There is nothing like the faithful arrival of the Lenten Rose. Out of the spare, reflective season of lent, in the last days of winter, these blooms defy the cold earth and come right up through the snow. Ours are a bit hidden down a lane in the middle garden, so I don’t regularly happen … Continue reading Lenten Roses
Hugh is 16 months now. He's a blur of movement, a chattering, singing, hollering fellow, and it feels like he's got one foot in babyhood and one in full blown kid-dom. Here's a handful of little things that really seem to capture the moment: Lately, we're hearing a lot of Hugh's suddenly clear-as-a-bell, almost incredulous, … Continue reading Hugh
Last Friday, we packed up the kids and drove to Vermont for a weekend of hiking and spiritual retreat at a grand old house called Thendara. The group we joined there -- a motley crew of anglican/episcopal/catholic friends of all ages -- has been gathering for years to hike, reflect, worship, and enjoy big pancake … Continue reading Weekend in Vermont
Wednesday was the the big day: kindergarten. Vivienne was equal parts nerves and excitement as we talked (and talked and talked) about this big new step. What if no one likes me? What if I forget and can't write my name? What if my feet walk the wrong way and I get lost? As with most … Continue reading Interview with a Kindergartener
When I was pregnant with Vivienne, a seasoned mother passed along the most helpful pearl of parenting wisdom: everything is a phase. The hard moments will pass... and so will the delightful ones. It's okay to pause and bask in the joy a little bit. It fills you up, sustains you through the the harder … Continue reading Weekdays at the Beach
Have you ever read The House in the Night, by Susan Marie Swanson? It’s a particularly wonderful children’s book that always lingers in my mind well past bedtime story hour...
The Key to the House 