Susan Dayley's Blog, page 36

Dressing Up on this Side of the Pond

 The Event this weekend has many scrambling on both sides of the pond to view the proceedings, if not in person, then via live broadcasts. Alarms are set and various details are prepared from biscuits to hats so that viewers can indulge in the atmosphere of the occasion. I was amused to read that prospective [...]

What Stops Children in their Tracks, or The Look

"I don't care what you do with me, Brer Fox" said Brer Rabbit. "Just don't fling me that Look. Roast me, Brer Fox, but don't fling me that there Look of yours," said Brer Rabbit. "It's so much trouble to start a fire," said Brer Fox, "that I think I'd rather hang you." "Hang me [...]

The Crazy Daze of Motherhood

Jane Isfeld Still's book The Crazy Daze of Motherhood was so anticipated that it created a flurry of willing bloggers who wanted to review it. There are like a half dozen of us just for today! And six dozens more during this tour. Seriously! It's because people who know Jane's stories, wisdom, and humor, love [...]

It Would Have Been Enough

I love Seders (Passover Supper). I love the emphasis on redemption. I love the timelessness about them. The resounding echoes of TRADITION (Yes, I'm channeling Teyve.) And though I have only participated in edited, Christianized versions, they were each well done and carefully conducted with respect and a desire for all to understand better. During [...]

Treasure Hunts and Naughty Dough

I was not a perfect mother. My children could give you examples that I've long (or is it conveniently?) forgotten. I tend to remember the games, the hikes, the stories, the treasure hunts, the treats, the laughter, the anticipation, the satisfaction. Selective memory? I'm fine with that. Speaking of the treats. . .Well, maybe there [...]

One of the BEST Books Ever, but I'm Not Telling

However, I will give you clues. First, an introduction: This book changed my life. I love this book. It is lengthier than War and Peace and Gone With the Wind. I have read it three times (the first time I was in my twenties, and since then, I've read it twice aloud to my DH) [...]

Live Abundantly—but Take a Break Already!

I've been blogging about living abundantly for a couple of months now and frankly, I would like to—the old fashioned, pre-bubble burst way. With luxury. Seriously, with this economy, I'd like to blow a raspberry in the general direction of DC. I am getting tired of consolidating trips to town, baking everything from scratch and [...]

Building Your Child's Self-Worth

I didn't always know that I couldn't sing. I used to belt out "Big Rock Candy Mountain" for anyone who would listen. I had two solo parts in my sisters and daddy's version of "The Men in My Little Girl's Life," and once as a youth I sang in a group that travelled to a [...]

Where a Writer Goes at Night

I could stay up past coherent, structured time every night. And never notice. I sit down ostensibly to write, but not until I've disconnected from emails, FB and from reading blogs do I actually begin. But then it happens. One scene later and I'm no longer thinking of emails that didn't come. Four or five [...]

Living Abundantly with Innovation

Today is the Pine Wood derby for about sixty scouts in my neighborhood. I am making sugar cookies to serve at the concession stand along with fresh popped popcorn and nachos. My desire was for cookies that looked like a car—not a heart, pumpkin, or candy cane. I have those cookie cutters, but no cars. [...]