Seeing the Stars

Sarah asks, When was the last time you looked up at the stars? Actually, April 6. This year. It seems weird to be able to put a date on that. Seems like it should be the sort of thing that's recalled in a purely sensory way, tied together with memories of air and fading light and sound …

Magnetic Repulsion

My almost-3-year-old daughter, Margot, has a dolly/blankie that has been her Favorite Thing since she was old enough to have a favorite thing. In fact, she recently told me that Dolly is "her sister." So you see, they are quite close. The problem, however, with Margot and Dolly's relationship is that Margot can't seem to …

Walking

The summer after my sophomore year of college, I went home. That seems unremarkable to say, but the previous summer, I had gone home, but for only the briefest moment, and only so that I could gather up my pertinent belongings and depart again. Not to return to college but to head to Walcamp in Illinois …

Reminders and Restarts

It has been a week of rejuvenation, and this makes sense, if we are taking our hint from the natural world. My garden has been fluffing itself up with coral bell, columbine, butterfly bush, Russian sage, yarrow--they are filling out and filling up their respective beds. A half-dead azalea bush that I bought for something like …