By Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, August 30, 2023 I guess summer is over. Christmas decorations are back at Costco, Starbucks has dropped its fall menu, and, despite my protests, it’s back-to-school season. Back-to-school with teens and college kids isn’t quite the thrilling event of yesteryear. I have no idea what…
Author: Esther Baird
Navigating Floods With No Navigation
By Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, July 30, 2023 Brace yourself, dear Ipswich and charming Hamilton-Wenham. Try to stay calm, Boxford and surrounding towns. But there is a whole world out there where cell phone service actually works … always. No, really. Our family recently spent a week in Europe…
Memories of Amnesia
by Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, June 14, 2023 In recent days, there have been a handful of articles about “event amnesia” amongst those who attended Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. Apparently, the concert created such a frenzy of emotion that memories flew off into the night like so many pieces of giant confetti…
The Practical Beauty of the Beatitudes: blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
By Esther C. Baird, as written for the Silver Bay Spiritual Life Center, Silver Bay, NY. To subscribe to the mailing please email: pastoralrespite@silverbay.org When you are coming onto Silver Bay’s campus you know because at each entrance there is a big wooden sign with the Silver Bay logo of the Inn at sunset. There is one at…
Happiness in Dog Years
by Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, May 11, 2023 They say that owning dogs makes you calmer and happier and provides better immunity against germs. And surely, as I sank onto my couch covered in dog … everything … that’s what I was feeling: happy and healthy (perhaps with a tiny side…
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God
By Esther C. Baird, as written for the Silver Bay Spiritual Life Center, Silver Bay, NY. To subscribe to the mailing please email: pastoralrespite@silverbay.org Close your eyes and imagine you’re at Silver Bay (unless you’re actually there, in which case keep them open!). You’re on the front porch of the Inn looking out at the lake from a…
Blowing Through March
by Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, March 30, 2023 Well, it’s March. The season of sand. Road crews scatter it like tiny beaches around our inland towns to deal with that ever-tricky late-season snow. The sand — maybe more than the snow — threatens to break me. Perhaps in solidarity, our snow blower,…
The Practical Beauty of the Beatitudes: blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God
Posted on March, 2023 by Esther Baird By Esther C. Baird, as written for the Silver Bay Spiritual Life Center, Silver Bay, NY. To subscribe to the mailing please email: pastoralrespite@silverbay.org At Silver Bay, we place a great priority on the clean water of Lake George. My family’s camp just north of the Bay has water lines that go directly into…
The Tricks of the Travel Team Mom
by Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, January 25, 2023 I’m typing this from the White Whoosh which, as regular readers know, is the name of my minivan. I’ve long written about how it’s merely an extension of myself. Where does Esther end and the Whoosh begin? Some days, it’s hard to tell. …
The Practical Beauty of the Beatitudes: blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy
By Esther C. Baird, as written for the Silver Bay Spiritual Life Center, Silver Bay, NY. To subscribe to the mailing please email: pastoralrespite@silverbay.org Last summer I had the opportunity to lead evening Vespers a few times. It’s a great way to connect to the people on campus at Silver Bay and to hear some fantastic music by…