I originally posted this in 2008, when my now college freshman son was just seven-years-old. Just reading it brings back the image…and the stress of getting a delightful, curious child anywhere! And reminders about intercultural appreciation are always good. And talk about greeting every new day as a gift! Short Film: The Walk to the…
Dear Mom and Dad, I know I’m only three, but I wanted to remind you of some things you taught me in preparation for preschool. I’ve been listening to the news lately–I’m in the room, you know! With all of the political division and vitriol ( the opposite of civil public discourse!), it looks like…
My 14 year old son announced a 5” (yes, that’s a five inch) restraining order against me the week before his first year in high school. From this point forward, I am no longer allowed to touch my little punkin’, the one whom I squeezed and held and diapered and comforted for all of these…
(This post originally appeared 9/2013.) A review of recent photos from road trips with my son Lucca has yielded a certain theme. Let me give you a sampling: World’s Largest Toilet, Columbus, IN, August, 2013 Shit Fountain, Chicago, IL Special Birthday Outing, April 2013 Crapo Park, Burlington, IA March 2013 Aside from me clearly being…
Whenever I teach yoga I always leave feeling taller and calmer, standing proud with beautiful posture, thinking only positive thoughts about the world and all of its people. “You must be in a hurry,” I smile at the person cutting me off on my drive home. “Go ahead.” Have you ever wondered, “Hmmm…what if everyone…
I have been working on a blog post on the Trayvon Martin shooting at least since the verdict last July, and probably since the actual shooting in February 2012. And, you know what? I have accepted today that it will never happen. I have been accused of being too politically correct, and of having a…
Dear Mrs. Obama, Wow, what a cool appearance on I-Carly (debuted January 16, “iMeet the First Lady.” How exciting to use such a popular platform to spread the message about how important it is to support military families. It was a brilliant marketing idea (I understand it was yours) to reach the 5.5 million people…
Found this movie, A Day Without a Mexican, in the ‘returns pile’ at the Library, and had to see it. What would happen if you woke up in the middle of a bustling US City (Los Angeles) and all of the Mexican’s were gone? That’s what happens in this great mock-documentary, directed by Sergio Arau. White…
Dave Barry was always able to just take vacation and run old columns. For me, I’m entering a new world that is based in economic disparity and developmental disabilities–absolutely at the top of the engagement and inclusion/social exclusion list, but new territory that hasn’t quite gelled. So in the meantime, I’m periodically re-running posts that…
Brazilian-Guinean singer and dancer Fanta Konate will bring her African Sensory Experience to Chicago from December 1 to 10, 2010 as part of a cultural exchange program sponsored by The Illinois-Sao Paulo Chapter of Partners of the Americas. A native of Sao Paulo Brazil, Fanta’s public performances of music and dance in schools, with dance…
