I’m thrilled to share a local poet’s work today. Kelli Russell Agodon’s website bio states that she “lives in small seaside community in Washington State.” Yes, she lives near me and she infuses the entire Pacific Northwest with her teaching skills. Lucky us! I’ve taken a generative poetry writing class taught by Kelli and Susan […]
Category: Parenting
Vulnerability
Today’s poem really speaks to me. Part of this is because many of my poems are like this, written in this style. But really it’s because this poem speaks to those really hard moments in parenting. There I am, with one of my daughters, and she is really upset and I know she is going […]
When Conversation Isn’t Casual
“I’d like a nap, but the kids are maybe the reason that won’t happen,” I said. “I don’t know, you look pretty fulfilled,” said the Fred Meyer clerk. “I mean, I don’t have kids, but how old are yours?” If this conversation wasn’t weird enough already, it takes a turn for the even weirder here. […]
Righting a Fiction
I look up from checking out library books at my local branch and see two girls wearing their soccer uniforms. Their blond hairs are swept up in pony tails. One wears cleats while the other wears black Adidas flip-flops. These teens go to my daughters’ K-8 school, and I’m surprised to see them in soccer […]
Valentine’s Homework
Dear Parents, Ms. Williams asked me to let you know that your students will be exchanging Valentines at the Valentine’s Day party next Friday the 13th. Please have your child bring in a Valentine addressed to each person in the class and signed by them. The class list is below. Let Ms. Williams know if […]
I’m That Annoying Parent
I’m standing next to the school principal during the preschool open house. My name tag denotes me as head of our school’s parent association. The room is packed with parents of preschoolers who are pondering if this private school is right for their child. I thought I’d feel old since I haven’t been a preschool […]
Throw out the Names
I’m always looking for perfection. This idea gets in the way of movement. Where is the perfect article to start my day with? I could write if I just read the right words. I could fix myself if I could just stick the right parameters around myself. And then I cast the net wider to […]
Problems Come and Go, But Can They Dance?
Is this a big problem or a small problem? I keep thinking about this question. I’ve decided to take the word problem out of my lexicon. Once my brother said to me something like this: If you didn’t have your problems, then you couldn’t solve them. It’s not that I’m going to stop having problems. […]
Falling Apart to Stay Together for Annie
As a journalist who writes about learning issues, I want to tell parents it gets easier. As a parent of child with reading, spelling, math and anxiety issues, I want to give up my spot in the special needs world. I want to grab my almost ten-year-old daughter up and run, run as fast as […]
The School of Many Chances, Mantra-style
Let me ground this idea in today’s news. This morning I needed to be granted many chances. The waking hours are not my best parenting hours. I woke early, long before the kids needed to get up. I read all my favorite poetry websites, checked my e-email, showered, and coffeed my body. (Shouldn’t coffee be […]