Beautiful

She looks in the mirror violet crescents shadow the delicate space below her tired eyes ring fingers tap cold cream trace new wrinkles etched in the corners and here’s an annoying pimple in her reflection, // her eyes move to her softened belly,  once ballooned to carry a baby small breasts, once swelled to feedContinue reading “Beautiful”

My 2020 intention

In 2019, I was constantly in motion. Rising early to beat the call of “Mommy!”; gulping down hot coffee; speeding to school pickup; racing through bedtime stories only to crash into bed, exhausted. My planner — bursting with appointments, birthdays, tasks and deadlines — was my compass. I scrawled my dreams in the margins. IContinue reading “My 2020 intention”

Lessons from 2019

The Cut recently informed me that although some people don’t keep a diary, most of us have inboxes that serve as a “fossil record of our lives.” In other words, ancient emails are a window into our stories. Reading this, a small chuckle escaped my lips. I’d been sifting through emails the day prior forContinue reading “Lessons from 2019”

Jesus Christ, Advent and the grace of Christmas radio

The digital clock on my dresser flashes 7:55. Late, we are going to be late. I sprint across the hallway, snatch socks and deposit them at my son’s feet. “I need you to put these on now.” “Nooo! I don’t wanna,” he screeches, folding his arms.

How I spent my three-month sabbatical

On Dec. 2, I’ll step back into my workplace of over six years after a three-month sabbatical. Undoubtedly one of the first questions on my colleagues’ minds regarding this time away will be “So, how was it?” To which question I’m struggling to find a succinct answer. If pressed to sum it up in adjectives,Continue reading “How I spent my three-month sabbatical”

A prayer of thanksgiving

For a little boy who celebrates fresh flakes with spontaneous snow angels, For his bear hugs & sloppy kisses, For the sweet taste of his remaining Halloween candy, freely given (seems like all our talk of generosity is sinking in, eh?), For building towers & bedtime stories,  For every blessed time he utters, “I love youContinue reading “A prayer of thanksgiving”

How to take a writing retreat

First things first, you pack your hiking boots, your books, your laptop and your notebook. Make that two notebooks. Plenty of pens, six pairs of socks, underwear, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Two sweaters, four long-sleeve shirts, four pairs of pants. The readings for your workshop, hot off the printer. Cash you forgot to get cashContinue reading “How to take a writing retreat”

Faith and doubt

I stand at the edge of the river, gazing out at the horizon. Azure sky and mountains and wind and sunlight surround me, threaten to engulf me. Alone on a bridge in central Washington, I listen. Rapids rush beneath me. A smattering of leaves flutter down from a distant tree. I wonder what it’s likeContinue reading “Faith and doubt”