First things first. Sara, if you’re reading, sit down and breathe deeply. Yes, this snake was on our property where your girls have played happily and freely, but it’s non-venomous, and it wouldn’t hurt a flea–well, that’s not quite true–it strangulates then eats chipmunks and birds and small rodents. NOT young girls. Are you breathing […]
Worms
Sometimes it’s imperative to stop and smell (wait, maybe the better word is “touch” or “look” for this one!) the earthworms. Liliana’s fascinated with them and holds them up to watch them wriggle. If they’re stiff and gravelly, she says, “Dead,” and lays them back down. Dan says, “Why don’t you eat it?” and Liliana […]
Mother’s Plunge: Retreat and Renewal
Okay, here’s an opportunity for all you exhausted and depleted mothers out there (isn’t that all of us?). I’m disappointed I can’t take advantage of it, but I thought I should tell you about it, in case you can. Karen Maezen Miller is holding a one-day Mother’s Retreat in Sierra Madre, California. Even though she’s […]
Olive Kitteridge
Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction this year, for her loosely related short story collection called Olive Kitteridge. The book is one of the best I’ve read for character study. Each story either brushes up against Olive–the wife of a loving husband, a mother of a stubborn boy, and seventh-grade teacher in town–or […]
Fabric That Will Knock Your Socks Off
Every once in a while, I’ll share some beauty with you. You don’t have to be a sewer, knitter, or crafter to enjoy. Sometimes it’s just about looking and feeling. As my husband says, “With my art, I want there to be a feeling to it. What do you feel?” So, here’s Amy Butler’s fabric […]