Especially whenthe sunrise catches in the bushes, slidingacross the sidewalk, gildingevery zinnia and robin in its path another day’s on the cusp of unfurling,and I am bursting with possibility and hope, Especially whentwo fair-haired boys melttheir bodies against mine, sleep dusting their eye creases, last night’s dreams curling in the air like the steam risingContinue reading “Especially when”
Legacy
At the end of June, my family flew to New Orleans for my grandma Eleanor’s 90th birthday. Two years had passed since our last visit, and I was excited to introduce her to our toddler, Adam. Upon arrival, I watched with delight as she held Adam and lavished attention on our oldest, who showed offContinue reading “Legacy”
Blessing for the first day of summer
This summer, let there be light —
sunlight, starlight, delight, featherlight bags, lightsome days, a lightness of being …
The Beauty of Motherhood in the world
As our initial promotions for The Beauty of Motherhood close out, I’m taking a moment to celebrate this little pink book and its big message of grace.
Keep Me Awake: Prayer as a Mother
“I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.I do know how to pay attention, how to fall downinto the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,how to be idle and blessed” — Mary Oliver, from “The Summer Day” I stand in an open field, watching for signs of rain. An hour ago, I hollered toContinue reading “Keep Me Awake: Prayer as a Mother”
Why I let him nap in my arms…again
Because he woke up early from his nap.Because he was calling “Ma-ma! Ma-ma!”Because when I collected him from the crib,he nestled his head against my shoulder.Because he needed more sleep.Because I needed him, too.Because I could *not* answer another email or tidy another toy or wash another dish.Because being his safe space is more importantContinue reading “Why I let him nap in my arms…again”
The Beauty of Motherhood
Dear God, There are messes
upon messes in this house,
the baby and I are playing an epic game of spill or save the dog’s water bowl
I could call him a wonder
Today is Adam’s first birthday. From our couch, I watch him cruise the living room, weaving in and out of midwinter sunbeams. He picks up a blue building block and passes it through the mail slot of our front door. Turning to me, he exclaims “Da-da-da!” while I hover my pen over my notebook. “GoodContinue reading “I could call him a wonder”
Who you are at six : a birthday tribute
You are an athlete. You sprint across the soccer field, swing from the monkey bars, scale trees, slides and rocks then leap into your next adventure. Motion is your oxygen. You were an angel in the Christmas play, and though you wouldn’t wear your wings (“too scratchy”) and you might have ignored a few stageContinue reading “Who you are at six : a birthday tribute”
In This House…
We sing to each other and we tell bedtime stories, // We share highs and lows and prayers at dinner, // We practice kindness and yoga and serving our neighbors,
Erin Strybis 