So, googling "semicolon duel" led me to [link] and I imagine it will be a while before I actually read it because that TBR pile is huge but I started the introduction and I think I'm going to like it when I get to it. It has already given me a new philosopher to be interested in, George Campbell who apparently said "language is purely a species of fashion. . . .It is not the business of grammar, as some critics seem preposterously to imagine, to give law to the fashions which regulate our speech"

Have you and your family in my thoughts today, msbelle

Today is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Day for Matilda.

Please send easy-peasy, routine and breezy -ma.

I know it's been a difficult year academically for everybody's children this year (and the teachers!), so I'm wary of this coming off in a braggy way, but Matilda got Straight A's on her report card. And I'm just very proud of her resilience and diligence this year when she was struggling with depression and isolation. She didn't miss a class. She was one of the only kids in most of her classes that turned on her camera, not because she loves being on camera but because she wanted to help her teachers.

All of 2020 sucked, but when the calendar rolled over in January things began to change. Her unprompted decision to start running every morning before class had a massive effect on her mood and engagement. And the jewelry making class she took with her friend Iris from Jan through May sparked her creativity again, and also allowed weekly socializing with other kids which she was starved for.

My kids have always done well in school, but never really excelled academically. But both Matilda and Emmett got Straight A's together for the first time this term. It's just great to see them find their own motivation, apply themselves in difficult circumstances and flourish, especially after both of them were suffering and struggling last year.

Anyway, Emmett's coming over at noon to hold Matilda's hand when we go see the dentists. Actual procedure at 1:30, so please spare a thought for us today.

Aw, that's so sweet, Emmett and Matilda. Sibling squad goals, man. I will be sending all the good extraction vibes her way! I had dental work done yesterday (the first of a long road!), and it went well, so I am forwarding that ~ma on to Matilda!

That's so nice to read, Hec. ~ma for Matilda, I hope the procedure is easy and recovery is swift

both Matilda and Emmett got Straight A's together for the first time this term. It's just great to see them find their own motivation, apply themselves in difficult circumstances and flourish, especially after both of them were suffering and struggling last year.

Aww, that's wonderful!

Dylan is getting a Presidential Award for Educational Excellence this year and I'm so proud of him but also incredibly relieved he didn't graduate 8th grade during the Trump administration.

Hec, I'm so glad to hear that Matilda's year turned around so well - not just the grades (as much as it would have hurt my obnoxiously grade-grubbing little heart to say that sentence when I was in high school), but I know she was having an especially hard time, and I'm so glad she found ways to take care of herself and find some joy and connection and creativity.

(Seriously, my high school self is making the barf gesture at middle-aged me in between yelling WOO HOO STRAIGHT As!!)

Go, Matilda!!!

My friend just found out she's got to get her wisdom teeth out. She's 52.

Please send easy-peasy, routine and breezy -ma.

It's wonderful to read that Matilda and Dylan are doing so well after such a challenging year. It sounds like they handled better than a lot of adults I know!

Lots of wisdom teeth-ma for Matilda! And that's great news about her school year, and Dylan's award!