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Category Archives: Family


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19 Foods You Bet Your @$$ I’ll Be Eating This Holiday Season

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Do you get them too? The articles like “834 Steps to a Simpler Life,” and “93 Items to Keep in Your Sock Drawer?” Well the other day my sweetheart forwarded me one called “50 Foods to Avoid This Holiday Season,” or something equally preachy. His attached note said, “guess we’ll be having toast.” Oh HELL no. Not on my watch.

First, let me address some of the items that were actually on their list. These are items that WILL pass my lips this holiday season, in varying amounts and at various times. Does it make me a glutton? According to the folks who assembled that excuse for an article it might, but really, I don’t care.

  1. mashed potatoes – with butter
  2. gravy – on the mashed potatoes and turkey
  3. turkey (dark meat with skin) – I prefer white meat, but there will be some skin
  4. stuffing – yeah, like I’m going to skip that
  5. cranberry sauce – what ARE we supposed to have for Thanksgiving?
  6. pecan pie – my favorite
  7. pumpkin pie – yum
  8. apple pie – yep, I’m going to have that one too, so suck it, list writers
  9. chocolate orange – only the kind made by Terry’s
  10. candy cane – wouldn’t be Christmas without it
  11. Starbucks fancy drinks – yeah, I’m pretty much an addict
  12. Christmas cookies – really?
  13. eggnog – I can’t help it, it’s just good (in small doses)
  14. cinnamon rolls – what else would you have Christmas morning?
  15. pot roast – this isn’t really even a holiday thing, is it? But now I want it.

These additional items may or may not be on their list. I got a little lightheaded while I was reading it. They are, however, on my “Gonna have it” list.

16. champagne – hello? New Year’s?

17. potato latkes – Happy Chanukah!

18. lasagna – it’s a tradition

19. garlic bread – goes with the lasagna

So now you have a real list from a real person about a real holiday season. Well, except for maybe the pot roast, but a pot roast is good any time of year. Happy celebrating.

 

 


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Ten Things to be Happy About

Lila

That little dog makes me happier than she will ever know. She saved me when my world was fracturing. She knit us back together, the boy and me. He went from fearing dogs to loving a dog. I went from hurt and angry to focused on the absurdity of bringing a wild creature into our home with no experience. And she was wild. Those long long walks and trips to the park and weekly training sessions bonded us, all of us, and saved us.

Bright Colors

In art, on buildings, in clothing or decor – I love color. It makes me happy to see color. It reminds me of childhood and happiness and friendliness. Color is upbeat and inviting – you have to feel at least a little uplifted when you’re surrounded by color.

Digital Photo Frames

I didn’t think I would like having one of these, but I received one for a gift, and I love it. I love glancing up from my work and being transported, just for a moment, back in time. The carousel in London, my son’s sixth birthday party, an ocean view in Hawai’i, my boy and his cousins playing in the yard, me with a giant dessert at a friend’s party in Portland. How could I not enjoy that? I don’t have to dig out albums, and each of these precious memories is presented briefly enough that I don’t spend all day going down memory lane.

Good Food

Speaking of dessert… or any food really. I just love to eat. I love the flavors and textures of food. I love the memories made when sharing a meal. I love how food anchors you to a place and time, and by extension to people with whom you share those memories.

Sparkling Chandeliers

The light bouncing around seems to dance. The glitter and glow is both uplifting and soothing, particularly if the lights are dimmed. The refraction is like magic.

Campfires

The glow alone gives off comfort, but add to that warmth and the satisfying pop of the firewood and you’ve really got something. Then there’s the aroma – that scent of being outdoors that draws you near, as long as you aren’t in the path of the smoke. Finally there’s campfire food (of course). Delicious hot dogs, banana boats, and everyone’s favorite, S’mores.

Boat Rides

Going out on the water is one of my favorite things to do. I don’t care if it’s an ocean liner or a sailboat, I love going out on boats. Growing up, my dad had a sailboat, and it was great fun to sit up front and hope for waves big enough to splash over me. I feel at peace on the water. One of my favorite memories is whale watching in Cape Cod. The whales were magnificent, and the wind in my face as I stood in that coveted front position felt like freedom.

Swimming

A dip in the pool is my favorite way to cool off on a summer day. The water not only cools me, it buoys me. I feel supported without feeling constricted in any way. I float and admire the sky – then close my eyes and retreat into myself.

A Good Pen

It glides effortlessly across the paper leaving thoughts and emotions on the page. It records observations, data, and desires. It doesn’t fight the writer and it behaves exactly as it should, recording information for posterity.

First Class Airline Seats

Now granted I’ve never actually been in one, but I believe that if I ever get the chance to try one out it will make me happy. I like the idea of having a little extra space on the plane, as well as a little extra care from the crew. Getting off the place early at the end of the journey seems like a nice bonus as well.

 


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Thank Goodness for the Arts

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A middle school writer with her nature art inspired writing.

I’m fortunate that I work in a school district where the arts are appreciated and celebrated. We’re an elementary district with students from early childhood through eighth grade. We still have music teachers in our schools; general music for the younger students, and choir, band, and orchestra for the older ones.

Art is alive in our district too, but to a lesser extent in most of the schools. Many of our students don’t have a very strong start in life, and as a result they begin school missing some important skills and experiences. Unfortunately these children spend a great deal of time trying to “catch up” to their peers, and as a result sometimes the fun things (like art) get pushed aside, especially when the pressure of testing is added to the situation.

It’s a pity, really, since the arts are where so many children shine. They have the opportunity to express themselves in ways that are different than the typical classroom setting, and for kids with language delays, learning disabilities, limited English proficiency, behavioral challenges, and more, they are a saving grace.

The arts allow kids to approach the world from their own plane, wherever that may be. They can sing out, dance, paint, draw, mold, model, and manipulate their world in a way that makes sense to them. They are a release and a gift.

Our fourth grade students have been given that gift again this year, as they participate in an original musical conceived, written, and directed by our very talented music teacher. He even made the giant glow-in-the-dark puppets that take the stage and raised funds for the black lights that make the whole show pop. Oh, and he wrote all the music too, as well as taught every lyric to the entire fourth grade. Whew!

Our kids are lucky. They will perform for their friends and families and they will keep the individual puppets that they each created and will use in the show. They are growing up with the arts as an important part of their lives. Too many children are not. Too many schools are throwing out the arts. Too many families shun the arts in favor of less enriching activities. I get it, as parents we’re tired, and helping kids write songs and put on skits and dress up as various characters takes time and energy that we have precious little of. It’s worth it, though. The arts promote creative thinking and problem solving, and they help to increase communication skills, as well as promoting a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Let’s take some time to share the arts with a child. Drama, poetry, ceramics, painting, dance: whatever you enjoy can be enjoyed with a child. I would encourage you to share your talents and interests with some special young person in your life. You will both benefit.