Within the Words | Nancy Schatz Alton

“Remember your deepest name.” –Naomi Shihab Nye From a student of Buddhism I learn about the secret word. His teacher gave him a word in a language he doesn’t know that he uses while meditating. “What is your secret word?” I ask. “I can’t tell you,” he answers. “But what does your word mean? Do [...]

Often when I know I need to write about something, I keep saying I’ll do it tomorrow. Tapping out my internal drama for the blog sphere is both cathartic and hard. Who wants to hear about my day that was a 2? How much do I need to really feel my feelings before I can [...]

See one six-year-old kindergartner reading a simple picture book. He is proud and happy. He looks up occasionally at the people around him, seeking positive affirmation of this new skill he is soaking up. The adults smile and nod, and he turns back to the page. It’s not all smooth sailing, but he figures out [...]

Roughly 17 years ago, I met the boy next door. Truthfully, I first saw him while I was out eating dinner with a friend. He passed by the restaurant window and waved to Mary while giving her a big smile. I asked who he was and noted he had a lovely grin. Chris lived next door [...]

As I get closer to finishing the first draft of my manuscript, I’ve been pondering fear. And even though I want to use different words with the same meaning, fear is always fear. If I cloak it in anxiety or terror or panic, it is always fear underneath the simile. Every evening, I can tell [...]

It’s your birthday, girlfriend. And what does that mean? You are somewhere between baby bird and elementary school star, at least in your mama’s eyes. Today you hiked and ran for hours on trail through the woods, but you also wished I could carry you on my back. These days I can only transport you [...]

The best part of yesterday was the conversation I had with the stay-at-home dad in the waiting room during Annie’s private speech therapy session. Before his son’s session, their therapist discussed the family’s bill with the dad, along with the possibility of seeing his child every other week due to money constraints. The dad tells [...]

Gratitude: It’s hard to log online lately and not be inundated with this concept. Be thankful! It’s good for you! The New York Times has an article rich with scientific studies and ways to practice gratitude. Facebook friends have been posting what they are thankful for on a daily basis for the last month. We would [...]

The last year or so I have heard so many people’s secrets. I have been approached on the playground because I am the woman who shares her life freely. I am safe. Not because I am good at keeping a big, dark truth hidden, but because all my demons live on my body. I am [...]

We find ourselves at Chris’ sister Colette’s house for a long, leisurely afternoon of food and hanging out. Whenever we have the good fortune to be here, Chris and I settle in for some relaxation while the kids become pets, as in cherished favorites of Auntie Colette, Uncle Brian and Grandma Alton. We eat an [...]