Twenty one

Posted on December 28, 2020December 28, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Emma is twenty one today. I want to write a thousand poems about Emma, and I should write them to give voice to her speechlessness. But if you knew her you’d know it’s also unnecessary, sh... Read More

Written in Advent 4

Posted on December 19, 2020December 19, 2020 by Laurel Archer

One of the reasons I love the Season of Advent so much is because it makes space for our real lives. It isn’t about decorations or celebrating, but about waiting, longing and then welcoming. Adv... Read More

Written in Advent 3

Posted on December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 by Laurel Archer

We’re spending more time alone because of the pandemic and I suspect, even those of us who need a large measure of alone-time have had sufficient, thanks you very much!. So there’s joy, is... Read More

Written in Advent 2

Posted on December 11, 2020December 24, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Have you ever fought with a sibling? I’ve had some of my most fabulous blow-outs with my brothers. There’s something unguarded between siblings that can lead to great affection AND great c... Read More

Empty

Posted on May 2, 2020May 2, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Some weeks no matter how hard I try, just don’t go well. I imagine you’re having weeks like this too — maybe not this one, maybe this one was good for you and your family. I hope so.... Read More

One Crocus

Posted on February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 by Laurel Archer

It was my next door neighbour Sara who had the crocuses in her garden. I’m not much of a gardener (and by not much, I mean not at all, if I’m honest). I’ve been hopeful of course, I ... Read More

When

Posted on February 22, 2020February 22, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Do you have these moments? It happens inexplicably, in a flash — the whole of your own story washes over you in a way that leaves you kind of breathless? It’s kind of ‘life flashes b... Read More

Twenty!

Posted on December 28, 2019December 28, 2019 by Laurel Archer

How can it possibly be that 20 years have passed since Emma claimed a space in our lives? It’s become a bit of a tradition to write an Emma poem for her birthday. I’m not sure why exactly.... Read More

Christmas 2019 – I know

Posted on December 27, 2019December 28, 2019 by Laurel Archer

Christmas proper is a mixed bag – the celebration that is, not the sacred truth (although maybe what I really mean then is, Christmas improper!). We work hard to hold what’s special about ... Read More

Family — Road trip days 5 & 6

Posted on August 7, 2019August 7, 2019 by Laurel Archer

As a child I loved the trips we made to visit family. Frequently we drove north through Calgary to Red Deer and Sylvan Lake to be with my Mom’s family, but we also went at least two times a year... Read More