Clik here to view.
Honoring Alice
Remembering a Terrifying and Brilliant Teacher Since I became an adult many years ago, I have meant to thank those pedagogues who equipped me, challenged me, called my B.S., and treated me like I had a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Homemade Halloween
Please, just be a ninja. Every Halloween, I vow to purchase the children’s costumes. Every Halloween, I end up masquerading as a seamstress. I can follow the simplest of patterns, ripping out only 3...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Trick-or-Treat!
Do it. I want kids to trick-or-treat. I want them out in dark, tripping over capes and clown shoes, spitting on everyone as they yell “Trick or treat!” through plastic fangs. I want the young ones to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mother’s Amnesia
How Second Children and Golden Nostalgia are Made When you are pregnant with your first child, women of a grandmotherly age tell you to treasure each moment because it is the best time of your life. I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends.
I had a terrible morning with the children. The youngest is sick and cried. The eldest threw a full bore tantrum. The middle child, typically, said not a word and got ready for school. After dropping...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Grinching on Christmas Lists
Are written lists of material wants ever a good idea? Hot Swede’s family is a Christmas list family. After Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law asks for gift ideas for everyone. This is the way it has always...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pharmaceutical Grade Solitude
The Value of a Good Time Out December was a nightmare. It always is. Thus, the complete lack of postings here. We have been musicians our whole adult lives and December is busy season for anyone who...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fighting the Mental Frost
It is stupid cold outside: a breathtaking -11°F. For the lucky uninitiated, at this frigidity, nose hairs freeze and stiffen as you breathe in. You don’t dare cry outdoors, even if you’re late for work...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tulips
I bought $5 tulips last week as an act of self-love. They are my favorite: Sculptural, sophisticated, intense, bold. I love watching them change over the course of a week. Roses hang their heads and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
I’m the Only Mom My Kids Have. Sorry, Kids.
People say that I must be an amazing mother. Really, they say it. I don’t know what gives them that impression. I probably talk a good talk. But there is one thing these sweet people have in common-...
View Article
