“Kayak.” The word was written in red ink across the top of the manila file folder. Shaky letters, a modest schoolboy hand. Definitely my dad's
Read MoreEssays and Random Thoughts
Piano Chicken and other Tales of Cooking Gone Wrong
Just in time for holiday feasting, I've decided to eat lean. This was a guilt-inspired decision brought on by invading my son's Halloween bag, which I
Read MoreMurder and Mayhem in a Parked Car
When the man knocked on my window, I jumped and shrieked. It was dark and rain was pelting against my car windshield. I opened my window just a crack.
Read MoreKids + Computers = The Perfect Match
A few days ago, a friend stopped by while I was working at home. My 13 year-old son was home, too. As we passed the living room, my friend said, “How
Read MoreThe First Rule of Teaching: Do No Harm
It wasn't until I went on a field trip with my son and his eighth grade teacher that I started pondering the recent debates about how a teacher's
Read MoreThe Book Tour: Is It Worth It?
As I was winding down my book tour to southern California recently, I stopped at a cafe with new friends I'd made in a high desert town called
Read MoreTurkeys, Boltholes, and Self-Sustainability
I live in a typical New England suburb: tall trees, a smattering of ranch houses, a few grand Colonials, a Cape or two. Yet, we still have our share
Read MoreNow that School is Out, What Did They Really Learn?
“So what do they teach at that new school, anyway?” my friend Donna asked recently. “Does Aidan still learn math and science? Will he be ready for
Read MoreCan Any Woman Really Have It All?
Every so often, I read something that makes me take a deep breath and reconsider my life choices, like “Judging Women” in the latest New York Times
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