A few words about friendships, being bone-tired, and letting go

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Melissa
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Photo by Helle-Belle

Lately, I’ve been bone-tired. You know, the sort of tired that makes a body ache and the heart thud uncomfortably.

Thing is, I’ve been doing everything right. I’ve been eating well and – those who know me might go into shock over this – sleeping about seven to eight hours a night (OK, not every night, but most nights). I’ve been spending long, quality hours with my daughter, and am enjoying the working relationship I have with my biggest client. So… Why so damn tired? Continue reading →

Posted in Charity | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Niagara Falls, Canada, eh?

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Melissa
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Having my home base in Brooklyn, only seven hours away from Canada, one might assume I’ve actually crossed the border with my kiddo to explore the “True North Strong and Free.” Alas, no.

Today, the kiddo and I hopped into the car with her grandparents (with whom we have been staying with in Rochester over the holidays) and headed for the land of maple leafs, beavers, Mounties and one big mother of a waterfall.

Yes, folks, it was time to head to Canada to see Niagara Falls. Continue reading →

Posted in Amazing trips, Canada, United States | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Santa Claus is Coming to Town… (Brooklyn-style)

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Melissa
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I’m sort of infamous for throwing dinner parties, having a couple glasses of wine, and then forcing my friends to sing on camera. A few years ago for Christmas, I thought it would be *brilliant* to have the pals who were still around after dessert and digestifs to sing ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’. I found out the hard way that while my friends were good (drunk?) sports, they didn’t necessarily know the lyrics to the song… Guess that’s what happens when your roommates are all from other countries and most of your friends were born overseas!

Posted in Great General Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Looking back at 2013

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Melissa
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A government shutdown, Edward Snowden, Obamacare, the imprisonment (and release) of members of the band, Pussy Riot, the planning of a private space mission to Mars, civil war in Syria, terrifying developments in rapid climate change, protesting around the world, and an increased spotlight on economic disparity and the death of Nelson Mandela. 2013 has been quite a year.

At a personal level, the year has been both marvelous and challenging. What follows is just a brief look at what’s been happening in my life: Continue reading →

Posted in Amazing trips, Anevay's education, Charity, Great General Posts, Peru | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Interview about ‘Advice to My Thirteen-Year-Old-Self’ at Wandering Educators

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Melissa
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If you’re a family who travels or are interested in world education, chances are you’ve heard of Wandering Educators, a global community of educators hosted by a dear friend, Dr. Jessie Voigts, and her husband, Ed Forteau.

Not only have I had the privilege this past autumn of joining the faculty of Wandering Educators (more on this in a subsequent post), but my daughter is completing her first semester as a student in the Wandering Educators Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

Yesterday, Jessie and I sat down for a bit to discuss my inspiration behind the Advice to My Thirteen-Year-Old Self anthology, as well as how you can become involved. While it’s not explicitly mentioned, Jessie contributed a beautiful letter to the anthology, and is a great supporter of the project! Continue reading →

Posted in Anevay's education, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

I’m back! Bigger, better, and with a crowdsourcing campaign!

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Melissa
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The last two months have flown by. My time was devoured by homeschooling, freelance projects, a month-long bout of walking pneumonia (b’bye, November!) and continued work on the anthology I’m editing, Advice to My Thirteen-Year-Old Self. It’s this latter item I’m going to share with you today. First, become familiar with this button, as it will show up again later in the post:

Curious yet??? Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Chocolate doesn’t contain caffeine! (A trip to the Choco Museum in Cusco, Peru)

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Melissa
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Photo of ‘Cacao Fruit’ by Anevay Darlington

The longest love affair of my life has been with chocolate. Other loves have come and gone, but chocolate, proving he’s never jealous of the attentions I have given to others, has swooped in to comfort me during times of heartache. Continue reading →

Posted in Amazing trips, Anevay's education, Peru | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Learning how to say “NO” in order to say “YES”

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Melissa
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I said “NO” to working yet another evening, and “YES” to taking my kid for a night on the town.

It’s been awhile since I last posted. I went from posting nearly every day, to twice a week, then once a week, and now, well……………. Radio silence……. Flatline…………

Not the best way to keep a healthy relationship going with my readers, I realize. Continue reading →

Posted in Great General Posts | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

5 Reasons Why Kids Should Teach Kids

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Melissa
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Anevay teaching music theory at Still Waters

My 12-year-old daughter, Anevay, loves playing the cello. Not only does she practice at home, but she chomps at the bit for her weekly instruction at Turtle Bay Music School, and, while carting around her instrument around New York City, will, when prompted, occasionally play for strangers. Continue reading →

Posted in Anevay's education, Education and Testing Info, New York City (& Brooklyn) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Where history goes to rest… The City Reliquary

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Melissa
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Not even 100 years ago, the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was known for its shipyards and sugar processing plants built along the East River. Ten years ago, the neighborhood was better known for its art and music scenes, roof-top concerts and underground dance parties. Since the rezoning of the North Side and Greenpoint neighborhoods in 2005, many of the area’s artists and musicians have been priced out and a wealthier, less diverse demographic has moved in. Continue reading →

Posted in New York City (& Brooklyn) | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments