My nine-year-old and a couple of his buddies were loading into our car after baseball practice. Before I had started the engine, he surprised me with what he had to tell his friends: “My mom’s going to play stupid ‘Follaton Wood’.” He neglected to tell his teammates that he has been asking for that songContinue reading “Trying to be a Farm Girl”
Category Archives: parenting
So Was That It?
Lush green foliage exploded up the century-old corn crib which had been transformed in recent years to a hobby farmer’s fancy. The lace white blooms of the Sweet Autumn clematis were a few weeks from showing, but the vine was rich and full. It would, we thought collectively, make the perfect backdrop for nextContinue reading “So Was That It?”
The Kindest of Wolves
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding.” –Proverbs 3:5-6 “Shut up, you stupid idiot, or else I’m going to punch you in the eye.” “Hi, Miss K. I love you.” I am secretly just a bit jealous of the spontaneous embrace that my little boy gave toContinue reading “The Kindest of Wolves”
Luke Ate The Snowstorm
“Last year, at this place in Michigan, they got FIFTY-THREE FEET of snow IN ONE DAY.” The words spilled emphatically from his mouth and sent forth little drops of spit that distracted me, but only slightly, as I imagined this extraordinary snow occurrence which, in his mind, had certainly happened. “Maybe you mean fifty-three inches?Continue reading “Luke Ate The Snowstorm”
Mother
In the morning, I saw my mother in the mirror for the very first time. A bit later that same day, my husband reminded me that my mother-in-law was four years younger than me when she lost her husband to cancer. There was a magnificent purple in the dusky sky as it beckoned nightfall. IContinue reading “Mother”
Ode to My Child’s Teacher
You have been my child’s teacher, and I am grateful. For a span of nearly twenty-five years, children of mine have had the privilege of being taught, nurtured, cared for, and loved by so many extraordinary teachers, men and women who have helped to form these young beings into who they are. My nearly grownContinue reading “Ode to My Child’s Teacher”
Racing the Clouds
“I know a lot about dinosaurs. My favorite is the Velociraptor.” “Is that a big one?” I immediately regretted encouraging this boy to carry on with what was clearly going to be more information than I could…or would want to… process. We were at a birthday party, and my little son was playing ball withContinue reading “Racing the Clouds”
Sunsets and Storms
“How long do you think I’ll last? I mean, when do you think I am going to die?” Ethan’s questions still sometimes catch me a bit off guard. I am not sure I ever give him answers that satisfy or even make sense to him. I had to come up with something. “Well, Grampa isContinue reading “Sunsets and Storms”
Mirrors and Empty Containers
Maybe he didn’t intend to leave it here, but I’m happy that he did. The whole kitchen fills with the smell of good coffee, because it’s whole bean, and I have to use the grinder, which makes me appreciate the roast even more, when I already feel like I am getting away with something byContinue reading “Mirrors and Empty Containers”
What’s In Your Egg Basket?
Something happened. Something went wrong, or maybe it didn’t. Words that interrupted my idle thoughts as I stood at the kitchen sink, face-to-face with dinner’s aftermath, cannot be taken back. Even as I feel the blood rush through my legs and the empty space grow in my soul, I find solace in a cupcake. It’sContinue reading “What’s In Your Egg Basket?”
