I haven’t written anything in a long stretch. It wasn’t intended, never is, the blinking cursor abandoned for house projects like clean garages and a re-carpeted bedroom. Yesterday, I gave up an attempt to patch a hole in the rubber hose in favor of a water balloon toss.
This, the beat of our summer – setting aside productivity; saying yes to something lovely.
Last month, a road trip to my hometown to kiss cheeks around a cherry casket. Spotting familiar faces – old pastors, retired teachers, first bosses – every one of us knowing we can’t recap ten years in a single conversation. (Every one of us trying nonetheless.)
Sticking around, splitting chimichangas and salty margaritas with my sisters, all of us grown kids with kids.
Books finished:
The Empathy Exams by Leslie Jamison
The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Seen by Lisa Gungor
What Falls From the Sky by Esther Emery
The Complete Alice by Lewis Carroll
Puddles, baths, not much else. There was, however, a short epiphany in the grocery store.
A man had run his cart into my ankle, something my children have done on multiple occasions, something that fills me with a fast and general rage – that cold shock of metal to tissue to bone.
My response to his apology is merciful. It’s totally fine!, I smile, realizing in that moment I am all too often kinder to complete strangers than my own offspring. Many times it seems I’ve lost my manners somewhere this side of the front door.
This week’s project, then: charitable words. Mercy. Small kindness, is all.
Soon, fall. Three-person bikes, a slanting sun. Sleeping with the windows open.
We’re ready.
gorgeous post xo
Thank you, Stephanie!
Love it!
Thank you. :)
A lovely read each time. Always looking forward to your posts.
Thank you, Alice!
Sleeping with the windows open … Yes! I am ready, too 😊.
It’s the best, isn’t it?
I too have “lost my manner this side of the front door.” Good reminder to keep the manners with me at all times in all situations. Or at least give it my best! ;)
Same here!!! :)
Simply beautiful.
Thank you, Jen. :)
So true!! You truly have a gift for writing. Many things said in so few words. It’s a vivid picture of life behind the front door of our home compared to life outside of it. I want to bless my children with the kindness I extend to strangers. Small kindness can spread so wide, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Lindsay — so kind of you to encourage!
This week’s project, then: charitable words. Mercy. Small kindness, is all.
Yess! Amen to this!
As always I need to do a double read on your profound and poetic words- and make sure I interpret it and see them in multiple ways and also the way you pictured it!
You’re so, so kind, Ting. Thank you.
You bring beauty and thoughtfulness to even the mundane (“Yesterday, I gave up an attempt to patch a hole in the rubber hose in favor of a water balloon toss.”). Thankful for your generosity in sharing your words. You continue to inspire my writing journey.
Thank you so much, Miranda!
I had missed you Erin.
Thank you – I’ve missed you guys as well!
Erin, please tell me when and how you read so much? I miss books and longingly looks at your lists. With entertaining a 5 year old all day long and school pick up with my older one and homework and dinner and on and on and on. How do you read so many books??? Please give me the secret.
Hi Sabrina:
This is my biggest tip!:
https://designformankind.com/2017/05/read-more/
I’m rarely without a book, so if I’m taking the kids to a park or woods or playground and they’ve lost themselves in a game of polar bear play, I’m nearby soaking in a chapter or two. :) I also give myself a half hour before I fall asleep, and sometimes steal a few minutes during Scout’s (dwindling) nap. ;)
Fall….”a slanting sun,” that’s what I love the most. The light in fall. Beautiful words.
It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?
Reading you for the first time… A great fantasy…. Loved it…
thank you :)