I recently wrote this reflection on my adventures in the Peruvian Amazon, and my reconnection with special friends from those days. Here are some vintage photos from the jungle archives, taken by Jose Choy-Sanchez, Rio Ucayali, 1999-2000! And Jose sends this, too, a little jungle background music to set the tone. The research team enjoying … Continue reading
Once upon a time . . . I was 22 and looking for adventure. As a girl I had always dreamed of the Amazon rain forest. After college, I found an American agricultural economist working in the Peruvian Amazon who was willing to take me on as an intern; all I had to do was get … Continue reading
It’s school tour season again, and I love sharing about the Waldorf-style school my daughter attends. It’s not a fit for everyone, but if it is, Waldorf education can be transformative for the entire family. I have my elevator pitch about why it works for us, but people I talk to have lots more questions, … Continue reading
Those last summer days were heaven . . . I felt totally in the flow with my two children, so present and alive in the moment, at the beach humming with the warmth of the sand and sky, the calm and rhythmic waves rolling. We were so in sync, our days just rolled by with … Continue reading
It’s August! We have hit our stride, riding the summer rhythm. We’re relaxing into our predictable days and weeks, enjoying each other. The two kids play together so much, so cute!! No interruptions to our flow: no commute to school, no rush to be on time, no tears from making up after the separation. The jealousy of little … Continue reading
After pondering the layers of meaning to be found in June solstice festivals, I’ve been gathering South American solstice traditions that have meaning to our family. I’m not exactly sure how they connect to the spiritual meaning of the solstice. I hope that while I look for meaning, my experience will come across to my children … Continue reading
What is childhood summer all about? Fun in the sun, relaxing, no alarm clocks or school bells, climbing trees, swimming, freedom, sunshine, and magic. It seems so obvious, so why am I so unsatisfied with this explanation? I keep wondering about the meaning of summer . . . the deeper meaning. If in the fall we … Continue reading
Urban life can feel chaotic to young children. I see it’s a stress for my daughter. The city never sleeps! The sirens, streetlights, the vroom of cars, and even the ding-ding of the streetcars continue late into the night. Work days end late and push back dinner time. It’s not easy to keep consistent bedtimes … Continue reading
The second installment is here! Diego and I worked all morning to make our second set of movies. This time he knew what was going on so it was a bit more complicated . . . but still fun! (Photo is little P as a baby sambista.) I wrote previously about our reasons for playing music at … Continue reading
Spring is here. I am happy and proud about my tiny garden, I think for the first time ever, even though my profession and passion in life pre-kids was gardening. (Before I launch into my ramblings, if you are a beginner family-home gardener, HERE are some resources for you!) Like every aspect of this mothering gig, … Continue reading
Chigüiri-cosas 