I’ve been grappling with posting something for Bird’s birthday. As the boys grow up I post less and less about them. My firstborn turned 12 a few days ago. With the benefit of hindsight I see the qualities of his younger self manifesting themselves in new ways. They say that s … [Read more...] about Happy 12th Birthday, Bird
family
Writing Prompts for Family Travel Abroad
There's a tin sign perched over a door frame in my family room. It reads "Home -- Where your story begins." I'm heading home, in a sense, though I'll be a stranger in my homeland. We are about to embark on an epic journey. Unlike kids these days, I don't use the word epic … [Read more...] about Writing Prompts for Family Travel Abroad
What Should I Put in My Carry On
We are embarking on the journey of a lifetime soon. Perhaps that sounds hyperbolic, but I'd say one month in India is a pretty big deal. I have not returned to the country of my birth for 20 years. This will be the first trip to India for Mac Daddy, and the first time my half … [Read more...] about What Should I Put in My Carry On
The Everydayness of Things
We measure life in milestones. Sometimes I think it's the unmeasured moments that tell a better story. We snap photos of birthdays, graduations, weddings, firsts of all kinds. Yet it's in the everyday moments that our photos color a richer story. Sure, I line up my boys in their … [Read more...] about The Everydayness of Things
It’s OK, It’s Christmas
The stressful pangs of Christmas creep are upon us. There is no merrymaking in town these days. The mall is positively the worst place to be this time of year. I've witnessed more than one parking space smack down, and those women toting giant Tory Burch bags will use those gold … [Read more...] about It’s OK, It’s Christmas
Family Dinner Time Above All
There is one thing that is sacred to us, family dinner time. I joke that I have the least scheduled kids in America. And believe me, I hear all about how it's a disservice to my sons to not have them participate in traveling teams and perform in recitals. I've been told they will … [Read more...] about Family Dinner Time Above All
The (Thanks)Giving Tree
Fall is perhaps my favorite season in North Carolina. The crisp leaves crunch underfoot, and sometimes when I sit in the living room and peer out the window into the park it looks like it's snowing leaves. I heave a sigh and am thankful it's just leaves. This time of year I … [Read more...] about The (Thanks)Giving Tree