An interesting topic I tackled over at DivorcedMoms today…  Should or did you go back to your Maiden name after divorce?  First, what’s in a name?  This was famously answered by Shakespeare’s Juliet…”A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  I beg to differ, Juliet.  We might be the very same person inside but changing our name can change our whole perception.  Why else do actors and musicians take on a ‘stage name’?  To empower themselves…

image source; Pinterest

What does it say about me that I have Madonna and Abba on my ipod?  OLD? or CLASSIC?  Pressing play reminds me ‘I”m old classic”.  My kids are forever making fun of my itunes library, the brats.  I ask them to update it and they only look at me and sigh “Teach your children PARENTS well.. their parent’s CHILDREN’S hell…” (CSN&Y) On that note, I would love to get some new song suggestions from you!

image ‘lonely rain’ by crazy beautiful

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should end an abusive relationship, this is a must read!

Updated: October 2, 2023

Today is my first guest post here at The Great Escape…and I’m delighted to introduce to you all one inspirational young lady.   She’s beautiful, sassy, rescues dogs, teaches elementary school and she’s someone you’d want for a best friend.  Marianne Jordan is also the founder of My Own Diva (this company is no longer in business but Marianne’s story remains a must read) and well…she kicks ass.   She’s a Southern Belle from Columbus, Georgia and her story will inspire you…

There are many false beliefs and stereotypes surrounding divorce.  Let’s separate fact from fiction or at least get a handle on some interesting divorce stats.  Take the quiz and find out if you are divorce savvy.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges during divorce and in the initial stages of separation, is parenting. Parenting is a labour of love even in intact homes.  However, add divorce and it is  riddled with guilt, logistical obstacles, loneliness and tug of war.  If you’re experiencing any of this know you’re not alone.

image source lawboutique.ca

I can’t overstate the importance of updating your will during divorce.  Since divorce can take years to process, your life feels like it’s in a constant state of transition. Untying knots requires tying up loose ends.  One of those is your will.  You certainly don’t want your STBX acting as your

Bonjour!  What does divorce have to do with your beauty? Everything.  During any life challenge or change, we tend to let go of our beauty rituals.  We run out of time, money and simply lose sight of the importance of feeling beautiful.  But feeling beautiful inside and OUT is the key to self confidence, just ask any French Goddess.

From the archives…Feeling pissed about Cupid this year?  It’s difficult after separation to feel inspired about a day dedicated to love when you feel your heart is broken.  But in order to mend your heart, you have to start loving yourself.

In our marriages we often put ourselves last.  We even learn to stop loving ourselves.  How do we undo this?  We begin by treating ourselves right.  Turn Valentine’s Day into I HEART

Ever feel like this?   Words aren’t necessary.  This picture is worth a thousand of them…So, have you ever felt like this?

It’s supposed to heal but a moment in time can break you.  It’s the one thing we can’t buy.  There is no price on it because it’s invaluable. Yet we squander it away as if we have forever.  We remember the moments but not necessarily whole days.  Let’s talk about the illusive structure of our lives:  Time…

Tick. … Tock.   It’s ticking away while we’re ‘busy making other plans’ (John Lennon).