Standing Still

Hello from this rare moment of time I have found! The school year sped by as I new-momed my way through to the end. Believe me when I say there were ups and downs. Some were new and harder than before. Some were the same ol' and easy enough to roll with.

Sidewalk chalk to end the school year. 

god bless you, coffee

My little man celebrated his first birthday and shortly after, his first steps. This is a much different summer with a toddler but it feels a bit more in my wheelhouse. Last summer I stumbled blindly, both from inexperience and tears, as I learned about being the mother of an infant. This summer we have real adventures, we read real books, we eat real food.

BPL all summer!

And some Public Garden for walking practice

Rosemary from my garden, smashed potatoes for my family #coolmom

My own reading and writing has come to a bit of a stand still. I'm making peace with it though. In yoga, mountain pose - which basically looks like you are standing still - builds a strong foundation. It grounds, it builds space, it allows for a moment to reflect. Eventually, you start to flow and move. In the same way, I know that the reading and writing will come back.

When your toddler wakes up early, he joins you for yoga

This summer I have managed to read the books that are part of the Teachers Write program. I've done this program in the past. I've been more of an onlooker but I did read the suggested books! My favorite of the bunch was Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles by Patricia Valdez, pictures by Felicita Sala.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor is the real story of Joan Procter who fell in love with reptiles as a young girl. Instead of dolls and other toys, she had a pet crocodile. She grew up to be the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and designed the Reptile House at the London Zoo. Her research on komodo dragons was ground-breaking and she could often be seen walking around the zoo with Sumbawa, one of the komodo dragons she cared for at the zoo.

I love a good biography that introduces me to a hero I've never heard of before. Whether you have a budding scientist or curious child at home, this is definitely a must read.

The "grown-up" book I'm making my way through is Devotions by Mary Oliver. I read a book of her poetry a few years ago and I've never read poetry that moved me quite so much. She passed away in January so I thought it would be fitting to read another book of hers. I don't regret that choice one bit. The way she describes the world around her makes me want to pack up and move out of the city just as it did the first time. I remember what it was like to wake up to crickets, to wander around our fields, to ponder the tiny bugs that wandered between blades of grass. I love that she brings those memories back and it reminds me that Oscar needs those too.

Wildflowers from this summer's family trip to the Adirondacks

One of my favorite poems from Devotions

I hope you are enjoying your summer. I hope you have moments of peace. I hope you find time to stand still, take a deep breath, and then when you are ready, you start over.

Tallulah, showing us how it's done