I’m not sure what possessed me to don a partial Batman suit. My children’s future therapists can figure that out. But, late as always, I decided to partake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, not only because Clay Morgan challenged me to, but also because my paternal grandfather died from ALS. Watch it. Then donate. […]
Un-Ironic Moments
Remembering a Century and a Legacy: Grandpa
One hundred years ago today, one of my favourite men was born: Walter William Rasmussen. My grandpa is the namesake of my son, William Walter; the patriarch of all things witty; and my connection to Norwegian heritage and baseball. At his funeral nearly seven years ago, one of my cousins recalled how Grandpa was the first person […]
Tour de Blog
A while ago, author Janie Chang invited me to participate in Tour de Blog, but grading exams kept me from accepting. Last week, another awesome and talented writing friend, Bradley Somer, asked and I accepted since I’m on summer holidays. The Tour de Blog event invites Canadian authors to answer four questions. Please click on […]
10 Reasons Why It's Awesome to Be a Picture Book Author
I never expected to enjoy the publication of my debut picture book, The Change Your Name Store, as much as I have. I kind of expected it to be like hosting a dinner party. You spend relentless hours preparing and then it’s over before you manage to take the battery out of the blaring smoke […]
Picture Book Q and A: Ideas, Research & Diversity
The Change Your Name Store is my debut picture book. On May 6th, Wilma Lee Wu will be introduced to the world. I can’t wait. Here’s your chance to know more about The Change Your Name Store. I arranged this post in a Q-and-A format because interviewing myself is more interesting than washing windows, something I […]
Announcing Book #3
Five hundred plus posts into my blogging career, I’ve finally moved IronicMom.com so that it’s self-hosted. I’m not sure what that means, but I think it means I’m no longer living under my parents’ roof for free. I’ve put on my big-girl panties and stepped out. As is likely obvious, the blog also has a […]
Ironic Mom Goes Shopping
I get approximately seven offers a day about covering events, writing sponsored posts, or giveaways. I say no to 99% of them. It’s the same success rate my children have regarding any questions they ask me. Every now and then I say yes, though, as long as I retain full creative control and can use […]
The Importance of Names (and Book Cover Reveal)
Not long ago, when I visited my my parents in Manitoba, my mom pulled out a license plate that had adorned my childhood bike for years. This was a big deal: in the 1970s, you never found the name “Leanne” on any paraphernalia. What was even more curious was that this was an Alberta license […]
The Calgary Flood
Calgary made international news this past weekend as we (and much of southern Alberta) experienced the worst flood our province has ever seen. My neighbourhood is untouched, thankfully, but many (including downtown) were submerged. It was unprecedented. My friend Brooke has some images up on her blog, Brooklyn Berry Designs. Last night, I sat down […]
It's Book Launch Week!
Don’t Lick the Minivan officially launches on Wednesday, May 22 so it’s a busy week. MEDIA: Tuesday, I’m on Calgary Breakfast Television at 7:12 AM and then on Alberta Noon’s call-in show on CBC Radio from 12:30-1:00 PM (unless the rumour about Edmonton’s mayor retiring pushes me out of that latter slot). Both segments are […]