Surprise! I have another story time for you. This one is about something really important in these challenging times: KINDNESS. Whether you need some kindness today or you know someone who could use a smile, these two books offer ideas of little ways you can make a big difference. Included below the video are some … More Story Time: Kindness
My birthday (the big 4-0!) has added an extra patina of sentimentality and reflection to this holiday. In honor of this milestone—punctuated by finally unlocking the “author” achievement—I’ve assembled my own 12 days of Christmas* Thankfulness. Day 1: Cathy Taylor Day 2: Sue LaGow Day 3: Ryan Hylland Day 4: Jackie Phillips Day 5: Szaba and … More 12 Days of Christmas Thankfulness: Day 6
Any parent-to-be can’t help but worry (at least a little) about the great unknown of transitioning from one child to two. In addition to logistics like sleeping arrangements, meltdown management, and nap juggling, there are the uncertainties of adding another person into the family dynamic. As one parent explained it, you’re not just adding one … More Being a Big Sister
What has the year 2013 meant to you? For me, it’s been a year of trial and error, acceptance and surprises, joy and friendship. For my daughter, who turned three, it’s been a flagship year, too. She began to experiment with being her own person, complete with her own goals and opinions. (Oh, the opinions!) … More 2013: An Ode to Friendship
Sure, gifts are nice and all, but how do you really make someone happy? The GNH formula is a great place to start. That’s “gross national happiness,” as developed by Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck back in the ’70s. It’s rather fascinating (see the video below, if you want to know more), but the gist is that: … More Make Someone Happy
A couple years ago, I posted this super easy (and healthy!) recipe, and after making it this week, I am compelled to post it again. SO GOOD. You may remember it as Grumpus Soup—proven to help alleviate child possession by The Grumpus Monster.
As I mentioned in my post last week, I’m expecting my second child now, which has brought a vast range of emotions, along with a profound appreciation for both the good and the bad of pregnancy … and life in general. One day, while crying over, oh I don’t know, the way the morning light played … More Louis CK … Zen Master?
What tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season for you? In our house (and now our friends’) it’s coffee. And surprisingly, this tradition has nothing to do with Seattle, but rather Minnesota… by way of Chicago…
How do we reconcile love and difference? It’s a question we all must confront at some point or other, whether as fellow citizens, friends, siblings, daughters, sons, spouses, or parents. Particularly as parents. How we face this question doesn’t just affect us. It sculpts those born to trust in our guidance, love, and example. As Jim Sinclair, … More Love and Difference
Five years ago, I booked a round-trip, red-eye ticket to Oklahoma City to pick up someone I met online. Her. Okay, technically we didn’t “meet” online, but I saw her description and photo on Petfinder and knew I had to.
My Castle Heart Publications 