About Hally
You may be asking why I am here, in this space hoping to share my stories, experiences, and knowledge with you. And, more importantly, you may be asking why you should give me the opportunity to do so.
Here are some fast facts about me before we get to the important stuff:
Marching bands…
The used trombone my parents purchased got me and my son through 15 years of band. Marching bands over football any day.
Born and bred Missourian; please try to forget Ozark and Gillian Flynn’s famous novels.
Previous jobs: waitress, receptionist, retail sales, business teacher (college and high school), data entry (Goodyear Tire and Rubber), Asset Protection Manager, school counselor.
Iced tea…
New Year’s resolutions routinely include two goals: weight loss and daily Bible reading.
Iced tea far more often than coffee.
A healthy bucket list of vacations to take with my high-school-sweetheart husband whom I married just thirty-five years after we met.
Hydrangeas…
Mom to a biological, a step, and an adopted, as well as a Redbone Coonhound and a Chiweenie.
Love hydrangeas, the city of Savanna, historical fiction, personalities, old hymns.
Dislike (hate is a strong word) science, winter, bugs, dusting, body shapers.
I am honored to have a chance to connect with you.
Now… whether you found yourself visiting here by way of a share or an internet search or a recommendation, I am honored to have a chance to connect with you. I hope you’ll find something that will inspire or encourage, enlighten or educate you. Most likely it will be something that has to do with your role as a parent. Perhaps a parent of an adopted child. Parent of a child with mental illness. Parent of a child who has worked you over and tested you beyond what you thought you could handle. It is my sincere hope that I can help you in your journey. I am on that journey, too.
How can I help?
As a former school guidance counselor, I have worked with kids at all grade levels; however, the majority of my 14 years in education has been with students at the high school level. I’ve seen first-hand the myriad of struggles that our kids today experience. I have worked with teens who are being abused, girls with unwanted pregnancies, students who self-harm or have eating disorders, kids who are grieving or depressed or suicidal, teens addicted to drugs or social media, youth with few resources, students with poor grades and poor self-esteem, and the list goes on.
More importantly, I am a parent.
My profession has sometimes taken a backseat to my family, and I spent several of my kids’ growing up years being a full-time mom and housewife. I know parenting is not easy in the best of circumstances. I know, too, that kids are not created equal, and your job as a parent may be nothing like that of your best-friend mom. If your child struggles — really struggles — emotionally, behaviorally, academically, or socially, you are struggling right with them. You need resources and insights and support.
I did. I do. And, I want to provide that for you.
You’ll find posts about:
Mental health resources
Tools for knowing and connecting with your child, friends, co-workers, and family
Ways to rejuvenate and rejoice (good books, fun places, and creative endeavors)
Stories about really cool people just doing their thing
Raising your teen
In my most difficult and desperate parenting moments, I’ve dug deep for strength to carry on in a positive way and to find the answers, options, or alternatives that my child and I needed. When those answers and supports have been in place, it has been far easier to strive for and reach the happy, healthy goals for myself and my teen.
It would be my privilege to walk alongside you…