When my kids were tiny (but big enough to be enthusiastic Christmas tree decorators), I told a little white lie. I said there were special fairies that came and decorated Christmas trees for us. All we had to do was leave the decorations out and they would do the rest. The year before the tree had looked so awful, I couldn’t bear it. Everything lopsided and crammed into one 3-year-old-sized corner. I wanted the tree to look nice that year…hence the fairy story. It only ha

I let my eyes close. I can hear the rustling of foil. There’s a gentle tug on my scalp and the chill of dye cream touching my scalp. In the background I can hear the roar of hairdryers, slow atmospheric tunes, the rising and falling of voices and the gentle patter of rain on the window. Outside it’s getting dark and even with my eyes closed I can sense the afternoon slipping away. I’m here in this moment and yet I’m also transported. The many versions of me As I let my min

As I shake out the blanket and prepare to lay it out, there’s a scurry of activity as the insect population races to get clear. I’ve slipped my shoes off and I can feel the dry crispness of the long grass scratching my ankles. There’s a hum of bees and flying bugs and the gentle breeze sets a background soundtrack of gentle rustling. It’s warm but not stiflingly so, thanks to the light breeze. With the scene so perfectly set for rest and relaxation, how could it go wrong