Starting Over

My son flubbed another school band audition, even though he played well in the practice room just before. Nerves. Before bedtime, I told him the story of why I quit playing the piano: The last time I performed on the piano was a lovely spring day in April 1988. Fifty or so music professors, music … Continue reading Starting Over

Overwhelmed

I received a rejection slip! Of course I'm disappointed, but here's the catch: all creative ventures involve risk. I took a risk. It didn't pan out the way I'd hoped, but I took it nonetheless. I am creating, and putting my work out there, and it's a step in the right direction. This post just … Continue reading Overwhelmed

Exercise Caution

In March I took up running. A life-long walker/hiker who thought she hated running, I had a surprisingly good time pushing myself to more frequent runs which became faster and longer runs (still not far or fast, but my only competition is myself.) It was fun until it wasn't. Gulping in deep outdoor fresh-air allergy-heavy breaths, I … Continue reading Exercise Caution

Leap of Faith

You know those people you esteem at a distance? Shirley is one of those women in my life. Our kids have traveled together through elementary school and now into middle school, but she has a daughter and I have a son and so our social overlap has lacked. Yet I have watched with deep respect as Shirley has invested in her passion and … Continue reading Leap of Faith

Garage

“Mom, I’m okay, I wasn’t involved, but the police want you to come pick me up.” My heart races at this rush of words through the telephone. Teen and two other boys had permission to spend a summer night at another friend’s house. He has a game room and they wanted to play late into the night. Teen … Continue reading Garage