If a mom sang, “Let It Go”

Oh my gosh, how many times have we heard the song, Let It Go from Disney’s latest animated film, Frozen? I love this movie along with the rest of the world, and have been caught singing this song in the shower, in the car…in fact I sing it a lot. And you want to know the kicker? I don’t have any young kids anymore. Mine are all grown. Two are gone. Flown the nest. One has a little one of her own.

Still, you can’t take Disney out of the girl, even when she’s grown and turned into a mom.

When I saw this video, I got all teary-eyed. Of course, I’m a sentimental girly girl anyway, but where in the the heck was this song when my kids were young? Moms across the world…take a moment and listen to this new version of Let It Go. Can you hear yourself? I know I did. 🙂

I think this is fantastic and I would love to see this entire performance. If anyone knows anything about this play, the performers, please let me know.

5 things teens might like to say to their parents

Last night I had a brainstorm for a new YA book. It’s a cross between paranormal and urban fantasy and my main character is this saucy, little smart-mouthed young lady who is unafraid to ‘give it back’ to her mom.

The following conversations popped out of me as I hunched over my computer at 3:30 a.m. and I realized how much she sounded like I wish I could have sounded when I was a teen. Now, keep in mind. I was a freaking goody two-shoes. I NEVER did anything I wasn’t supposed to do. I wouldn’t be alive today if I’d snuck out of the house or did drugs or drank. My Army dad would have seen to that. This didn’t mean I didn’t want to sass back with some quirky, disrespectful comments (and sadly, I did after my dad passed away).

Iris Ridley is that unabashed teen who readily speaks her mind and doesn’t care who’s in the line of fire, including her alcoholic mother. As a parent, I want to strangle her. As a teen, I totally get her and almost applaud her.

What do you think? Do you hear bits of you in Iris or Mom? if you were/are a teen, how would you respond to Mom?

***

Mom: “As long as you live in my house, you will live by my rules!”

Iris: “Your house? If that’s true, why is the bank taking it back? Looks like we’re living by their rules, not yours, huh.”

***

Mom: “You never lift a finger to help around this house. You’re always out with your friends. You just expect everything to be done and ready for you.”

Iris: “Yeah, well at least I have friends. You’re still searching for yours in a bottle and a glass.”

***

Mom: “You’re the child and I’m the parent. What I say goes.”

Iris: “Fine. Then don’t ask for any money I make from my, what did you call it? Oh yeah, my menial part-time job. I mean, aren’t parents the ones who are supposed to provide for their kids, not the other way around?”

***

Mom: “I know you are not leaving the house dressed like that.”

Iris: “I can’t believe you’re staying in the house looking like that.”

***

Mom: “You’ve got a bad attitude, young lady!”

Iris: “You’d have one, too, if you didn’t have your hands wrapped around Captain Morgan all the time.”

***

Letters to Dad

In honor of Father’s Day, I’ve decided to offer up my blog to those of you who would like to write a letter to your dad, grandfather, uncle or husband and father to your own children. Perhaps this wonderful man is no longer with you and you have something you’ve always wanted to tell him, but couldn’t. Maybe you just want the world to know how much you love him. Maybe there is something more personal you’d like to say. Here is the chance to tell the world what’s in your heart.

If you want to participate, please leave your ‘letter’ in the comment section below. Also, feel free to tweet about this using the hashtag #letterstodad.

I can’t wait to read your wonderful letters. Thank you for joining in and sharing your thoughts and feelings about the men in your life.