Beyond Just Mom

A quick update on happenings in our world–more substance to come next week:

1)  I’m thrilled to be joining the Parenting team for a new venture called AnnArbor.com.  Our traditional home town paper is closing, and the void is being filled by a web/paper combination that will include professional news reporting, micro-community journalism, and input from bloggers with a variety of passions.  When the site launches on July 20, I’ll be posting a few columns per week on AnnArbor.com.  I’m excited — it promises to be something fresh and different.  

2)  My thirteen year old has been busy preparing for his October trip to Japan.  He won the prize this week for the “most adventurous tasting” at the sushi feast.   Hmm.  .  . should I be proud?

3)  I learned to make paper cranes and got a little geeked about origami folding.  What a pleasure to dive back into those hands-on preschool skills once in awhile.

4)  My eleven year old told me to “drive like a wild woman” so he wouldn’t be late to swim practice yesterday.  He has no idea what he’s asking.

5)  I must say the summertime weather in Michigan is just delightful.  We’ve had 70-80 degree sunny weather this week.  Can’t be beat.

6)  I’ve been ruminating on Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World:  A Geography of Faith.  She takes everyday tasks and lifts them up with faith-filled reverence, such as:

• the practice of paying attention
• the practice of wearing skin
• the practice of encountering others
• the practice of pronouncing blessings

It’s helped me connect with the nebulous concept of “being present.”  Highly recommended.

7)  I’ll finish with a question for you.   What books have you enjoyed this summer?    I don’t mind if it’s inspirational or good summer garbage, I just think it’s fun to share what everyone thinks is a good read. 

So now, I’m off.

You too–seize the day!