“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent plant. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
— Jack London
Hello!
For those of you who like to know more about the people you associate with, here’s a little bit of my background.
I am just an ordinary mom. I have good days and bad days. Sometimes my home is neat, sometimes it’s pretty messy. I am not perfect by any standard of the imagination. I burn supper regularly. However, I am a learner, a teacher, a researcher, and I am committed to personal growth in all areas of my life. I believe life is lived in “seasons” and so at different times of my life I concentrate on – and see success in – different areas. Sometimes it’s housework, sometimes it’s faith, sometimes it’s cooking, sometimes it’s health, sometimes it’s a particular job I’m working in. I just keep moving from one season to the next, improving my efficiency in each area as I pass through. I am always busy, always trying new things, loving the journey of life.
As far as my personal history is concerned, I have had a pretty varied background. I’ve had lots of university but have no degree; I’ve worked dozens of jobs including all things retail and sales; I’ve been a professional speaker, singer, and clinician on an international level; I’ve lived in 4 countries and speak three languages fluently; I have a passion for travel, new cultures, adventure, music, and life in general.
My crazy background has created a wonderfully international family:
My husband, Tom, is a software engineer, and the most caring man God ever created. A gifted father, musician, song-writer, handy-man, computer genius, Tom is from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
I grew up on the West Coast of Canada, near Vancouver, BC, and am a gospel singer, converted to a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom. Well, right now I’m only partly “stay-at-home” as I work part time as an Assistant Music Director in my church and I also do some local speaking and singing engagements.
Tom and I met in Darmstadt, Germany when Tom came to work for me as a sound engineer during the last 18 months of my five years there as a contemporary gospel singer for Youth for Christ.
We were engaged in Noordhorn, Holland, married in Vancouver BC, and spent the first 6 years of our married life in Grenoble, France.
We have two delightful children whom we homeschool:
Simon (b. 1993) is taking after his father in computer skills, and is a highly creative, caring kid. His dream is to become a famous film producer and is actively involved with a local film club where he gets training, experiments with many aspects of the film industry, and shares ideas. He and his sister also produce short animated films which are really fun. In addition to his “behind the scenes” work, Simon is pursuing acting. He has done some “extra” work for film and has had his stage debut as a lead in our church’s Christmas production. He loves the spotlight!
Christina (b. 1994) is our local artist, free-spirit, ultra creative genius. She has a slightly quirky artist personality which I love, and she is a very deep thinker, dropping little earth shattering questions into conversations out of nowhere. She loves to craft things, collect things, discover things, and loves to read and think deeply about life. She is passionate about Tigers, and is a budding writer, poet, and animation artist.
Both children were born in the French Alps.
We now live in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, along with a crazy, black and white Bichon-Shihtzu dog named “Nicki” and a Netherland Dwarf rabbit with attitude named “Holly” (watch out for the sharp end!)
Well, that’s enough about me! I hope to have the opportunity to meet you and get to know you through the “Mom-defrazzler”. May the tips and tricks you find here be helpful and encouraging to you.
Blessings!
Darlene Hull
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
