My mom would tie a garland of plastic holly to the stair railing and pull out a ball of fake mistletoe that she’d have Dad hang from the ceiling light in the hallway. We’d plug in plastic molded candelabras with orange bulbs and place them in the sunroom windows. We’d drive into town and pick out a tree from the Methodist Church lot set up on Main Street and haul it … [Read more...]
“What Do You Do?”
Years ago, while visiting my in-laws in Belgium, my father-in-law walked my husband and me a few doors down to meet a neighbor. My husband shook hands with the man, and they exchanged pleasantries. As my husband introduced me, I smiled, nodded, and shook hands; my French isn't great, however, so I didn't enter the conversation. Even with my limited language skills, I … [Read more...]
Food on Fridays: Cupcakes Courtesy of the Birthday Boy Himself
For the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—though we love to try new dishes, your post doesn’t have to be a recipe. We’re pretty relaxed over here, and stories and photos are as welcome as menus and recipes. When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the button to include with your post. It ties us together visually. Then … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: August 1, 2012
Each Wednesday (or thereabouts) I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.Care to join me? Reading I started a couple of books while we were at family camp last week, but didn't get far before people or activities pulled me away. I left my book bags leaning against … [Read more...]
Memorial Day: A Lighthearted Story from WWI
The following story is adapted from a special collection my mom assembled for her parents decades ago. I hope that in a small way, sharing this lighthearted piece will serve as a kind of decoration on Memorial Day—though it is not meant to diminish the solemnity of Memorial Day, set apart to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. … [Read more...]
A Thousand Goodbyes: Watching My Baby Grow Up So Fast
Watching my baby grow up so fast, I face a thousand goodbyes. Every day, my baby leaves behind a trail of change. Those changes morph into memories that I scramble to save and savor. I light candles on birthday cakes and snap pictures, laughing at my child's delight—all the while swallowing back a lump in my throat forming at the thought of the thousand little … [Read more...]
Mother Letters: Sharing the Mess and Glory of Motherhood
Seth asked me to write his wife, Amber, a letter, mother-to-mother, to encourage her. It was just a little idea he had a few years ago, to assemble letters from bloggers that he knew Amber enjoyed and give the collection to her as a Christmas gift. … [Read more...]
The Old, Worn Knob
Thirteen years ago, our real estate agent, Bob, opened the door of a blue-gray house built in 1979. I didn't expect much, though my first impression was generally positive—I liked the big trees and the country, cottage-y style of the front porch. As we crossed the threshold, the inside seemed spacious because the owners had already moved and left the rooms empty. But … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: March 21, 2012
Each Wednesday (or thereabouts) I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingHey, I finished grading papers! Maybe soon I'll read something written by a person over the age of 18?PlayingOur weekend away with friends was so relaxing, so rejuvenating, so restful.They know … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: February 29, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingStill reading The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction. It's a short book. Seriously, it's so short I should already be finished, but I only have time to nibble a few pages at a time. It's okay … [Read more...]
The Best Superbowl Party Ever
"This may be the ugliest cake I have ever made," my mom exclaimed while spreading icing over the big chocolate sheet cake she baked on Sunday afternoon.My brother, who had stopped by for a few minutes, asked, "You're baking a cake?""Yes! I was invited to my very first Superbowl party, and I'm taking Grandma's sheet cake," Mom replied.Growing up, our family followed a few … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: February 1, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingI gave up on Bonhoeffer—Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, that is—and returned it to the library. Too thick for me to get through at the moment.PlayingWe had pizza with friends. That was fun.LearningOne … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 26, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.I'm late this week, however, so I'm posting on Thursday.Hope you don't mind.:::ReadingA few articles, mostly about brain-sharpening: "A Sharper Mind, Middle Age and Beyond" from The New York Times "Buff Your Brain" from … [Read more...]
Shine
Christmas morning, one of my kids gave me a box of things-to-keep-me-warm: gloves, scarf, and an ear-warmer headband. I lifted the soft, aqua scarf from the box and wrapped it around my neck to wear the rest of the day. Later, at dinner, I looked down at my lap—a layer of glitter speckled my pants and sweater, as if my lap were a cookie decorated with a few shakes of … [Read more...]
Art Can Awaken
We show up at the art museum without any real plan. Two of us brought cameras; one of the kids packed a sketch pad and pencils; our eldest stuffed gadgets into her pockets to listen to music, text friends and check Facebook; and my husband and our son carried nothing, free to consider the artwork unencumbered and undistracted. We wander through the European gallery, … [Read more...]
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