She curls her body into mine, as tightly pressed as she can get. She is all flannel nightie and coconut shampoo and girl. They fight for space with Mom in the middle, each flanking me and claiming a side. He wraps one tiny arm around my belly and grins. It’s his favorite spot, tucked into my squish. He rests his chin on my arm and looks up at me through thick brown lashes. The kind girls dream of having and this charmer has gotten used to batting at me for “just 5 more minutes, Mama.” I let the …
My One Word for 2016: Enjoy
Yesterday, I got a package in the mail from a friend I met through this blog. We’ve chatted a few times in person and now I put a face and voice to the comments she leaves on my blog posts. There are literally hundreds of connections that have been made through this space. Spilling words and stories for the last 4 years, I’ve made some heart-deep friendships. In some ways it seems like I’ve done this forever and in other ways, I’d have thought I’d know more, been further, had my book written, …
Live with Wonder
I used to gather my strength at the year’s end for a running start into the new one. I’d limp through Christmas, the demands and social gatherings jabbing tender places. I’m no stranger to the ache and weariness the holiday season can bring. The twinge in your gut, that hollow space when everyone else seemed to be Christmas-ing better. Houses decked out with twinkling white lights arranged and tidy, fresh garland draping a stocking adorned fireplace, and each smiling child with flour …
