18 Comments

Are there any books for kids on the joys and challenges of moving from a hot place to a Midwestern winter? Because there should be. 😀 Also, you ice-fish?? I've only seen blokes on the ice here, and it's something I've wanted to try since I saw Grumpy Old Men while living in L.A. 😂 No kidding.

Expand full comment

There are plenty of women (and children!) on the ice, sometimes you just have to look closely 😊

Also, for whatever reason, I don't see as many women on the ice in Madison. We'd be happy to take you out someday!

Expand full comment

OMG, I would absolutely love that. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!

Expand full comment

Just here to say that Grumpy Old Men is one of the best movies ever hahaha. Jack Lemmon forever!!

Expand full comment

100% 🙌

Expand full comment

YEEESSSSS!!! Miss him!

Expand full comment

I was on the ice on Sunday and was the only woman, that I could tell. I've often seen children, if it's more during the daytime. Ice fishing is newer to me, and I absolutely love it.

Expand full comment

Are you near Madison? I'm thinking club. 😍

Expand full comment

I am! And Sarah knows how to find me :)

Expand full comment

"It can be as beautiful — or not — as I wish, on the inside, and that’s entirely up to me." That's so good. Thank you <3

Expand full comment

You’re so welcome 🩷

Expand full comment

This really resonated, as someone who is currently in the murk both physically and mentally. You put words to my feelings so well- these words are a balm this morning and have helped me know I'm not alone! The sun will return ☀️

Expand full comment

I'm so glad, Betsy -- truly, when I receive comments like this (especially when I get to the end of writing and think, well, I should probably just delete it all), it means so much to me.

I'm sorry you're in the murk. As my grandmother -- who lived to be 102, so she knew some things -- always used to tell me: "This too shall pass." And it will 🫶

Expand full comment

Oh I have a question. How do you judge your kid’s reading level when the school doesn’t test? I can’t ever figure out whether my kid will be able to read a chapter book...

Expand full comment

I just give them books to try and listen. If they struggle too much — too many words they don’t know, spending so long decoding they can’t really flow — it’s too hard. If they can read most of it with a few words per page they need to sound out or don’t know, it’s just right.

Expand full comment

OMG that gentle use of yellow -- gorgeous! Can't wait to read it

Also please tell me more about your dancing -- I also use dancing to exercise and express myself! Do you do a class or online or by yourself? Always looking for recs ;)

Expand full comment

If you like that yellow, you're going to love the rest of the book. There is one page, when the sun finally comes up, that's really lovely.

I haven't yet brought myself to pay for a dancing app (though Instagram seems to think I need to do this). Mostly I do Grow with Jo on YouTube now, though I've also enjoyed Pony Sweat and Dance Church. Also lots of dancing with abandon on my own. If you have recommendations, I'd love them!

Expand full comment

I found an online read aloud to get a sneak peak while I wait for my library and wow, gorgeous!

Ooh, I haven't tried Grow with Jo. I'll check it out. And the other two seem cool too! For a long time I did The Fitness Marshall for cardio dance -- so fun and free on Youtube! And then I ended up paying for a membership with Steezy -- online dance classes. It's like $99 for a year. I was doing that regularly and having fun learning choreography vs sticking just to zumbalike stuff (I love both). But then I moved and have been struggling to get back in the exercise habit.

Expand full comment