The harsh, buzzing fluorescent lighting spoils the otherwise welcoming environment of this branch of the local library. To the left the librarians are chatting as they check in the books returned. School-aged kids on the computers near the door, what I assume are the latest music videos playing on the screen. Heads bobbing with headphones … Continue reading In the library
The house is quiet this morning. The kids are finally sleeping past 7:00. I know I should be using this time to exercise or be productive. But instead I’m taking advantage of the solitude to mentally prepare myself for the day. The soft pitter-patter of the rain provides a calming background noise, with the occasional … Continue reading Rainy day views from the porch
The shrieks of laughter from the kids cut through the air. From this elevation I wouldn’t be surprised if I could hear a faint echo. I take a moment to listen for it but it’s lost among the trees. Another burst of laughter — this time a mix from children and adults. Twenty yards away … Continue reading Birthday Party
It’s the end of September and unseasonably warm. Not just warm, but hot. After a brief glimpse of Autumn, the heat and humidity of Summer burst back in the door like a bully. Intent on not being forgotten. Sweat rolls down my back as I organize the garden shed. I finished building it a few … Continue reading Play
“Wait, come back! You forgot to say bye.” I call Cece back to me as she starts walking through the door. She’s heading in to the school building a few blocks from our house. It’s time for her kindergarten early start program. “Oh!” She rushes back, gives a quick hug and kiss, and quickly turns … Continue reading Log cabin
As I walk through the doors to the lobby of the Goggleworks building I'm presented with the latest art exhibition. Beautifully crafted cradles and other furniture are scattered around the large room. Every time I see the exposed brick and thick, heavy steel doors I can't help but think about what it must have looked … Continue reading Goggleworks Stairs
“Daddy, come quick!” There’s an urgency in her voice that catches me by surprise. For a brief moment I feel a rush of adrenaline through my body. “You gotta see this!” The alarm and sense of danger fades quickly. The mid-afternoon sun beats down with a gentle warmth. Theo is playing in the toy house … Continue reading “Daddy come quick!”
“This is my favorite part!” The guy behind the counter places three marshmallows on the preparation table and lights up a blow torch. Like a barista at a hipster coffee shop, he toasts the marshmallows with a kind of pride in his craft. They slowly start expanding, and every so often catch a small flame. … Continue reading National Donut Day
My legs are burning and heavy. Breathing deeply hurts just a little bit, and it takes a little extra effort to lift my legs with each step. After about six months without much exercise, I went for a run this morning. It’s 5:45am. The 18-month-old is awake and crying. He goes back to sleep without … Continue reading The morning run
Dan Hauk 