Because I Said So…

Moms… how many times have we said that to our children? How many times were we exasperated by that answer from our own mothers? The fact of the matter is, it wasn’t until becoming a mother that we realized the loaded reply behind those four powerful words.

I have had the wonderful honor to read Dawn Meehan’s new book set to release in April — only a few days from now: Because I Said So… and Other Tales from a Less-Than-Perfect Parent.

This book takes it’s title from Dawn’s own blog.

Now… I could go on and on and tell you how funny, and charming and wonderful and lovely Miss Dawn is. However, the way I see it, she’s written and published a book — isn’t that enough attention? What about Me? This is My blog, after-all, and I am pretty sure you came here to read about Me. Yes? Dissenters, I tape your mouths.

So. Let Me tell You about how I became acquainted with Dawn (a published writer and mother of 6, and we are also friends on Facebook, so… yeah. I think I am almost a mentor to her in someways… or so she said to me when I dreamt about her last night…).

Where was I? *spritzes glitter on wrists*

Aaaanywho. Me…errr, Dawn and Me. I started reading Dawn’s blog many moons ago. I don’t recall how I found her, but I did. See? The level of my incredible…. Ya know… Dawn — maybe you found me. Again, my level of incredible. I’m like fly paper. I digress.

I remember being captivated by her strength in the face of real danger — mothering SIX children. I have a mere THREE of my own “petri dishes” and this causes me to long to run to a straight-jacket for the occasional “hug”. So, reading her escapades have really been a good alternative to snuggling into that little white jacket. Besides, white jackets make my butt look big. Cool — a win-win.

Any of you ever get the email of the forward of the forward of the forward of the forward of that Ebay auction for Pokemon cards — LOT OF POKEMON CARDS THAT MY KIDS TRIED TO SNEAK BY ME. That was Dawn. She’s a friggin’ genius.

The My story continues. Last July, I was sittin’ at a lunch table at the BlogHer Conference there in the San Francisco. A batch of lovelies were sitting at my table (like I said, I’m like fly paper). We slowly began to introduce ourselves. To be honest, at this juncture of the conference, I was feeling a bit shy, tired and overwhelmed (read: probable “hangover”). I think it was Miss Dawn who initiated contact: “So, who are you”. I sat up a little. I thought, “I’ll give her my blog name, she’ll ask what kind of blog it is, we’ll trade cards, I’ll reciprocate, then I may pass out for all the tired I am.” I answered, “I’m Jennyonthespot.” She said, “I LOVE YOUR BLOG!”

*sound of sirens* *cute ambulancey-men sway smelling salts before mine nostrils*

(((Dawn, you said it just like that, didn’t you? You said “love”… I know you did. I have a PERFECT memory… Yep. I think you did. You may have even blown me kisses and handed me a rose, but I’m not terribly clear on all of that. It was like a dream, like a dream…)))

At this point in our introduction I still didn’t know that I “knew” her… I was just giddy that somebody read my blog. Then I asked, “Well, who are you?” She was all, “Mom 2 My 6 Pack”. I think I peed my pants a little. Then I was all, “Oh my gosh, I KNOW YOU!” I LOVE YOUR BLOG! YOU… YOU…” I kinda don’t recall all the flatterously meaningful blathering I did. I was just celeb-shocked. #1 – I was so close I could touch her Mom-2-Her-6-Pack-Skin, and #B – she had read my blog! She was getting more beautiful to me by the nanosecond.

I say all that to say this, I really do adore Dawn. She has been a pivotal influence in my own blogging experience, even altering moments of my mothering perspective. Frankly, I tire of the “mom” angle I have to constantly work. I have enjoyed her blog for her humorous approach to the struggles we moms face. I have enjoyed her reflective moments… her deeper ponderings and her posts that bring it all together as to why we love these little people who call us “Mom”.

And now there is a book…Because I Said So  is filled with the same wonderful wit, *ahem* wisdom and perspective I have grown to appreciate and admire in Dawn. She is a delight to read… and her book offers rays of light through the piles of laundry. If you love to laugh, to feel encouraged, or simply like to know you are not “the only one”, this book is definitely one you want to add to your list It made me snort. In public. It’s that great

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