Commemorating with Milk
We couldn’t make the Memorial Day blueberry pancakes this morning because we ran out of milk. I was the one dressed already, so I volunteered to drive to the store. It was a little after 8:00 AM. It was just a trip for milk. I left my children in their pajamas and my husband hovering […]
Why Do I Like Watching Things Burn?
I shouldn’t like to watch things burn so much. Think about it: I’m taking pleasure in the disintegration of something, the dissolution of some object into nothing but gray ash that floats up into the atmosphere or settles hopelessly beneath my feet. Last night I sat by a beautiful campfire in my neighbor’s backyard. The […]
A Short Rant (I Never Thought I’d Be Ranty)
A popular blog I read this morning suggested that one pathway to happiness is to “imitate” a spiritual master–someone like Jesus. I cringed. The not-flair bells rang. I frowned and felt the same way I do when somebody tells me to just “try harder” and I’ll find holiness. It’s just not true. Telling a person […]
My New Approach to Catastrophe
Driving home from preschool today, two bubbles floated across the street like they had somewhere to get to. I couldn’t see any sign of someone blowing bubbles, or even any other bubbles, anywhere. They must be mighty resilient, I thought. One was bigger than the other, and it looked like a mama bubble and a […]
My Huge Gardening Mistake
Last night I bragged all about my blueberries, my strawberries, and even my blackberries. My dear friends, older, wiser, and experts in gardening asked if this was their first year in the ground. When I said, “yes,” they cried: “You need to remove that fruit! Pinch off the blossoms, too. Do not let those plants […]
One Good Prayer
This morning, I had a few minutes before the walk to school, so I took out my prayer journal. What did I need? What did the neighbors need? Many things came to mind, but one thought kept recurring. I knew I might pray for prosperity, for health, for safety, for success, or for any […]
Lesson Two from the Italian Mama (in 100 Words or Less)
Today I studied meatballs. You need to clothe the meatballs with breadcrumbs (from the ancient bread in the back of the fridge), brown them a little, and then let them cook all day in the sauce. This way, they won’t fall apart. Meanwhile, the little girls in our neighborhood worry about their clothes, their friendships, […]
The Bad Day Mantra
As far as bad days go for a five year old, this one ranks high. While at her yearly check-up, she discovered she might need glasses, was told her spine might be slightly crooked, and, to make matters worse, endured two shots in both thighs. My job was to “restrain” her arms and legs as […]
The Blessing We Need
A girl with a stuffed unicorn stood by the restrooms at church this morning. I’ve been seeing unicorns everywhere, and each time, I have a little flair moment. Here’s why. I learned recently that a gathering of unicorns is called a blessing. I just love that. Animal groups have some strange names. Alligators are a […]
After the Limo: Before and After and the Flair of Going Home
Here’s the picture of my friend 2 years ago. She told me I could use this picture (besides, it’s the front page of the paper today and in local news). Below, you’ll see the “after” shot. Here she is after we exited the limo and transformed her for her big reveal. You’ll see me […]