The last few weeks, I’ve noticed a serious cobweb situation developing on our porch. I realize, of course, that we live (practically) in the woods, and a few spiders come with the territory. A few. But I’ve seen more than a few, and some of them have been big suckers. The other night, as I … Continue reading
“I don’t know what to do about this.” “Sorry, what?” He looked up from his computer. “The situation with the kids? And that country song? Why can’t they just stick to lovesick crooning and runaway dogs and makin’ Momma proud?” I asked. “Uh…what seems to be the problem?” His computer was shut tight now, giving … Continue reading
This was originally published on Plumfield Academy’s blog in January 2014. ———– Plumfield always takes a full two weeks off at Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a lovely practice that allows for families to travel or to snuggle up at home, doing whatever they want to celebrate the holidays, without the pressure of having to … Continue reading
The eager cry of a child’s “Pick me!” has the power to stir anxiety as well as anticipation in the hearts of young and old alike. The scene that unfolded on the green hills at Plumfield a few weeks ago was no exception. The boy wiggled, his little body in constant motion. “Pick me! Pick … Continue reading
* This post originally appeared on Plumfield Academy’s blog. * ——————– “AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE, we prepare for some obvious changes: shorter days, cooler temperatures, a significant drop in ice cream consumption. But another change takes place as well, something whose consequences most of us don’t ordinarily think about. Grown-ups return to work, where … Continue reading
C’mon, Mommy! My limbs, awkward and unused, lacking a youthful litheness I once took for granted, gently obey. I balance tippy toe, and the bike wobbling underneath, patiently waits for me to settle. My hands grip the handlebars and suddenly it’s my fifteen year old hands holding tight and I’m off to visit Grandma Jeanne’s. … Continue reading
The unnatural pink glow from your lava lamp is now the hue in which I see you at night, all snuggled with your brother, the two of you atop ringlets of purple, swirls on the comforter that you chose last year from Target. Your fairy pi’s tossed carelessly over the edge of the bunk … Continue reading
What effort, to transform the circadian lull of mid-afternoon into cascading moments of sweetness, delight for the soul and the senses. A gift I cannot give myself, but only receive. This oft dreaded witching hour, when empty bellies and foggy minds clamor for attention; when lunch is long past and dinner is a work in … Continue reading
I had one of those jaw dropping-awesome-can’t believe it-my heart is gonna burst moments over Christmas. Parenting is often hard, but mostly, as my mother-in-law says, it’s chronic. You can go days without really thinking about significant problems, without savoring that special moment, without realizing what an impact you are having on your child, or … Continue reading
Story is that the roads ’round these parts “developed” as a series of cowpaths (or possibly Native American foot paths). Which goes a long way toward explaining why streets twist and turn, why street names change without warning (or signs), how you can be on “one road” for a mile and make 28 turns, and … Continue reading
"That got me thinking..." 