I have always been a fan of the “Wizard of Oz,” although the Wicked Witch caused many sleepless nights growing up. Don’t even mention the flying monkeys! “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” fills me with awe as I sing along in wonder of what’s really up there. And then there’s Dorothy’s unexpected encounters on her search to return home to Kansas, forming friendships with other seekers along the way. Courage, love, and wisdom they desperately desired, not realizing they had it within them all along. Then, of course, there’s the Wizard, the powerfully scary ginormous face that grants wishes only after the completion of ridiculous life-threatening, unnecessary requirements. In the end, he was a fraud, but somehow received a hero’s sendoff. There’s a lot going on over that rainbow!

Like Dorothy, there is a yellow brick road before us. Whether we recognize it or not, we are each headed somewhere we’ve chosen or have allowed to be chosen for us. What is around us will become us; it’s only a matter of time.

My hope and reason for sharing my tales is not only to inspire and encourage but also to empower you to be intentional with how you live, parent, and learn from those who cross your path. I don’t believe in coincidences and see every opportunity and encounter as a chance to learn and grow. You are, in fact, still reading. Coincidence? I think not! So strap on those ruby slippers or, in my case, cool leopard print sandals (with ruby red toenails, of course) and enjoy this journey with me -- and Toto Too!