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
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
Two years ago a lot of people lost their rock, friend, confidant, and biggest cheerleader. One of those people was Mae. Sue and Mae were best friends for more than 40 years. Mae wrote a piece about her friendship with Sue, and it gives me comfort to post it on this two-year anniversary. Mae was … More Best Friends
Our lives, in both good and bad times, are very much a product of the influential people who surround us. Today I’m acknowledging 10 such people in my life. (You might even be surprised by the last one.) I encourage you to do so, too, whether it’s by phone, handwritten letter, e-mail, or even a simple … More Giving Thanks
Today’s activity is just for you, parents. Kid swap!
Besides my sister Robin, there’s no one in the world I’ve been friends with longer than Amber. And yet, even I had no idea what to say to her when I found out her younger brother had died in a car crash. Four years later, this Castle Heart project finally gave me the nerve to … More Reach Out
Toddler Talk Episode 3 “Bright” Somewhere in Seattle … Szaba: I’ve only seen it in books, but I think that’s the SUN!
If you ever want to feel really REALLY shitty about yourself: Leave important people out of the obituary. Yes, I’ve done that. Me, the editor. The supposedly thoughtful, sentimental one. And let me tell you, add that feeling to the general crumminess of grief, and you have the perfect recipe for a clammy pit of … More How to Apologize
Toddler Talk Episode 2 “The Great Escape” Isn’t this the life? Let’s stay up and drink milk all night.
Yes, I was raised Catholic, but that doesn’t have anything to do with this. It’s a realization I had when I read a stirring essay by April Perry. (Thank you, April, for writing it.) And here is that realization:
My Castle Heart Publications 