Today is Austin Adoption Day. The Gardner Betts Juvenile Center in Austin is festive with the Wizard of Oz theme, “There’s no place like home,” made real for many children today. Upon entering the building (after the ubiquitous security check to which we are too immune), I approached the hallway, transformed into a yellow brick road. …
My current stack of books to read, in the process of being read, or finished within the last month or so, which does not include the ones on my iPad, is daunting. I lack all discipline when it comes to restraining myself from purchasing or borrowing new titles. I devour books, eager to find connections, …
It was this time last November when I received an unexpected mid-afternoon, mid-week call from my older son, Christopher. We’d talked a few days before so seeing his photo on my cell phone was an immediate pleasure. His standard greeting, “Hi, Mom, how’s it going,” was brief before asking, “Do you think Nana can travel …
We were privileged to watch the premiere showing of “A Voice Revealed,” a film about Pilar, a former foster child, and her CASA (court appointed special advocate), Camie. An amazing, heart-breaking but ultimately inspiring story about a young girl who was abused by her biological parents, placed in foster care, almost adopted, then adopted, abused …
The mind/body connection intrigues me as I try to accept physical changes (and abilities) wrought by injuries, external stresses, and life transitions. Some days I am able to stretch physically without thinking of the consequences, the next day’s aches and pains, the temporary stiffness, the flare-up of old injuries. Other days, old injuries rear their ugly …
The reflection of the bridges over Town Lake always draws me into the day’s reverie, especially just after sunrise when the lake’s population of birds, ducks, fish and people in kayaks, skulls and canoes are starting their own morning routines. [S. Lamar Bridge and Town Lake, Austin, TX]
This morning I ran the 5k part of Run for the Water, sponsored by Gazelles Foundation, founded by Gilbert Tuhabonye (www.gilbertsgazelles.com). The Foundation is a fantastic organization that raises funds to build access to water in Burundi. The Austin morning was an autumn cool, clear skies, no wind. The race was sold out: 10 miler, …
At what point does your child become an adult seeking dialogue and advice and engagement with you, his parents? The time passes imperceptibly, from little boy leaving notes under my pillow, to heartfelt letters from college, to traveling to unusual places together. We may have conversations of great depth or silly lightness or the mundane …
It’s dark when I rise, still two weeks until Daylight Savings Time ends. Austin’s autumn cool has arrived, at least for this week. It’s refreshing to walk outside as the sun rises and not be hit with the never-quite-left humidity of the day before. I ration my running days (although my slow pace can barely …
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