Friday Favorites, February 5, 2016

I have been writing like crazy lately, submitting in a flurry and getting ready for the launch of new projects. Stay tuned for next week, when I will be featured at Lexi Berndt’s site Scribbles and Crumbs for a brand-new campaign she is launching; I am deeply honored that Lexi invited me to write about overcoming obstacles for her site.

The picture to the right is the view from a friend's house in Spicewood, Texas, overlooking the Pedernales River. The tree looks as if it is gently cradling the sun in its branches, and it reminds me how thankful I am for this life.

* * *
This week, I am published at LiveMom with an interview with an Austin-based blogger and social media expert, Jennifer Borget, and at my own site with a roundup post on the Houston Auto show. Jennifer is a ray of sunshine; I love this post from Jennifer on seeing color and embracing our differences.

* * *
Harmony Hobbs nails it on this one at Scary Mommy: be kind, not perfect.

* * *
Just for fun, watch this. The footage from the very first Antarctic cruise is stunning.

* * *

A cautionary tale – please be aware of these kind of IRS scams!

* * *
Rachel’s words never, ever fail to inspire me. Her words propel me to a better life.

* * *
Cindy Reed’s honest and raw struggle to help her daughter handle the difficulties of racial understanding blew me away this week at Brain, Child magazine.

* * *
Jen Simon perfectly captures the fear and underwater feelings of postpartum depression in this post.

* * *
This essay from Julie is timeless and should be required reading for just about everyone on the planet. Compassion; she gets it.

* * *
Speaking of compassion, this video from Brene Brown perfectly illustrates the concept.

* * *
Lindsey’s revelations here are lovely: “Perhaps because of my Puritan roots – which are both deep and irrefutable – I have long believed in my marrow that only things that are hard are meaningful.  Or maybe not only, but certainly that something being difficult makes it more likely to be valuable.  A tough climb makes the view more beautiful and all of that.”

* * *
Do you follow me on Instagram? Here's the link! Find me at @firewheelcommunications.

Austin news:

I am now consulting for The Meditation Bar in Austin, and I have become a big fan of their practice. Yoga and meditation together is changing my life for the better. Come try a class with me if you're local!

The Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City will celebrate its first birthday with free admission on Saturday, February 13th from 10am-4pm.

Special guest, The University of Texas Physics Circus, will entertain with exploding bottles, flying balls, an electric pickle and other science demonstrations from 1-2pm. Throughout the day, smoke ring air cannons, an interactive Lissograph and Fruity Tunes, the Science Mill’s own large-scale interactive fruit piano, will also entertain partygoers. One of the Science Mill’s silos will be converted into a slow motion photo booth.

The event is a celebration of the community’s support during its first year of operation and free admission is a “thank you” for the support! Donations will be accepted. In addition to special birthday activities, the museum will be open from 10am-4pm and a 3D movie, Dinosaurs Alive, will also play throughout the day.

* * *

Love,
Kristin