Author Archives: Lynn McLean
Remember the Innocent
Today many of us will remember where we were 12 years ago. I saw a car accident on my way to work that morning and thought, “Someone’s day isn’t going the way they planned.” 90 minutes later, word came to … Continue reading
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June 1968: All’s Right With the World
Photo: Hank Walker School was almost out for the year, but the morning had dawned brisk, and a little chilly. By lunchtime, though, the day turned warm. I pushed up the sleeves of my green Garland sweater, wishing I’d … Continue reading
Posted in Memoir, Rochester, Schools, Teachers, Transitions
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Guest Post: A Child’s Pain, A Mother’s Pain
Last Sunday, America celebrated Mother’s Day. It’s a holiday filled with sentimentality, cleverly wrapped in flowers, brunch, and Hallmark cards. But in recent years, we’ve become aware that Mother’s Day can be a painful day for many women: Those who … Continue reading
Posted in Body Image, Family, Holidays, Parents and children
Tagged Body Image, children, guest post, Holidays, pain, Parenting
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Rest Well, Old Girl
I woke up early today, and pulled on my black yoga pants and a plain t shirt. I barely combed my hair. No need to look in the mirror; It was not a morning for makeup. I’d shower after a … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Domesticity, Family, Memoir, Transitions
Tagged Cushing's Disease, Death, Dog, family, Goodbyes, Pet, Veterinarian
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What Does Polyester Have To Do With Playing Monopoly?
Aunt Effie was the trendsetter in our family. She and Uncle Orlie built a tidy brick ranch house on what would become the good side of town. She was the first to have a dishwasher, a family room with … Continue reading
Posted in Domesticity, Family, Memoir, Parents and children
Tagged Aunt, family, Ironing, Laundry, learning, Memoir, Polyester, Trendsetter
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Off The Radar: Reflecting On The Common Cold
The first twinge came on Monday – a trace of dryness in my eyes. Maybe nothing. Maybe the lighting at work, or a little eye strain. But I knew better. It was the first sign. On Tuesday, it escalated to … Continue reading
And Now, A Word From The Teacher In Me
Another viral video crossed my desk last week, accompanied by a lot of “Awwww….so cute!” comments. This one features Dixie, a puppy heading down a flight of stairs for the first time, with a little help from a friend – … Continue reading
A New Year, A Clear Mind
I was reading an advice column the other day, and someone asked about the proper cutoff date for wishing someone a Happy New Year. The answer? Oh, about the time that most people have given up … Continue reading
Posted in Balance, Clarity, Decisions, Holidays, Mindfulness, Obsessions, Overwhelmed
Tagged clarity, clear mind, decisions, Holidays, mindfulness, New Year, Resolutions
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Now, About Those Resolutions
This post was originally written – but not posted – in January 2012. Now, a full year later, it is fun to look at last year’s musings on the topic of New Year’s Resolutions. And a little insightful, too. … Continue reading
Posted in Balance, Commitment, Decisions, Holidays, Obsessions
Tagged holiday, intentions, New Year, Resolutions, rituals
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It Started Like Any Other Day At School
The summer before the Columbine shootings, I worked at a middle school. Our French teacher was taking a leave of absence, and we scheduled a full day of interviews. Positions for French teachers were scarce, so we had lots of … Continue reading
Posted in Issues, Memoir, Opinion, Parents and children, Schools, Teachers
Tagged Education, Families, Leadership, Schools, Teaching, Violence
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The Quality of the Day 