personal essays

A Reader’s Survey | The Origins and Evolution of this Blog
I began this blog a decade ago next month, just after Blythe’s first birthday––before Olive, before homeschooling, before any personal financial collapse, before Instagram or sponsorships, before a dramatic family move, before cohabitation with my sister’s
Nurturing Wholeness | Evening Rituals + Sleep
At some point I’ve realized many of the boundaries and routines I create for my children are habits intended for me, for my well-being as well. How often do I manage my children’s intake of nutrients
Nurturing Wholeness | Morning Rituals
NURTURING THE WHOLE SELF As a mother, it has become easy for me to define nurturing as something I give to others–whether in marriage, mothering, friendship, creative pursuits, or service–but I’m slowly realizing as life increasingly
on perfectionism, vulnerability, and motherhood
On the first day of this year, I woke up long before the sunrise, seized with anxiety. The same thoughts were spinning circles through me again, doubting my abilities as a mother and educator, doubting
the slow unfolding work of home and heart
We moved into our cozy 1920s home two years ago this month, although it hardly feels two years of work have passed. When we purchased the property, the house was neglected and unsavory, stained from leaky faucets
Five Ideas for the Introverted Homeschool Mother
Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe. ―Susan Cain, Quiet It feels redundant to mention the messy and loud work of motherhood, let alone with the homeschool. Whether by the practical work of our
hello, 2016.
Thank you, thank you for all of your patience while this space has been down the last couple of weeks. The re-organization here certainly took longer than I intended and often mirrored the tidying process in our physical home–clearing one pantry
finding beauty right where you are
Every year, around this time, I grow a bit heart-sick. While I scroll through images on my phone of apple orchards, cozy sweaters, and brightly colored leaves, our air remains warmly humid and summer foliage
on endurance of heart
“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit We’re nearing the final days of May, a little shocking for me since this month has been so atypically cool and