The Dolly Mama Diaries

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Family HumorDolly Mama carrying holiday gifts beside a sign reading ‘Holidays: Bringing out the best in family dysfunction.’”

Everyone’s Getting a Candle. I’m Tired.

Every November, I imagine thoughtful gifts, beautiful wrapping, and a little sprig tucked under the ribbon. Then I find myself sniffing a candle for a woman I’ve known my whole life. A few thoughts...

Halloween Dolly Mama holding a green monster’s head beside a Happy Halloween sign and a table of spooky decorations.

Facing Your Fears: Do It Scared Anyway

Starting over is scary enough without the monster in your head offering commentary. Mine had plenty to say when I opened DollyMamasByJoey.com. I did it anyway.

CreativityFinding Yourself in Midlife

Finding Yourself in Midlife

Still wondering what you want to be when you grow up? Me too. A little midlife humor, a few childhood memories, and permission to try something just for the joy of it.

The Dolly Mama Diaries

A weekly dose of Dolly Mama humor about getting older, friendship, readers, chin hairs, and all the ridiculous things life throws at us. Because laughing is cheaper than therapy.

Dolly Mama illustration holding coffee with the words Anything is Possible After Coffee

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: Finding Hope.

I had a plan: marriage, 2.5 kids, a white picket fence, and my own advertising agency. Life looked at that plan and laughed. Now, at almost 63, I’m still figuring it out—one cup of coffee at a time.