Short stories and photos shared with humor and love
Like the child who planted it, our pepper plant has moments of glorious triumph. It rises from unconventional roots, stretched surprisingly deep against a cement floor. Peppers are meant to be seasonal fruit, but this one weathers all kinds of storms with a stubbornness that both impresses and confounds. Last year, we thought it had [...]
We blessed the vines our son Vinnie and his wife Danni planted this weekend in a ceremony so simple and yet so touching I’m warmed by it still. In the ancient Georgian tradition, ten times we raised our glasses as the sun set on one of those gorgeous, productive days that end in sweaty, tired [...]
Our newest family member lives thousands of miles from all of us. Still, before she hits her two month birthday, she’ll have met nearly the whole immediate clan. We are a determined relay team of baby lovers. In fact, even as her grandpa’s plane took off following his stint, little Laura June’s Aunt Molly’s plane [...]
Babies sleep best when they’re curled up on their grandpa’s chest. I think it has something to do with the size of the hand cupping them there. Or maybe it’s the slow, steady rhythm of breath. “I’m here.” “You’re safe.” “You’re loved.” Magic happens at the intersection of that long, meandering lifeline and the fresh [...]
We all got a taste of summer Friday night in downtown Appleton on a street flowing with happy people, tasty food, good music, a little magic, a lot of sunshine, and some unexpected literary encouragement. I loved it all. A red dragon weaved in and out of the crowd that included stilt walkers, fairies, fire [...]
