Pushing Past the Breakers

“It really is a lot harder than it looks,” she tells me, this world traveler sister of mine. The call between Australia and North Carolina was exceptionally clear. She was telling me about her experiences of learning to surf, in small intervals between heavy study loads and school requirements… Fantastic beaches with promising waves are…

Raising Children to Risk

I’m neck deep in 4th grade math when a small hand pats me. “Mom, cute!” I look down and notice her vibrant and varied shoe selection. A sleek leather mary jane on one foot and a splashy pink glittered flip flop on the other. “Yes!” I said, “cute!” -meaning her, not necessarily the shoe selection….

Beauty in Diversity

Tissue paper rustled as the gifts were opened. Eyes looked eagerly at the soft baby blankets and adorable baby clothes. I peered around at this group of beautiful women. Long hair, short hair, heavy make up and none at all. The gal to my left wore stylish booties and I had on my simple leather…

Safe in our messes

It’s a dreary Saturday here, but in spite of the heavy clouds and soggy outdoors, Daniel said, “We should have cake!” So I stood at the kitchen counter, whipping up the batter as bacon and eggs sizzled on the stove. The table was being set by young helpful hands, and my mind was running in…