My grandmother passed away on September 8, one week before my 41st birthday. As I wrote the poem that I recited at her funeral, I was in awe at what a full, amazing life she lived. The things that changed in her 102 years on earth are mind-boggling. But through it all, my grandmother stayed […]
The Consumption Train
There is a country song by Josh Turner called “The Long Black Train.” The premise of the song is that this train carries many of our vices and we should avoid riding it. I love a good metaphor. So as I was walking this morning with that song randomly in my head, the idea of […]
Living in the (Fun-Sized) Lap of Luxury
Several Halloweens ago, I emptied a bag of candy into a bowl to distribute to trick-or-treaters. My young son, standing beside me, looked perplexed as he read the packaging containing the miniature candy bars. “Fun size? Why do they call those fun-size, mom? Those candy bars are just way smaller! What’s fun about smaller?” I […]
Choosing Rest
I walk the “being versus doing” tightrope daily. My morning routine usually begins with silence and stillness. Most days, I’m off to a steady, sure start. Then the doing sets in. Children awake and the dishes and laundry beckon. Our seven-year-old begins asking questions faster than I can count (sorry, I don’t know what cashews […]
Creating A Better Balance
A friend recently celebrated her birthday. On Facebook, her husband wished her a very happy birthday and praised her for always putting his needs and their children’s needs above her own. That because of this, she would have his love forever. Reading it riled me up. Maybe it was because, at that moment, I was […]
The True Value of our Stuff
One of the heartwarming stories coming out of the 2020 Toyko Olympics is that of Polish javelin thrower Maria Andrejczyk. Andrejczyk, who won the silver medal, announced on her Facebook page on August 11, 2011 that she was auctioning the medal off to help fund the transportation and life-saving surgery of Miłoszek Małysa, an 8-month […]
How to Recover from Winning
Did you watch any of the recent Olympic coverage? I don’t care whether it’s gymnastics, rugby, swimming, or table tennis, there’s something about seeing the incredible performances and the feats of strength, agility, endurance, and mental fortitude. No matter who wins, it’s moving to realize what that athlete has accomplished, and what every athlete who […]
A Minimalist Mom’s Evening Routine
Once upon a time, not long after my kids were born, I was what one might call a “morning person”. Up by 6am, breakfasts made, diapers changed, birds singing as the chores were finished. All was well in my morning routine. This went happily on for years until I began to grow tired. Something felt… […]
The Paradox of Slow
It’s starting to feel like summer here in Kansas City. The long June days, sticky without reprieve, taper into comfortable nights. I step out into them religiously. Unwinding from the day, I reflect on life while catching glimpses of the sun setting behind tall maple trees. One evening last week, I had a realization that […]
The Time Machine
I just spent nine hours in front of my computer. Again. I took only three short breaks and spent maybe ten minutes outside. I even ate lunch at my desk. I know this isn’t healthy, but still, it happens much too often. Maybe it does for you too. And many of our kids are also […]