I spent the first 8 days of June preparing our family for a trip to Disney World, days 8-18 IN Disney World, days 19-26 unpacking, reorganizing, and shopping to keep our family fed in two different locations while I was in a third; and days 26-+1 presenting/playing at convention. Since I returned, I have been…
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Claiming Space
Between Luddism and addiction
Last night I dreamed I had a smart phone and I was eating it. Weird, I know. I’ll chalk it up to being in the process of writing this blog post. Because I had a moment this past week that shocked me, even though it was only a visceral confirmation of things I already knew.…
Read MoreBack to Basics
Shortly before the Covid shutdowns, I bought a new headjoint for my flute. A flute has three pieces, and although the material and the workmanship is important to all three, the headjoint is the one you upgrade if you aren’t upgrading the whole instrument. This particular one is glorious, with a brilliant tone and an…
Read MoreIn Defense of Uncertainty
In my mid-twenties, I once changed addresses twelve times in twelve months. That time between college and real life is a time of transition. I hated being unsettled. In flux. I often say I am the type A of type As, and that level of uncertainty was really tough. But I’ve been thinking about uncertainty…
Read MoreTime for a Reset
It’s time for a reset. 2021 has been–well, a whirlwind. The long, choking oppression of the pandemic is lifting, and we’re busier than ever: soccer, baseball, color guard, 4H, scouts, marching band, concerts (hallelujah!), even church choir. Committee meetings. Oh, and there was that minor detail of a book release this spring. Pitching, promotion, recording…
Read MoreParenthood is all about “Pantsing”
Once, I was talking to a favorite uncle about life and all deep things. Because that’s what we do. (He’s a great uncle.) I said, “You know, when I was a kid, and something was bothering me, I’d think it through and make up my mind what to do about it, and that was it.…
Read MoreWhat I Learned About Myself While Traveling
I learned something about myself in traveling these past two weeks. When I’m in charge of travel, I’m susceptible to some pretty strong anxiety. I like traveling. I like experiencing the world, seeing new places. I like it a lot, in fact. But until last weekend, I didn’t realize how stressful I would find it…
Read MoreIf You’re Not Outraged…
We’ve been angry a lot this calendar year. Last calendar year, too, truth be told. The world seems made for making us angry right now. But it came to a head in the last week, and in one of those convergences that can only be a sign of the Holy Spirit at work, for three…
Read MoreYou say Self”ish”, I Say Self”less”
I’ll admit it: I totally blew it last summer. I tried to extend my “work-year” to ten months by putting kids in summer school, promising myself that it would be enough to do weekly field trips during July and August. But the first ten days of July were taken up with our triple-duty trip to…
Read MoreIn Which A Conversation With A Homeless Man Shapes My Future Self
The light at the top of the exit ramp was red when I pulled up to it. There was a man there. Grizzled. Curly beard. I recognized him. I’ve given him protein bars before. I pulled one out of the box between the seats and rolled down my window. “Here you go,” I said. “Oh,…
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Kathleen M. Basi 