On a rare date night we received a frantic call. From a neighbor, not even the sitter. My heart stopped beating. I couldn't blink. "Don't worry. Your boys are fine." Breathe. Exhale. Relief. "But the cops were at your house." WTF?! And now the hairs on my neck … [Read more...] about Being Neighborly in a White Neighborhood
family
“Kid-Friendly” Food is a Disservice to Kids
I loathe the term "kid-friendly" when it comes to food. That is too often synonymous with fat-laden-greasy-sodium-overdose-fried-processed-garbage-cut-into-bite-size-nuggets. Let's just call it FLGSOFPGCIBSN for short. Now don't get me wrong. There's a time for … [Read more...] about “Kid-Friendly” Food is a Disservice to Kids
A Broken Child is Worse Than Our Broken System
I don't care as much about a broken system as I care about the broken children. The fact that we question who deserves to be helped is plain heartless, ugly, and shameful. It's not just insulting, it's inhumane. Don't get me started on how ungodly it is. Let's be clear … [Read more...] about A Broken Child is Worse Than Our Broken System
Hunt Library is Spectacular
It's no wonder the inimitable New York Public Library is looking to North Carolina State University's Hunt Library for innovation inspiration. The place is magnificent. #1 on our annual Summer Adventure List is the Hunt Library. It didn't disappoint. The boys and I … [Read more...] about Hunt Library is Spectacular
Cool Dad – 5:00 Fridays TM
It's Father's Day weekend. I thought I'd clue you in just in case all the ads for ties, belts, power tools, and lawn mowers weren't enough. I don't know anyone who wants a tie or anything with "World's Best Dad" emblazoned on it. We don't even have a yard so the … [Read more...] about Cool Dad – 5:00 Fridays TM
Family is Love
I'm taking a 5:00 Fridays break today to bring you a remarkable story of a family that needs our help. My friend serves on the board of Mercy for America's Children and shared this story with me. Shining souls like Amy Phillips are the fuel our world needs to trudge forward with … [Read more...] about Family is Love
A Matter of Manners
Picture this: A Sunny Sunday afternoon at The Corner in Charlottesville, Virginia, my home town and home of my alma mater. We were enjoying lunch as a family, chatting about our fantastic trip to Monticello earlier in the day. The sky was blue, birds were serenading us, the … [Read more...] about A Matter of Manners