Tag Archives: family

One last Ode to Camp as October approaches

Outside the leaves are beginning to change and our taste buds now long for all-things pumpkin. Gone are the flip-flops and tank tops; in are the boots and bulky sweaters. It’s the time of year when I see familiar faces in passing and hear: “Have you guys closed up the camp yet?” “No, not yet. […]

Why spontaneous decisions are important in parenting

Some of my favorite traditions started off as a spontaneous decision. One of which began last summer when my daughter and I decided to go see Andy Grammer perform as a part of the free L.L. Bean concert series. We’d known he was coming but had forgotten until the day of show. A part of […]

The importance of food at summertime gatherings

Summer is a time where food is at the center of all we do. Whether a family barbecue, impromptu picnic or wedding reception, food is the common thread that ties together just about any occasion. At 89-years-old, my grandmother doesn’t cook much anymore. But if you remind her that no one makes mac & cheese like she does, you just may see […]

Life Paths: How I Became a School Custodian

This guest blog is part of an ongoing series that will help showcase the different paths available to students after graduation (and in some cases, before graduation). By: Emily Dort I remember sitting in my senior English class with the assignment of writing my college essay. Our career aspirations. I had this “great life” all planned out: Go […]

How to define Easter beyond the Marshmallow Bunnies

Is this the year I spill the beans about the bunny, I wondered, perusing the Easter aisles at a local store, wondering which was worse: the fabricated fable or celebrating Jesus with brightly colored Peeps. How much longer can I pretend a furry animal enters our home each year bearing toys and goodies, hiding eggs […]

Here’s the problem with a “father-daughter” dance

On Friday morning, my daughter woke up, enthusiastically announcing: “The dance is tonight!” What she was referring to, of course, was the “Daughter” dance held by Brewer Parks and Recreation. The dance that doesn’t “require” a male date. We were on the waiting list and got the call Thursday that we had been cleared. “Not […]

Remembering the importance of thank you cards

Every night, as I tuck my 6-year-old daughter into bed, we ask each other a question that gives us an opportunity to meaningfully reflect upon the day. “What are you thankful for?” When learning a new language, one of the first phrases we are taught is “thank you.” In fact, we don’t have to be […]

7 creative ways to give back this holiday season

One of the best things about the holiday season is how it inspires giving. No matter where we go for our shopping needs, there is the opportunity to leave some extra jingle with the Salvation Army bell ringers or adopt a child in need from the Angel Tree. Since traditions go hand-in-hand with this time of […]

WHERE are you reading?

When the warm sunshine isn’t beckoning us, it’s sometimes harder to think about getting outdoors. As the colder weather starts to settle in, I’ve begun to think about different ways to keep screentime to a minimum. One of the things we will be doing each week, is taking our books with us on an “adventure.” Often […]

Getting outside with a purpose

When I first had the idea of a “screen free” summer, I was unsure of how to approach the subject with a 5-year-old. How would I explain that Sofia the First and The Pioneer Woman (girl likes her cooking shows) wouldn’t be spending much time with us during vacation? I wouldn’t. From my experience, which […]