Dear Lydia

Dear Lydia

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Mulberries

I could make it to where my bedroom once was and find the ashes. They were layered into the exact shapes of my papers and books - but now I'm writing about mulberries. We harvested them when they were ripe and talked about what I would make.

Easter Baskets

It was because of the gaggle of children that flocked to my house most afternoons. It started with only two but then three others joined, though not yet as regularly. With Mai and Völund in the mix we had seven children. All wanting to play and all wanting to run far away.

Sun Showers

Rain and thunder, lightning and wind - the kind that cuts through your coat and leaves you shivering as if you are naked. Raindrops that pound instead of plop and light that blinds instead of dazzles. Soaked to the core, unable to see four feet in front of you,

Spring Break 2026

Spring Break 2026

It was some time after Christmas that my friend Darlene mentioned that she would like to take me up to her favorite mountain some day. I don't think she was expecting the some day to be so soon, I even surprised myself, but I absolutely wanted to go.

A Proper Pot Pie

A Proper Pot Pie

It could have taken me hours to put this meal together but instead, I made something that tastes like it came from grandmas kitchen on the farm, with the ease and convenience of a meal delivery kit in Suburbia. That's the kind of cooking I'm talking about yall!

Rendering Chicken Schmaltz + Eating Cracklin

Rendering Chicken Schmaltz + Eating Cracklin

Rendering Chicken Fat (Schmaltz) After you take the fat and skin from the chicken, you need to cut it into uniformly small pieces. I was worried mine weren't small enough but I think they were just right. I'd say about 1/2 to 1 inch pieces.

Fishing at Miller's Pond

Fishing at Miller's Pond

Learning Old Tricks

I feel a bit smug when I write a clever sentence but to say I've been "on a journey" is cliche. Everyone already expects what I'm about to say next. My self satisfaction in writing the perfect hook is doomed.

Homeschool Round-up: October 2024

Homeschool Round-up: October 2024

Review of first homeschool month

Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy Story Time

Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy Story Time

Hardberger Park story time & thoughts on friends.

Lydia's Reading List

Lydia's Reading List

Books to Ease Back Into Reading as an Adult

A Rediscovery of Me

A Rediscovery of Me

Slow-paced vlog and commentary on motherhood.

Are We Going to Home School?

Are We Going to Home School?

A mother's internal doubts about homeschooling

A Favor Returned

A Favor Returned

a favor returned is a favor received but a kindness expected is stolen indeed

Summer in Wyoming 2024

Summer in Wyoming 2024

A picture summary of our 2024 Summer Vacation.

Family Fun at Witte Museum

Family Fun at Witte Museum

Van Gogh Exhibit

Van Gogh Exhibit

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a fun & easy outing for children.

Mai Rose Pregnancy Photos

Mai Rose Pregnancy Photos

Photgraphed by London Dearrington in Colorado Springs, CO.

Joy Doesn't Always Laugh

Joy Doesn't Always Laugh

Joy Doesn't Always Laugh, Sometimes Joy Cries

Wedding Album

Photographed by London Dearrington & Katie in Pensacola, FL.

Engagement Album

Engagement Album

Photographed by Jared Sigler in Pensacola, FL.