A Separate Moment
During the hustle and bustle of these last days before Christmas, everything tends to feel rushed, overpacked, over-scheduled, and so chaotic. I find myself feeling overwhelmed as the days tick by. Shopping! Cooking! Visiting! Events! It’s wonderful but exhausting, and I say this as a high capacity extrovert. So today I remember to separate myself from […]
All the Pretty Things
Today I stop by an expensive local store to find a special present, and I sample the lotions, smell the candles, and spritz the perfumes that I could never in a million years afford to buy. I walk by the collection of holiday silver and china and admire the artistry of so many lovely objects one […]
What We Missed Since Yesterday Morning
This morning on the trail through the woods, we observe a wasp’s nest, fungus on the trees, the beehives the school keeps, and two kinds of birds. It was a dark, blustery morning, and the bare trees rose up around us while we shuffled through the decaying leaves. The wind raged, but we felt safe […]
When It’s All Wrong Timing
My husband announces the news: The daffodils are officially sprouting. That’s how warm it’s been here in PA. I’m in a t-shirt and flip-flops. It’s 62 degrees! Up at the elementary school, some staff and I discuss whether the daffodils (which will surely die with the first snow coming most likely in January) will bloom again in […]
Mom, I’ve Got This
Today, my oldest daughter (who turns 14 next month), takes over the wrapping of presents for a Christmas party as well as some of the decorating and cleaning. I keep interrupting her work with suggestions and advice because I just can’t believe it’s happening. After the seventh time of my hovering intrusions, she says, “Mom, […]
It Still Feels Precious
Today I baked my vintage Christmas cookies all day long with my daughters and a dear friend. We had all the trimmings of it including the Christmas movies, the Christmas music, the snacks, and the frilly bows to wrap the plates of Christmas cookies. During the day, my sweet friend and her mother stop by to visit. It […]
Yes, For You
This morning a disheveled man and I were trying to cross a busy part of the parking lot. A car finally began to stop to let us pass, but the man wasn’t moving to cross. I turned to him, pointed to the slowing car and said, “He’s stopping for us. We can go.” “He’s stopping […]
Mysterious Mood
We’re walking to school again like we have for years, but this morning, we turn back because the light through the fog looks so enchanting. It feels like a mystery novel. Anything can happen today when the fog rolls in like this with the sun chasing it. This mysterious mood follows us all the way […]
I Call These Vintage Christmas Cookies
I love these Christmas cookies that I’ve been making with my daughters for 13 years. We make a double batch of dough, and we cut out our traditional Christmas trees. I spread perfect almond frosting on top and sprinkle with the same little colored sprinkles. I’m having a great time. What wonderful little cookies! Yes, this […]
When You’re Just Doing This
Sometimes folks ask me why I’m stagnating as a college lecturer teaching composition when I could do so much more with my degree. I used to be so offended by this question that often came from colleagues, students, or curious neighbors. Once, someone told me that she was so embarrassed for me because of my […]