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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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Dirt and Noise

First Day of School & Growing Up

Ilinap · August 24, 2015 ·

First day of school many moons ago   You guys, I am loving your back-to-school photos. The beginning of a new school year holds such promise. We are all giddy as a spirograph of emotions spins within us and we swell with anticipation. Bird and Deal are off, and now my … [Read more...] about First Day of School & Growing Up

Tags: children, education, kids, school

Make Up Isn’t What Makes You Shine

Ilinap · August 3, 2015 ·

We have such messed up ideals of beauty. There's been lots of hubbub in social media showing photos of women with and without makeup. I have always found that I never really learned to wear make up, so I stick with my staples of under eye concealer, liquid eyeliner, and mascara. … [Read more...] about Make Up Isn’t What Makes You Shine

Tags: beauty, random, women

International Tiger Day

Ilinap · July 29, 2015 ·

Today is International Tiger Day. It comes on the heels of the news of Cecil's brutal killing. Granted, Cecil was a lion, but still... Big cats are a thing of beauty. I cannot wrap my head around the killing of these animals for sport. I cannot fathom finding joy in death. Big … [Read more...] about International Tiger Day

Tags: animals, responsibility, travel, values

Good Manners Matter

Ilinap · July 13, 2015 ·

I was recently at the grocery store where I was patiently waiting in line at the meat and seafood counter to place my order. It was Saturday just before dinner time so you can imagine everyone was there for the last-minute-oh-crap-we-don't-have-anything-to-eat rush. The workers … [Read more...] about Good Manners Matter

Tags: children, parenting, values

I Wasn’t Born in America But…

Ilinap · July 4, 2015 ·

I wasn't born in the USA but I do love Bruce Springsteen. I wasn't born in America but I was raised an American. I wasn't born in America, but my sons are first generation American. I wasn't born in America but I proudly have an American passport. I wasn't born in … [Read more...] about I Wasn’t Born in America But…

Tags: America, equality, holidays, thankful, values

SCOTUS Marriage Equality Strengthens My Own Marriage

Ilinap · June 26, 2015 ·

  I cannot get through the first sentence of that gorgeous piece of writing without crying. I was in the midst of 100 bicycle crunches while watching TV with my 10-year old son this morning when the screech of breaking news punctuated the airwaves. After waking up to news … [Read more...] about SCOTUS Marriage Equality Strengthens My Own Marriage

Tags: children, equality, love, Mac Daddy, marriage, politics, values

All My Son Wants for His 10th Birthday is to Support Education for Girls

Ilinap · June 19, 2015 ·

We've just returned from an extended trip to India. I hadn't been back in 20 years, and this marked my husband and sons' first trip there. It was a momentous experience, one that I have yet to capture in a manner that is comprehensive or cohesive. I'm working on it. It's quite a … [Read more...] about All My Son Wants for His 10th Birthday is to Support Education for Girls

Tags: community, Deal, education, equality, love, motherhood, responsibility, school, travel, values

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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
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