A lot of people think that no good can come of checking your phone at 2 AM in the morning, but anyone who’s ever been getting ready to go into a meeting at 2 PM knows that there’s nothing like a quick glance at that glowing window to distorted reality that take your eyes off… Continue reading Pieces of 2021
Tag: Ritual
Organically Grown
Somedays the wind is howling around the mountains. Other days, the sun is pointing out every new bud in the forest. Even when it’s grey and the back section of our trail is more pond than path, though, at four o’ clock, at least one kid and one adult will ask if we’re all ready… Continue reading Organically Grown
Feline Friday and The daily Zero K
In an apparent attempt to prove that the world would be better off run by members the next generation, the boys have been dragooning me — for my own good — into a very short ZeroK walk around the house every day since I’ve been sick. Thing1’s rationale is that there is nothing that even… Continue reading Feline Friday and The daily Zero K
Sunshine Good Day
Jack was born in the summer. By default, our summer travel routine and the vacation plans of most of his classmates made most of his birthday celebrations quite a bit smaller and tamer than the circus-like orgies of cake and presents that are depicted as normal and desirable in movies or ads. His birthdays are… Continue reading Sunshine Good Day
The Game
I woke up a few Fridays ago determined to get my 'down' time in on the trail before the workday started. I got it. I also got a lesson from Mother Nature down time management. I got the kids to the bus, miraculously in time for the first stop. Then I headed to the trail… Continue reading The Game
Seven
I'm making a third birthday cake for Thing2 today. He had one for his party over the weekend, we took cupcakes in for his class today, and we'll have our family celebration tonight. It's the last cake for the last seventh birthday I'll ever make for one of my children, and while I don't want… Continue reading Seven
Seasons and Celebrations
Sept 23 It's the Big Guy's birthday. Today our family is celebrating him, but I've also come to see this day as the demarcation of the seasons. It's not just because his birthday coincides with the second day of fall, but because his favorite birthday dessert is not cake. It's apple pie, preferably made with… Continue reading Seasons and Celebrations
In the Beginning
Everyday is a beginning, and in the beginning, it's always murky - sometimes even dark. Beginnings still take determination and fight - whether it's a new run or another day toward a new life. It's not until the first bead of sweat breaks that the rhythm of the trail or the day takes over. It's… Continue reading In the Beginning
A Banner Routine
I wasn't exactly pudgy in high school. I doubt any of my friends would have called me fat, but I doubt I was the only girl who looked in the mirror and wished they were skinnier, taller, more like the faces staring out from the magazines. I was hardly model height or weight or anything… Continue reading A Banner Routine
Worth Waiting
It was supposed to rain that Thursday, but as the time for the parade drew closer, blue took over more and more of the sky. The Big Guy was working, as he does most years on the Fourth of July. As they do most years, our plans for the day included chores and little else.… Continue reading Worth Waiting
Worth Repeating
The willow trees near the main road are sending out shoots of yellow green, and it's clear the mountains are about to explode in a myriad of greens. For now, though, the daffodils and the tiny sunlit green dots on the trees cast a glow over our small town. The Dairy Bar is open… Continue reading Worth Repeating
Sunny with a chance of SuperDude
I can predict the weather once a year with near 100% certainty. The last Saturday in April will almost certainly be sunny and cold. I know this because this is the day Little League begins in our town, and it would not be the official start of the game season if eager young T-ballers weren't… Continue reading Sunny with a chance of SuperDude
Rachel Barlow Art 