just add recent ones where they fit next to the older ones. I like it that way!June 17, 2017 – 8:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I remember sitting and watching 8mm film movies with my entire family at my grandparents’ house when we were kids. Such great stuff. And I love seeing the photos we have taken on the same days as the movies were filmed – always cool to connect the moving pictures with the still, to know the stories behind them. Beautiful stuff.June 19, 2017 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you watched old movies too Lisa! And yeah, the photos that take us back. They really do help me remember moments I’d have otherwise forgotten.June 19, 2017 – 9:07 pmReplyCancel

I love the idea of summer more than I love summer days. Yes, summer is walking in the light at 9:00 pm, sleeping late, and the beauty of unstructured days. Summer is the vibrant hum of kids laughing and splashing, porch-sitting, and barbecues with friends. The beach during the summer months is probably why scrapbooking […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Robin - As always, you say what is in my heart.June 8, 2017 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I think you’re going to see some very similar thoughts on my page – I’m just searching for photos. You’ve said what’s on my mind (again) and this time, what will also be on my post. 😀 Let’s talk about #6 – I say that so often! So true.
    Can’t believe how grown-up that not-so-little boy is looking. They are not supposed to be this big.June 8, 2017 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Great minds, right? And I know…they’re so not supposed to be this big. Sigh. Also, yuck to being hot and again, great minds! 😉June 9, 2017 – 6:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Hazel eats cicadas, so that’s disgusting. I’m with you on so many of these things, Kristi – the heat and humidity, the bugs, the awesome summer hair (wow!). You know what would make this summer even better? Seeing you!June 9, 2017 – 7:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ew to Hazel eating cicadas. One of my neighbors told me that her daughter (8) heard that they taste like shrimp, so she’s been begging her mom to grill them. UM NO. And yes, let’s make a lunch date!June 9, 2017 – 6:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I hate mosquitos more than anything. My daughter and I once spent a blissful summer evening reading in our rope-based hammock only to discover that both of us had mosquito bites ON OUR BEHINDS EVEN THOUGH WE WERE WEARING JEANS. JEANS. Yes, all-caps because MOSQUITOS CAN APPARENTLY BITE THROUGH JEANS. Mosquitos are jerks. I’m with you – summer without the nasty bugs would be way better!June 9, 2017 – 11:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Through your jeans?!?!!? That’s just wrong! OMG. I hate them. I hate ticks more because they scare me that they could be living on me and I wouldn’t know it but mosquitos suck. (literally hehe)June 9, 2017 – 6:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @TheGoldenSpoons - Girl, I’m with you!! I love the lazy days, not packing lunches, etc. but I despise the bugs, the heat, and the bathing suits!June 9, 2017 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Love this list Kristi.

    I was just in the Yukon last week and it is light there, all day and night. The sun sets but it remains perpetual twilight until sunrise a few short hours later. Being back since and experiencing that starts my summer off in a weird way.

    We just hit the start of mosquito season there too and I hardly remember being bothered by them at all. Their black fly season is August. I remember the black flys and the difference between them and mosquitos we have here.

    I actually like the sound of cicadas in the trees or grass, but not right in front of me. It’s the June bugs that make me cringe. They buzz on my porch or I hear one at the screen when I am inside, thankfully on the other side from the actual bug.

    The bathing suit thing really can be awful. I know we all want that not to be the case. How come it always is?

    Both my nephews have birthdays in August, just ten days apart. It makes gift giving a big thing right around then, as I am forever trying to be the awesome aunt who buys them the exact thing they’ve been wanting.

    My grandmas died in June/July and that is hard, but both my transplant (June 97) and my brother’s (July, 2013) make this time of year special and a season I celebrate, even though I hate humidity and spend most of my time in an air conditioned place.

    I hope you and Tucker have a great summer though. I do remember how exciting it was, when I was in school. That feeling is the best.June 12, 2017 – 8:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerry,
      I just googled June bugs because I wasn’t sure what they were and realized we have them too – gross! For some reason, cicadas bother me more (maybe because they’re bigger, and louder??). I’m ok with them in the trees too but they have flown into my house twice, into a light and the noise and trying to get them out while they sizzle… ugh. Stuff of scary dreams! My husband actually broke a light that he was trying to get one out of!
      For the bathing suits, I wish we all just accepted that bodies are beautiful no matter what. But, we don’t. Sigh. I’ll bet your the best auntie ever for your nephews – that you care so much about getting them just what they want is so special and they’ll remember that forever.
      Sorry about your grandmas – remembering any deaths are hard for sure. I’m glad you and your brother’s transplants are able to bring a month of celebration to the months they both died.
      I hope you have a great summer too! Only 8 more days of school for Tucker!June 13, 2017 – 7:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I know I’m repeating myself, but I love it so much when you illustrate your posts! It’s actually one of my favourite things. Bugs are terrible and ruin everything. I 100% agree with you on everything. And Tucker’s hair is to die for. I may take it to the salon with me because that wouldn’t be creepy at all. Love you!June 12, 2017 – 4:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Katia! Bugs suck! LOL to taking Tuck’s hair to the salon with you!!! ;D LOVE YOU!June 13, 2017 – 7:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - Oh my god, the bugs! Burn them all. Give me fuel and fire, man! Also, unstructured days, yes, I feel you. My son has NO CLUE what to do with himself and I mean that literally. I’ll be in the sanitarium, with my jar of whiskey by July!June 12, 2017 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Echo! I know! Fuel and fire and burn them all!! LOL to unstructured days and sanitarium with a jar of whiskey by July!! (Same here OMG)
      I’ll be right there with you. We’ll get through without the bell tolling (I hope). Look to the sky just before…June 13, 2017 – 7:31 pmReplyCancel

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