The! Lump! Of! Coal!

around 2015, a second grader put me on to one of the best christmas texts of all time: The Lump of Coal, by Lemony Snicket. Here’s me reading it (to you).1

I am forever endeared to the Lump. His humor and valor rescued me from a wearying babysitting job and has rescued me repeatedly since.

The book invites me into a more expansive and everyday understanding of what is miraculous (i.e. friendship, art, working hard at something you care about, gathering) without taking itself too seriously or being too sappy. I am so grateful for the people among us who can strike this balance.

Lemony Snicket’s willingness to reinvent a symbol of punishment (i.e. coal for bad kids) by offering humanity and cleverness to to the equation is instructive, might offer guidance as we need to take apart and remake so many of our cultural foundations and symbols.

1. The Lump of Coal himself in a stocking, just before his life changes
2. gorgeous igloo in the entrance of my YMCA
3. Anxiety - from Inside Out 2, reclined on my chair, going through something.
4. Me about to lose my mind at the doctor’s office this week because they took so long. They say don’t get mad get even. If you can’t get even be terrifying? Sharing because this time of year can be A Lot — giving you permission to embody this if necessary.

HANG IN THERE! miracles abound…….the lump is with you……