Chicken nuggets

Chicken Scratch hatched out seven months ago. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to connect every week since then. Each of you, whether you’re among those who comment or are more the sort to keep to yourself, is shaping this community just by showing up, taking what you choose from the thoughts shared, and moving forward with the practice of living in compassion and connection. I believe collective kindness matters, and I think we’re making a difference, even if it’s not always immediately evident. Thank you for that!

My family and I have exciting plans ahead. The second half of this month, all four of us rendezvous in the land down under. (Cue Men at Work: the 80s were something, no?) I can hardly believe it’s real, but the planning and preparation tells another story. There is a lot cooking right now, and I know myself well enough to predict a bit of a boil over if I don’t take something off the burner. So, I’m giving myself a break from writing for the rest of September.

As a way of marking the occasion, I’ve created a summary of what’s happened in this space since it began, sort of my own version of an intermission ad. Maybe the list will inspire you to share Chicken Scratch with that person in your life who has a soft spot for tables of contents. Perhaps there are essays you’d like to revisit, or pieces you missed during a time when you needed your own break. I know I’ll enjoy looking back on this post seven months from now, so that’s my motivation. I might even make it a thing.

Until October, then, be well. I’ll be thinking of you. Keep looking for the nuggets of goodness, my friends. They’re always there.

~Elizabeth

Chicken Scratch: 2.2.2022 - Present

I’m expecting: Navigating expectations, your own and others’

Dog people: The incredible magic of a new furry pal

No trouble: The story of a geriatric, special-needs chicken

Fear of falling: Finding goodness in the midst of anguish

Riding shotgun: Where to begin when there is too much all at once

Better days ahead: Exploring the past, and learning to let go.

A funny thing happened on the way to the pharmacy: We are always right where we’re meant to be

Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Thighs: (Even though it would be a great story starter…)

Small potatoes: The pleasure of making the best of things

Ground rules: Having our feet on the ground, literally

Recipe: Dave, Eric, and the lead balloon: For people who think they don’t like okra…

My caterpillar teacher: A Mother’s Day gift she’ll never forget

Brave new world: What does it really mean to be brave?

Basil leaves: A three-month love affair

Short wave: Committing to generosity

Matter of course: Four steps to help us move through pain

Land gently: A reminder to let go

Make a wish: In defense of the humble dandelion

Recipe! Dandelion salve: Make your own yumminess

Called to rise: Finding our voice in the land of the free

Independence day: The friend who became a monarch

Breaking news: Walking away from our digital addiction

Recipe! A piece of cake: And thoughts on feeling what we need to feel

Ahead of the game: Winning, losing, and true victory

The eyes of a dragonfly: We can’t do everything, but we can do some things.

Those nights: Dedicated to the ones who leave us too soon

The art of pause: Stop what you’re doing. You deserve it.

Unforgettable: Dissecting the elusive earworm

Shoe shine: On loneliness, and finding community