To the outnumbered one You were surrounded by a lifetime of girls. To the jokester one Who pulled on ears and curls. To the responsible one Spending years in night school over time. To the wild one Who encouraged us girls to climb. To the quiet one That learned how to listen and learn. To the disciplinary one Who rarely
Read moreI’m flooded with memories when I think about how we got to that moment on the beach. I’m thinking of our first date. Indian food, small smiles, and lots of nervous laughter. How I wasn’t sure I’d actually see you again until you emailed me your schedule a few hours after we parted ways to show me when you would
Read moreDear Girls, There are many things that people do not tell you before you become a parent. They might tell you the first few lines of the story, but they leave out the protagonist and subplot entirely. I, however, believe in telling full truths when I tell stories, so I will spare you no details. For example, you may hear
Read moreDear Lulu, Many years ago lived a man with dreams, ideas and words so big that some of the world couldn’t handle his greatness. His words were so powerful that 44 years after they were gone, you sat on my lap listening to them and shed a handful of tears when you heard he was killed. You were confused and
Read moreUntil the age of 8 I lived next to an empty field with a sledding hill that we used to tear up and down every winter. The only measurement we had for how good of a winter we were having was the depth of the track marks left in the snow. I remember the lurching of my stomach as I
Read moreI always thought I’d be the type of parent that could kiss my kids goodbye without crying. It was important to me that I maintain my identity as a person not just form a new identity as a parent. Key to that idea was travel. I spent the majority of my life contained in the same state. I made myself
Read moreDear Girls, October really is the scariest time of the year for me. It’s not the ghouls and goblins that cause me concern. It’s not masked monsters, hooded hoodlums, or even the abundance of sugary treats that really terrifies me. I don’t waste my time worrying about poisoned candy, hidden needles, or lurking weirdos. Really, it’s the princesses that scare
Read moreIt has been unbearable in my house the last few months. July brought Evan’s sixth birthday which meant a sleepover, presents, a week long sugar high and a very whiny little sister. In August we switched roles and celebrated Lulu’s birthday. This time it was Evan that fell apart at every seam when it wasn’t her being celebrated or spoiled.
Read moreI’m excited for my first backpacking trip. I don’t feel very nervous. I tell myself it’s just walking. I have a failed track record at running. My attempt at skiing was unsuccessful. But walking? That’s something I have proven I can do for 29 years now. I’m aware that there is a 30 pound pack that must be carried while
Read moreI love Mother Nature but she really needs a makeover. During the last few years I’ve poured more and more energy into trying to spend time outdoors. I think traveling to Africa and seeing such immense beauty made me realize how different the world can look when we’re not separated from it by windows and wheels. Although always an athlete I had
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Chop Wood, Carry Water 