Embracing Messes: On Motherhood and the Being in Between
“Mom, I made a big mess!” my daughter exclaimed with a mixture of pride and excitement, eyebrows arched, eyes wide. Shuddering in anticipation of what I was about to see,…
Inspired by Story: Reflections on Storytelling and Motherhood
Over the past winter, as my daughter’s vocabulary expanded and her penchant for longer books increased, she entered into a spontaneous storytelling phase that still continues today. We might be…
Capturing the Light of the Everyday
It’s Easter Sunday, right during the pre-dinner bustle in the kitchen, and I’m following my son as he toddles about the kitchen, looking for mischief. Walking up to the wall,…
An Unfinished Love List
I love wrapping my hands around a warm mug of tea in the winter. I love how my son rests his head on my shoulder and strokes my hair. I…
Surprised by Simplicity
“I want to share with you, Mom,” my daughter declares as I plop a plate of apples and peanut butter in front of her while half turned on my way…
On Smartphones, Improv, and Presence
It was the sweetest little wooden Noah’s ark set that I snagged for a few bucks at a thrift sale. I couldn’t wait to bring it home, give it a…
Remembering Summer
After dinner one Sunday at my parent's house, someone pulls out a stack of old photos. Sudden gasps and bursts of laughter arise in every corner of the room as…
The Art of Imitation
Thump! The laundry basket hits the ground with a thud, and I take a seat next to it, preparing to fold. My daughter peers in and pulls out a facecloth,…
On Motherhood and Play
My daughter shrugged her shoulders and smiled with squinty eyes as we clinked our respective beverages, imaginary and real, together. I sipped my coffee as she continued to arrange and…
On the Meaning of Mid-Winter
Mud-streaked snow covers the ground in patches and the sky settles like a grey blanket over the rooftops. Cheery twinkle lights on evergreen trees have become dull brown branches against a…