Author Archives: minndixiemom

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About minndixiemom

I'm a Minnesota native with an Alabama heart, reflecting on the past while looking toward the future. My husband, David, and I landed in Huntsville in the late 90s through my former career in TV news. We have two amazing girls, Serina and Sophia, whom we are raising (or have raised... they're growing up!) with God's guidance and grace. Besides faith and family, my passions include writing, walking, mental health, and recovery. By day, I'm the Director of Development for North Alabama's largest community mental healthcare provider. Opinions are my own.

Shattered Glasses

Posted on April 21, 2022 by minndixiemom

You tasted sweet on weary lipsAnd soothed a blistered soul,You numbed a pained, tormented heart,And filled a massive hole. You wrapped your arms around me,A comforting embrace.Pinot, riesling, cabernet,All washed away the angst. Wine drove me quickly to the nightTo … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Mental health | 2 Comments

Three of the Best Bosses I’ve Ever Had

Posted on February 22, 2022 by minndixiemom

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou ******************************************** I’ve had many jobs and even more bosses. My first gig was at … Continue reading →

Posted in career, Uncategorized, Work | Tagged | Leave a comment

Health is Health: Putting physical and mental health on the same plane could eliminate stigma

Posted on January 27, 2022 by minndixiemom

For years, I’ve been in the “eliminate stigma” camp when it comes to mental illness and addiction. After all, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD, non-hyperactivity, and general anxiety disorder from childhood into adulthood. Along the way, I self-medicated with alcohol. … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Health, Mental health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

My 3-pound universe: Irony, denial and addiction

Posted on September 20, 2021 by minndixiemom

In my early 20s, I went out with a nice guy. Over dinner, he shared that he was on Zoloft for depression. I recoiled. For starters, that’s not first-date material. Secondly, I was rife with judgment. I didn’t want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Mother’s Day without Mom: Seeking Signs

Posted on May 3, 2021 by minndixiemom

More than eight months after I lost my mom, I am grateful I only have two big regrets. The first, not bringing her home to us sooner. The second, leaving two of her rings unprotected at her assisted living facility. … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, COVID19, Death, Faith, Family, loss, grief, Mother's Day | 7 Comments

Mom’s 86th Birthday: Celebrations in Quarantine

Posted on April 9, 2020 by minndixiemom

The COVID-19 pandemic is hurting us all. To date, more than 14,000 thousand people have lost their lives in the United States alone, leaving families immersed in grief and despair. Thankfully, many others have won their battles, or escaped affliction … Continue reading →

Posted in COVID19, Health | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Year’s at 50: Resolving to fly

Posted on January 1, 2019 by minndixiemom

Happy New Year, everyone. It’s a big one for me. I headed into 2019 at 50. Fifty means another year to watch my beautiful daughters grow. Another year to spend with my husband, David. Another year to figure out God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Family, horseback riding, Horses, Huntsville | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Generous even in death, Jim Pickett gave the gift of life to five strangers

Posted on July 16, 2018 by minndixiemom

In loving memory of James Michael Pickett, November 7, 1964 – July 1, 2018 Jim Pickett was passionate, kind, entrepreneurial, loyal, and spirited. He enjoyed good friends, great food, and lively conversation. But more than anything, he loved my sister, … Continue reading →

Posted in Organ Donation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Self-Defense and Situational Awareness: Potentially lifesaving lessons from a former Navy Seal.

Posted on December 8, 2017 by minndixiemom

For years, I talked about enrolling our daughters, 10 and 12, in a self-defense class. One mass shooting after another (Sandy Hook, Aurora, Charleston, and Orlando, for instance) was shaking our nation. After each one, I, like so many others, … Continue reading →

Posted in self-defense, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Teens, Tweens and Social Media Madness

Posted on August 6, 2017 by minndixiemom

BACK IN MY DAY I walked to the sketchy corner grocery store alone, at night, to pick up milk or eggs for my parents. Also back in my day: I played outside long past sunset, until my mom hollered for … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment