That's my boy.

Share This:  Tuesday night, hundreds of you turned out to show your support for a budget that creates strong schools, safe neighborhoods and a Nashville that is moving forward. Nearly 60 of you stood in line for hours to speak before the entire Metro Council. Police officers, firefighters, teachers, emergency workers, business leaders, arts supporters, nonprofit workers and even kids asked our Council members to support this budget and create a brighter future for Nashville.   Tuesday night, you were Moving Nashville Forward. Thank you tremendously for your dedication and willingness to show up and speak up for the city we all love.    There is still much work to be done. We have just a few weeks left before the Council takes its final vote on the budget. You'll be hearing more about the many Nashvillians who spoke Tuesday night, and how you can join them in the coming weeks.   But for today, we think this picture just about sums it up. Thanks to you, we're Moving Nashville Forward.

Unplugging from the book of faces.

I love Facebook.

It's been a great way to keep in touch with family and friends from afar, to stay up to date on current events, community happenings, and even plan dates with friends in my city and neighborhood.

Really, I love it. Y'all know this. I've been what could only be described as a heavy user of the book.



And yet, tomorrow, I'll be unplugging -- stepping away, shoving off.
I'm not to the point where I'm ready (or able?) to delete my entire profile.
But I need a break. My life in the real world needs me full on. I need to have more discipline than I've had these many weeks of sick kid and snow days and so on. I have proven that my ability to monitor myself is for poop.

And there are (surely!) many rewards to be reaped in the face of being book of faceless. Right?

As in: instead of relying on a quick little dart of contact, maybe I'll go out of my way more to physically see and BE with friends in my neighborhood, and in my city. My phones will get a bit more wear and tear, maybe also my pen and stationary....


I'm not looking for a way to unplug from friends, but certainly to be a bit more private. No, that's not quite it, either, being a solidly different creature than my Mister.

I want a way to be more intimate. And Facebook has been good to me, but I'm ready to commit to real time in real life with real you, MORE of the time.

So call me. Come by. Let's make a date. The kids can play, we can take a walk. Spring is coming. Coffee is good, and still pretty cheap. After school get togethers for nature or playgrounds or the occasional frozen yogurt or early supper are welcome.

Don't write me off.  Come on over, and come on in.

Thankful Thursday.

Writing a birthday card for a classmate and friend.

This week, I am thankful for much, including:

* The boy's growing love and understanding of the written word.

* A successful first experience using a babysitter.

* School. Spring semester of grad school is on. 

* My mother, to whom I can turn in a pinch.

* Forgiveness.

* The gift of time at home and with my boy, afforded by the beautiful winterscape outside.

* Early fruits of my labors toward a healthier me.

* Steel cut oats, sauteed spinach, crisp apples and Ruby Red grapefruits.

* Meredith. Her presence in the world is an inspiration; her generosity and encouragement of all my endeavors means a lot to me.

* Mollie and David. Their presence in our community is a living breathing blessing; I am honored to know them, to learn from them, to love them.

* the Amish Fireplace in our living room.

* Thick socks, purchased years ago. All weather mocs. Snuggling in the big bed with my family.