Tag Archives: authorlife

She Figured It Out: What My Mother Taught Me About Creativity, Tenacity, and Seeing People

Dori Chaconas, children's book author and artist, smiling outdoors in natural light.

There is a particular kind of doctor who visits hospital patients. You know the one. He sweeps into the room with purpose, clipboard in hand, delivers his report in under three minutes, and then pivots toward the door with the energy of someone who has eleven more rooms to get to. And just as his...

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  • LornaJuly 17, 2026 - 11:03 AM

    Oh Michaela, what a beautiful tribute to your beloved Mom, I feel honored to read about her through your words, and some of her own.  My Mum passed away 2 years ago, tomorrow in fact, I was also asleep in the recliner beside her bed on her last night, so this post came at the perfect time for me… ReplyCancel

    • MichaelaJuly 17, 2026 - 12:05 PM

      Big hugs to you, Lorna. I’m glad this post came at a meaningful time for you. May your mum’s memory be eternal. I’m certain she is still with you and so proud of the amazing human you are and the even more amazing humans you are raising. xoReplyCancel

  • Melanie KroeningJuly 17, 2026 - 12:39 PM

    Michaela this is so beautiful, every word so accurately describing Dori. She was so special and she loved you all so completely. I am so happy to think of her up in heaven with her sweetheart! I feel honored to have known both of them and all of you! You’re all in my thoughts often! Love to you all! Melanie ReplyCancel

    • MichaelaJuly 17, 2026 - 1:02 PM

      Thank you Melanie. I’m so glad you got to be a part of her story. xoReplyCancel

  • GretchenJuly 17, 2026 - 12:40 PM

    What a wonderful tribute to your Mother, it literally took my breath away.  She will come to in ways you might least expect, but you’ll know.  All my love. ReplyCancel

  • CourtneyJuly 17, 2026 - 2:10 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to the woman your mom was and the impact she left. You have me in tears. Life is a beautiful and precious gift. My husband keeps saying “In 5 years, I’m going to wish it was the summer of 2026,” so we’re living this summer and every moment moving forward with intention to create those memories you speak of that aren’t in a photo, but they live inside you forever. 
    Thank you for taking the time to write such a meaningful letter and help us all remember what’s important. You’re Amazing ❤️ReplyCancel

    • MichaelaJuly 17, 2026 - 7:53 PM

      Thank you my friend for taking the time to read it. I think you are pretty amazing yourself ♥️ReplyCancel

  • Ira SosnovskaJuly 18, 2026 - 7:45 PM

    Michaela, what a truly beautiful reflection on your mother’s life and your love for her. Thank you for sharing your heart in this beautiful way! ❤️ReplyCancel

    • MichaelaJuly 19, 2026 - 8:22 AM

      Thank you my friend. I feel compelled to share her story and her legacy.ReplyCancel

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These aren't the professional photos.

These are the 27 everyday moments happening this year that you don't want to miss, and most parents don't even know to look for them until they're gone.

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Parents of seniors tell me the same thing after graduation: "I wish I'd taken more photos."

Not just the big events, the everyday moments too. The messy bedroom. Late-night homework. Running out the door to practice.

Those are the ones you'll miss the most, and they're yours to catch, not mine.

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Raise your hand if you're already dreading the "last first day of school" photo 🙋‍♀️

Same. Which is exactly why I put together a free list of the 27 moments actually worth capturing this year, the firsts, the everyday stuff, the milestones, and the lasts.

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