Last winter, I was walking my kids to school. It was a dark day, teetering between cloudy and rainy. As we continued our whiny trudge, the skies opened, and the rain flew into our faces. The three of us huddled under one umbrella, small droplets pelting our legs, arms, and backpacks. A SUV pulled up,and … More Welcome to Smallville

For most of my life, I was the youngest person in the room. Teaching middle school at 21. Attending conferences, writing papers, and presenting ideas to large groups. I often heard, “Oh, you’re just a baby!” or “You don’t seem like you’re 25!” It was awesome. I moved on to another school, with a mature … More The Pushing Forty Faultline

This summer has been different the second time around. Good different, in many ways. My sons attend a surf camp in the mornings, and although I have not seen it with my own eyes, I understand that they are actually able to surf. For a girl who grew up in the desert, having sons who … More Verano Nuevo

I rarely talk about my interests here, besides parenting and travel. Obviously, I enjoy writing, although I enjoy it in the half-ass way that I like baking, knitting, camping, home design, and photography.  I do not study them, or take lessons, or strive to improve in any significant way. They simply bring me a burst … More Mobility Issues

This morning, the clouds hung dark and gray, like muslin drapes scraping the rooftops of the town. I put on a cardigan as I drove the kids to surf camp, and longed for the taste of pumpkin. It’s odd to think of fall on August 1st, but that’s where the weather took me this morning….a … More Echar de Menos