I don’t know how future historians will decide which parts of the internet to review while trying to analyze 2020…I’m sure my blog won’t rank highly. And yet I feel compelled to share some of what happens when a pandemic arrives in one’s city. My last post was about self-care, which has admittedly been quite …
A man named Scott introduced me to the phrase “take good care” near the beginning of my (first) career. Since then, I’ve heard the same expression from others who have all been as warm and kind as Scott. I love this phrase. It’s like a request, obligation, and blessing all rolled into one. It suggests …
I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “but”. Sure, now you’re thinking, “Oh, here she goes…this is one of those ‘Kelli’s in her head again’ blogs.” Really? If you read this thing, you know that’s pretty much all it ever is. Seriously though. As I recently said to someone, the three little letters in “but” can …
I recently visited Washington, D.C. for the first time. After arriving, I walked a few blocks to the National Mall, and thought a little about the impeachment trial occurring nearby. But mostly, I thought about free speech. A large part of the Mall was blocked that day, with several streets and walkways closed. Bus after …
Have you ever heard a quote and not been able to let it go? I was recently at a workshop with someone I haven’t seen in years. During dinner, I remembered how much I love listening to all the things she thinks about. At one point, she said something to the effect of, “You have …
One of the best things about my job is the people I get to meet and the various ideas they bring into my life. Earlier this year, for example, I was exposed to the poet Mary Oliver during meetings at the Banff Centre. More recently, while I was Christmas shopping, I saw that Oliver had …
A few birthdays ago, a friend gave me a letterboard. More recently, I decorated my house for Christmas and changed the sign to read “Merry & Bright,” as seen in this photo. I didn’t think much about choosing the phrase. It seemed like an appropriate – maybe even cute – addition to a light-up signboard, …
Yesterday, I reviewed an 80+ page document, looking for patterns and themes. My colleagues and I have been writing weekly reflections about our work, and we want to summarize what we've learned. The act of reflecting is not unique to people in the social sector, but writing reflections is something any social work student quickly …
I know I’m not the only one who notices how things change as we get older. In particular, there’s something about traditions, holidays, and milestone events that allow for a comparison through time. Last week, for example, the Canadian Finals Rodeo became a bit of a time machine for me. I joined my mom on …
Continue reading Holding each other up, through 25 years of finals
For anyone who’s read some of my increasing skepticism about social media, it’s probably no surprise that I sometimes roll my eyes at today’s use of the word “influencer.” But Instagram divas aside, there are certainly people who’ve had huge influence on my life and personality. Earlier this week, one of my grandfathers would have …
