Maria Calderoni
Bio
Born a lover of stories. I love to read, write and tell them. Tales of inspiration, resilience and struggle.
A life long learner, I enjoy nothing more than sharing interesting and useful things I have learned so far.
Please join me.
Achievements (1)
Stories (64/0)
Saving the Eateries We Love -- How One Man Kept the Restaurants in His Community Alive During Quarantine
What if your favorite restaurant closed for good? What if there was something you could do to prevent that, even while everyone was telling you it was impossible? Rick Clark of Spokane, Washington set out with a mission to save as many restaurants as he could and he grew a humongous team to help him. In the process, Spokane Quaranteam has raised money to support many local and not so local restaurants and businesses.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Feast
Why You Need to Read “Becoming,” The Autobiography of Michelle Obama regardless of Your Political Sensibilities
Do you consider yourself conservative? Or maybe liberal? Or maybe somewhere in between? No matter where a person falls on the political spectrum, it is my (fairly centrist) opinion that you will thank me later for having suggested this delightful read, or listen if you choose the audiobook read by none other than the author. (I definitely suggest the audiobook!)
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Motivation
How Not to Ride a City Bus
Have you ever found yourself suddenly sprawled on the floor of a city bus, while frantically trying to maintain contact with your two toddlers? Picture all the packages of the day scattered around the three of you amidst the quiet disdain of the more seasoned passengers. Let me tell you; I thought my blood might actually boil.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Wander
How Vocal Media Helped Me Write A Book
I don’t know about you, but I have so many books inside me just bursting to get out. One of my greatest fears is that I will die one day with the words trapped inside of me, lost forever. On my wall is a giant sticky note with titles of books I am working on. Some I am still formulating in my head, others I have actually begun getting words onto paper.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Motivation
How to (Not) Host Your Baby’s First Birthday Party --or Smoked Cherry Cake for Everyone
As a young mom, I set the bar pretty high for birthday celebrations. Not realizing how many children we would have and how many extravagant celebrations that would add up to over the years, I started out with grand illusions about the best birthday parties ever. Well, five children and almost three decades later, I still enjoy planning a great birthday. Unfortunately however, I have put myself through way too much mom guilt over this birthday party thing through the years. The worst example was when we F I N N N A L L Y celebrated my son’s long anticipated tenth birthday with a very amazing Spy birthday party……. On his eleventh birthday. If that’s not enough to make you cringe, I don't know what is. He absolutely loved the party and appreciated all the work I put into it. He said he didn’t even mind that it was a year late. Sometimes, during a rough week, I still allow myself to feel bad about that ridiculous delay.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Families
The Terrifying Giraffes at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
“NOOOOOO!” screamed my 4 year old as I led him into our favorite Zoo. Turning and trying to run away from me he looked seriously concerned. Cringing inside as I imagined what people must be thinking, I ran to catch him, holding him tightly yet gently, trying to understand his reluctance. We had been talking about this great field trip for days, as we meandered our way from one side of the vast United States to the other.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Wander
How Buying a Hoarder House at an Auction made my dreams come true
Don't call me crazy yet, but I bought the worst house in my neighborhood. This was a real “dirty dog.” Not only was the house falling apart but the place looked like a complete junk yard. You won't believe the whole story!
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Humans
The Oblivious Young Husband
“Don’t worry honey,” the older lady at the wedding rehearsal dinner leaned over the table conspiratorially and whispered to me, “he’ll learn tact one day.” First off, she was referring to my husband, the best man at the wedding. And second of all, she was wrong. I don’t think he ever did!
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Confessions
The Time My Google Assistant Tried to Get Me the WRONG Date
To this day, my cheeks flush and I press my lips tightly together before shaking my head in rueful laughter about the time my Google Assistant tried to set up a secretive rendezvous for me with a married man!
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Confessions
How to Pull Over a Police Officer
Parents are supposed to be embarrassing sometimes, I know, especially when we are teenagers. But when your children feel they need to wear a paper bag over their heads in public so as not to be recognized with said parent, I think things might have gone a little too far.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Confessions
Is it Coming?..... 5 Practical Ways to Offset Potential Inflation or Hyperinflation
Opening my banking app, I noticed a pending deposit for another stimulus. You would think my initial reaction would be joy at receiving this huge boost to my family’s budget. It was not! My initial reaction every time I have seen these notifications has been momentary panic.
By Maria Calderoni3 years ago in Lifehack