Ken Gire, in his book The Reflective Life, described the plentiful options we have before us to fill our plates, our days (I'm adding a few and updating to reflect opportunities present in 2007): Vehicles to transport us wherever we want, even off-road, with audio technology and reading material--iPods, books on CD, podcasts--to keep the ride from getting … [Read more...]
10 Simple Ways to Class Up One’s Act (a notch)
You may have concluded at some point that I'm not exactly a style guru. If so, you are correct. Just ask the friend who does my hair—she's thrilled if I agree to something other than a blunt trim straight across. I often forget to wear makeup, even though my face would certainly benefit from daily attention and improvements. And then of … [Read more...]
Psalter/Proverb Devotional Reading Plan
Many years ago I saw an article explaining how Billy Graham read through both the book of Psalms and the book of Proverbs each month. He read one chapter in Proverbs per day—Proverbs 1 on the 1st day of the month and so on through the 31st. I guess he'd read several on the 28th of February to make it to the end (certainly wouldn't want to neglect … [Read more...]
Group Books by Color
When my friend A. was helping me with some decorating ideas (I'm hopeless on my own), she recommended that I group the books on my family room shelves somehow. "Group them? Like, with the Dewey Decimal System?" I asked. I wasn't opposed. As a matter of fact, it would have made locating books much easier. "No, not like that. I'm thinking like a decorator here. You … [Read more...]
Creative Methods for Capturing Family Stories
At my brother’s urging, I signed up with StoryCorps to interview my mom back in 2007. My brother interviewed Dad. The idea of StoryCorps is to collect the stories of everyday people and save them for posterity. Here’s how they explained their vision: StoryCorps is modeled—in spirit and in scope—after the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of … [Read more...]
Thick and Chewy, Fast and Easy Pizza Dough
(Disclaimer: Experienced breadmakers must simply move on. They will find it too painful to read how I mess around with the nuances of bread-making.) Once a week, the kids ask for pizza. To save money and time (and eat a little healthier), I make my own crust. I got the original recipe and instructions from one of the Tightwad Gazette books … [Read more...]
What are Your Five Fat Files?
Janel Messenger published a post entitled "The Anti-Boredom Life," in which she talked about modeling a life of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, turning off the TV and assigning chores. After reading her post, I was ready to take the kids on a breezy bike ride, run in the woods or veg out in a hammock watching clouds. She also included some practical suggestions for … [Read more...]
Wonder and Whirligigs
It's Mother's Day. A day when I've been known to receive a fistful of daisies wilted dandelions or even dried up whirligig seed pods from a maple tree. Gifts of love clutched in a sweaty preschooler's hand and delivered with love. Tuck the collection into a vase. Position it front and center on the table. Don't compare with other moms … [Read more...]
Castile Soap for a Simpler Life (and blemish-free face)
One, simple idea. One bottle. One product to suggest: Castile soap, a product is made with vegetables and herbal oils. The one I use (Updated 2012: I originally used Trader Joe's Pure Peppermint Castile Soap in liquid form, but several years ago switched to Dr. Bronner's, which I love except for all the strange messaging printed on the bottle) adds a touch of Aloe Vera … [Read more...]
Life. Parenting. Writing. Perspective. (Writing in the Midst of Motherhood)
I remember settling sideways in a black, plastic chair to sit across from a new client. I was developing my freelance corporate writing career simultaneous to incubating my first baby. My client, a land developer, stared doubtfully at the tent-like awning—er, maternity blouse—brushing the edge of the table. I tried tucking my "bump" under the table, but that didn't work. … [Read more...]
The Last Egg
We used the Resurrection Eggs (evidently ours is an older model) again this year in our family devotions. Someday I'd like to make my own, actually, as I'd add a lot more eggs with additional symbols for a richer story. I suppose the whole idea could seem a little cheesy, but the kids love them, and the important thing is that it keeps them focused as we read the … [Read more...]
Grow as a Writer: Live Life, Take Risks, and Waterski
Fifteen years ago, I sat in a breakout session at a writers' conference listening to an author talk about the writing process. Experience Life The thing I remember most was this: "The best advice I can give you to help you grow as a writer is to experience life." What? We came to hear about queries and proposals. We wanted to learn how she organized submissions … [Read more...]
I'm a Midwestern Blogger: Sensible as a Wool Hat
Ever since I discovered Scott Russell Sanders a few years ago and read some of his books that extol the virtues of firmly planting oneself in a physical, geographical place, I've been thinking about my place: the Midwest.The suburban Midwest, no less.I've always wanted to try living elsewhere, to escape for a time, to see what it's like away from the mild, vanilla … [Read more...]
Crepes? Mais, Oui!
Every other week or so I make crepes. My family goes nuts. You'd think I told them we were going to shovel sugar straight from the sugar bowl into our mouths. Of course, that's not too far off reality. Crepes (once filled) are sweet. Crepes are also fattening. Crepes are delicious. In fact, when I'm feeling unappreciated, I simply pull out the eggs and announce a … [Read more...]
Benefit of the Doubt
Years ago I worked with Barbara. Barbara was old enough to be my mother. I was a young woman straight out of college on my first job in an administrative position that included some creative writing. Barbara answered phones. I'd hear her at the front desk from my office next door. "Good morning and thank you for calling. How may I help you?" Her voice was soft, sweet, … [Read more...]