reframing femininity
In September I began the Certificate Program at the Allender Center, and I took with me one overstuffed suitcase, one tender story, and one eager heart. I quickly discovered that my time in Seattle would include joy and sorrow, frustration and fear, barriers and breakthrough, isolation and community. At times it has felt like the…
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An icy surface stills the stream beneath. Cold clouds cover up the warming sun. Thick blankets of snow seek to smother daffodils. Puffing winds bluff bird–songs back to nests. But change is there to choose. Will I use my voice to melt the wintry weather? And let His warmth thaw lightness to my life? My…
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If you ever find a picture of me from my senior year in high school, you will not find the traditional hallmarks of 1990’s grunge. Rather, you will find a tie-dye wearing, sandaled, all-natural kind of gal who was clearly reacting to the world around her. My backpack was littered with greatest hits discs of…
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I missed my deadline. The deadline set for this very piece you are reading—I missed it. I don’t have much of an explanation except that, lately, life has kind of been like a hail storm in August.
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Lent is for lovers. “Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault- finding or finger-pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store.” ― N.T. Wright 2018. The year Valentine’s…
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For the month of March we will be considering the theme of “Seasons” – solstice, growth, equinox. Join us by hosting a Red Tent Dinner and sharing stories around your own table of what this theme provokes for you and a few friends.
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I ran long distance for the last time on a Mother’s Day. It was a gloriously sunny day for Seattle. My husband, 3 kids, and parents were all waiting patiently for the last of the half-marathon runners to cross the finish line. My parents were in town for my grad school graduation the day before.…
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We all have reasons for moving. I move to keep things whole. –Mark Strand You should see my house right now. I’m writing this from my bed, which is now merely a mattress on the ground, and I’m surrounded by cardboard boxes and half-packed belongings. Fine white dust covers the hardwood floors along every baseboard,…
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On Fridays Asha is at home with me. We stay in pajamas and linger together as I drink several cups coffee. Asha and I play, navigating our steps through scattered crayons layered with paper, toys, and stickers. Asha’s young presence is remarkably jovial and peaceful. As we play, I find myself falling in love with…
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I learned early the best way to survive was to fly under my mother’s radar. Do what I was told, when I was told, exactly as I was told. Her way was/is the only right way. No exceptions. I was an “easy” child. I was a good student, earning good grades and comments from teachers.…
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