1. Take a long slow bike ride. 2. Save seeds. 3. Dry herbs. 4. Fend off a head cold with a little saltwater. At the first sign of a sore throat, dump a teaspoon of salt in a cup. Add hot water and stir to dissolve. Gargle and discard several sips, being careful not to […]
Twelve fun cheap things to do in the fall Read More »
(or) Exhausted PA Mother Wins Lengthy Battle with Son, Lives to Tell About It (or) Chapter VIII: In Which Little Johnny Breaks a Bad Habit ***** Once upon a time, perhaps nine months ago, a small boy whom we shall call Johnny suddenly contracted the habit of nail biting. Bad. Perhaps he first copied the
How to break a child’s habit of nail biting Read More »
My husband is a great man. He’s smart, talented, articulate, and well-informed about the world. I believe in his character and leadership, trusting him implicitly (at least 60% of the time, faking it the last 40) to make good decisions for the welfare of our family. You would think that with so much brilliance at
Confession: I can’t help but wonder if it is this way for everyone— if the sound of singing at your own church on a Sunday morning is deep comfort and healing like the smell of your own home and the feel of your favorite blanket. We returned to sorrow and joy interwoven: birth and healing,
Confession: I love to sleep. At this stage of our family, I spend eight or nine hours nearly every night in deep, blissful unconsciousness. My feet never hit the floor from the time I lay me down until I wake in morning light. I love this. But once in a great while on an off
In the middle of the night Read More »
Hmm. Now some of you are talking about me being “up to” something… or coming to a “conclusion.” Don’t deceive yourselves. I am good at questions, not answers. Have I ever concluded anything before? Also I feel frustrated in my attempts to keep from bringing in two subjects I wish to avoid: Complaining about My
Confession: I’ve been thinking a lot about hair. I don’t know why. It could be for joy at the new-blown fuzz covering my sister’s head. It might be remembering a little 5-year-old I met, who grew hers out long to donate to Wigs for Kids. It could be that I just tried out a new
A question about hair Read More »
I knew I’d be glad I asked you. Super food ideas, ya’ll. Keep it coming. –Shari ***** Today I share, with permission, a composition from a younger Zook. It wasn’t intended for my eyes at all, but I stumbled across it–and fell in love with his perfect mix of humble pie and protest. *Drop your arrows
How to stop a fight Read More »
Today I did not feed my kids enough, I guess. They asked for food every fifteen minutes. Mommy, can I have a snack? as I was washing up the lunch dishes… Hmm. Thought you would be makin supper by now… at 3:30 in the afternoon. Mom, I’m gonna DIE… at 5:00, after plenty of snacks.
Today, a piece of cake Read More »
Once upon a time, and not so very long ago—about six weeks—my husband Ryan and I went van shopping down New Castle way, and bought a lovely blue Odyssey. Moon roof, DVD player, miscellaneous dings and scratches, and best of all—no rust. Thank you, Jesus! It’s fun being the proud parents of a very large
The Great Key Mystery Read More »