(Disclaimer: Experienced breadmakers must simply move on. They will find it too painful to read how I mess around with the nuances of bread-making.) Once a week, the kids ask for pizza. To save money and time (and eat a little healthier), I make my own crust. I got the original recipe and instructions from one of the Tightwad Gazette books … [Read more...]
What are Your Five Fat Files?
Janel Messenger published a post entitled "The Anti-Boredom Life," in which she talked about modeling a life of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, turning off the TV and assigning chores. After reading her post, I was ready to take the kids on a breezy bike ride, run in the woods or veg out in a hammock watching clouds. She also included some practical suggestions for … [Read more...]
Wonder and Whirligigs
It's Mother's Day. A day when I've been known to receive a fistful of daisies wilted dandelions or even dried up whirligig seed pods from a maple tree. Gifts of love clutched in a sweaty preschooler's hand and delivered with love. Tuck the collection into a vase. Position it front and center on the table. Don't compare with other moms … [Read more...]
Castile Soap for a Simpler Life (and blemish-free face)
One, simple idea. One bottle. One product to suggest: Castile soap, a product is made with vegetables and herbal oils. The one I use (Updated 2012: I originally used Trader Joe's Pure Peppermint Castile Soap in liquid form, but several years ago switched to Dr. Bronner's, which I love except for all the strange messaging printed on the bottle) adds a touch of Aloe Vera … [Read more...]
Life. Parenting. Writing. Perspective. (Writing in the Midst of Motherhood)
I remember settling sideways in a black, plastic chair to sit across from a new client. I was developing my freelance corporate writing career simultaneous to incubating my first baby. My client, a land developer, stared doubtfully at the tent-like awning—er, maternity blouse—brushing the edge of the table. I tried tucking my "bump" under the table, but that didn't work. … [Read more...]
Writers: Never, Never, Never Give Up
Here’s a writing nugget. My friend Ellen passed it along to me. I may not have the wording exactly right, but someone once told her, “It’s not talent that determines a writer's success; it’s perseverance.” To succeed, you must persevere. J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie and Hunter S. Thompson received their share of rejection letters. According to Lulu, "Stephen King … [Read more...]
The Last Egg
We used the Resurrection Eggs (evidently ours is an older model) again this year in our family devotions. Someday I'd like to make my own, actually, as I'd add a lot more eggs with additional symbols for a richer story. I suppose the whole idea could seem a little cheesy, but the kids love them, and the important thing is that it keeps them focused as we read the … [Read more...]
Grow as a Writer: Live Life, Take Risks, and Waterski
Fifteen years ago, I sat in a breakout session at a writers' conference listening to an author talk about the writing process. Experience Life The thing I remember most was this: "The best advice I can give you to help you grow as a writer is to experience life." What? We came to hear about queries and proposals. We wanted to learn how she organized submissions … [Read more...]
I'm a Midwestern Blogger: Sensible as a Wool Hat
Ever since I discovered Scott Russell Sanders a few years ago and read some of his books that extol the virtues of firmly planting oneself in a physical, geographical place, I've been thinking about my place: the Midwest.The suburban Midwest, no less.I've always wanted to try living elsewhere, to escape for a time, to see what it's like away from the mild, vanilla … [Read more...]
Crepes? Mais, Oui!
Every other week or so I make crepes. My family goes nuts. You'd think I told them we were going to shovel sugar straight from the sugar bowl into our mouths. Of course, that's not too far off reality. Crepes (once filled) are sweet. Crepes are also fattening. Crepes are delicious. In fact, when I'm feeling unappreciated, I simply pull out the eggs and announce a … [Read more...]
Benefit of the Doubt
Years ago I worked with Barbara. Barbara was old enough to be my mother. I was a young woman straight out of college on my first job in an administrative position that included some creative writing. Barbara answered phones. I'd hear her at the front desk from my office next door. "Good morning and thank you for calling. How may I help you?" Her voice was soft, sweet, … [Read more...]
AWANA Grand Prix: The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat
The Boy has three sisters who have a lot of trophies.Since we joined the soccer rec league eight years ago, they've been handing out participation trophies to every kid each season--spring and fall--clear up until last year, the year that The Boy could finally play.That fall, they decided to hand out medallions.After staring at the dozens of shiny trophies gracing the … [Read more...]
Let It Snow; Let Us Slow
[IMPORTANT UPDATE: For step-by-step instructions with photos on how to fix overnight crockpot oatmeal using the double-boiler/bain-marie method, please click to the how-to post I created exclusively about that (if you read this post, and you're welcome to, you will first read a long story--a pleasant one that you might enjoy--before arriving at the crockpot … [Read more...]
Family LoveFest
In grade school, Valentine's Day was pretty neat: mailboxes made out of milk cartons and cereal boxes decorated with tissue paper and heart-shaped doilies, overflowing with ready-made and homemade Valentines; boxes of candy hearts; school parties with cupcakes and juice. Everybody shared in the fun. No one was left out. We had to make a Valentine for everybody in … [Read more...]
Creative Ways to Refresh Your Mind
Students, writers, entrepreneurs, home educators—anyone whose work requires sustained mental attention—will benefit from a mind that's undistracted, rested, fresh and alert. Whether you're called on to be creative, think on your feet, or to take good notes and recall them later for work or for a test, you'll perform better if you refresh your mind. But how? This post … [Read more...]
