Sunday Reads V: Authentic Living, Savvy Writing and Cookies You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

photo credit: chris favero StormTrooper Bucket shot via photopin (license)

Never raise a hand to a child, I read once – it leaves your midsection unprotected.

Comedy writer Robert Orben said that. I’ve never raised a hand to any of my children. I have, however, left my midsection – from the bottom of my rib cage to my upper thigh – vulnerable. I’ve been kicked by kids in shopping carts a thousand times.

I should be writing this post in falsetto.

There are better, healthier ways for a dad to remain vulnerable. It’s crucial for us to exude strength to our kids; we often want to take it to the extreme, though. There’s a balance to discover, between The Terminator and The Cowardly Lion.

Camdyn and I shared a Totino’s pizza (okay, two) and watched Rogue One together Friday night. This, after a day that included yoga, disc golf, and a buffalo burger. (Celestial bliss.) You’re not going to cry, are you, dad?

The kid knows I’d kick a Tuskan Raider where it counts if he messed with her … but she also knows I adore the Jyn Ersos and Gwen Stacys of the world, and hate to see bad things happen to them, too. I’m cool with that.

Remember Reminder #15 | It’s Okay to be Vulnerable

Corey, of Nostalgia Diaries

I visited Camdyn’s class to have lunch with her on Halloween. She wanted me to take her out of school and back to work with me. She seemed to understand when I said no. As I left, I saw her hide her face on her bent knees, and discreetly wipe away tears.

I left immediately. To sign her out. This post is about vulnerability and a sweet girl’s efforts to hide it, too.

I’ve come to accept and acknowledge my own vulnerabilities, and I’ve also learned how important it is to let other people be vulnerable with me. Because how can I acknowledge the feelings of others if I’m not acknowledging my own? – Corey

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10 Ways Simply Rest + Relax: For Every Mama

Shanika, of Orchids + Sweet Tea

I take accidental naps – when I’m wrapping up a post at 1:34 a.m.! I’m a huge advocate for meditation and yoga, but also for bringing that idea of being present beyond the mat, even in blog reading. A post will get my full attention, even with laundry to do.

Honestly, I’ve probably done 2-3 of those things on this list so you’re not alone. Haha! Crazily, as I’ve stated before, most of those things are such simple + quick ways to relax that require little time away from our day-to-day activities. – Shanika

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The Age of Wisdom Workers is (Still) Just Ahead

Robert, of Content Marketing Institute

Reading this made me at first question every word I’d ever published online, for this blog, for work, anywhere. That lasted only a second. I can write the next words and the next with storytelling and meaning making in mind. Who has time for anything less?

Wisdom. The power of discernment. The ability to create meaning from information. The ability to tell stories. The ability to synthesize new solutions. Those are things that require strategic thinking. Those are things companies must hire for if they want to innovate and thrive. – Robert

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Shakespeare Goals

Cricket, of Cricketmuse

You can be all up in Billy’s work, and still take a deep dive another direction and have lots ahead. I’ve always been a sonnet guy; hearkens to my romantic days. Midsummer Night’s Dream also has enough to carry me through decades of appreciation.

Cricket’s going Full Bard this summer.

So, my goal is to become more than a dabbler and get cracking at becoming better in my Bard. This will involve some serious study since Shakespeare is not for sissies. He provides stout meat and drink once at the table of literature feasting. – Cricket

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Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles

Dorothy, of Crazy for Crust

You can find anything on the Internet. Wiki pages about M*A*S*H*. Other stuff, like pictures of sharks with horse legs and squirrels in space suits shooting ray guns. This, though. It’s insane, and delicious. (I’ll use mini chocolate chips next time.)

I’m not joking when I say I made these cookies twice in a week. The cookies stay soft and chewy, the cinnamon sugar crunch is the perfect snickerdoodle flavor, and the chocolate. Oh man, the chocolate gets me every time. – Dorothy

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