It's our first spring in the garden at Wingate house, and among all the wonders unfolding around us, the poppies -- with their odd, hairy pods, their tightly packed tissue paper petals unfurling hour by hour -- are one of the greatest pleasures. Before they opened, Hugh reverently enfolded the pods in his little hands … Continue reading Poppies
At bedtime the other night, Vivi solemnly prayed, "Dear God, thank you for Christmas and that you sent an angel to warn Mary about baby Jesus before he just esploded out of her tummy!" It's often hard to keep a straight face during bedtime prayers. Honestly, though, it is pretty great that God gave Mary … Continue reading Christmas Meditation
I've been thinking a lot lately about Vivienne's budding faith -- probably because of the steady stream of questions she's throwing at us... Little things, casually peppered into breakfast conversation or a walk to the park. Why can't I see God? When will God make me into a grown-up? How will God take care of … Continue reading The Eucharist
Writing about motherhood often feels like a futile exercise. How on earth does one capture and organize the three dimensional whirlwind of active bodies, the deep emotional valleys, the adventures, the quiet, private moments? I have always loved the economy of poetry -- the freedom to omit context or narrative and zero in on one … Continue reading Poems & Motherhood
The Key to the House 