We’ve been living in a rental in Ocala, Florida’s historic district for three weeks. We have icicle lights lining our roof, Christmas wreaths with red bows on our doors. Our 2015 Toyota Sienna van (Queen B) is parked outside, and if I remember correctly, a balance bike and two balls are still out in the … Continue reading
Latest Entries
I’m Back! Where have I been? Read on…
So, I’m back. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, with new terms coined like “sheltering in place,” and I’ve decided this is a good time to pick up the ole blog. But where have I been? To make this a bit easier to do, and somewhat succinct enough for a blog post, I’m … Continue reading
musings: immortality and the library
There are really three places on this world that best remind one of her own mortality. The obvious is the graveyard, a place a friend taught me is one of the best and beautiful quiet places to gain perspective: life is short, you die, the relatives visit, and then they don’t. If that sounds grim, … Continue reading
a sunny week in February
This week has been sunny! At least, this is the third day in a string of cold, frosty, sunny days. And all the Nederlanders are rejoicing. After a December spent mostly in Florida (preceded by a week of a nasty stomach virus), and a January dominated by colds, we had one, single, glorious day (Monday) … Continue reading
Independence/Debbie Downer Day
Last night Frans arrived home after four days in Romania. He greeted a worn out, half sick, yet triumphant wife and two sickly kids. One sickly kid was so excited to see her papa that she didn’t even feel sick anymore. He had a rich, full time. Lots of meaningful conversations and the ability to … Continue reading
tiny revolution
A friend told about a sign hanging in a monastery that read, Everybody wants a revolution, but nobody wants to do the dishes. This stays with me as I process my current stage of life and the current US political situation. What does it mean to be an American living abroad, married to a Dutchman … Continue reading
As you are: fighting perfectionism
I meet with two friends every two weeks. We switch between two of our houses, and take turns making dinner, pouring the tea, lighting the candles. We’ve gone through several books, but we are currently early in reading Embracing the Body by Tara Owens. We discuss different aspects under the topic of being created as … Continue reading
Blogs I follow
There are three blogs I follow consistently. All of them, interestingly enough, have to do with design and motherhood. Ashley Ann Campbell from Oklahoma, mother of four, photographer, designer, and advocate. Her blog is called Under the Sycamore, and she uses it as a platform to talk design and photography, chronicle her family’s life, and … Continue reading
let’s talk books
There is a hint of Fall (finally) in the air. We’ve been experiencing a heat wave here in the Netherlands, niet normaal for the time of year. It’s been especially hard on this nearly thirty-weeks pregnant woman, whose sole relief is ice cubes in her glass of water and after-dinner popsicle. There’s no AC here in … Continue reading
a call to come closer
I’m coming rusty out the writing gate, and I can’t even promise consistency. That is the one and only disclaimer I’m permitting myself on this post. The past year I’ve been living ‘going Dutch’ rather than writing it. It’s been the season of life/over/reflection. Practical everyday blowing of noses and lumbering up the stairs with baskets of laundry to … Continue reading
