First published in the Ipswich Local News January 11, 2024. In the summer of 2005 a new mom and fairly new writer, emailed Dan MacAlpine, editor of The Beverly Citizen, about running an eight part series featuring a local family moving to Australia for the winter, with a side jaunt to New Zealand. It would chronicle…
The Baird Facts
My Little Book Unexpectedly Grew
By Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, December 14 2023 Well, it’s December. Regular readers know of my need for lots of Christmas lights to escape the pitch-blackness that is this month. I’ll spare you my annual rant about my window candles on a [not functioning] timer, though you should know…
Third Time’s the Muddiest
By Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, November 3, 2023 I’ve written this column before. It’s almost unfathomable that I’m writing it again. How many times can one get lost in their own backyard while also involving local waterways? Regular readers will recall I’ve washed up on a beach and also…
A Share of a Share
By Esther C. Baird, first published in the Ipswich Local News, October 5, 2023 Recently, my friend, who regular readers know as the Voice of Reason (VOR), asked if I’d like to use two weeks of her farm share while she traveled. “Me?” I clarified against the backdrop of not a single other person. “What would…
Back to School: College Edition
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…
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…