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.

“I Win!” Words of Wisdom from my Grissom Grad

Posted on June 19, 2023 by minndixiemom

She smiled big as she sashayed across the stage, stopping for that long-awaited photo opp, one hand shaking the principal’s, the other gripping her high school diploma. It had been a long journey, but she was finally here, at the … Continue reading →

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Why I Failed Dry January

Posted on January 24, 2023 by minndixiemom

Long before it was a thing, I gave Dry January my best shot. Almost every New Year, I resolved to quit drinking. Maybe not for an entire month, but almost a month. Or a couple of weeks. I fell short, … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Mental health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Den Siste Hilsen (The Final Farewell)

Posted on July 13, 2022 by minndixiemom

It’s strange, preparing to say goodbye to someone who died nearly two years earlier. You’ve already cried. You’ve grieved. You’ve come to terms with your loss. Yet there we were, on June 28, 2022, scrunched into row 39 on a … Continue reading →

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Reflections in Recovery: 20 Years Sober

Posted on May 5, 2022 by minndixiemom

Today, June 21, 2022, I celebrate 20 years of sobriety. I’m grateful. And deeply reflective. In recovery, we’re not supposed to “regret the past, nor shut the door on it.” It seems I had done a bit of both. I … Continue reading →

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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 , , , , , , | 29 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