Mother-in-Law Moments
Because there are always more tales to tell.
Mother-in-Law Day is October 25, 2021. Who knew?
According to National Today, Mother-in-Law Day was first observed in 1934 in Amarillo, Texas, thanks to a local newspaper editor who for some reason decided it was time to celebrate our partner’s momma. So, from one mother-in-law (aka, MIL) to another, let’s get the word out that we want to be celebrated.
Mothers-in-law say the darndest things. Daughters-in-law too.
Sure, you thought it. Mumbled it under your breath even. But say it out loud? I think it’s called a left-handed compliment. Or possibly a “stealth insult.”
Well-meaning indie author launches the “put pocket” supply chain methodology
My dad was a master-mind trickster. He believed the words “no thanks” were merely a personal challenge to get to “yes.” I was reminded of this when I visited the mighty Powells City of Books in Portland. There’s really no easy way to pitch Powells to carry an indie book on mother-in-law relationships in their store. But you know what? That doesn’t mean a well-meaning author can’t “donate” the book to the Humor section. #putpocket
Tsunami Books in Eugene was so fun, I went back twice.
May 25
Written By Kenis Dunne
What a great atmosphere at Oregon Books & Games in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rows and rows of every sort of title (new and used), plus a large assortment of children’s books along with games, puzzles and toys. (I bought several, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”
Sip (great wine) and read (great book about Mothers-in-Law) in Paso Robles
July 20
Written By Kenis Dunne
Whenever I go anywhere new, I carry a copy of my book, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law. I look for the chance to find women who might be entertained by it. Last weekend, I was part of group wine-tasting in Paso Robles. Our charming host Katie at McPrice Myers Wine was telling us about her mother-in-law. It was immediately clear—she was my weekend recipient.
Oregon Books in Grants Pass is wall-to-wall fun
May 25
Written By Kenis Dunne
What a great atmosphere at Oregon Books & Games in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rows and rows of every sort of title (new and used), plus a large assortment of children’s books along with games, puzzles and toys. (I bought several, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”
Have you been to River House Books yet?
May 25
Written By Kenis Dunne
Here’s to River House Books in The Crossroads in Carmel-by-the-Sea! It’s such a fabulous place. I’m so proud to be a featured local author at this wonderful independent books store. Bright and inviting.
Shield your eyes, there’s a baby in pink overalls.
Toddlers say the darndest things! But she’s got the right idea. “The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law” is indeed a page turner. By the way, the story on pg 49 is titled, “Shield your eyes, there’s a baby in pink overalls.”
Mother-in-Law Pro Tip: Facebook is a public forum, woman.
I love this moment, captured in the book chapter “The Thing About Facebook.” As one daughter-in-law patiently explained: “Facebook is a public forum, woman.”
Yep, I used the “B” word.
Sometimes, it just can’t be helped. The “B” word found itself into one of my mother-in-law vs daughter-in-law stories. See for yourself on pg. 100.
Celebrating mothers-in-law, who were once mothers too!
Worth sharing once more. What MIL wouldn’t want to be appreciated for these traits?!
Her own mother was a famous critic. Then, surprise! Her mother-in-law was not.
As someone who also had a—hmmm, how can I phrase this—critique-spirited mom, this story just makes me smile. In the book it’s titled “Starting with like, ending with love.” Happy Mother’s Day!
When you have grandchildren, a mother-in-law’s discretionary time can be filled with so much joy!
Oh the fun of reading to our grandchildren, who hang on our every word and patiently sit on our laps. Even if they don’t actually understand the narrative, it’s never a bad idea to start prepping them early. Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is a great gift for an assortment of “moms” – moms-to-be, new moms, new grandmas, and of course, mothers-in-laws.
A mother-in-law with a wry sense of humor is going to have some fun with the job!
In honor of mothers (and mothers-in-law), this is one of my favorite quotes—attributed to former first lady Barbara Bush. If you’re of the age to recall Mrs. Bush, you can appreciate all the more what a wry sense of humor is all about.
When locals are authors too. Pilgrim’s Way supports this indie author.
If you haven’t been to Pilgrim’s Way at 6th and Dolores, it’s worth the trip. First, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is now on their shelves. Second, it’s been a mainstay of downtown Carmel by the Sea for more than 50 years.
It’s getting to be that time of the year! Celebrating mothers, which means mothers-in-law too!
On your mark, get set. Mother’s Day is officially just around the corner. I'm going to ease into that particular celebration with some happy thoughts about mothers-in-law! Here’s a lesson to learn.
If you’re counting photos on the fridge, you’re already in trouble.
Somtimes we mothers-in-law just can’t win. Don’t overstep, don’t underperform. Try to be equitable all around. Ever a pleaser. It can be exhausting. In case you’re wondering, our little lady in the photo is talking about one of the “You Say, She Says. Who’s Right?” stories (page 46) in the book.
Slap. Easy one, we all know what that means. Nope.
Much like “shade” (as in throwing it) and “dead” (as in, of laughter). Not to forget “tea” (as in, gossip). Now along comes “slap” — to be excellent or amazing. It’s reminding me of the Words with Friends game, where you win by knowing the incorrect spelling of words that don’t actually exist.
A grandmother’s job is the best job on the planet.
In the continuing “toddler talk” series, this little doll humored her grandma Baba by sitting still for an afternoon read. Reminder that Babas are often mothers-in-law too! Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is a great gift for an assortment of “moms” – moms-to-be, new moms, new grandmas, and of course, mothers-in-laws. Enjoy!
The son-in-law dilemma: facilitator or blinders-on bystander?
What about the son-in-law? Where does he fit in these minefield dynamics? Yes, he has a key role to play, if he chooses to step up and into it. He can be a gift for the mother-in-law or a passive partner to dysfunction.