Category Archives: balance

The Boots

academics, balance, kids, Parenting

Him:  “Oh, yeah, Mom.  I need some tall maroon boots for the play.  Like old-time boots.”

Me:  “Ummm?  You wear a men’s size 11.  I don’t think we’re going to find tall maroon boots in that size.”

Him:  “I really have to have them.  I need them for the play.”

side note:  The play is a take-off on Snow White, and he’s the henchman.  Those kind of boots.

Me:  [long pause]  Well, maybe I could make something.  From wool?

very important side note:  I can sew a straight line.  I make things like bean bags for birthday parties, not boots for people to actually wear.

Him:  “Yes, yes, thank you!!”  [overly enthusiastic to make up for outrageous request and to encourage very hesitant mother]

We trudged over to Joann Fabrics and, lo and behold, the miracle of maroon wool appeared.  We bought it and took it home.  I measured, and guessed, and drew on the wool with a piece of chalk.  That’s right:  chalk.

I got out my trusty sewing machine, the one my mother bought for me in 1992.  Yes, that’s correct.

I cut.

I sewed.

I was feeling mighty proud.

Him:  “Oh, great!  And can you add some laces?  And buttons?  Like old-time boots?

Me:  “Huh?”  But I got busy.

And for a drama class play, I think they’ll be just fine.

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The Journey, by Mary Oliver

balance, life, writing
photo credit: Simon Cocks

Sometimes we read for enjoyment. A little sunscreen and Jane Green makes for a lovely afternoon at the beach.

Sometimes we read for information, because Lord knows we need help rearing teenagers and stripping wallpaper.

And sometimes we read because words inspire us and provoke thought and spur us to live this one life more fully.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”

 If you haven’t been moved by words lately, reading The Journey, by Mary Oliver, ought to do it.  I’d quote the entire poem here, but I’m not sure what the rules are about doing so, and you know me, Rule Follower.  So click over.  Take 2 minutes and read The Journey.  Read it again, if you like.

Friday’s almost here; Ms. Oliver’s words are food for thought for all of us as we run around doing whatever it is we’ll be doing this weekend.  And then, tell me, does it resonate for you?

Is there another poem that makes you think?  One whose words climb off the page and into your psyche, visiting you again and again over time? Will you share a link?

Happy reading!

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So Many Blogs, So Little Time

balance

How does she do it?

That’s the universal question, isn’t it?

We wonder how the mom of 4 under 4 changes all those diapers and wipes all those noses and still finds time to laugh with friends and run a mile or two.

We wonder how that perfectly coifed woman, the one with the great shoes and superb outfit manages to run both her household and an entire division at the office.

We wonder how moms make all of their food from scratch, sew clothes, find time to shop, find time to eat, find money for extras, hit the gym regularly, stay thin, comb their hair, find time to make play doh with their kids, etc, etc.  You can name more, I’m sure.

And I can add this to the list:  how on earth do you keep up with all of the interesting, funny, heart-wrenching, informative blogs out there?

Once upon a time, I had a short list.  I suppose I still do.  Those favs I discovered early on are still the ones I check in on first.  But every time I read one, I find myself click, click, clicking to read another.  Today I added two more to my already bulging feeder.  But when will I ever find the time?

Seriously, I’m looking for time management tips here.  How DO you do it?

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