My Work Here is Done

September 11, 2015 in Inspiration

Today we are giving a party. You’re all invited. It’s from four to whenever, open door policy, as usual. There will be swimming, maybe some boating, a campfire, lots of […]

Going Home, Finding Home

May 3, 2015 in Canada, North America, Travelogue

Today is a significant day. It is the day that our family goes home. To a place, not a concept. Where we will stay. Mostly. You read that right. Today […]

Notes from Nowhere PA: On a 12 hour road trip with teens

April 24, 2015 in North America, Travelogue, United States

We are a combined  35 feet, 4 inches of body length, give or take. As family length goes, that’s hovering somewhere above average. This morning, that 35 feet, 4 inches is […]

On beach birds, and stories, and analog life… and also a poem

October 3, 2014 in North America, United States

I wish I knew what those birds are… the ones signing in the palm tree beneath the balcony that sound like a trio of little kids who are experimenting with […]

Damned near ‘whelmed: In which I am not overwhelmed.

April 5, 2014 in North America, Travelogue, United States

My Uncle Dick has a saying: “I’m not overwhelmed, I’m just damned near whelmed!” The first time I heard him say it was when he had two preschool aged children […]

On Valentine’s Day & Love, 20 years in

February 15, 2014 in Inspiration, North America, Travelogue, United States

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, leaving in it’s wake every manner of pink and red foil garbage for the landfill and enough dying rose petals drown in. Cheap chocolate […]

On presence & gratitude: Two lessons travel continues to teach

February 10, 2014 in North America, Travelogue, United States

Travel is a relentless teacher. Some days, the lessons are simple: eat what you’re served, be polite, follow the golden rule, and persevere. Other times, they are more profound; lessons […]

The Mill: Friday night music is magical

February 1, 2014 in North America, Travelogue, United States

When I close my eyes time does not exist. My little boys are curled up like puppies, asleep on beanbag chairs in the corner. They drifted off every Friday night, […]

While the Bannock Bakes: On walking & poetry

January 24, 2014 in North America, Travelogue, United States

Winter has come, in earnest. And with it, bitter cold. Blackwater Creek, which rushes just below the window where I’m  wrapped in a down blanket with a cup of hot […]

On finding home, and unwrapping a past life

January 20, 2014 in North America, Travelogue, United States

The only sound is the water rushing in the creek below my window. Occasionally a moo from one of the cows in the barn. During daylight hours, the chickens clucking […]