Category Archives: Late night thoughts (dear emily)

city living vs. out of doors

Sometimes I wonder if living in a city is the best idea for us or not.  We enjoy the city with its diversity and variety of opportunities. But really like the woods too. Yesterday we wandered for hours along a creek. We found songbirds and fish and a big white duck. We crossed paths with a doe and her yearling and even a fox. we walked under train tracks and counted cars on a cargo train too. We waded through water, told ourselves stories, collected rocks, and built a modest fort. We practiced math skills and made plans, dreamed up art projects and travel ideas. We splashed and sniffed and there was laughter and peace.  To think this all happened within walking distance of our little home in a big city. #phillylove
Sometimes I wonder if living in a city is the best idea for us or not. We enjoy the city with its diversity and variety of opportunities. But really like the woods too. Yesterday we wandered for hours along a creek. We found songbirds and fish and a big white duck. We crossed paths with a doe and her yearling and even a fox. we walked under train tracks and counted cars on a cargo train too. We waded through water, told ourselves stories, collected rocks, and built a modest fort. We practiced math skills and made plans, dreamed up art projects and travel ideas. We splashed and sniffed and there was laughter and peace. To think this all happened within walking distance of our little home in a big city. #phillylove

Lamp Shine

Above this little lamp, on the top bunk, sleep two young children: a Muslim, whose ancestors were brought here against their will and my son who has been lucky enough to be befriended by this sweet boy. Tomorrow they'll go to Quaker meeting together. The world seems pretty fucking dark right now but there is still light.
Above this little lamp, on the top bunk, sleep two young children: a Muslim, whose ancestors were brought here against their will and my son who has been lucky enough to be befriended by this sweet boy. Tomorrow they’ll go to Quaker meeting together. The world seems pretty fucking dark right now but there is still light.

Lemons For Another Day

lemon tree blossoms. it's drizzling and I'm pacing. I would like to say I've created something inspiring or cooked a delicious meal or helped a neighbor or showed love in some other way. The truth is I'm just kind of paralyzed in silence, choking back tears, and trying not to snap at my kids. That's just where I am right now.  I'll be stronger and wiser another day but today I'm hiding and terrified.
lemon tree blossoms. it’s drizzling and I’m pacing. I would like to say I’ve created something inspiring or cooked a delicious meal or helped a neighbor or showed love in some other way. The truth is I’m just kind of paralyzed in silence, choking back tears, and trying not to snap at my kids. That’s just where I am right now. I’ll be stronger and wiser another day but today I’m hiding and terrified.