Category Archives: experience

Blue

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

The sparkling blue of Lake Michigan, in the summer sun, with a brisk breeze is enticing and inviting, and as I remembered that particular shade, I recalled the time our rental catamaran flung us into those blue depths. I’m not … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, experience | 1 Comment

Where the children play

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

One of the joys of childhood is the freedom to swing high enough to touch the sky. I wonder, though, just how often kids are allowed this kind of freedom when I see articles about Helicopter parents who have traumatized … Continue reading →

Posted in children, experience, motherhood | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Prom, 1984

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

In 1984, I was a senior in high school, and prom was looming on the horizon.  Yes, I was planning to go to college (at least until my mom suggested in frustration that I stay home, marry Terry, and have … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, experience, family, motherhood | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The face of determination

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Monkey Man heads to kindergarten in the fall, a year behind his sister and his chronological mates.  It was a decision that seemed right given his physical challenges.  In some ways, though, it does seems strange to hold him back … Continue reading →

Posted in children, expectations, experience, family, growth | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Reflection on one year of yoga

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Just about a year ago, I attended my first yoga class.  I did not really know what to expect, but as a long time runner and cyclist, felt like I could handle whatever challenge was thrown at me.  I did … Continue reading →

Posted in community, connection, experience, growth, transformation | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A frigid winter’s night

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

What does believe mean? Believe — It means truth, without seeing, Knowledge without touching. What do you believe? I believe in love. Love? Well, you can’t see love. I can. A small hand reaches out to touch my face. It … Continue reading →

Posted in children, dreams, experience, family, lessons, poems | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Shake it off, and get right back on the bike

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

One of the new buzz words in education is “resilience,” and even though this notion of helping students build inner strength to deal with the obstacles, failures, and disappointments of life seems like a good idea, I wonder why it … Continue reading →

Posted in biking, children, class, coaching, education, experience, growth, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Why we must stop for death, dear Emily

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

My students are working on Civil War projects, and obviously, the subject of death has been part of the discussion.  The Civil War is ancient history to them, and even to me, Matthew Brady’s intense images of the dead on … Continue reading →

Posted in death, experience, family, loss, memory, motherhood, photography, rituals | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Diversity day and inclusion: getting personal

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

My school hosted a “Diversity Day” a few weeks ago — with the intent of giving our students some workshop-like experiences that would allow them to explore more deeply our school’s motto: SAILL.  SAILL stands for support, affirm, include, listen … Continue reading →

Posted in community, education, experience, family, identity, motherhood | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

[in Just-] by E. E. Cummings

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

in Just- spring          when the world is mud- luscious the little lame balloonman whistles          far          and wee and eddieandbill come running from marbles and piracies and it’s spring when the world is puddle-wonderful the queer old balloonman whistles far          and             … Continue reading →

Posted in education, experience, poems | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments