Jenna - really enjoyed this article and your description of the winter blossoms. As far as college swag goes, we did the same as you, bought our son a hoody when we took him to school. Planning to do the same with our daughter in a couple years, if she goes to college.
I can feel you standing with the snow and the blooming trees, and it’s exactly the exhale I needed this morning when reading. The stillness of the frozen cherry blossoms makes those bed images even more shocking!
Ugh, that bed party thing is totally new to me. No, it's not just you. It is an assault on the eyes. It's gross to me... I don't mind celebrating, but this is just an odd way to do it. I get that during the Covid years ppl might feel like it was the one way to create some joy and brightness. But, at least in the images you provide, it's too much. I never even wore a college sweatshirt/shirt... I hate advertising like that.
Your description of the snowfall brought me back 23 years ago when I lived in NY. I remember the snow clinging to some magnolia flowers in late February. I don't know why that image has stayed with me for so long, but it was just so beautiful. From time to time I really miss my two years there.
I am with you on the bed parties. WTF? Consumerism run amok.
I share your sentiments regarding the flux of college kid life. We just dropped Alexander off again last night and the home vibe is so different today. But he was thrilled to go back and face the challenges of another semester, so I revel in that a bit.
Once this insane cold weather snap breaks, let's catch up in NYC!
After the pink cherry blossoms fall atop white one inch of snow, see the lone evergreen pear survivor, saved after twin towers torched toppled surrounded by barren oak trees. The white blossoms in early spring respond with their own song that residents can still hear as snow ashes drift down Manhattan lanes. Just as college campuses fill and flee with graduates life continues to come and go. We the observers know to be in the now snow that glistens--a glorious moment to breathe deep and then later we can sleep.
Hiiiiii feel free to dump all the college app info on me!!! 🙃 I know that we’ve talked/ranted about it before but I’m still in denial that we have to go through all this soon!
"I decide this year to reject any notion of a fresh start." I love this. We somehow think we have to start something new when new year comes around, but we don't have to. And, we can start something new anytime of the year!
My 3 year old is leaning his body against my arm as I read the part about 93% of parenting time being done by high school graduation. I will let him stay snuggled up close as long as he wants!
And the bed party thing is excessive and dumb. No thanks.
arrrrgh the bed parties definitely hurt my eyes. this is why I'm not on facebook anymore, I can't stand the performative pics and the plea for attention. it feels really sad and gross. your photos of nyc are so pretty, i much prefer looking at those!
i read that article about time in 2020, and I was like "this is my year!!" It wasn't lol. I know I would love to hear any info from you about college, I'm about to get into that myself next year with my oldest. Also, I'm just a fan, thank you for all you write, and have written!
I'm so glad you had a peaceful wintery landscape to enjoy during this crazy season. I was worried a bit about being an empty nester as there is so much negativity around it. I'm not finding this to be the case, thankfully. I really find this time quite rejuvenating and envigorating. What is seriously no joke, is the entire college application process. Easily some of the worst months of child rearing, for me anyway. So much of it is entirely random especially with the top 40 schools. Like you I have researched and studied the process and I have way too much to say about it. The Bed Party celebration is new to me and sounds appalling. I feel it makes kids who aren't accepted into their "dream" school feel so dejected through no fault of their own. I wish I could give every high school senior and huge hug, a congrats for getting through it and reassurance that it will be okay.
Those cherry blossoms are surreal and so beautiful. And omg the bed parties?! What the actual madness. 🤯
Jenna - really enjoyed this article and your description of the winter blossoms. As far as college swag goes, we did the same as you, bought our son a hoody when we took him to school. Planning to do the same with our daughter in a couple years, if she goes to college.
I can feel you standing with the snow and the blooming trees, and it’s exactly the exhale I needed this morning when reading. The stillness of the frozen cherry blossoms makes those bed images even more shocking!
Interested in all you’ve gleaned during the college process!
Ugh, that bed party thing is totally new to me. No, it's not just you. It is an assault on the eyes. It's gross to me... I don't mind celebrating, but this is just an odd way to do it. I get that during the Covid years ppl might feel like it was the one way to create some joy and brightness. But, at least in the images you provide, it's too much. I never even wore a college sweatshirt/shirt... I hate advertising like that.
Your description of the snowfall brought me back 23 years ago when I lived in NY. I remember the snow clinging to some magnolia flowers in late February. I don't know why that image has stayed with me for so long, but it was just so beautiful. From time to time I really miss my two years there.
I am with you on the bed parties. WTF? Consumerism run amok.
I share your sentiments regarding the flux of college kid life. We just dropped Alexander off again last night and the home vibe is so different today. But he was thrilled to go back and face the challenges of another semester, so I revel in that a bit.
Once this insane cold weather snap breaks, let's catch up in NYC!
Mindful time with cats are tge best. I write about mindfulness and well being 👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/makepurethyheart/p/you-dont-need-to-do-anything-to-be?r=1zorpg&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
After the pink cherry blossoms fall atop white one inch of snow, see the lone evergreen pear survivor, saved after twin towers torched toppled surrounded by barren oak trees. The white blossoms in early spring respond with their own song that residents can still hear as snow ashes drift down Manhattan lanes. Just as college campuses fill and flee with graduates life continues to come and go. We the observers know to be in the now snow that glistens--a glorious moment to breathe deep and then later we can sleep.
I still have the hoodie sweatshirt from when I got accepted to college. I’m so glad I only had one thing to keep and treasure.
Hiiiiii feel free to dump all the college app info on me!!! 🙃 I know that we’ve talked/ranted about it before but I’m still in denial that we have to go through all this soon!
Beautiful writing, Jenna!
"I decide this year to reject any notion of a fresh start." I love this. We somehow think we have to start something new when new year comes around, but we don't have to. And, we can start something new anytime of the year!
My 3 year old is leaning his body against my arm as I read the part about 93% of parenting time being done by high school graduation. I will let him stay snuggled up close as long as he wants!
And the bed party thing is excessive and dumb. No thanks.
arrrrgh the bed parties definitely hurt my eyes. this is why I'm not on facebook anymore, I can't stand the performative pics and the plea for attention. it feels really sad and gross. your photos of nyc are so pretty, i much prefer looking at those!
i read that article about time in 2020, and I was like "this is my year!!" It wasn't lol. I know I would love to hear any info from you about college, I'm about to get into that myself next year with my oldest. Also, I'm just a fan, thank you for all you write, and have written!
haha! fair enough!
I'm so glad you had a peaceful wintery landscape to enjoy during this crazy season. I was worried a bit about being an empty nester as there is so much negativity around it. I'm not finding this to be the case, thankfully. I really find this time quite rejuvenating and envigorating. What is seriously no joke, is the entire college application process. Easily some of the worst months of child rearing, for me anyway. So much of it is entirely random especially with the top 40 schools. Like you I have researched and studied the process and I have way too much to say about it. The Bed Party celebration is new to me and sounds appalling. I feel it makes kids who aren't accepted into their "dream" school feel so dejected through no fault of their own. I wish I could give every high school senior and huge hug, a congrats for getting through it and reassurance that it will be okay.