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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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parenting

Dear Kamala, On the Eve of Your Election

Ilinap · November 4, 2024 ·

Dear Kamala, Let’s get this out of the way. That crazy fist pumping woman in the 2020 video when you campaigned in Raleigh was me. Not my most graceful moment, but the passion was earnest. I have a favorite cashmere sweater that has “Representation Matters” stitched across the … [Read more...] about Dear Kamala, On the Eve of Your Election

Tags: boy mom, election, parenting, politics, progressive, smash the patriarchy, vote

Class of 2023 – The Real Deal

Ilinap · June 13, 2023 ·

It was a mistake to watch the last episode of the final season of Never Have I Ever on the eve of my son’s high school graduation as he prepares to move 3000 miles away across the country in his evolution from Enloe Eagle to Oregon Duck. I am left wondering how my own parents … [Read more...] about Class of 2023 – The Real Deal

Tags: boy mom, college, Deal, education, graduation, high school, milestones, motherhood, parenting, sons

Just Let Me Take the Pictures

Ilinap · April 15, 2023 ·

Dear Deal, In this season of new beginnings, just let me take the pictures. You squirm with visible impatience while irritation brims over, but understand that as you, forever my baby boy, close doors behind you, I am left in the wake of a new normal. And it’s exactly the … [Read more...] about Just Let Me Take the Pictures

Tags: boy mom, family, milestones, motherhood, parenting, sons

Immigrant Christmas Spirit

Ilinap · December 24, 2022 ·

I remember the mauve-ish pink knee socks for me and the white tube socks for my brother. We didn’t have stockings so my mother went to our dresser drawers and pulled out those socks. I recall feeling a bit off that we now had socks with no match. Even as a child, I was a … [Read more...] about Immigrant Christmas Spirit

Tags: America, Christmas, family, holidays, immigrant, parenting

Reliably Unconditional Love or Unconditionally Reliable Love

Ilinap · December 15, 2022 ·

How do I show I love to my sons?  There are so many ways. Showing up and being someone my teens can rely on is chief among them.  Take a few minutes to watch this snippet about one way I showed up when my son needed me. And yes, it was a proud mom moment to support kids who … [Read more...] about Reliably Unconditional Love or Unconditionally Reliable Love

Tags: #showteenslove, motherhood, parentandteen, parenting, sons, spon

Happy 19th Birthday, Bird!

Ilinap · August 29, 2022 ·

Happy Birthday, Bird!  I carried you literally, and I'll carry you always. I made the mistake of listening to the playlist I made you for your high school graduation. Loves Me Like a Rock came on, and I got teary. I’ve always been a weepy person, but motherhood has really … [Read more...] about Happy 19th Birthday, Bird!

Tags: Bird, birthday, celebrate, motherhood, parentandteen, parenting

Happy 17th Birthday to Deal

Ilinap · June 22, 2022 ·

He stands more than a head taller than I, his locks buzzed close to his head and bleached blond, ears pierced with silver studs, and an old Indian Rupee hanging around his neck. Fun fact: I too dabbled in blond when I was his age. Let’s just say he is far cooler than I ever … [Read more...] about Happy 17th Birthday to Deal

Tags: birthday, Deal, family, love, motherhood, parenting

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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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