No, really? So now what? I asked myself. What am I supposed to do now? Just waltz into a thrift store, or a sock store with the wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket? (–Umh, Lily? Umh, hunny, to what cash are you referring?) After a year of being hypervigilant about my shoppingContinue reading “So now what?”
Category Archives: Gifts
Redirecting Self-Destructive Social Anxiety
I was five years old the first time it happened. I remember exactly what I was wearing: it was a pretty yellow swiss-dot dress. I was at Sunday School at our new church in our new town. I was supposed to be doing a craft, something with cotton balls and gluing them onto a paperContinue reading “Redirecting Self-Destructive Social Anxiety”
The Ideal Life Round-Up: Parenting
Here we were, 5:00 on Christmas morning, and I was almost 100% sure I knew how this was going to go down. I knew for a fact that my boys would see all the bounty under the tree, and that even before they would start opening their presents, that my eldest would cry about somethingContinue reading “The Ideal Life Round-Up: Parenting”
The Toy Catalog
I mentioned yesterday that I have been having deep thoughts lately about coveting. Notably, I have been second-guessing the premise of my entire year-long challenge. Have I, for perhaps my entire life, been confusing the idea of appreciating something I don’t have for coveting something I don’t have? The definition of “covet” is yearning toContinue reading “The Toy Catalog”
Gift Giving Gone Awry
A while back, I wrote a series about gift-giving, and some characteristics to consider about the gift-receiver as we began the holiday season. I called them “Gift-Receiver Templates” (I’ll put links to the articles at the end, if you’re interested.) Well. Let’s put this anecdote into the “I should have known better” category, shall we?Continue reading “Gift Giving Gone Awry”
Thankfulness Week, Day Two: Unexpected Outcomes
“Hey now, Lil!” you might be saying. “I thought you hated surprises! What is this about being thankful for the unexpected?” I know, I know. But where would the fun be if there wasn’t a little contradiction now and then to keep life interesting? But let me explain: Anticipation is fantastic. I swear by anticipation.Continue reading “Thankfulness Week, Day Two: Unexpected Outcomes”
Sustainable Motivation
As each year draws to a close, my indulgent husband and I do a little activity we like to call, “Where are you going, where have you been.” We’ve been doing this since we married in 1999. It’s probably the longest-running tradition I have ever held onto. The name of it comes directly from theContinue reading “Sustainable Motivation”
Furoshiki and me
In my attempts to do something a little bit differently and a little bit more sustainably this year, I have decided to try my hand at furoshiki, that is, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in reusable or recycled textile wrappings. My interest in the subject was sparked by Marie Kondo, who last year hadContinue reading “Furoshiki and me”
The Sticky Issues of Gift Giving: Staying Emotionally Detached
This is, mercifully for you, going to be my last word on the sticky issues of Gift Giving. (Ah, never fear: the promised furoshiki crafting episode is to follow. I would never leave you hanging like that!) My last word is this: sometimes, there is simply no way to please someone. Sometimes, no matter howContinue reading “The Sticky Issues of Gift Giving: Staying Emotionally Detached”
The Sticky Issues of Gift Giving Part Two: Wrapping
My favorite part about Christmas Do you know what my favorite part of Christmas is? Wrapping gifts. There, I said it. Your opinion of me, over the last 330 articles has been forged through subtle hints at my insanity. Now, I have come out and admitted it: I am verifiably nuts. That’s right, my favoriteContinue reading “The Sticky Issues of Gift Giving Part Two: Wrapping”
Sing With Your Feet 