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Originally published in LLL US Western Division’s Connections #77, May/June 1998

We are not the only family to have lived in this north Pittsburgh house. The Nesbit family bough the lot from John and Catherin Cummings over 30 years ago, one of seven lots carved out of the old Calvert Estate. In 1968 the Nesbits built the original brick house. Then Dr. Stranghorn and his wife Naomi moved in and added a large dining room. Carol and Jim Logan bought the house from the Stranghorns in 1987 and sold the house to us ten years later.

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Originally published in LLL US Western Division’s Connections #73, September/October 1997

“All through the year we are getting ready; getting ready for fishing, for berry picking, for potlatches, getting ready for winter.” Agnes Bostrom, quoted in Always Getting Ready—Upterrlainarluta, by James H. Barker.

Central Yu’pik Eskimo elders of Southwest Alaska stress the importance of upterrlainarluta, Yu’pik for “being every prepared.” There is always winter to prepare for. There is always food to get ready. There will always be a new child to welcome into the village. A visitor to make room for. A trip to pack for. An elder to honor. Harvesting greens, birthing, skin sewing, and enjoying each other’s fellowship in their own harsh environment require a continuing cycle of preparation.

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Originally published in LLL of Western Pennsylvania’s PennsyLLL Points West, Summer 2000

You’re a lone Leader, it’s meeting day, and your child is suddenly ill and needs a trip to the doctor. Or your co-Leader has the flu and you are coming down with something and can’t imagine yourself in a roomful of mothers and little children the next day. The meetings have had substantial attendance and you’re expecting some new mothers to attend. If you cancel the meeting, you may not be able to contact everyone who plans to come. Not only is there a lack of time and good health, but it would be difficult, if not impossible, to recall every person to whom you’ve sent a meeting announcement.

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Originally published in LLL US Western Division’s Connections, January/February 1997

From my dining room window, I look out on the creek that drains into Morris Lake. I love the bleak view out that window of the naked birch trees and thin sheets of ice on the lake. This time of year is when I can really see the contours of our glaciated hills, notice the basic botanical structures, and admire the ducks and blue jays who make the pine trees and bank rushes in this icy lake habitat their winter home. This is also the time of year when I make basic decisions about my life.

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Originally published in LLLI’s LEAVEN, November-December 1991

All of you have seen photographs and snapshot montages in LEAVEN of the speakers, Board of Directors, celebrities, and cute babies from past LLLI Conferences. But the trouble with photographs is that they stop the action. At the Miami Beach LLLI Conference, it was a joy to see La Leche League in motion!

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Originally published in LLL of Western Pennsylvania’s PennsyLLL Points West, March 2000

As you start your Series Meeting discussion, you notice that the woman next to you is having trouble getting her newborn to latch on. As the minutes go by and she continues to struggle with her pillows, positioning, and her baby, she looks to you. You’re still trying to lead the discussion on preparing for a good birth experience. What do you do?

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Originally published in LLL of New Mexico’s Enchantment, circa 1987

I was sitting in a Shartlesville, Pennsylvania, doorway holding my stomach and groaning with every breath. “I will never, ever, eat again,” I said. And I meant it. I had just emerged from an all-you-can-eat, family-style restaurant and was not sure I would live to see tomorrow.

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Written for LLL US Western Division’s Connections, in response to hearing criticism about conference goers who skipped sessions so they could go shopping. 1999.

Traveling to the LLLI Conference in Chicago in 1995, I was a country mouse visiting the big city. I was living in a small, remote Alaskan town and had been away from bookstores, malls, museums, and coffeehouses for six months. I was anxious to feed my deprived soul.

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Originally published in LLL of Western Pennsylvania’s PennsyLLL Points West, Autumn 1999

Leaders get frustrated with side conversations during many different kinds of La Leche League meetings. However, there may be a side conversation we’re having ourselves that is every bit as distracting and irritating. It’s through our own body language.

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