About Tsh and Sarah

Tsh compiled today's list of links. Today's poem is by our poet-in-residence, Sarah Dunning Park, whose book, What It Is Is Beautiful, contains poems about the complexities of being a mom. Writing this poetry sometimes helps her be a better mother, and sometimes leads her to yell at everyone to let her think in peace. Sarah and her husband, Charlie Park, run PearBudget.com, and attempt to be good parents for their three daughters.

by Tsh and Sarah on December 16, 2012 • 6 Comments Links

Weekend links & poetry

Like everyone, my heart has been torn in two the past few days. My mama mind and heart has been restless, feeling weak (and yet hopeful) that the most I can do right now is pray for everyone affected. These few links reflect that, and Sarah’s poem today makes me all the more grateful for my children.

How do I talk to my kids about tragedy? 10 expert tips :: Babble
Thinking the unthinkable :: The Anarchist Soccer Mom
26 moments that restored our faith in humanity this year :: BuzzFeed
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” -Mister Rogers

The winner of yesterday’s giveaway from Every Breath I Take is Jenn. Congratulations, Jenn! Be looking for an email in your inbox soon. Everyone else, don’t forget that Every Breath I Take is offering all Simple Mom readers 15% off any yoga package this month. Simply register here with the code SIMPLEMOM.

The Simple Mom Podcast

In case you missed the link on Facebook or Twitter, there’s a new Homefries podcast! In this episode I’m talking to my friend Kat of Inspired to Action. We’re talking about fizzy drinks, working out in the cold, music, and more. And just so you know, there will be a new Simple Mom Podcast ready for you (almost) every Thursday evening, to kick-start your weekend. Hope you enjoy!

We love getting comments from readers, so don’t be shy over there, and we also love answering your questions, deep or shallow. If you’d like to hear us chat about something, let me know with the contact form. So grateful for your feedback and your excitement—I love that so many of you love listening. Such a treat.

This month’s poem by Sarah Dunning Park is from her book, What It Is Is Beautiful. Enjoy!

Their Eyes All Aglow

What, I wonder,
will they remember
from their childhoods?
If everything experienced
is somehow stored—
stitched into the brain’s cortical folds
like a heap of colorful rags
carefully braided and coiled
to make the rug underfoot—
which bits and pieces of memory
will present face-up,
to be felt and seen
and trod upon daily?

[Read more...]

by Tsh and Sarah on November 18, 2012 • 9 Comments Links

Weekend links & Poetry

5 unexpected ways to help a new mom :: The Happiest Mom
Target: Take the high road and save Thanksgiving :: Change
In case of emergency :: Joy the Baker
Dads and daughters :: The Lettered Cottage
The moistmaker :: The Simple Mom Podcast (it’s the latest episode with Emily!)

Here is our monthly poem from Sarah Dunning Park, whose first book, What It Is Is Beautiful, is now available for pre-order from Amazon. You can also get a free high-res download of the above art if you head to her site!

I love them all,

but if pressed, I’d have to say
that fall is my favorite season,
for the brazen way the trees
decide to ditch the party line —
then flaunt their divergent views
with more colors than are nameable.

Now, when independence and rebellion
spring up in the ways of my children,
I label them chronic conditions
that are terminal and incurable —
rather than natural elements
of a changeable season.

[Read more...]

by Tsh and Sarah on October 21, 2012 • 22 Comments Links

Weekend links & Poetry

Avoid child labor-sourced chocolate this Halloween :: Roadside Assistance
How to be a more patient mom in just 24 hours :: Inspired to Action
Exhaustion is not a status symbol :: Washington Post
Making Facebook a more useful online community and resource :: Gidget Goes Home

The winner of the giveaway for a print of your family’s purpose statement from Red Letter Words is Heidi W. I’ve already sent an email to you, so please check your inbox! And congratulations—hope this makes your weekend a bit sweeter.

And here is this month’s poem, by Sarah Dunning Park:

Warp and Weft

Somewhere along the line,
your friends dispersed
like seeds scooped from a sack,
a few slipping through fingers
and back in the bag with you —
the rest flying out, pitched to far cities,
to root down in places
other than here.

Here, you inch forward
in a line of cars, wondering if
the other mothers dropping off kids
are like you, or if they would like you —
and pondering the irony
that you are alike at least in this:
each of you has narrowed
the scope of your focus
to encompass only
the most pressing needs
of your family.

[Read more...]