According to National Today, Mother-in-Law Day was first observed in 1934 in Amarillo, Texas, thanks to a local newspaper editor who for some reason decided it was time to celebrate our partner’s momma. So, from one mother-in-law (aka, MIL) to another, let’s get the word out that we want to be celebrated.

Sure, you thought it. Mumbled it under your breath even. But say it out loud? I think it’s called a left-handed compliment. Or possibly a “stealth insult.”

My dad was a master-mind trickster. He believed the words “no thanks” were merely a personal challenge to get to “yes.” I was reminded of this when I visited the mighty Powells City of Books in Portland. There’s really no easy way to pitch Powells to carry an indie book on mother-in-law relationships in their store. But you know what? That doesn’t mean a well-meaning author can’t “donate” the book to the Humor section. #putpocket

May 25

Written By Kenis Dunne

What a great atmosphere at Oregon Books & Games in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rows and rows of every sort of title (new and used), plus a large assortment of children’s books along with games, puzzles and toys. (I bought several, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”

July 20

Written By Kenis Dunne

Whenever I go anywhere new, I carry a copy of my book, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law. I look for the chance to find women who might be entertained by it. Last weekend, I was part of group wine-tasting in Paso Robles. Our charming host Katie at McPrice Myers Wine was telling us about her mother-in-law. It was immediately clear—she was my weekend recipient.

May 25

Written By Kenis Dunne

What a great atmosphere at Oregon Books & Games in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rows and rows of every sort of title (new and used), plus a large assortment of children’s books along with games, puzzles and toys. (I bought several, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”

May 25

Written By Kenis Dunne

Here’s to River House Books in The Crossroads in Carmel-by-the-Sea! It’s such a fabulous place. I’m so proud to be a featured local author at this wonderful independent books store. Bright and inviting.

Toddlers say the darndest things! But she’s got the right idea. “The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law” is indeed a page turner. By the way, the story on pg 49 is titled, “Shield your eyes, there’s a baby in pink overalls.”

I love this moment, captured in the book chapter “The Thing About Facebook.” As one daughter-in-law patiently explained: “Facebook is a public forum, woman.”

Sometimes, it just can’t be helped. The “B” word found itself into one of my mother-in-law vs daughter-in-law stories. See for yourself on pg. 100.

Worth sharing once more. What MIL wouldn’t want to be appreciated for these traits?!

As someone who also had a—hmmm, how can I phrase this—critique-spirited mom, this story just makes me smile. In the book it’s titled “Starting with like, ending with love.” Happy Mother’s Day!

Oh the fun of reading to our grandchildren, who hang on our every word and patiently sit on our laps. Even if they don’t actually understand the narrative, it’s never a bad idea to start prepping them early. Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is a great gift for an assortment of “moms” – moms-to-be, new moms, new grandmas, and of course, mothers-in-laws.

In honor of mothers (and mothers-in-law), this is one of my favorite quotes—attributed to former first lady Barbara Bush. If you’re of the age to recall Mrs. Bush, you can appreciate all the more what a wry sense of humor is all about.

If you haven’t been to Pilgrim’s Way at 6th and Dolores, it’s worth the trip. First, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is now on their shelves. Second, it’s been a mainstay of downtown Carmel by the Sea for more than 50 years.

On your mark, get set. Mother’s Day is officially just around the corner. I'm going to ease into that particular celebration with some happy thoughts about mothers-in-law! Here’s a lesson to learn.

Somtimes we mothers-in-law just can’t win. Don’t overstep, don’t underperform. Try to be equitable all around. Ever a pleaser. It can be exhausting. In case you’re wondering, our little lady in the photo is talking about one of the “You Say, She Says. Who’s Right?” stories (page 46) in the book.  

Much like “shade” (as in throwing it) and “dead” (as in, of laughter). Not to forget “tea” (as in, gossip). Now along comes “slap” — to be excellent or amazing. It’s reminding me of the Words with Friends game, where you win by knowing the incorrect spelling of words that don’t actually exist.

In the continuing “toddler talk” series, this little doll humored her grandma Baba by sitting still for an afternoon read. Reminder that Babas are often mothers-in-law too! Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is a great gift for an assortment of “moms” – moms-to-be, new moms, new grandmas, and of course, mothers-in-laws. Enjoy!

What about the son-in-law? Where does he fit in these minefield dynamics? Yes, he has a key role to play, if he chooses to step up and into it. He can be a gift for the mother-in-law or a passive partner to dysfunction.