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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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Dirt and Noise

Turning 50

Ilinap · September 9, 2018 ·

  I tell my sons not to peak early. I didn’t peak until my 40s, and it was worth the wait. In fact, if you peak late, you just keeping soaring and don’t plateau. I’m turning 50 in just over a week. I’m not sure why this decade is the cause of such strife. It’s a … [Read more...] about Turning 50

Tags: aging, birthday, thankful, women

Fight on The Fourth of July

Ilinap · July 4, 2018 ·

I don’t take my United States citizenship for granted because my family chose to be American; we weren’t born to it. As we do every year, we went to the North Carolina state Capitol to watch newly minted United States citizens sworn in. Today we celebrated 27 new citizens, … [Read more...] about Fight on The Fourth of July

Tags: America, community, holidays, responsibility, values

Another Teenager in the House – Happy Birthday, Deal!

Ilinap · June 23, 2018 ·

My Darling Deal, The world is a flurry of shambles right now. I hate having to explain all the insightful and difficult questions you bring home. I don’t have answers to most of the topics you raise. The age of Trump has in many ways robbed you of your childhood and tender … [Read more...] about Another Teenager in the House – Happy Birthday, Deal!

Tags: birthday, children, Deal, kids, love, motherhood, parenting

ENOUGH. Again.

Ilinap · May 21, 2018 ·

We should drop off our sons and daughters at high school and hope that the principal doesn't call. Instead we hope that our child doesn't call in frightened whispers from under a desk. Our sons and daughters should go to school and try to snag a seat next to the cute boy or … [Read more...] about ENOUGH. Again.

Tags: children, gun control, gun violence, responsibility, school

My History in Cards and Letters

Ilinap · March 15, 2018 ·

My dad saved everything. If you know him, this might come as a surprise. He's both sentimental and stoic. Many years ago he gave me a three-ring binder brimming with letters I wrote home from boarding school and my gap year abroad. There are even pre-cell phone notes I scribbled … [Read more...] about My History in Cards and Letters

Giving Tuesday & My Favorite Little Charity

Ilinap · November 28, 2017 ·

On this Giving Tuesday, I’d like to share why the Cecilia Rawlins Fund (CRF) is so dear to me. I dedicate my time by serving on its board and donate money to support its mission. CRF helps nourish children at Wiley Elementary School by funding the weekly Backpack Buddies program … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday & My Favorite Little Charity

Tags: children, food, Giving Tuesday, kids, school, values, volunteer

Party Over Principles is Shameful

Ilinap · November 27, 2017 ·

To everyone who places party over principles and politics over people, I ask you this... What do you say to the children who have been abused and molested? What do you say to the survivors of abuse? Can you look them in the eye and tell them that you care more about seats in the … [Read more...] about Party Over Principles is Shameful

Tags: abuse, children, kids, politics

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Writer. Marketer. Energizer.



Progressive, mom, writer, reader, traveler. Believe in good manners, home cooking, spending $ on experiences, not things, Oxford comma. ENFJ.

There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion. - Holly Golightly
Learn more about Ilina...

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