One of the reasons I love my hometown so much is the hidden treasures it contains. I’ve been meaning to share some of my favorite discoveries for some time now.

Bear with me, I am in no way, shape, or form a photographer. But I do have an iPhone and I am not afraid to use it.

On the North End of Market Street in Frederick, MD you will find this stunning mosaic created by Jack Pabis, and Anthony and Evan Owens.

It is spectacular. Obviously.

If you take a closer look, you will see that the “man on a ladder” is not really a man at all, it is part of the piece. I love watching folks figure that out. 

It is beautiful, bright and vibrant. One can’t help but smile and get inspired when passing it by…

You may not know this, but I am podcast junkie enthusiast. A multitasker by nature, I find podcasts a great way to learn, making even mundane tasks (like those piles and piles of laundry) an opportunity to further my knowledge or just have a laugh.

Podcasts are PERFECT for working mothers. 

How many times do you find yourself sitting at the orthodontist’s or doctor’s office just itching to stay productive in some way? Listen to a podcast.  Bored and listless while biding your time in the minivan for junior to finish soccer practice? Listen to a podcast. Washing dishes for the twentieth time in a day? Pull out your smart phone and… listen to a podcast.

Get the idea?

I personally recommend starting your podcast journey with the  Downcast app. Downcast lets you download and listen to your favorite podcasts directly from your iOS device without the need to sync with iTunes. You can easily search and add podcasts to your device and it even allows you to share your favorite finds via social media. (Bonus!)

Some of my personal favorites  include:

• This is Your Life – Michael Hyatt
• EntreLeadership Podcast
• Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
• Internet Marketing for Smart People (from Copyblogger)
• Joyce Meyer Radio Podcast (Christian)
• Chaos Chronicles (Humor and motherhood)

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I write a weekly column on “Tweet Nothings” for Want2Dish.com.  this week I’m talking about the new wave in extreme dieting. Read on…

I remember in 7^th grade there was a rumor going around that our science teacher had had her mouth wired shut as part of some extreme diet plan. My 12-year-old self spent months puzzling over her weight loss tactic while watching her sipping her food through a straw in an effort to regain her girlish figure.

I could never resolve why anyone would want to go to such extremes to lose a couple of pounds.

I am quite a bit older now (ahem) and, as fate would have it, am locked in my own post-childbirth battle of the bulge.

I get frustrated. I get depressed. I get angry. I emotional eat.

Despite all of that, I still manage to keep my sanity…. unlike some.

The “some” I am referring to are the mentally unstable gals who are resorting to feeding tubes up their noses to lose a dress size or two.

Up. Their. Noses.

Shudder.

Read more here…

Marlo is the host and producer of GirlTalk with Marlo — relevant, intelligent talk radio that features women’s issues and women’s voices.  She produced her first podcast in 2005 and experimented with the platform in a variety of ways until 2008.  Marlo then co-hosted The Greg and Marlo Show as heard on CJOB 68 in Winnipeg, Canada for almost two years.

Marlo launched her online radio show, GirlTalk, in February 2011.  GirlTalk features current events and special features about women around the world. It encourages meaningful and open dialogue about the issues that matter to us most. She also works as a freelance social media reporter, webTV host, and event emcee.

Marlo has a B.A. double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg. In 2012 she was selected by Dove as one of four women Canada-wide to be a social media thought leader. She describes herself as an avid reader and reluctant cook.

Over the years, how have you learned to balance career and motherhood?

I listen to my body. I sleep about 4.5 hours at night, often waking at 3:30 or 4 am and ready to start the day. I get a lot done before the kids even wake up. I power nap for 20 minutes in the early afternoon if I need it. It works for me. It keeps me fresh and energized and ready to handle both business and motherhood. I no longer care if it’s viewed as ‘unconventional’. I’ve also taught my kids the skills they need to be more independent with completing age-appropriate tasks. Having the entire family chip in and do house-related chores also makes the workload more equitable. I make fitness and healthy eating a high priority on my list as well as time alone or with girlfriends where I am simply “Marlo.” Not mommy.

Is there one particular parenting lesson you’ve learned about raising kids?

I’ve learned to stop being so neurotic and controlling. It helps no one. Kids and parents alike will make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.  Also, don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask for help. Encourage self-sufficiency in your kids.

Battling stress? Any advice?

I work under deadlines like many others so stress definitely creeps in. My advice is to take note of how you recharge – being alone or being around others and make sure you schedule it in. Make fitness and personal wellness a high priority.  Stop listening to what “they” say. There is so much perceived external stress from the status quo. Who are “they” anyway? My answer: who cares? Stop trying to please everyone.  Stop apologizing for being your authentic self.

Tools or products you can’t live without?

My iPhone. My iPad. My H1 Mp3 recorder. Shiny pink lip gloss, my eyelash curler and an over-sized Coach bag to put everything in.

Do you have an inspirational quote, motto or philosophy you can share with us?

Don’t fall into a perpetual victim role in your life if you expect to get anywhere. You can choose in every situation…even if the only thing you have control over is your attitude. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Favorite resources, books, or website?

• Great By Choice by Jim Collins
• The 80/20 Principle By Richard Koch
• Paperless app
• BufferApp.com

 Connect with her:

Twitter:  @marloboux
Facebook: Marlo Boux
Websites or blogs:  girltalkwithmarlo.com
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/girltalkwithmarlo

Incidentally, Marlo is the fab momma who originally inspired me to bring on the pink in my own hair. Because, really? How cute is SHE?!

This morning I woke up with a start, gasping for air.

I had another dream where one of my children was taken from me.

I hate those dreams. They literally haunt me for days.

Most of my nightmares center around not being able to find my children. My being at work when a major catastrophe strikes and then not being able to locate them in the chaos. Worrying about their health and safety. Wandering aimlessly calling for them. Wondering if they are still alive. Cursing myself for not having been there.

Last night I dreamt that my youngest was stolen from his bed. I woke up, jumped out of bed and verified that the little one was, indeed, still in the house and safe. Yes, it was that vivid.

I’ve not been able to settle my mind since. No doubt I will be a wreck for days.

I hate those dreams. Can you relate?