This year, my Christmas spirit has a flavor peppered with longing, fatigue, and melancholy. Gone is the typical sweetness of the season. Rather than anticipation, I feel dread. A cloud of worry casts its shadow overhead. Actually, it’s more of an all-consuming fog. Time is fluid. … [Read more...] about Dimmed Spirits
Dirt and Noise
Showing Compassion is a Teen Milestone
I admittedly didn’t think of exhibiting compassion as a milestone during the teen years, but when I saw it in my son, it was a staggering revelation. It was during recent events around our national racial reckoning that I saw true compassion unveiled in my teenage son. We had … [Read more...] about Showing Compassion is a Teen Milestone
Missing My (Not So) Little Boy
Fresh air is fuel. I took a walk around the park in my neighborhood the other day to feel the invigorating breeze of early autumn and to clear my head. My son has been away at school 800 miles away for about two months now. Parents' weekend came and went. We already had plans to … [Read more...] about Missing My (Not So) Little Boy
53 Bits of Wisdom, or Something Like That
Today, I am 53-years old. Another year in this one life. While I’m still not scaling mountains, publishing books, dressing for success, or running for office, I’m fulfilled and joyful. I do, however, still aspire to have my dream job naming nail polish colors and having a job … [Read more...] about 53 Bits of Wisdom, or Something Like That
He’s 18 today.
Dear Bird, You are 18 today. EIGHTEEN. It is a strange phenomenon that you grow and age while I retain my youthful glow, eternally stuck in decades far younger than my chronological years. I see in you glimpses of the boy you were, and when you were little I tucked away … [Read more...] about He’s 18 today.
Independence for Whom?
Are we the land of the free? Think about who actually enjoys freedom in our American systems. We are the home of the brave, the brave resistors, rabble-rousers, protestors, activists, advocates. Independence Day has long been my favorite holiday. I always said my family should … [Read more...] about Independence for Whom?
Dear Deal on Your 16th Birthday
Dear Deal, I write this on a cloudy day as I remember the morning you were born 16 years ago, sunny side up. You always hate when I say that. You’re a teenage boy, and I’m a 50-something mom, so you pretty much hate everything I say. But that doesn’t stop me from saying stuff … [Read more...] about Dear Deal on Your 16th Birthday