The Garbage You Make
For a class project about our community, my daughter must record every single piece of trash we throw away. Recording it like this amazes me; it’s not even noon, and I’m made more garbage that any person should. I am not helping my environment, I lament as I see the plastic milk carton, the paper […]
Stay Tethered and Run Free
I heard a story last week about horses that I think about every day now. A psychologist shared that she grew up on a farm, and she noticed something incredible about her horses during a barn fire. During a barn fire, all of the animals would run free from the barn except the horses. The […]
iPad v. Paintbrush
Today my youngest bursts from the school doors to announce that her little friend will come for a playdate and bring her iPad. “Really?” I say. I shrink down, sad and disappointed. All day, I had been so excited because I found paints with glitter inside. I pictured a leisurely afternoon with my children painting […]
How to Ask a Great Question to Get Students to Talk
The first article I ever published in a real magazine revealed the seven ways to ask a great question. I used to be so good at asking questions! I remember that article today as I stare out at a group of students who aren’t talking. They don’t answer my questions, and suddenly I know the […]
When Something’s Missing (Strawberry Lemonade Bars)
I want to create a special after school treat for Valentine’s Day, but I’m out of everything. No lemon juice for lemon squares; no chocolate anywhere for brownies; no frosting for cupcakes. I do, however, have strawberries and some pink lemonade mix. Behold! People actually make strawberry lemonade squares, and they look so cute for […]
Once You Know, You Can’t Unknow
It occurs to me again this morning that some things you can never go back from. Some things you just can’t undo. Learning to read, for example, forever dooms you to a life of reading. You have no choice but to read the bumper sticker in front of you, the advertisement on the bus, the […]
A First Aid Kit for the Brokenhearted
Two years ago, I wrote about my daughter’s theory of bike riding. As we took off the training wheels, she said, “Little hills mean little boo-boos and big hills mean big boo-boos.” My husband said that we should just find the little hills then, and my 5-year old said, “No, Dad, we just need bigger […]
While Falling, You’re Caught
My husband and I walk in the woods in search of icicles. I’ve always been enchanted by icicles. They possess a strange beauty. Icicle Icicles form because the warm sun melts the snow, but then that water freezes as it encounters the lower temperatures below. With each attempt to melt, the icicle simply grows longer […]
“We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.”
Today in class, we consider the claims of several poets regarding beauty. Kahlil Gibran claims that “we live only to discover beauty” as if to suggest that nothing else–other than the search for beauty– matters more to the soul. Sara Teasdale argues that you know you have found beauty because “it makes the heart break,” […]
Jack Finds True Love
My one-eyed cat, Jack, has found true love. He’s moved from synchronized napping to obvious displays of tender cat affection. He can’t nap without her. He’s come so far: from wounded, broken, unable to meow or purr to true companionship. It’s adorable to watch. Adorable things inspire great delight. They charm. The world needs more […]