Category Archives: Good People to Know

This section features links to people and businesses with whom I have personally worked and whose character and services I can wholeheartedly recommend.

An Evolved Woman (by an Evolved Man)

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This is a re-post of a powerful blog post by Graham R White. This man is dialed in!  Men have a lot to learn from him… and so do women.  Be sure to check out Graham’s Blog. 

An Evolved Woman is…

A very real woman who is hard working, self-actualized with a clear sense of who she is – her strengths & her imperfections and accepts and loves it all

Committed to achieving and executing excellence in all aspects of life within her potential

Maintains her responsibilities with graciousness and apparent ease

Sensual, passionate, and sexually confident and adventurous

She radiates an energy of peace, wisdom, confidence and strength

She raises and guides her children firmly with love

She listens and gives gentle support & encouragement, but will give firm guidance when necessary

She creates an environment of warmth, peace, beauty and harmony in her home

She expresses her emotions easily and with pride

Continually develops her body, health, spirit and mind

She has physical, emotional and spiritual energy to spare and the wisdom to know how and who to share it with

She’s learned how to accentuate her most attractive physical features and makes looking magnificent seem effortless for her.

Graham White
http://www.Facebook.com/WhatEvolvedWomenWant

The Beat of Her Own Drum

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At one time it was unthinkable for a woman to raise her child apart from the rituals and traditions of her community. Much has changed, but today’s woman still carries within her a lineage of wisdom that innately prepares her for childbirth and parenting. This knowledge echoes the voices of ancient grandmothers who teach valuable lessons about building community, raising children, and caring for oneself amidst the bustle of modern living.

Portland-based Shamanic practitioner Rebecca Singer teaches women to connect with this deep inner knowledge, and to march to the beat of their own drum while growing families, careers, and communities. With minimal support from her family, Rebecca raised her son as a single parent while living internationally, working with at-risk youth and supporting the needs of those on the threshold of change.

The skills Rebecca teaches women about childbirth and parenting are profound. She says, “Nothing connects a woman more to her power than birthing a baby. It’s a breaking open of a woman into her own wisdom. Too often, the focus during pregnancy is on ‘what if something goes wrong’ rather than on a woman’s instinctive ability to give birth. Today many women choose C-sections so their bodies won’t have to go through a natural birth. I loved being in labor. There was this deep sense that I knew what I was doing.”

Connection with the Earth can seem like an idealist state, but Rebecca demonstrates how it must be a priority in our fast-paced society. “When our bare feet hit the ground, our breathing and heart rate slows down, our eyes can focus, and our expectations and demands get a chance to fall by the wayside. Children desperately need this time away from technology to connect with the natural rhythm of nature, and so do we as mothers. It drops us into our bellies and allows us to relax and remember who we are.”

Which leads to a common question: How can a mother be fully present for her children without abandoning her own needs? Rebecca points out, “It’s so important to connect and build friendships with other healthy women who love being women. Find a group of mothers who can laugh and cry about the absurdities of parenthood. Seek out those who don’t compete or criticize. And then trust yourself completely. No one knows how to raise your child better than you.”

Every good mother wants her children to grow up happy, to be good to others and to live their own passion. This calls for parenting that is fierce, unconditionally loving, and that provides children with clear and consistent limits. “Mothers must be ready to defend their children and also be able to listen to constructive feedback about their children. Ultimately, it’s up to us as mothers to negotiate with anyone or anything that dims our child’s spirit. Good parenting is about protecting children, teaching them about their own inner knowing and strength, and then letting them go.”

As kids hit the teenage years, parents must shift as well. Rebecca helps moms in this stage learn how to check their reactivity to common situations. She believes, “Not every teenager is going to be difficult. It’s a psychological set-up in our culture to expect teens to be a challenge. Friendships can feel fake and unsatisfying at this age and kids can feel isolated, and it’s hard on their spirit. Home must be a place where they can be fully themselves. Establishing safety in your home means making yourself available to really listen and communicate without judging.

Mothering a teen means making yourself available to communicate, understanding and accepting their need to become independent from you, and allowing them to show you what kind of support is needed. Most of all, teens need to see their mothers modeling acceptance, confidence and comfort in their own skin.”

Eloquently, Rebecca reminds women, “Mothering is a season of life in which we are called to be entirely present and dedicated to the wellbeing of another person. Happy childhoods are not created by doing more, achieving more, or having more. It’s about being fully available to your child. Learn how to go inside, listen to your gut, and listen to what your child is telling you he or she needs. And if you don’t know how to do it, get some help. Forget the people who want to tell you what to do; choose the people who can teach you how to trust your instincts and love yourself.”

As a Shamanic healer who works on three continents, Rebecca is the embodiment of a fearless warrior. But when she speaks about her adult son, Liam, there’s a softness that illuminates her mother’s heart: “I have to say of all my experiences in life, raising my son was the best … the absolute best.”

~Delila

This article appeared in Portland Family Magazine in May 2012. -See more at: http://www.portlandfamily.com/posts/the-beat-of-her-own-drum/

Lessons from Dad

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Ole Olsson

I heard a jarring statistic recently that said 80% of new businesses fail within the first five years. As a copywriter and social media consultant, I’m committed to learning how the best people in business make it happen on a long-term basis.

While it’s certainly important to have dynamic content on our websites or engaging dialogue on Facebook, there are some even more CORE elements that can make or break success. Articles about “profitable practices” constantly appear online, but these fancy Top 10 lists never inspire me to a level of unshakeable confidence or provide lasting knowledge that stands the test of time.

That’s why I turned to my dad. At the age of 83, his career as a successful and widely-respected electrical contractor has been sustainable and thriving for over 50 years. He started his last business in partnership with my brother, at an age when most of his colleagues were retiring. And he still goes into the office most days, though now he arrives a bit later and leaves a bit earlier, with an occasional nap in between.

When my son, Elliott, and I asked Dad for an interview to capture his gems of wisdom for the family archives, he was a bit shy and reluctant.  He’s not one to take credit, preferring to acknowledge the people without whom his own success would not have been possible.

When pressed, he casually recited the following recipe for success:

  1. Work hard – nothing worth having comes easily
  2. Be grateful for what you have – even when it doesn’t seem to be enough
  3. Tell the truth – even if it means losing relationships or business
  4. Invest in people – join with those who share your values to get the best returns
  5. Avoid going into debt – spend wisely and be a good steward of what you have
  6. Allow long-term business relationships to grow – and take time to nurture them
  7. Don’t be afraid to say no – setting clear boundaries keeps standards high

I listened as my father described the same values he had clearly demonstrated for my brother and me as children. The same lessons and values and that formed the foundation for his role as husband and father, had allowed him to build a business that has now grown far beyond what he ever imagined possible.

A few weeks after the interview, my mother became terminally ill. She died last October, an unexpected loss that sent a shockwave through our family. Through it all, Dad’s eternal faith and optimism, even in his darkest hours of personal grief, have provided a guiding light and an unshakeable example of strength for his children and grandchildren.

I am filled with love and respect for my father, and grateful for the compassionate wisdom which is his legacy to me and my family, and my business.  From him I have learned that true success is measured, not by material wealth or social status, but by the depth of one’s commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview with my dad, Ole Olsson, founder of Olsson Industrial Electric:

Until next time,

~Delila

 

Wize Woman of the Month: Sherry Jordan

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Sherry B Jordan

“Wize Woman of the Month” showcases extraordinary women among us. Today, we feature Sherry Jordan , Executive Business Coach and Change Management Consultant.

Sherry’s career path reflects steady dedication and momentum, despite personal and professional adversity. Her ability to help others find what’s important and get back on track attracts a steady stream of executives to Sherry’s private and group programs. She is the owner of Northwest Coaching Group and the author of the popular blog, Entrepreneur Executive.

Here’s a look at what makes Sherry Jordan tick:

What makes you feel most alive? Nothing is as exciting to me as being presented with a new challenge and having to “find my way” through it. I love the learning process, the sense of power as I realize my ability to master a new skill or concept, and the excitement of knowing new discoveries await me through each stage of life. Real life examples for me include striving to achieve early admission to college in my teens; moving to a new city and learning to be on my own in my twenties; reaching corporate executive status while at the same time battling cancer in my thirties; and going back to college to discover a new career path in my forties. Now in my fifth decade of life, the grand adventure continues. I am grateful to be here and eager to discover what lies ahead…

My mom always told me… the only thing you can control is your attitude. Deceased for 26 years, her indomitable spirit lives on for me in this phrase which has been a common mantra in my life. I can’t think of a better gift a parent can give a child, than the notion that one can survive anything… with the right attitude. Whether mustering the strength to declare “I can do it” or the courage to surrender and allow the circumstances to unfold, my mother’s voice echoes in my mind and heart. I still miss her every day.

This always takes priority in my life: My relationships. I run a successful business, work long hours and manage a heavy client load, yet my primary relationships with my husband, family and friends take utmost priority in my life. I believe we only have one chance to do this right, and at the end of the day we will all be remembered more for the quality of our relationships than for what we accomplished professionally. I am presently supporting my 86 year old father following a series of health setbacks over the past several months. The circumstances have required me to take many weeks away from my business and, despite the physical and emotional toll of thousands of miles of travel; I consider it an honor and privilege to share this life experience with him.

Who or what inspires you? I am inspired by people who overcome adversity against overwhelming odds; by those who are driven by faith in that which they cannot see; by those who continue to see the best in others and the world, despite personal heartbreak and disappointment; by those who dig deep to discover their own beauty and potential, even when no one else seems to; and, by those who value the simple things in life more than the acquisition of money and power. I am inspired by the hope of newborn babies, by the human potential for compassion, and by the awareness that beauty and inspiration can be found almost anywhere… when we have the eyes (and the attitude) to see.

What’s the one thing you’ve accepted about yourself with age? I’ve accepted that I don’t need to be an expert at everything. I’ve learned to delegate tasks for which I don’t have the time, interest or skill sets… to the people who do. I’ve learned that when I can focus on my strengths, the weaknesses suddenly become less important.

Who are you a mom to? I tend to be a mother to almost anyone who wants or needs one! In all seriousness, I perceive it as a great honor to take on the role of nurturer. I enjoy this kind of relationship with my two sons and my nephew, as well as many young fellow cancer survivors. The ability to provide support for friends, family and clients gives me enormous joy.

What advice would you give to other Wize Women? Don’t be concerned about what others think of you, but be very concerned about what you think of yourself. Spend time every day, working to improve your relationship with YOU.

Thanks to Sherry for sharing herself with us.
Until next time,
Delila

Wize Woman of the Month: Rebecca Singer

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MamaWize is about connecting women by sharing wisdom and building community.  This monthly Wize Woman of the Month column spotlights strong women juggling many responsibilities and making a positive difference in the world. I recently had the extraordinary experience of a healing session with Rebecca Singer, this month’s Wize Woman.  My time with Rebecca was nothing sort of transformational, and I am honored to share her voice and wisdom with you now.

Rebecca Singer is a Shamanic Healer and Spiritual Teacher who lives in Portland, when she’s not in Mongolia. With roots deep in ancestral healing traditions, she works with people to help them be who they came to be and want to be. For 25 years, she has dedicated herself to connecting with the earth and sky and bringing those spirits forward to heal and guide others.  She lives with her partner, Will and her two Costa Rican dogs, Salsa and Osa. Learn more about Rebecca and her work at www.shamanicenergy.com or email her at becca.sing@gmail.com

What makes you feel most alive? I love being surrounded by the wildness of nature… whether on a horse running across the Mongolian grassland, or standing at the top of Mt Chirripo in Costa Rica. And I have to say, there’s nothing quite like being on a camel….so exquisite! I also feel totally alive as I stand in pure light as a healer, drumming and calling out to the Spirits in song on another’s behalf.

My mom always told me… to be afraid.  She didn’t say it in so many words, but certainly did with her actions.  Fortunately, because my spirit was BIG and adventurous, I didn’t let this message slow me down!  I learned that I really didn’t need to be afraid, but I really did need safety and protection.  Oh, and mom often also told me  to “tone it down.” Sorry mom, it just wasn’t meant to be!  I love you.

This always takes priority in my life: To me, it’s all about being true to my heart, and following my passion. I have stepped off many a metaphorical cliff, with no landing in sight, yet somehow always landed on my feet.  My path has led to many different countries and cultures, through many relationships and single-motherhood, and from actress to teacher to non-profit volunteer. I have learned to go where I am called to continue my healing work.  The next phase of my life includes a commitment to assisting the Mongolian Reindeer people… and so it goes.

Who or what inspires you? My partner, Will, inspires me with his capacity for kindness, as does my son, Liam, with his music.  I am likewise inspired by the Dalai Llama; Rigoberto Menchu; (my first teacher) Patricia Spradling; (my three legged dog) Salsa,… because of her loving eyes and eternal happiness; Siberian Tigers; Butterflies; Charlie Chaplin; the performers of Circue du Soleil; Jane Goodall; and the Reindeer people of Mongolia.  Oh, and all of nature; fierce and gentle conviction, and big laughter.

What’s one thing you’ve accepted about yourself with age? As part of a broader acceptance that at age 61 I won’t be able to do absolutely everything I would love to do in this lifetime, I realize I can’t uproot myself continually anymore.  I need a rhythm in my life, which for me means spending some of the year here in Portland and some abroad.  Another bit of acceptance:  my outside appearance sometimes appears older than I feel on the inside… but other days they are congruent…and that’s ok!

Who are you a mom to? Biologically and in my heart of hearts I am mom to my amazing son, Liam Singer, a gifted musician (check out his latest CD, “Dislocatia” )  I have also been a mom to various animals; students in schools, prisons and juvenile justice systems; and people in the process of dying.  I believe I bring a mother’s loving, healing energy to every client… and share it from the bottom of my heart.  I once climbed 2 kilometers down a rainforest mountain – over tretcherous terrain the Red Cross was afraid to navigate – to help a wounded man (I didn’t know) after a car accident in Costa Rica.  Is that being a mom?

What advice would you give other Wize Women? It’s our time. Speak out. Step up. Wake up. The world is depending on our wisdom to come forth in writing, speaking, song, healing, laughter, art, action. Be loud. Be bold. Be gentle, Be compassionate. Treat others with respect, and demand to be treated respectfully. Come on. Get healed. Get whole. Your healthy feminine energy is being called to transform the planet. IT’S OUR TIME!

Visit www.shamanicenergy.com to learn more about Rebecca and her work.

If you know of a Wize Woman you would like to see featured on MamaWize, be sure to contact me!

Until next time,

Delila

Wize Woman of the Month: Erin Donley

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MamaWize is about connecting women by sharing wisdom and building community.  Our newest feature, Wize Woman of the Month, will spotlight strong women  juggling many responsibilities and leading extraordinary lives. I am pleased to feature Erin Donley as the first Wize Woman of the Month.

Erin Donley is an inspired writer, speaker, communications and marketing consultant, and the owner of Marketing Your Truth. She’s known as the “eyes and ears” of New Renaissance Bookshop, where she’s a manager and the author of their popular email newsletter about modern-day spirituality. Erin has a tremendous ability to connect strong people, find words for the intangible, and lead as an example to those who want to communicate with personality, originality, and power. The following interview will give you a glimpse of what makes Erin tick; to learn more visit MarketingYourTruth.com.

What makes you feel most alive? Being able to talk about things most people don’t want to talk about or don’t have the language (or guts) to express… topics like death, shame, vulnerability, and especially, how to communicate more effectively. I like giving a voice to the unseen, unspoken, and the “unheard of” things in life.

My mom always told me… It’s important to have your own money. She’d probably love for me to marry a rich man, but she insisted that I learn how to earn my own income and support myself.

This always takes priority in my life: Going for a jog in my neighborhood, taking warm salt baths, and spending time alone when I need it.

Who inspires you? People who are unapologetic about who they are, open about their issues and willing to show up, laugh, and move through whatever is going on in their life with as much grace as possible.

What’s the one thing you’ve accepted about yourself with age? I have a pretty strong need to be different. Sometimes my drive to do things in a non-traditional and extraordinary fashion makes it hard for me to live up to my own standards. I’m getting softer with myself and others… finally.

Who are you a mom to? I’m a mom to a beautiful brown dog named Banjo. I waiver in the desire to have kids and find it to be a hard decision. For now, I’m focused on creating a lifestyle that could support a child. So that if I chose to have kids, it would be safe for me to try.

What advice would you give to other Wize Women? Many of us are too emotionally invested in our outcomes to see where and how we need to grow. Find a mentor who can help you to see yourself, your business, or your style of communication from an objective point of view. Gift yourself with good help and pay for it gladly.

Visit www.MarketingYourTruth.com to learn more about Erin and her work.

If you know of a Wize Woman you would like to see featured on MamaWize, contact me.

Until next time,

Delila

Renewing the Spirit: Nurturing the Nurturer

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I’ve been writing this blog for almost a year and in that time I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that this online community attracts women of all kinds and in all stages of life… even those who are not mothers.

This confirms a trend I’ve been noticing for awhile: In this day and age, women are not subscribing to traditional roles. Instead, we are insisting that our lives be a reflection of who we truly are and not simply who we feel we should be. Motherhood, while often an important facet of our female experience, is only one aspect of our womanhood.

Yet, the shared quality of nurturing – mothering – seems to be a natural inclination for most women. The problem is, in our efforts to nurture and care for others – families, friends, co-workers, etc. – we often neglect our own needs. It’s a bit of a conundrum. How can we juggle all the responsibilities of our personal and professional lives without neglecting our own personal needs?

No matter where we find ourselves in life, at times we crave the kind of caretaking we offer others, the kind we may ourselves have experienced as children. As women, I believe it’s up to us to support each other in getting these personal needs met, in taking the time to nurture ourselves, and in an ongoing commitment to placing our own needs at the top of the priority list… at least some of the time.

This blog is dedicated to all the women who give, nurture, and care. It is intended to acknowledge and celebrate the many facets of our womanhood; and to inspire greater attention to our own needs and desires.

Many years ago I established a self care ritual I continue to practice almost every day, no matter what else is going on in my life. Just before bed I turn off phones, lock the bathroom door, light a candle and run a hot Epsom salt bath infused with essential oils. I allow myself to soak until my body is relaxed and my mind is clear. Whether I can carve out 5 minutes or 30 minutes, this simple ritual always leaves me feeling nurtured and renewed.

I asked several dynamic women friends – each of whom juggle busy personal and professional schedules with incredible guts and grace – how they keep it all together.  Here are their self care secrets:

Jane Crawford, Owner and LMT (www.lavenderstonemassage.com) “Dry body brushing is an important part of my morning self-care routine. The hour I spend focused on my body and my healing allows me to be that much more present to the needs of my family and my clients.”

Kellie Jean Lewis, Reiki Master & Massage Therapist (www.kelliejeanreiki.com) “Each morning I write down 10 things for which I’m grateful as well as 10 things I want to attract to my life. I write them as if they are already happening. I then take a moment to get very clear about my intentions for that day, and I write those down as well. I read all of what I’ve just written, aloud. In this way, I start each day grounded in gratitude and positive intention.”

Kristie Connor, High-tech Marketing Specialist & Blogger (www.girlstalkingtech.com) “I keep it simple: every day I try to make time for one or two small but significant activities that feel relaxing and rejuvenating to my spirit.  It might be an extra 5 minutes of snuggle time with my son, a deep breathing exercise, a few jumps on the trampoline, a short walk, or a conversation with a friend. When I do this, I feel my stress melt away.”

Erin Donley, Marketing Consultant and Business Coach (www.marketingyourtruth.com) “ I often enlist advice and nurturing from a 3rd party perspective. For example, I work regularly with a business/life coach, and I occasionally seek counsel from one of the many astounding intuitive healers in Portland. This helps me see my situation from a new angle and, often times, clarity and a deeper understanding of myself and my priorities is all I need to regain balance, security, and confidence.

Diane Bays, Owner (www.healthyspacesonline.com) “I’ve always carved out time to nurture my spiritual life through women’s retreats and getaways, which is one way I have modeled for my children the importance of self-care. When I acknowledge my own needs as equally important, I hope I am inspiring them to seek balance in their own lives.”

Joanna Flores, Owner and L.Ac., M.Ac.O.M., ABT (www.groundspring.net) “After I put the kids to bed, I sit for 5 minutes and replay the events of the day to allow any unfinished business to complete and make its way out of my space.  My reward for doing this is I sleep wonderfully and I wake rested.  If I don’t, then I find myself fidgeting and restless.”

Christine Thum Schlesser, Owner and VP of Operations (www.advantig.net) “I treat myself to a weekly session with a fabulous acupuncturist who blends several traditional Asian techniques to help me maintain a healthy life balance.”

Please take the time to post a comment and share your own favorite strategies for personal renewal.  If you don’t have one, I hope you’re feeling inspired to carve out regular time for self care! You totally deserve it.

Until next time,

Delila

Thoughts on Waldorf Education

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I met my friend Rosa Vela Sachs in 1988 while living in Dallas, Texas, where I spent my first year as a Montessori guide. Rosa taught Spanish in the elementary program and her youngest son, Zachary, was in my primary class. Sitting in Rosa’s cozy kitchen or on the front porch as her children played nearby, I learned something about spontaneity and joyful parenting. Rosa and her husband, Byron, once spent two years living on a sailboat where they homeschooled their children while traveling through the east coast of the US and the Bahamas. I was the lucky recipient of Rosa’s brightly illustrated letters chronicling those adventures – a travel log, of sorts – which underscored for me the importance of sharing life with our children, rather than just leading them through it. I am once again learning from Rosa, who has been a part of the Waldorf community – teaching Spanish at the Austin Waldorf School – for the past 14 years.  Choosing an educational setting for our children is no small decision, and thankfully we have some very good options.  I asked Rosa to share with me her perspective on what is special about Waldorf education, and I am delighted to share her response here:

Thoughts on Waldorf Education by Rosa Vela Sachs

waldorfIt is commonplace to observe that globalization is shrinking the world at an unprecedented rate. Technological advances accelerate the exchange of goods and ideas, bringing us all closer together — while paradoxically, these same forces accentuate our differences and reanimate long-dead conflicts. As a new order emerges from the shattered certainties of the old, the fate of our planet and that of every living creature on it have never seemed so precariously balanced. Opposing the centrifugal force of historical experience, education stands as our best and most viable resource to meet the challenge of the future.

As a Waldorf educator, I believe that this challenge of the future is being met — every day. From the development of kindergarteners’ imaginations through the story telling, to the spiritual approach taken in humanities and sciences in the high school, Waldorf curriculum is focused on one overarching goal: preparing the next generation for the world that will be their legacy. Toward that end, these time-tested methods seek to draw out of each student his or her full latent potential.

But does it work?

A recent edition of the publication, Survey of Waldorf Graduates ~ Phase Three from The Research Institute for Waldorf Education, reported that 94% of all Waldorf graduates attend college and 88% graduate from college.  More importantly, research indicated that 82% of these graduates value ethical principals and helping others in their chosen careers, and 91% practice and value life-long learning.

Success, from the Waldorf perspective, means something more than simply high academic performance, for true success in the world requires more than a slavish ambition to meet goals imposed from without. True success, as we see it, involves an inner activity in the individual, action that stems from an inner compass, and guides the human being to participate in the world in whatever way s/he can.  Our educational thrust is directed at helping our students develop individual capacities that will make this possible.

Clearly then, success is more than rote plodding down a path blazed by others. Take the experience of Canyon Darcy, from Austin, Texas. After graduating from the Austin Waldorf School in 2007, Canyon considered his options and chose the road less traveled — a road that led to Tajikistan in central Asia. He credits his Waldorf education for his openness to new experiences, and his willingness to “step out of his comfort zone”. He believes that because his Waldorf education so thoroughly addressed his imagination in his formative years, as a young adult he was able to deal with the inevitable shock of immersion in a culture alien in many respects to his own. Canyon is only one example in a sea of unique and globally-minded Waldorf students, former students, and graduates throughout the world.

Waldorf curriculum meets the development of the human being at certain stages from kindergarten through high school. It also meets the needs of the world community in the form of committed, well-educated individuals who can think and problem solve, who can feel, appreciate, and connect with other people and who can take constructive action and make things happen.  That is the goal of Waldorf education.  Thank goodness!

Are Schools Killing Creativity?

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Wize Mamas,

I just viewed a video on TED which really captured my imagination and got me thinking –  and I think you’ll see why (link below).

Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., challenges the way our public school systems educate our children and champions educational philosophies – such as Montessori and Waldorf – which cultivate creativity and allow children to discover their own true interests and passions.

“We have to rethink the fundamental principles on which we are educating our children..  to see our children for the hope that they are… to educate their whole being so they can face the future… and make something of it” ~Sir Ken Robinson

Click to hear Dr. Robinson’s throught-provoking talk on TED.

What can schools do to encourage creativity and creative thinking in children? Post your comments by clicking on title of this post (at the top) and then filling in the comment box (at the bottom).

Until next time,

Delila

Welcome to the MamaWize Community!

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Welcome to MamaWize!  I’m Delila Olsson, a mother, writer, speaker and consultant.  I am also a Montessori educator with many years  experience working with children and mentoring parents and caregivers.

The initial inspiration for my blog came about during a recent late-night chat with a group of women friends, as we were sitting around doing what women naturally do… discussing our families, sharing resources, and brainstorming solutions. I believe it really does take a village to raise a child and to nagivate the inevitable pitfalls of modern living.

This blog will feature articles and discussions on relevant topics such as common parenting questions and practices, educational philosophies, and strategies for managing life.

This is a place for real conversations about whatever comes up.  Thanks to Jen, Amy, Seana and Jeanne Mare for your encouragement to start blogging and to Dia, the wize mama who came up with the name!

Welcome to our village.

~Delila