My children refer to our various and sundry “big trips” as though they are reaccuring national holidays. Two years ago, after a trip to Hawaii, we were sitting around having after school snack when Cate asked: “Momma, when’s Hawaii?” Slightly perplexed I replied, “What do you mean ‘when’s Hawaii?’” “You know,” Cate said, through a mouthful of chewed goldfish crakers, “When’s Hawaii? First comes Christmas….then Valentines…then New Year’s….When comes Hawaii? Is it before our birthdays?”

As it was raining, cold, and already dark at 3pm, it seemed especially cruel and unusual to explain to a four-year-old that Hawaii is not, in fact, a reaccuring event. Rather, given the economic reality of the Mee-Chapman household it is most likely a … {read more…}

I have been cooking since 3:30 and now the house smells like mushrooms sautéed in bacon drippings and thick potato soup. Catie’s chocolate covered face confirms that the scent of brownies will soon emerge from the kitchen, and fresh bread from the next door bakery is waiting to be sliced and slathered in butter.

It’s Thursday night.

The living room is joyfully and completely torn up. My artistically arranged magazines and coffee table books are on the floor and two of the sofa cushions are on top of the big padded footstool. A jar of marbles has been serving as money for an imaginary bakery and are now scattered all over the carpet. Catie has just resorted to sobbing because Eden … {read more…}

I woke up early this morning to plunder and remember. Here in Seattle, the local glass artists at Art by Fire have been busy. Together they’ve been blowing glass balls to mark the second anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Last night, after dark when the park was closed, they tucked nine hundred and eleven of them into the sea grass and between the breakwater boulders of Golden Gardens at Shilshole Bay. In the morning residents were invited to comb the beach for these colorful surprises. I was at the park by dawn’s early light. The park, popular in the summer but typically abandoned at 6:30am on a Saturday, was crawling with people, empty handed and disappointed. One mother I passed … {read more…}

with happiness, now that Jen Lemen is back in my viritual world!

And can I just say, that after telling me I was ridiculous for adding a part-time teenager to our home, Jen has been besiged by an influx of kids in her own domestic domain.

Yes. I am laughing my ass off.

Quick! Before the day is done, go to Jen’s delightful new site for art, inspiration, and a few good reads.