pytallman

Happen Stanza

Everyone says this time will go fast Try slowing it down So that minutes will last… Longer. It’s not making magic It’s moments to share Because magic don’t stick Just takes to the air. You only live once, or #yolo they say But #hashtags and #selfies all fade away. It’s in between moments Where goodnessContinue reading “Happen Stanza”

Dear Young Volley

Dear Young Volley, First of all, thank you. It was courageous of you to write this note. I am not sure you ever thought I would see it, but your mom put it on Insta so you can thank her for embarrassing you. More on embarrassing parents in a minute. But first, I want toContinue reading “Dear Young Volley”

You Already Are

You have everything you need. Your strength, your weakness. You have your rhythm, the one you hear with every beat of your heart. Thump. You have your passion, your vices, your doubts. You have the sound of stillness, the sound your hear with every breath. Exhale. When you look too far outside what you alreadyContinue reading “You Already Are”

Paper Hearts

I don’t have a pinterest. I didn’t iron my tablecloths. The roses I got from Sprouts are kind of ratchet. Yeah, ratchet roses… I didn’t buy napkin rings, I made them. Name cards are cut paper bags with names written on them. Because that’s how I roll. Speaking of rolls, I ate two bags ofContinue reading “Paper Hearts”

Objects In Mirror*

As a little girl, I used to occasionally catch glimpses of my mother’s morning beauty routine. She might be looking here or there for some part of her wardrobe like those shoes or that necklace. Her hair adorned with neat rows of hot rollers pinned in their places and sprayed just enough to hold theContinue reading “Objects In Mirror*”

First Rule Of Parenting: Empathy First

Begin Scene: Angry six year-old retreats to room, slamming door behind him. After five minutes, mom goes to door and knocks lightly. Her face is concerned and she speaks softly: MOM: “Hey, Buddy. Do you want me to make you some dinner?” SON: (sounds of rustling paper) Thirty seconds later, son pushes a piece ofContinue reading “First Rule Of Parenting: Empathy First”

There’s a Hero In This Picture

There is a hero in this picture. She looks like a regular person (I guess most hero’s do), but she is extraordinary. I ran to join in this picture just as they were about to click the shutter. I popped into a hasty squat and was a little off balance so I grabbed the galsContinue reading “There’s a Hero In This Picture”

10 Things I Learned About Life By Playing Volleyball

Oh goody! A listicle!! What started off as an effort to mock the listicle (a short-form of writing that uses a list as its thematic structure), blossomed into the fruits of my volleyball career slash psychology degrees slash six years experience as a mom. You can hate it or you can love it, but I’mContinue reading “10 Things I Learned About Life By Playing Volleyball”

Do You Love This Sport?

Today I had the chance to coach a little volleyball. It doesn’t always work out where I can do this, but every time I do I am reminded how much I love it. Don’t get me wrong. I love coaching the really good players. The ones everyone knows are gonna be good. But my favoriteContinue reading “Do You Love This Sport?”

Power In Our Pain – Meet Shannon

Most of us know that life doesn’t play out like a Princess movie. But even though we may be cognitively aware, our emotions don’t always play along. For some, the longing of finding their Prince and having a family doesn’t quite go away. This is not an argument for what a woman should be orContinue reading “Power In Our Pain – Meet Shannon”