Randy and I have a phrase we like to use when we are talking (or texting) about something that intimidates us or makes us apprehensive. I wouldn’t call it an inside joke, exactly—it’s more like a code between the two of us.
We might be discussing a difficult conversation we’re about to have. A problem we can’t figure out. An assignment we don’t like. An appointment we’re dreading.
As fears go, it was a little bit ridiculous. I was afraid of yeast. More specifically, of baking with yeast.You won’t find this fear on any list of documented phobias. I know—I looked. But as irrational as it sounds, it was real for me. I’m a good cook. I don’t …
The last day of school had just ended, and Molly and I were waiting to say good-bye to her fifth-grade teacher. The following year, my little girl and her sweet bunch of classmates would be heading off to middle school. It would be a huge transition, for sure. Molly’s teacher, …
A few years ago, after a particularly grueling season of family life followed by a respite, followed by the onset of another stressful season, a dear friend listened to me talk about what was happening and said five words I have never forgotten. “Lois,” she said, “you’ve become quite flexible.” …
In December, Lilly’s ballet school put on a special holiday production featuring vocal music and the Christmas story set to modern dance. After one of the performances, I was talking to my 83-year-old father, who had been in the audience that afternoon. He told me he had noticed a lone …
Yesterday was the official first day of spring. Instead of bemoaning the end of winter (which I have been known to do), let’s celebrate with a little end-of-the-season awards ceremony (just like the Oscars, only without the movies, celebrities, fancy dresses and political statements). • Best Substitute for Flowers on …