The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

In movies, it usually happens right after the hero says something foolish, like: “Well, this isn’t so hard!” or “What could go wrong?” Nothing tempts the powers of chaos like smug self-satisfaction. This year, our first year in a home of our own, we hosted Christmas dinner for the first time ever.  I didn’t start … Continue reading »

Merry Christmas!

This morning, we got a text message from Daniel, my newest brother-in-law.  It said: Wishing you the very best in this time of yearning between the now and the not yet. Happy Christmas Daniel & Amber On this day of family, food, and friendship, I pray the same for you–both the yearning, and the fulfillment … Continue reading »

Happy New Year!

The holiday break is coming to a close. As you’ve probably noticed, I haven’t been blogging. I also haven’t been cleaning, shopping, doing laundry, or checking email. I love vacation. We’ve spent most of ours in a state of complete sloth. Of course, we’ve taken occasional breaks for loafing and idleness, and even managed to … Continue reading »

This Little Light of Mine

I firmly resolved to have all of my holiday packages mailed out by December 1st this year, so naturally, this morning, eleven days later, found me at the post office, scrambling wildly to get three very large boxes out of my trunk and balanced on top of each other in such a way that I … Continue reading »

Shameless Promotion

Family gift giving. It’s a minefield. That Seinfeld calendar that you thought was so cute and trendy when you were shopping in the mall looks ridiculous on the door of your Aunt Ethel’s turn-of-the-century icebox, and even though you’ve found the perfect sweater for your cousin, Jody, you’re torn between getting it in the size … Continue reading »