An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith is a beautifully written contemplation on the ways ordinary living can intersect with the divine. Barbara Brown Taylor writes about the everyday disciplines that become portals into God’s presence: paying attention, wearing skin, getting lost, encountering others, feeling pain. It was not surprising to discover late … Continue reading
Did you know there’s a whole volume of chickadee poems? I’m apparently one of many fans of this cheerful, talkative, hardy, round little acrobat. Anna Botsford Comstock points out that the winter birds have a special place in the hearts of Northeasterners, and I would agree. Thornton Burgess relates that as a boy practicing with … Continue reading
Whether you are sick or well, lovely or irregular, there comes a time when it is vitally important for your spiritual health to drop your clothes, look in the mirror, and say, “Here I am. This is the body-like-no-other that my life has shaped. I live here. This is my soul’s address.” After you have … Continue reading
I’m trying to learn how to photograph birds in flight. I’ve taken so many pictures, and few if any have turned out. Today I’ve done some reading on the subject and feel encouraged; there are some things I can do, some adjustments I can make, to improve. Meantime, I’ve been reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s An … Continue reading
Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman was mentioned in Introvert Power. I read it in a day, but it will haunt me for much longer than that. But… what do I mean by “a day” and “longer”? After reading this little book, it’s impossible to use time references without a heightened awareness that my concept of … Continue reading
From a young age, most of us are taught the value of social skills. We learn how to introduce ourselves, how to smile and be polite. We are told to be friendly and make friends. These are all useful abilities to develop. But how many of us are taught the value of solitude skills? How … Continue reading
I’ve been thinking about the concept of two, which I’ve been noticing a lot lately in our wanderings. It’s funny how many combinations make the point that two are better than one…
Jess posted a link to this article about a technology-free school where tech execs send their children. Very interesting — definitely worth a look. I’ve been thinking about showing my 5th grader how to use MS Publisher, but this article makes me think I might be rushing it. It also gave me a tip on … Continue reading
My 5th grader made a “Raptor Tree” using a twig from the back yard, the bird book, and her stores of Model Magic. The detail is pretty amazing: Here’s a picture to provide a sense of scale.
