human condition

I own that

May 16, 2012

Jane asked us at the start of yoga class to silently  compliment ourselves on something. In the space of seconds I discounted everything that came to mind. On my body? That’s my genes. On my children? That’s someone else’s genes. On my writing? That’s due to my dad, my 7th grade teacher, Melissa, y’all who [...]

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All that’s left

May 7, 2012

About the time I started middle school (or, as we used to say, “junior high”) I had exasperated my piano teacher to the point where she decided I had to find a new teacher. I still don’t know how I flummoxed my mom so. I suppose it could have been my legendary stubbornness. (Example: My [...]

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Duel: Self-improvement vs self-acceptance

February 13, 2012

Now that 2012 New Years resolutions are either newly adopted habits or roadkill in the rearview, I’ve been thinking about the lengths we go — or should go — to better ourselves. Like many, I am also often faced with small (or large) changes I’d like to make in myself. The small: Shall I color [...]

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Tension release: From cranky to compassionate

February 9, 2012

Tessa and I had been on edge with each other all day. Finally in the early evening I invited her to cuddle with me on the couch. “Neither of us slept well last night. I think we’re just tired,” I offered an explanation why we were both cranky. “But mom, YOU don’t have a hurt [...]

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Perfect Moment Monday: Retreat

January 22, 2012

As part of a year-long course I’m immersed in, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with a group of authentic and supportive women (12 of us plus a teacher) at a dude ranch called Peaceful Valley. We drove up between snowfalls and, because of the time of year, ended up being the only [...]

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Out of proportion sad

October 30, 2011

A girl from my high school class died the other day. I am so sad. Out of proportion sad. I would call “Linda” more of an acquaintance than a friend. We went to different middle schools so we didn’t come into each others’ orbits until high school. Still, we had mutual friends and we were [...]

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