Hard Times
& Tears

All about the life and times of Alissa, Erik, Bradley & co.

Bradley and I are playing weiqi while Athena sleeps in my arms.

Bradley and I are playing weiqi while Athena sleeps in my arms.

Athena’s first drawing! drawn on the iPad in Adobe Ideas.

Athena’s first drawing! drawn on the iPad in Adobe Ideas.

Our new place has a deck in the back. On the deck is a large mark where nails were resting. So far it is one of my favorite things about the home.

Our new place has a deck in the back. On the deck is a large mark where nails were resting. So far it is one of my favorite things about the home.

Bathroom skylight.

Our new home – the one we moved into the same exact moment Athena was born – is an old home that was gutted and rebuilt. We rent I am unable to make big changes and so I am trying to find details that are wabi sabi-ish and cultivate mindfulness. The skylight gives a peek at the neighbors tree.

Bathroom skylight.

Our new home – the one we moved into the same exact moment Athena was born – is an old home that was gutted and rebuilt. We rent I am unable to make big changes and so I am trying to find details that are wabi sabi-ish and cultivate mindfulness. The skylight gives a peek at the neighbors tree.

Athena Morgan Mallinson, born the morning of November 14, 2011. Home at last.

Athena Morgan Mallinson, born the morning of November 14, 2011. Home at last.

Athena’s copy of The Hobbit. “Each step can start an adventure & each breath can take you back home again.”

Athena’s copy of The Hobbit. “Each step can start an adventure & each breath can take you back home again.”

Alissa, going into week 40!

Alissa, going into week 40!

Bradley and Alissa, apple-picking in early October.

Bradley and Alissa, apple-picking in early October.

My love for puppets goes way back. I love how I didn’t realize that I was supposed to crouch behind the puppet stage, and that the chair didn’t hide me.

My love for puppets goes way back. I love how I didn’t realize that I was supposed to crouch behind the puppet stage, and that the chair didn’t hide me.