I love the story my mom tells of my first dance recital. Of course, as memories go, it is augmented by the photos: pre-Instagram squares of naturally occurring haze. I am onstage for the tap show in a fringed pink satin leotard with about 20 other preschoolers....
Prevent Teenage Boredom
What do you do when you hear your teenager say, "I'm bored"? I’ve done everything to survive summers as a mom. When they were little, I took them to a playroom in a cafe while enjoying refillable drinks and air conditioning. Bliss. Or to “rec centers,” which have an...
On a Beauty Hunt: When the Pain Is Too Great, Stick It to Him
I felt so guilty at the close of the day, headed to a farm with friends to grill, and dream, around a fire pit. I knew I would feast on beauty in all its forms – relationships, food, and nature – and had spent the day similarly. Intentionally carving out space of time...
Story-Based Parenting
Today I saw a sticker of two female figures, each donning the iconic triangle, but one in color, clearly a superhero’s cape. The quote read, “It was never a dress.” I laughed and immediately bought some. We are in the era of “girl power.” Companies such as Dove and...
Mothering Boys: Surviving the Transition Years of Adolescence
Sugary calorie rich junk food covers my kitchen counter this morning and pop-its litter the garage. Somewhere in the neighborhood 3, maybe 5 or 7 teenage boys are loose, celebrating the end of middle school while every other grade remains in class for two more days....
If We’ve Found Our ‘Calling,’ Why Isn’t Life Easier?
“I’m mad at God.” It felt right and true as the words came out, even though I had had no such thought just moments prior. I was huddled on my comfy couch with 3 women, one of whom I had met a mere hour earlier, to watch the live stream of IF: Gathering. Months before,...