I'm a voracious reader, but I so rarely read a book twice. Except for Barbara Kingsolver's books. For me, her books are a circle. I finish one and I turn back to the beginning to start again. I've read nearly all of them twice, even the essay compilations. I've read my favorite, Poisonwood Bible, three … Continue reading On book talks and fostering future writers

It feels like there's a lot of darkness in the world right now, but there's a whole lot of light on the hospital children's ward. God knows we need more good souls these days.

I have a confession to make. I haven't eaten my granola in a few years (gasp!). I stopped eating sugar--including honey and maple syrup--and my granola is full of honey. This left me with a cereal problem. Even if I eat Grape Nuts, I can eat a few bowls of it  and still won't feel … Continue reading Steel Cut Oats: Breakfast of Champions

I’ve come to realize that there aren’t many voices among mom bloggers sharing the reality of raising kids during the middle and high school years. So I’m back.

Don't kid yourself. There's nothing healthy about sugar cookies, even when they're whole wheat. But Chanukah without sugar cookies isn't complete. Live a little. Since whole wheat flour is all I ever have in the house, I'm always in search of a recipe that tastes good and has the right texture. This one from Genius … Continue reading Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies

Every so often in life, if one is fortunate enough, comes along an opportunity that feels like winning the lottery. It’s an experience that's both monumental and nearly missed--as if an arrow was shot from long range and landed exactly in the middle of the target that is you. It is the path you nearly … Continue reading Returning Home after 16 Years

Dear R, A, Z & C: We Jews have a history of writing letters to our children, from Yaakov to the Ramban to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. I can't pretend to impart nearly that level of wisdom, but when a friend and past colleague asked that I write my own version to you, I decided … Continue reading A Letter to My Children

There are lots of four's prevalent in this upcoming holiday--four sons, four questions, four cups--you get the idea. And in that spirit, I present your four-part Passover survival guide. Don't get me wrong, this holiday is one of our favorites, but it's not easy. There are a few too many meals and a total overhaul … Continue reading Your 4-Part Plan for Passover Sanity

Today marks the first day I can talk after two weeks of post vocal chord surgery voice rest. It was hard, it was frustrating and above it was all annoying. Try figuring out Purim costumes for four kids, including a teenager, without talking. You know those late talking, two year olds who act out, hitting … Continue reading Lessons Learned in Silence