Mis-Self-Perception

August 18, 2023 by Heather Reid in adultlife, family, education, memories

Uncovering the fallacy of my perceived perfection through the surprising discovery of less-than-perfect grades among my accolades and embracing the possibilities of redefining success and happiness in my life.

Summer's Sweet Surrender

June 18, 2023 by Heather Reid in celebrations, food, kids, memories

Summer rewrites the rulebook on meals, transforming strict dietary guidelines into moments of spontaneous joy and indulgence. It's a season of ice cream dinners, park picnics, and late-night smores, celebrating the simple pleasures with family.

Swapping Summer's Heat for Autumn's Heart

October 18, 2022 by Heather Reid in adulting, finding quiet, food, memories

Fall whispers in with cooler air, pumpkin flavors, and the sweet anticipation of family gatherings. Celebrate the season where every leaf tells a story, and every moment is a chance to slow down and savor.

The Truth is in the Cards

December 24, 2021 by Heather Reid in adultlife, celebrations, family, holiday, memories, momlife

It’s that magical time of year when mailboxes are stuffed with catalogs and sale postcards. But tucked somewhere in all of that direct mail, I always hope to find a festive holiday note or two. I know they have a terrible reputation, but I honestly love Christmas cards.

I’m Fine and Other Half-Truths of Where I am Now

February 21, 2021 by Heather Reid in COVID, adulting, adultlife, celebrations, finding quiet, memories, momlife

One day during a miserable time in my life, I was wandering around a neighborhood store when I saw a small, gray stone with the word Truth painted on it. I picked it up. The oval fit perfectly in my palm, and something shifted in me. I realized I’d been lying to myself, lying to those closest to me, just to get through each day.

Urban Legend

November 28, 2020 by Heather Reid in chicago, adultlife, family, food, home, in memoriam, memories, politics

My dad was a great storyteller. Even though he was a little shy with strangers, he loved to spin a good yarn from time to time with his family. His best tales were stories about Chicago. But my favorite story was how he came into his chili recipe.

A Menu for Change

June 21, 2020 by Heather Reid in adulting, chicago, education, family, food, friends, home, kids, memories

I noticed that even though my cookbook shelf was full, it was dominated by white authors and western-European cuisine. As someone who embraces new food, new experiences, I was embarrassed by the glaring omissions of the culinary foundations of American cooking on the shelf. Time for more change.

The Bird Who Lived

April 26, 2020 by Heather Reid in adulting, adultlife, family, in memoriam, love, memories, momlife

I Googled what to do when a bird hits your window. Make it comfortable, the Audubon site says, leave it alone if it doesn’t seem injured. If it does seem injured, contact animal control. There is no information about what to do if a bird hits your window during a global pandemic.

A Nice Love Story

February 17, 2020 by Heather Reid in adulting, celebrations, chicago, memories, love

When I did the post-first-date phone debrief with my sister, I confessed: He might be too nice for me. I am not that nice, what if I am terrible and break the heart of this nice man?

She admonished: You will go on at least three dates, and you will have fun. You deserve someone who is nice, who is nice to you.

So I did, and I did, and he was, and he is.

The Hand-Me-Down Blues

September 16, 2019 by Heather Reid in adulting, fashion, home, kids, memories, momlife

My kids have so many clothes.

I’d like to blame my Rockstar-shopping Mom, but she’s really miraculous to behold. If I happen to mention to her that the kids would use an extra rash guard shirt or some variety of pants - like clockwork - a package appears on our porch with said items, and extra treat or two and some paper green anacondas. (That’s a whole other story.)