Cat Poland | Author + Storyteller

Something to Say

“Writing comes as a result of a very strong impulse, and when it does come, I, for one, must get it out.” – C. S. Lewis

Puberty, shmuberty: un-mystifying and un-shaming this life change

February 12, 2020

Last week my daughter brought home…the blue note. She’s in fifth grade, and apparently, this colored piece of paper is a symbolic rite of passage for pre-pubescent and newly-pubescent youth. I went to a Catholic grade school, and while we had a puberty talk, I don’t remember what color the permission slip was. But “THE BLUE NOTE” was a big deal.

My kids bounded through the front door (middle child, oldest, then youngest with the rage of a lion, always in that order). “Mom, LOOK what we got at school!!!” She was equal parts horrified, excited, nervous and thrilled. Honestly that’s probably how most kids feel about puberty in general.

Ahh, yes. The school puberty video. In all it’s cringe-worthy gloriousness. 🙂

I knew this was coming. I knew there would be “the talk” in fifth grade…and …

Revealing Self

Artwork provided by the incomparable Amber Vanhatala Stene, friend, and mentor. I posed for this series in college and was given an original work as a wedding gift–a treasure I cherish.

About Cat

Cat Poland - Middle-aged white woman with dirty blonde hair, and an average face.

Burbling, bubbling, bursting at the seams…or so it seems. My desire to write and create and paint a story with my fingertip-brushes dancing on the keys: it’s unquenchable. I am one of the lucky ones, paid for my passion as a copywriter and communication strategist. But here–here you will find my extra, my delight, my just-because, my rants, my opinions, and snapshots of this season in life. I’m no parenting expert–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice for the health and wellbeing of children, especially those who are autistic. I’m no political expert–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice for the oppressed, the stressed, and the marginalized. I’m no great scholar of faith–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice in praise of the God who loves.

I have something to say. And when life gives you a story, tell it.