Hope for the Out-of-Tune
Today, the Piano Tuner comes to tune the piano. We have to be very quiet so he can listen. I learn that the Piano Tuner makes minute adjustments to the tension of the piano strings. He’s listening for how the notes on my particular piano interact and tunes my piano based on its unique features. […]
The Happy Greeting
Last year, I learned the power of the Warm Welcome when folks return home, but last night, our family considered the importance of the Happy Greeting. I’m teaching the children (and myself) how to greet another person. To greet means to show verbal and visible signs of recognition and welcome: Good morning! Good afternoon! Good […]
3 Lessons from a Magnificent (But Terrifying) Spider
Today I meet a cross orbweaver spider. Cross Orbweaver Spider In the cooler weather, I know these spiders find warmth inside my house. Spiders terrify me, but I want to give her a chance. One can’t destroy another just because of fear, just because of misunderstanding. Orbweaver Spider in the Woods I learn that this […]
I Didn’t Even Know I Was Empty
The original title of this blog was, “In Praise of Big Breakfasts.” I married into a family of big breakfast eaters. My mother-in-law, up before the sun, presents platters of bacon, fried eggs, toast, fresh coffee, and jam. In this world of Southern Living, you wake up to kitchen aromas that beckon you from bed. […]
Your Own Mulling Spices
I put a tablespoon of mulling spices in a pot of water and allow them to simmer. These mulling spices include dried orange peel, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Sometimes I add ginger or vanilla. The simmering mulling spices fragrance and humidify the dry winter air. I’m standing over the simmering pot, and I think about […]
How to Write a Great Holiday Letter
After years of trying to write good Christmas letters, I realize that my own letters fall into one of three categories. 1. Too Much Information2. Too Much “We’re Awesome” 3. Truly Inspirational and Insightful Too Much Information means I’m telling readers what I ate at every Mexican restaurant on my trip. Too Much We’re Awesome […]
Feast on the Empty
We’re walking in the woods this Thanksgiving Day, and autumn has starved the whole landscape of color. When I look up, I see tree branches stretched toward heaven like coral against a blue sea. Tree Branches Like Coral The branches tangle up in currents of blue and white Tangled in the Sky We’re all […]
Cutest Turkey Vegetable Platter
I find this adorable vegetable platter made to look like a turkey (thank you, Amy Locurto at “Living Locurto” for the great idea), and I can’t resist. After the Boo Platter tradition began, I learned that even my simplest attempts to create whimsical traditions don’t go unnoticed or forgotten. We arrange bok choy and spinach, […]
If You Know How to Use It
I read this morning a fascinating quote from E.Stanley Jones: “A young army officer said this, ‘Weather, in war, is always favorable, if you know how to use it.’ That is the point–if you know how to use it. The fact is that everything that comes to you in life is favorable–if you know how […]
Invest in Future Happiness
Emptying the dishwasher late at night does not make me very happy. I’m tired. But I do it, night after night, because when I wake up to a clean kitchen and an empty dishwasher, I feel so happy. “I’m investing in future happiness!” I call out to the family. I’m picking up toys, straightening pillows, […]