Author Archives: Lainie Levin

Requiem

As we scroll through our newsfeedsAnd text one anotherAnd see post after post after postAnd listen to the newsAnd speak to one anotherOf her passing – As we mourn her presenceIn our world, her strengthIn the face of adversity, her voice,Silent – As we claim her lossWith our own grief – As we rememberHer workHerContinue reading “Requiem”

So…How Are You?

“Plugging along.”“About as well as I can be.”“Chugging along.”“Just fine, which is all about any of us can ask.” These words come out of my mouth repeatedly. Perhaps you find yourself giving the same responses. To tell you the truth, that really is where I am. I’m…okay, I guess. I’m doing fine, which is perhapsContinue reading “So…How Are You?”

Stepping Back Up to the Soapbox

I have a lot of soapboxes to stand on when it comes to education. I mean…c’mon. Just look at the name of my site. It’s easy to get riled up about things when you feel as passionately I do about teaching, when you have as much faith in public schooling as I do. One ofContinue reading “Stepping Back Up to the Soapbox”

Joy in the Time of COVID

So many moments of wonder,Of joyTo hold high and to honor – A real live letter from a student pen palColleagues who find strength in one anotherThe college son who just feels like a chatBlue skies, uninterruptedA new recipe that worksWalks with friendsWatching people you love do what they love All these moments of wonder,OfContinue reading “Joy in the Time of COVID”

Ever Have That Time…

…when your seventeen year-old starts complaining that there aren’t any healthy snacks in the house, so you tell him you’re going grocery shopping and are taking requests for healthy snacks, and then he doesn’t suggest any, and then you come home after school and invite him to come shop with you so he can findContinue reading “Ever Have That Time…”

Thought Bubble, Speech Bubble

Guess what brave things I did today?a) I got out of my bedb) I committed to working out – and didc) I announced that I wasn’t cooking dinner tonightd) All of the above Of course, there was something I didn’t do today, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m wise, or because I wasContinue reading “Thought Bubble, Speech Bubble”

This is Not a Paper Clip

this post is dedicated to A.H., whose cleverness and sincerity make me deeply proud to know such wonderful people I’m easy to please. Which is good, because as a teacher and as a mom, I can’t wait for big grand gestures to bring me a sense of satisfaction or well-being. I’d be here all day.Continue reading “This is Not a Paper Clip”

On First Days

This. This photo. It sums things up. Every year since my older guy started kindergarten, I’ve brought my kids to the local breakfast place for a traditional first-day breakfast. Over the years, we’ve toggled it a bit. For a while, I worked in the same district they attended, and our annual ritual celebrated a beginningContinue reading “On First Days”

Putting a Pin In It

*this post is dedicated to J.O., who never ceases to inspire me, and who also reminds me how important it is to be the best version of myself* Here I am, back after what is way too long a hiatus from writing. What’s kept me? Inertia, pure and simple. I wasn’t in a space orContinue reading “Putting a Pin In It”