13 Comments
User's avatar
Maryann's avatar

Hey! I think you're on to something. Community reading and grading (with a rubric) high school essays (anonymously, of course) Would be very informative for everyone. I'm in.

Tsh Oxenreider's avatar

I’m down with that idea! 🙌

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Oh, I love that question to ponder!

Alex Tower Ewers's avatar

Your book on your family's year of travel is one of my favorite reads by the way. We are on our own travel year and traveling with only small roller carry-on and day backpack. Part of me is looking forward to a bit of variety when we get home in a month but I am loving my basic "uniform" and think I might just have to keep this going for a while.

Tsh Oxenreider's avatar

Gah! I love this so much — and living vicariously through you right now! I really miss that year of ours… I hope you savor this time!

Alex Tower Ewers's avatar

Your stories from year away with your family are often in my mind. There are few books about families who have done something similar but your story, way of sharing, raw transparency and insights resonate the most with me. We did this once before when our boys were young and now they are 13 and 16. It's a whole different experience.

Tsh Oxenreider's avatar

We talk about this frequently! — wondering how different our experience would be now, with all kids age 15 and up. I bet it’s just as amazing in different ways!

Alex Tower Ewers's avatar

It is really different and really good - almost like traveling with friends or other grown-ups. It's less physically exhausting than traveling with younger kids. They have definite opinions of what they want to see and what excites them, and it's really fun to explore the world through what they want to see. And boy are they helpful with the logistics - like picking restaurants, activities, transportation. And watching them navigate the schooling part is also really eye opening. Makes you realize how much they can learn on their own!

Tsh Oxenreider's avatar

Sounds perfect in all the right ways.

FORGETTING by Marylou Cate's avatar

I am super curious which 3 pairs of shorts and sleeveless tee-shirts you are wearing on repeat. Brand names please. I gravitate to gray, navy and black shorts in AZ summer and white cotton sleeveless shirts. My shorts are Baleaf brand 7 inch 2 pocket shorts (Amazon). I am in my 4th season of life (age 78) and simple comfort guides all my choices.

Sarah D's avatar

I am so so excited to join you in Amsterdam! But I totally feel that rush to wrap up my school year too.

Tsh Oxenreider's avatar

Looking forward to spending time together!