From Germany to the Long Middle

Thanks for following along during our sabbatical in Germany — you saw us navigate a new kindergarten, the formidable mustard aisle at the supermarket, and a few cultural faux pas.

I’ve now moved my writing to Substack. Tending: Notes on the Long Middle contains essays and musings on the stage of life when growth isn’t dramatic transformation but quietly keeping everything moving: young kids, aging parents, friendship, marriage, work — the small ecosystems we care for.

👉 [Subscribe to Tending: Notes on the Long Middle]

My latest post is about the Yiddish word balabusta — the woman who runs a household with style, skill, and the occasional iron fist.

👉 [Read “Balabusta”]

The post before that explored the joys of slow, play-based learning in early childhood — and why letting the alphabet wait a little might be the best thing.

👉 [Read “The Alphabet Can Wait”]

If you’re somewhere in the long middle or remember it with nostalgia, I’d love for you to join me.

— Rachel