The Real Teal and Strobe Light
I’m not a good traveler. I have massive anxiety when it comes to travel, I get homesick, and I get all out of sorts with a change of routine. For years, I’ve interviewed folks who love to travel in order to find out what I’m missing somehow. They all say the same thing: they love […]
My Tantrum in the Parking Lot
Well, let’s just say that I threw a little tantrum in the parking lot yesterday. But in my defense, I’ll set the scene: I’m in the minivan with the girls. I’d been sick for a few days. It’s a hot, sticky day, and we are circling and circling to find parking so we can go […]
What Gets You Out of Balance?
A couple of days ago, everybody complained about the water in the pool. After a rainstorm, the pH levels of our public pool were “off.” Our eyes stung, the water felt weird, and some people complained that their bathing suits were changing color. It was strange. The pool staff adjusted the pH, but it still […]
Remember This and Mark the Day!
Yesterday my 8 year old announced she needed a diary to keep all her deep thoughts and secrets. “I’m a 3rd grader now. I have to write what happens to me in a diary,” she said. I love her instincts to mark the transition to a new phase of her life with a special gift–one […]
Some Science Behind Happiness
The more I read about the brain, the more I have to admit I sabotage my own happiness on most days. If you knew how lazy I really am, if you knew how much I detest exercise, and if you knew how my arms are really flabby noodles pretending to be arms, you’d be amazed […]
Lesson from Neighborhood Boy in 100 Words
We can’t find the mountain trail for our evening hike. Some kids pass by. One calls out: “You looking for something?” We describe the trail. He nods. “Follow me. I can show you.” He delivers us to our destination. He mentions different paths to avoid and various landmarks to spot. Then he […]
How to Relax in Church
I walk into the sanctuary today, and, like a wave coming over me, I’m hit with the reality of my own frail self. I’m not good, I’m not peaceful, and I’m not close to God. He’s somewhere over there, and I’m struggling against the current to reach Him. I’m flailing my arms and legs. I’m […]
My Morning Conversation with an Amish Man
This morning on the walk to school, we passed a neighbor’s house. We live not so far from Amish communities, but still, I’m shocked at what I see. 20 or so workers (mostly Amish men) stood on the roof of my neighbors house, working fast. On the ground, one Amish man directed the rest. We […]
The Fame That Lasts Till Lunch
My daughter tried out for the talent show yesterday. I’m amazed that she would do this. Amazed. Last year, she didn’t receive even one vote from her class for her dance routine. (It was freestylin’ to “Accidentally in Love”–the worm, the spins on your bottom–I’ll spare you the details because she would want me to.) […]
Small Town, Big World (in Pictures)
I live in a town where you can take pictures of things like newborn foals. Skipped Emotion had her little one almost a week late, and here she is just 4 days old. Today, both horses were released to the meadow. I live in a town where you can take your little girls strawberry picking […]