I'm no farmer. I'm not even smart enough in the area of growing plants to be called a "gardener." The most that can be said about me in this arena is that I have bought plants to put in the ground and have only killed some of them. While parenting feels natural and intuitive to... Continue Reading →
When Life Lessons > Summer Tomatoes
Our little backyard garden was doing amazingly well. Until it wasn't. A deer from the woods behind our house discovered and helped him- or herself to our plants. Overnight, our healthy vegetable plants and hydrangea were munched down to nubs. Seriously. Where there had been beautiful, strong leafy plants loaded with blossoms, baby tomatoes and... Continue Reading →
Promises, Promises
We planted two blueberry bushes a few years ago. This will be our second season with fruit. Take a look at these beauties! I mean, seriously. Just look at 'em. The bushes are along the path from our house to the garage, so I pass by them several times a day. Each time, my reaction is the same.... Continue Reading →
Finding Our “Bearings”
I can't help but notice that it seems like the whole world has gone "mad" recently. I don't mean "crazy" mad, I mean "mad" mad. I get it. There's plenty to be upset about. But I don't think the kind of anger I'm seeing leads to anyplace that's good, because it seems to be turning us... Continue Reading →
Solid Christmas
I love the holiday season, but now that it is over, I'm thinking about things that last.
“Getting” Better
I've been thinking about "better" recently. The word has been spoken around, to and by me in ways that have challenged and encouraged me (and nearly broken my heart, but that's a story of its own). "Better" is deceptively relative - do you know what I mean? On one hand, better can be somewhere between "good"... Continue Reading →
And Then She Graduated
She did it! Our girl graduated from UNCG with honors and has already landed a job in her field. I am amazed (but not surprised) at these accomplishments. After spending years preparing my heart for sending her off to college, it is odd how quickly it seems to have happened and is over. (I realize... Continue Reading →
Fun – On being happily married.
A few years ago, while visiting my aunt and uncle in Minnesota, I slept in my cousin Sarah's childhood room. She is married with two children and is one of the most tenderhearted people I know. She thinks and feels and loves deeply. She is a "long-hugger." Even though she is many years younger than... Continue Reading →
Sometimes, I suck.
"Sometimes, I suck." This is one of my favorite funny things our son, Nick, said when he was little. A few days earlier, our family had been chatting about candy. Rob prides himself on being disciplined enough to NOT crunch lollipops and other hard candies. He keeps a Jolly Rancher in his mouth long enough... Continue Reading →
Friendly “Ghosts”
I don't believe in ghosts. But I do have faith in powerful memories, and it feels like I've been entertaining guests lately. I'm liking it. There's a section of our neighborhood where the homes have double-decker porches. Every time I run past them, I think of my grandparents' home in Meriden, Connecticut - it had... Continue Reading →
Kim Perry Writes 