Conversations with Gabriel

Raising Kids is Humbling—Especially on Your Birthday!
Conversations with Gabriel: Short Comedic Vignettes is officially launching on August 31 or sooner!

To celebrate, we’re giving you a sneak peek at one of the scenes from the book. If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a family milestone only to have your children psychoanalyze your facial expressions, you’re going to feel this one.

SCENE 220: THE WRINKLY BIRTHDAY AUDIT
SETTING THE SCENE
On a trip to the Wisconsin Dells, waiting in line to ride the go-karts with Nevada, the boys, and two of their friends. I am enjoying hearing the banter between the kids when Neva softly asks Gabriel if he is having a great weekend and starts singing “Happy birthday to you.” Gabriel has other ideas and turns the birthday song into an audit of my facial features.

MOM: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”

GABRIEL: (Singing along) “Happy wrinkly birthday to Dad!”

MOM: “What do you mean? Dad’s not wrinkly.”

GABRIEL: “Yeah, yes. Look at his eyes.”

MOM: “Really, Gabriel? You are going with wrinkly about your handsome father?”

GABRIEL: “Yep. Right there. (Pointing to the corners of my eyes) Little lines. When dad smiles, they get extra big.”

MOM: “Gabriel, those aren’t wrinkles. Those are… uh… character lines! From smiling so much!”

GABRIEL: “No, they look like bird claws. My teacher has those when she’s stressed. Are you stressed, Dad? Is the fact I’m gonna beat you on the go-karts stressing you out?”

DAD: “You are a crazy guy!”

GABRIEL: “Don’t worry, Dad. When we get to the wave pool, the water will splash your face and hide the lines.”

MOM: “Oh, absolutely. Nothing fixes aging like overchlorinated water. Gabe, let’s go ride some slides before your son psychoanalyzes us anymore.”

DAD’S TAKEAWAY:
Nothing humbles you quite like your own child weaponizing your crow’s feet and comparing your face to talons while you’re just trying to enjoy a family trip to the Dells.

Get Your Copy Soon!
Conversations with Gabriel: Short Comedic Vignettes will be available for purchase in just a couple of weeks (August 31 or sooner)!

You will be able to grab the physical paperback right here on the website, or download the digital copy straight to your Kindle or e-reader via our website and Amazon.

Bookmark the page, check back soon, and get ready for a lot of laughs!