Abby Off the Record — The scoop on life, writing & raising kids

‘You Might as Well Dance’

January 14, 2016

My last living grandparent passed away last weekend, just a couple of weeks after he celebrated his 103rd birthday. I’ve written about my grandfather before. He was a great storyteller. One of my favorites was about the time he ran away from summer camp and supported his solo adventures by entering and winning dance contests. His […]

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A Book for Creative Types Who Believe in Magic

January 6, 2016

I don’t buy many hardback books, let alone the week they come out, not because I don’t like to support authors but mostly because my shelf-space is already overcrowded with the entire Captain Underpants series and a perplexing number of nonfiction books about LEGOs. And also, because I don’t usually re-read books after I’ve read […]

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My Year of Saying Yes

December 29, 2015

Typically, women are told we need to learn how to say no. We do too much, take on too many things. We feel guilty if we don’t, and resentful when we do. Having just run through the holiday party/cookie exchange/teacher gift/charity giving gauntlet, I can certainly understand the importance of saying no. It’s just SO […]

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What’s Your Holiday Face Look Like?

December 14, 2015

Sure, sure, the holidays are the happiest time of the year. For SOME of us, anyway. I mean, when you’re a kid, what’s not to like? There’s candy! And cookies! And presents! Who cares about cavities or credit card bills when you’re a kid? Also, all the presents you ask Santa for are FREE, didn’t […]

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A Thanksgiving to Remember

November 30, 2015

“We’re going to South Carolina for Thanksgiving!” I announced to my surprised but willing family. I’d caught wind that some relatives were gathering at my cousin’s house in Greenville, where he’d recently moved. I hadn’t seen him since his wedding. I thought, “Hmm, I also have this friend in Charleston… might be fun to get […]

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My Superpower

November 18, 2015

I caught the end of an episode of the new “Supergirl” show on CBS the other night. What captured my interest – besides a female superhero, yay! – was Calista Flockhart, who plays fierce media mogul Cat Grant. Ally McBeal is back on TV! Looking as good as ever at 50, I might add. I […]

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Flu Shots and Other Things I’m Bitter About

November 4, 2015

I opted out of school photos this year. I KNOW. I’m such a rebel! Every year, I get guilted into it, thinking, what kind of mother am I if I don’t participate in this timeless childhood tradition and capture every single one of my little ones’ school years with dozens of identical, retro-looking staged photos? […]

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Are We Over Halloween?

October 28, 2015

I have complicated feelings about Halloween. I’m not a fan of the scary stuff or the sugar overload. I mean, I like mini Butterfingers as much as the next gal, but I could do without the fake bloody body parts and 5 lbs. of jumbo Tootsie Rolls. But Halloween is such a big deal when […]

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Micro Home Makeovers and Mouthy Kids

October 20, 2015

How could I not have noticed it before? This glaring eyesore on my kitchen wall? But there it was, plain as day: the switch-plate behind the stove was yellowed, dusty, and splattered with food. Gross! I went to the drawer where I keep various odds and ends and lo and behold, there was a brand-new […]

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Relentlessly Optimistic

October 12, 2015

You know that saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” Well, I think that’s my problem. I overdid it on the optimism. Got a little too gung-ho about gratitude. Was hell-bent on happiness at all costs. To the point where, when life wasn’t just a bowl of cherries, I found […]