When we were unpacking after our recent move I found a bunch of journals from my growing up years. "Bunch of journals" sounds like I was a diary writing fiend but really I was sporadic and fickle, switching to new ones midway through the last.

Thumbing through them,  I noticed that every time there was a time gap between writing, I spent the whole next entry talking about how I hadn't written for so long--it kind of crushed the narrative juju, ha! 

So I have good precedent for that habit but I'm going to try not to do it here.  Except to say: Hello, friends, sorry I haven't written for so long!  Nesting and launching are in full sway around here and we have lots to catch up on, you and us.  But it's a Friday so how about we start with a few good gems: 

• The power of talking sideways to teens. Yep, I second this. Some of the best talks with my kids have been in the car or working next to each other
   
• Sam shared this music video with me and it's a no-fail, happy-making clip. It came out about a year and a half ago but it's new to me! (I wonder if it helped Emma Stone land the LaLa Land role?)  Even if you've already seen it, maybe this will still brighten your day:

• Parenting advice from a 24-year-old son by Katrina Kenison was illuminating.  I've loved her writing for a long time (anyone else inhale the wisdom of Mitten Strings for God when your kids were younger?) 
   
• How to talk about your side projects: great insights about using your interests, hobbies, side projects into job interviews
   
• I love that there are people in this world who think about how the characters from Friday Night Lights would have voted in the presidential election. 
   
• Now that's it's heading toward spring/summer and we're located in the porch-centric southern US, I feel obligated to outfit myself with a porch swing. I've been drooling over this one: 

Or what about a bed swing?!

• Isn't Edie Wadsworth's kitchen lovely? I love that green hutch, the brass pendants, the light gray cabinets, and all the rest.

Have a fantastic weekend, all! I'm hoping to explore a local trail, grade some papers,  and mostly just cozy up at home to listen to conference together. What's on for you?