My first thought as I wake up these days is “What’s the word of the day, God?” It’s been an interesting practice because I often get words I didn’t anticipate but, as the day wears on, turn out to be just right. Quiet. Patience. Presence. On this gorgeous fall day I woke up in the… Keep Reading
Worthy of a Pass
Every year I have the great privilege of spending a long weekend in the majestic Yosemite with nine of my nearest and dearest personal mentors. We started out as professional colleagues almost 15 years ago when this annual retreat began; over the years we’ve evolved into a safety net of strength and courage and laughter… Keep Reading
The Power of Rest
One of the things on my to do list this morning is to sign my son up for karate. He’s been waiting for months and the time has finally arrived. Hovering over my shoulder as I pulled up the website, the questions came fast and furious. “What color will my belt be, Mommy?” “When’s the… Keep Reading
Honoring My Gift
I haven’t written in months. I haven’t walked in months either, in large part because when I walk the words come and in order to keep the words at bay I can’t walk. I don’t have time to write, I’m busy in an (ass-kicking) job. I have two kids. I have a husband and 9… Keep Reading
First Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for many, many things and found it not the least bit challenging to find things for which to be grateful after deciding I wanted to create this series of posts. Only I did have to stop traffic to photograph Mama Duck and her adolescent babies and then again later the same day… Keep Reading
Second Thankful Thursday
This week brings us closer to the end of school and the beginning of summer. We’re so close, it’s almost as if we’re unable to sit still. We run off to school dances, we draw our way through mixed emotions, and we pause to ponder the gift of being present in the every day.
Third Thankful Thursday
As of tomorrow, school’s out and summer’s in. For teachers, this is what we call New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow the floors will get swept and the cats will get brushed and the produce will get washed and put away. Next we’ll clean our classrooms and pack up all the work we’ll take home with us… Keep Reading
Fourth Thankful Thursday
Summer is here, the time of year we crave until it comes and we quickly remember it’s often more work than the school year itself. Nevertheless, there are so many glories to behold. Mornings are bright, beautiful, and early, the produce at the farmer’s market plentiful and gorgeous, and the late morning breakfasts at the… Keep Reading
Dresser Drawers
When I get frustrated with the mess of my house, I organize my sons’ dresser drawers. Why don’t I clean out my own drawers? Why don’t I even just start with last night’s dinner dishes? Why? Because it’s easier to clean up someone else’s mess than it is my own. It’s easier to fuss and… Keep Reading
The White Glove
“Get up!” I holler to (or, I should say, at) my kids. “WHY?” they retort. “Nona and Great-Gramie are going to be here this morning and I need your help getting this house cleaned. Why is it that we can’t keep it clean for more than an hour? I swear, as fast as I… Keep Reading
