Hi There, I’m Heather!
When people ask what do you do, I say, I Mom a lot. Then if they ask if I work outside the home I answer no, I work in it and then I add, I’m a writer or I’m a blogger. (Then other times I confuse them with, I’m a wrogger because blogger + writer = wrogger.) I’ve also gone from stage fright to public speaker and I’m learning that I love it more and more all the time.
Before I was a mother, I worked in social work, providing services for people struggling with mental illness. Sometimes I miss that, but most of the time I love that I stay at home with my boys and my girl and write from my office/den/guest room. I’m on a bumpy road to recovery from addiction and I write about it here, hopefully not all the time because I am so much more than it. Recovery is what’s going on with me, so I tell its story here, while I tell other stories alongside it.
I’m forever grateful for the support and love I’ve found in this space. Did you know that I most likely would not be sober without the stories that were being told right here online? If courageous women had not admitted their struggle, I wouldn’t have seen myself in their story and decided to get help. I love it when the worldwide web is used for good.
When I have the energy, I’m one of those people who looks at life as a daring adventure, dreaming up all kinds of things to do and be right here in the ordinary. My adventure includes one husband, two small boys, ages 6 and 4, a baby girl, a dog and the minivan I never thought I would have.
This blog and my life revolve around several themes, like my faith, motherhood, depression, addiction, our family’s journey with Asher’s hydrocephalus, and finding my way to a fully alive existence.
Blogging reminded me that I love to write. And then it somehow moved me to write about all of life – the good, the bad, and all that is in the extraordinary in-between.
And now that I’ve made it clear numerous times why this blog is titled The Extraordinary Ordinary, I will stop.
Thank you for visiting me.
~Heather
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I am wondering if it would be ok with you put your “notes to my children ..dated 4/13/2011″ on poster boards for my youngest childs’ high school graduation party? I thought your wisdom was the best representation I have ever heard about motherhood…Thank you!
Heather, just found your website today through Mama Manifesto’s Blog. I am a mother of three grown children, 38, 35, 31 and a grandmother of three beautiful little boys. The widsom and love in your post “Please” has moved me to tears! I thought of my own mother reading this – trust your heart, choice forgiveness, do faith, be kind, family, in our it was house – your sister will always be your best friend, and I love – gossiping is gross. Anyhoo, I plan to follow your blog because at 65, I know that I am a work in progress and I admire what you do. I plan to print out “PLEASE”, hang it where I can see it everyday and pass it along to my children in small increments. Thank you for sharing yourself. You are truly a beautiful person and I look forward to learning more about your family! Barbara
This is so cool. I can relate on the addiction/depression side of things. I’ve struggled with both for too many years.
I am so glad that you and your family are a part of The Open Door and I look forward to getting to know you better! Enjoy that new little one – she is beautiful!!! Deb
What fun- . . .I have titled one of my essays in my book, WriterMom Tales the Extraordinary Ordinary!. . . you have a great voice!! it is fun to find other like minded writermoms of faith. . .
cornelia seigneur
Hi Heather, I actually have 2 questions for you.
1. I have a series called, “Mynewfavoriteweek’ly Inspiration” series where I interview all kinds of people who I find interesting and inspiring for one reason or another. I just interviewed Katherine Stone from Postpartum Progress this week, but have covered Humanitarians, Authors, Winemakers, etc.I love your concept of Extraordinary Ordinary as I pretty much live my life in that space as both a mom and a blogger. Would you be open? It’s pretty easy, I send you 6-7 questions which you answer in as much or little detail as you wish. I then write a little intro and then share your interview. All I ask is that you do a little social media or small post to let people know it’s live. What do you think, would you be interested? Here is a link to my blog so you can see what it’s about http://mynewfavoriteday.com
2. Not so much a question as a nomination. Although I am sure you have received it a number of times and you don’t really need it, I recently received The Versatile Blogger Award and if you are interested I would love to offer it to you as one of my 15. The rules of the road are quite simple as I am sure you know, but please let me know if you are interested as I did my post which will go live tonight, called “Goose in a Bottle,” but am just now handing out my nominations.
Please let me know what you think of both of the above, they are mutually exclusive…please just let me know! Thanks, Shannon
Shannon from ‘mynewfavoriteday’ recently posted..“Romancing” Romance.
You went to NWC? What is your maiden name? How would I know you?
I graduated in 99. AAahh!
Gianna recently posted..The Waterslide
I did! I graduated in 98! Email me back and I’ll add more details. ;) (tomorrow. Am tired. :)
Just found your blog, and from what I have read so far, you’re still providing services for people struggling with mental illness! Like me. Ha ha! I love what you’re doing, would love to connect more and read more and know more.
Tammy Perlmutter recently posted..Vivid
I like the design of your blog. How did you do it? I like the contents of your wrog – good for “parenting” my grand-son. (Sorry, my blog is mostly in Bahasa Indonesia).
Rossi Sanusi recently posted..Memikir Belajar Berpikir
You are amazing!
Why, thank you so much! All the best to you, Kymbrlee…
Whoa…we really have a lot in common besides the fact that both our names are Heather:) Been sober 5 years. But this is not my first go around. Been fighting this beast for nearly twenty years. This beast and all that goes with it. I’ve also been in mental health for many, many years. I have a three year old boy and I stopped practicing after I had him. It just didn’t seem right to go work with other people’s children while my child was cared for by someone else. This is a long comment. Anyway, I’m new to this blogging gig. I’ve always been a writer. Had my memoir published in 04, but just entering this world. I’ll be back to your site for sure.
The Mommy Psychologist recently posted..Do you have kids?
Well, hello there, Heather. Nice to meet you! Thank you for coming along and reading my words and saying HI. Welcome to the blogging gig, it’s good here :)
Peace.
Thanks! I’ll be back.
The Mommy Psychologist recently posted..Redshirting in Kindergarten
Hi there…It is my first time to open your page and I am loving every word you’ve written…
kulasa recently posted..Blessed
This is such a cool site and an even cooler entry to let us know about you. I spend a lot of time on the next looking for material to read – it was a pleasure to read yours.
Todd
Todd recently posted..Skilled Sobriety
Heather,
I jumped on your site and it is beautiful! I look forward to meeting you at Allison’s at the
(in)rl. It should be a lot of fun.
Blessings,
Beth
I love your blog and I love it when I read inspiring stories and learn from them.Feel free to visit my blog anytime. I already grabbed your badge and will be joining one of these days.
Blessings !
sarah recently posted..The Art of Letting Go
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