Friday favorites: August 14, 2015
We have one week left of summer 2015. One week. I am holding on with both hands, my arms wrapped around the last bit of summer as though I could keep it here by sheer will and love alone.
But I cannot.
My son will step into his kindergarten class and meet his teacher for the first time a week from today. I think he's ready. I'm not sure I am, but I am pretending well. I'm lining up my other first-time-kindergarten friends so we can cry on each others' shoulders that morning.
We have talked quite a lot about kindergarten in our house, and I have found that what is he is holding close to him is the job I gave him.
"You are going to be one of the oldest kids in the class, and sometimes bigger, too," I told him. His 6th birthday is just a couple of weeks after school starts. "It's your job to help the younger kids and make them feel welcome. You are older, so it's up to you be a leader."
He is taking his job very seriously. I can see the light in his eyes and he puffs up his chest just a little.
You are already leader, sweetheart. Be a good one. And most importantly, a kind one.
* * *
In case you missed it, I was featured at a few sites:
On the Today Show parenting team site, my revised letter to my son's lovey (originally written before he started preschool two years ago) had a sweet second wind. Tissues may be required.
In New York, I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the premiere of the Marvel movie Ant-Man, hosted by the star, Paul Rudd. I reviewed the movie (spoiler: I loved it!) at BonBon Break.
Here in Austin, LiveMom asked me to try Painting with a Twist, and I discovered that it's a perfect place for a relaxing girls' night out.
I'm proud to be a member of the Texas Conference for Woman Street Team, and I was quoted in this article about what I think the US Women's Soccer Team's win will mean to women's sports.
* * *
I am drawn to heavy, deep writing that elicits tears or butterflies, and I have plenty of those to share with you. But first, a funny post including summer-related haiku poems from Vikki Reich, one of my favorite people and fellow Listen To Your Mother producer.
I had heard of the amazing Luvvie and finally had the chance to meet her in NYC at BlogHer. She is a force of nature - wonderfully smart and poised and making a difference in the world. Check her out.
If you are learning, like me, about cultural differences and why the #blacklivesmatter hashtag is important, read this. It's a beautiful explanation from the owner of a bookstore who has an open heart.
This post at the Washington Post's On Parenting blog spoke to me: letting our kids take risks keeps them out of trouble later, the author says.
I had no idea that Denis Leary was married to a woman with such writing talent. Her description of their marriage and keeping love alive is worth reading every word.
Sarah Honey is one of the sweetest women on the internet, no joke. This post is vintage Sarah, and it's so true. "10 Ways to Show Love to Our Children"
Don't miss this story from Texas Monthly about a teenage boy, an accident, and his mother's deep love for him.
My friend Katrina's hands shook when she clicked "publish" on this story. It's raw, heartbreaking, and powerful. I want to bear witness and share with you the beautiful and wrenching words she is sharing.
Have you ever needed a friend so badly, and one in particular emerged when you bared your soul? This is a great example. Share your hurts and let someone help.
I love Brenna's words about discipline and kids and where she draws the line.
One of my professional mentors in the aviation world is new to blogging, and his cerebral writing sticks with me. This one makes me want to stop and be quiet and think.
Lastly, I received in the mail Rachel Macy Stafford's new book, Hands Free Life. I am diving in, savoring every chapter; it will be available next month. In the meantime, I'm going to create two jars based on Rachel's description for two very special men in my life: my husband and son.
* * *
Love, Kristin