I have struggled with the concept of “mindful” for years. It usually comes with a lecture, or a demand disguised as a request often framed as a learning opportunity. It has been used to override boundaries, and bypass requests. The concept is often used in Christian Science to blame, shame, undermine, and side-step the actual … Continue reading mindfulness (little “m”)
Category: family
the Light of Hope & Thought
As we approach 280-something-th day of March my calendar insists it is actually mid-December. This makes some sense, Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees and Seasonal Cheer have started to percolate onto my Facebook feed. Our Christmas (“Festive Holiday”?) Tree is up, lit and decorated (still no angel on top). Our Advent Calendars — yes, calendars plural, … Continue reading the Light of Hope & Thought
I have work to do
I'm going to jump right in and admit I need to examine my old, learned, and hidden biases. It is my responsibility to check myself for my stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. I need to listen when I am called out for them. I need to learn more than what I was taught in school. I … Continue reading I have work to do
they’ll be back, they always come back
Around this time of year I usually have a post that talks about darkness and light and Dragons and maybe we'd all be better off if we just sat down and ate tacos, because everyone knows dragons love tacos. I don't have it in me this year. Darkness and light, inner reflection, meh. I couldn't … Continue reading they’ll be back, they always come back
normalization
Mommy, what is that line on your chin? A scar.How did you get it?I fell off a scooter. Then what happened?I got up, walked about fifty yards back to the house and Grandma sat me on the kitchen counter and cleaned me up a bit. I had a huge band aid on my chin for … Continue reading normalization
my Big 3 Things to work on in 2019
So it is now 2019 and everyone is resolving to do better at whatever it is they're trying to do better at, myself included. This post contains affiliate links. Maybe you'll find some of this useful. So things I am trying to do better at: 1: My Health & Food After talking with my doctor … Continue reading my Big 3 Things to work on in 2019
the new Missionaries & Santa
The other evening as I was preparing dinner, three young women knocked on our door. They introduced themselves as the "new missionaries" in town and wanted to "share a message" with us. I politely declined, wished them a good evening and closed the door. They looked mildly surprised, but took my rejection well. Kid2, who … Continue reading the new Missionaries & Santa
You can’t run on gratitude alone.
You can't run on gratitude alone. I knew this already, but I'm learning it again. All the heartfelt thanks in the world are not going to make up for the lost sleep, poor food choices, and exhaustion. It feels good to receive heartfelt thanks. Then it gets awkward, watching a tear of gratitude trickle down … Continue reading You can’t run on gratitude alone.
I’ve “done enough” and I’m going to do more
Another week, another meal train. More meals made for a family that is not my own. Another night of pasta and whatever vegetables we happen to have in the fridge for dinner so someone else can have a freshly made pot roast and veggies or baked ziti and a salad. Brownies for dessert, something chocolate … Continue reading I’ve “done enough” and I’m going to do more
“You’ve done enough.”
I'm thankful to live in a community that, when you have to make a phone call saying "This family has been displaced, and lost everything to the horrific natural disaster" the immediate reply is "What can I do to help?" Once the needs were known, people followed up with concrete action: bringing meals, helping to arrange … Continue reading “You’ve done enough.”
