A Day for the Children

     It was another ordinary Friday.  The kids went off to school and I went off to work just like all Fridays.  Then the news came of the horrific events in Connecticut.  Slowly the information seeped through our phones and televisions  giving us the details of the moments that would change us all forever.  I left work and headed to the pick up line where I would battle the urge to just rush in to hug my sweeties.  I noticed that cars were there earlier and parents were out of cars discussing things.  Fear on all of our faces.  Tears in all of our eyes.  The world is full of sadness with things that no human should ever have to endure but the pain seems to run deeper when innocent little faces are involved.  They came out of the school and got into our cars.  As parents I believe many of us felt like driving and driving and driving now that they were safely riding along to a place where these things just don't happen. We smiled at them as they told us about their day...fighting the tears that were filling our tired eyes. 
     And we hugged them simply because we could.  Those families will never get to hug them again.
Ever. 
     This was the sort of day when you made exceptions, found ways to spoil and slowed down a bit because nothing else mattered in the world.  Your babies were safe in your arms.  It has been days since this dark Friday and the tears are still flowing freely for so many of us.  Flowing for people we have never even met.  But we know these people.  We are these people.  We know, that they too, dropped their babies off or waved as the bus left the stop.  They thought it was a regular old Friday.  Maybe they talked about Pizza Night or what they would be doing all weekend.  Plans were made for finding the right tree and decorating while singing carols and drinking cocoa.  Presents were under the tree with name tags for a child that would never get to open them.  Stockings hung on mantels.  Photo cards were already in mailboxes with those little faces.  A regular Friday at the most peaceful time of year.  I have put off writing these words knowing I would need time to recover after writing them.  But today as the tears stream I realize in this tragedy, like most I suppose, we will come together better than ever before.  We will prioritize.  We will gather. We will support.   We might smile bigger and love harder.  Hugs might come more freely.  Maybe we will see what can be gained in their loss so as not to have it all be for nothing.  For each little face....for every victim...for those heroes...make a change.  Make a change in your own life.  Be a hero.  Take a risk.  Show your love.  Share your talents.  Be brighter in the darkness.  Light a candle for the babies and a light in your heart to never take another day for granted. Stop looking the other way when someone seems sad.  Ask "How are you?" and mean it...really mean it.  Listen carefully to the unsaid.  Stop judging and start caring.  Make it your business.  In between battles about gun control and politics, safety issues and mental health debates...look at the people you know.  Who needs love, support, patience and strength right now?  Give it to them.  With your whole damn heart not the little bits and pieces you always have because you are scared to or because it's not yours to deal with.  Don't be too "busy" to care. Random acts of kindness are sweet but kindness every damn minute of every damn day to every human you interact with would be a real gift to the world.  Anyone can pick a moment to be "good".  Live it daily.  Breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat...find the peace.  Then bubble up with so much that you need to share it with someone who has less.  Donate food to the poor, clothes to the cold...YES...but give love to your fellow man.  Help a tired mother, listen to a tired father, giggle with a child, be the ear and the voice to save a life. Defend the helpless, be a friend to the lonely, help fight the bullies.   Be brave, be peaceful but damn...be strong.  As anger and frustration build because we can't go back in time and prevent this from happening to these innocent people...as fear creeps in that it could happen to any one of us...as helplessness finds us in the moments we fall apart...light something within yourself to move forward.  Share the light.  It might be the glow that changes the future...

"Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts."
Alan Cohen

In this holiday season...whatever your faith...may you find peace. In this time of loss...whatever your political affiliation...may you find unity.  In this time of debate...whatever your stance...may you find compassion.  Because it was just a regular day in a regular town and tragedy doesn't know the details...it takes who it takes without judgement.  Maybe we should love the same way.  

Letterpress

     Letterpress is a great new game for the Iphone.  You find words and steal letters to slowly and colorfully claim the board as yours.  Addicting, quick and fun.  I swear all of these games are making me smarter!  ;)
     Find me and challenge me!

Boovie Club

     The Book Club was turned into a Book/Movie Club and you know me...squeezing two words together is practically a hobby of mine.  Ryan had a brilliant idea to get us together without all of the stress of trying to read a book once a month with the crazy lives we all have.  This way we get a break in between and can come together to watch a great film and discuss it afterward. 
    We started with the classic Rear Window.  By the end of the discussion we realized how much our lives are sort of like the man forced to spend weeks in a wheelchair staring out at the world in his backyard.  We have social media that allows us to "look in" on all our people and the even the ones that used to be distant...like celebrities.  We have reality tv, facebook, instagram, twitter, tumblr and blogs.  We know where people are, when they are there and who they are with.  Little updates tell us how they are feeling, catch us up with the news, show us the dinners they are eating.  We are all voyeurs watching out of a window at the world below us...making Hitchcock's message almost prophetic and this movie choice quite interesting.  It was a great night even if I had to get used to watching the amazing new television!

The Perils of Indifference

     Somewhere amongst the lists of new spelling words and piles of math drill sheets there comes an assignment that matters even more for so many reasons.  Emily came home with such an assignment.  She has to pick a famous historical speech and deliver a portion of it to her peers.  She had already heard a buzz from classmates about Kennedy, King and many others.  So together we went through various lists and subjects searching for something that she approved of.  We came across Elie Wiesel's story of struggle, strength, horror and hope.  He takes with him a piece of history in which to teach a child just an introduction to the darkest of men in the most tragic of events...and the lives that were changed for all generations to come.  But beyond the historical facts and figures there are lessons about human life and the emotions that bind us together whatever our backgrounds, religions, challenges and triumphs...

 "In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred. Anger can at times be creative. One writes a great poem, a great symphony, one does something special for the sake of humanity because one is angry at the injustice that one witnesses. But indifference is never creative. Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it. Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response.

Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees -- not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity we betray our own.

Indifference, then, is not only a sin, it is a punishment. And this is one of the most important lessons of this outgoing century's wide-ranging experiments in good and evil."

     We read it together and I explained the tricky theme of indifference.  I saw her eyes widen as she grasped this seemingly simple yet difficult concept.   I returned to each line and broke them down for her with explanations.  The more I read and analyzed the more brilliant each line shone upon my computer screen.  "Anger can at times be creative."  I reminded her of the musician who writes their best pieces after heartbreak and literature that has been birthed from the worst tragedies.  We discussed how hatred and anger are so powerful that they can move people to make the biggest of changes.  In a strange moment yesterday on my way home from work I sang a line of lyrics that strikes me every time..."The opposite of love is indifference".  It was as if time froze for a moment and pointed out what would happen only a few hours later.  Indifference has found me many times in my life.  I knew in those moments it was time to let go of something or that it was time to move on from something or someone that had let go of me.  We continued to talk about historical moments that have changed us all and the ones that we should always remember.  Holding onto an honored memory is as powerful as holding onto a piece of something...either way it is not forgotten.  Taking historical accounts and transferring them to a place of a child's understanding is often difficult but his words made it clear.  He gave us a history lesson, taught us things, made us feel empathy and found ways to bring us all under one umbrella of humankind...and that is what makes a great speech. This mother is grateful for the opportunity to use his eloquence for a conversation with her child that would change them both forever.
     

Freeze Dried Mango and Vacuum Dried Pineapple

     JoAnn made a trip to Trader Joe's and brought back quite the assortment of goodies.  She was most excited with these two bags of fruit snacks and went around the studio placing a sample in all of our mouths.  The mango was bizarre and then delicious and the pineapple tasted like fruity potato chips.  Both were scrumptious and both make me want to drive to a Trader Joe's!  Please universe send one this way!!!

Pumpkin Spice Pudding

     Just when you thought you've had everything pudding...a new flavor comes along.  It was tasty like a tiny pie in a glass bowl and even better with whipped cream!

The Way of the Dragon

          I've never watched a Bruce Lee movie but lately I've been thinking it might be fun for two kids who have been a little less excited with karate lately.  It's coming on a year and they have flown through several belts but the schedule along with everything else is exhausting.  It was a funny movie for many reasons...dubbing was interesting, effects were funny and the plot was hysterical.  It was entertaining though and a fun way to spend a Saturday evening.

Life of Pi

     Ryan, John and I went to the late movie because it meant XD 3D magic.  It also meant that we would be there watching this amazing film until after midnight so it counts for Friday!  This movie is true magic in every sense.  I've never used this word before because it has always been the back-of-a-dvd-or-novel  sort of word but here goes...THIS FILM WAS SPELLBINDING.

                           Spellbinding

 

Trespassing

     If the sign says, "Do not walk on the grass"...I go the long way.  If it says, "NO Parking"...I drive for another half hour looking for an appropriate spot.  I don't take the penny, don't grab extra packets of sauce, I don't do much of anything along those lines.  Some mornings on the way to work I pass a gorgeous lake.  The sun bounces off of it and catches my eye.  I often think of how nice it would be to live near there or to be able to walk over to it.  Today...I stopped and parked for a second with excitement to snap a picture of the reflection of the sun in the water.  There was a gate with a large NO TRESPASSING sign.  I don't trespass.  Well, I did a little bit while working the census job but I was given a pass for that.  I walked around the rocks and took it in for a second.  The sun was stunning.  The air was crisp.  The reflection was blinding.  I could here the small ripples in the water as they hit land.  It was beautiful.  I grabbed my shot...ran to the car...and headed off.  First I drove around with an expired registration for months and now THIS?!? Quite the renegade I am turning out to be!

Mailbox & Mocha

     I didn't expect my ten year old to hand me a letter addressed to Santa.  We have never mailed them before.  Lists are made.  Cookies and milk are put out.  They are nibbled on.  So it came as a surprise when she had it all ready to go.  Maybe the Rise of the Guardians movie stirred up some last minute belief...but whatever the case it needed to be taken to a mailbox.  I made a special trip in between a million chores and picking them up from school to get it to the post office.  I paused and snapped a picture.  I then hit the drive thru for a little treat of peppermint mocha coffee.  I don't remember ever having one before and yet I might have.  I do know that I needed to remember that moment.  The moment when a little girl reminded me that we should always believe. 

Fiona Apple

     New Music Monday was bumped to Tuesday this week and was much welcomed as I needed something exciting to blast out the noise of the grinding rear brakes of my car.   Fiona did the job and did it well.  Haunting piano and a voice that never stops combined with lyrics that have waited years to be written...and you have yourself quite a wonderful new album.  This will be in some heavy rotation in the weeks to come!  The girl still has it!!!

Cobb Salad at Home

     We threw the bacon on parchment and into the oven to bake to the perfect amount of crisp.  Eggs were boiled, peeled and chopped.  Campari tomatoes were sweet and juicy.  I substituted chicken for some tender turkey breast meat.  Spring mix and spinach were the foundation for these delicious toppings and a few extras for good measure.  I looked up what made a Cobb a true cobb and eggs, bacon, tomatoes and chicken were the big guys.  It was just fine if I added some cucumber and chick peas.  I designed the plates with a color wheel of toppings and they were devoured by all.  The children helped make them, plated most of them in Top Chef style and ate them faster than anything we've had in a long time.  Though the Cobb who originated this dish was NOT the famous ball player we can still say it was a hit and a home run!

Douglas Fir

     I grew up with artificial trees.  I was also into saving the earth way before it was trendy.  For some reason I found it cruel to cut down a tree just to watch it slowly die in your house while you celebrated some holiday only to throw it out a short while later.  Part of the tradition was to assemble the tree.  Needles would fall.  Dust would fly.  It was part of the deal. But this fake tree meant we could put it up the day after Thanksgiving and leave it up way into January. 
     This tradition continued as I grew up.  Sure real trees smelled nice and seemed so romantic but I couldn't get over the feeling of killing something for no good reason.  They take so darn long to grow. Plus, I like stretching it all out a bit.
     The flood happened and the tree was destroyed.  Dust and chemicals were now compounded with mold and who knows what.  It made the decision easier and last year we researched a bit and went for a Frasier Fir.  The needles are so perfect it almost seems artificial but the scent was lush and the tree lasted for a long time.  This year it all started to really click.  I think I read a few articles about the pros and cons of trees.  Artificial trees are loaded with chemicals and will then sit in a landfill for all eternity.  These real trees are grown for just this purpose, help our planet while they grow and then are completely biodegradable. 
     So we stood there at the lot under the string of lights in the chilly air and searched.  A different one caught the eye of the children.  It was fat and anything but symmetrical.  The needles were a bit sharp and the tree guy said it would be less fragrant, drop needles faster and support ornaments less...but they loved it.  Sometimes that's all that matters.  It was lush and full and felt like Christmas.  His name is Dougy and he is our tree.  He is not only a new thing but a true sign that a long life of habits and beliefs can be changed if you flip the switch and change perspectives.  A light bulb moment indeed...and in this case a Christmas light string of bulbs!!

Clay Jam

     A new game popped up on my Iphone.  I checked it out.  The kids fight for it.  A little ball of clay rolls over other clay things until you fling it at the big guy.  Silly, fun, frustrating and colorful.  Will it be a time thief?  Nope, that goes to the other games...but it was cute for a morning I needed a new thing!

Killing Them Softly

          Violent.  Graphic.  Ear drum shattering sound.  Close ups.  Uncomfortable scenes. 


                              Brad Pitt


                                                   That's all that needs to be said. 

Waterpik

     Back in the 80's I had my mouth of silver as braces tried to make some sense out of the crazy.  I had a friend in my trusty waterpik.  I also got my braces removed in record time for the amount of work they needed to do because I took care of things.  I kept it for years but it grew dingy and eventually was thrown out in one of the moves from house to apt to house to house.  I have two children now that will indeed be needing the support of braces...it's just a matter of time.  So I thought we should start to have some fun.  With kids I learned a long time ago that it is all in the presentation.  I did such a good job of "selling" it that I was literally being begged to use it.  So we lined up to use our little water shooting soldier and watched as newbies wet the mirrors, walls and each other.  Squirt on, dear friend, squirt on!!!

"Here's The Thing"

     My Ipod is typically filled with all sorts of new music thanks to the Ipod fairy who takes good care of me.  John occasionally throws on some extra stuff too though and this time it was the show, "Here's the Thing" with Alec Baldwin.  There were three podcasts featuring the hilarious Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen and Paula Pell.  All of them had me laughing to and from work as I learned so much about these people that I hadn't known.  The little facts made them even more intriguing and wonderful.  Thanks Ipod Fairy for making the car ride fun!

Caramel Apple Bread

     It snowed and we all felt horrible so I declared my first Snick Day.  We started it off with tea and a brand new loaf of bread brought out by Gramary on her latest trip to the discount bread shop.  I would never buy this stuff...but caramel apple bread was tasty. 

Claritin Pillow

     When you have children you hope that they get your brains, your curls, your eye color.  You pray that they are healthy and that life is kind.  You then realize they will also get the crooked teeth, crazy sense of humor and your allergies.  So when suddenly the asthma seems worse you have to start the search.  Dust piling up behind the heavy bed...vents that need cleaning...filters that need changing...all become enemies.  This time I put on some armor and fought like a soldier.  First thing I did was run to the store for a mattress protector designed to combat allergens and a pillow made by the allergy people of Claritin.  Next was a vacuuming session that made my Dyson very happy as he devoured the bunnies of dust.  That led to a series of all sorts of things.  The doctor has renewed prescriptions for special inhalers.  And here I am (just as allergic) fighting some sinus issues myself.  I put on a good fight and recovery is not only imminent but my girl was able to play her brass instrument in the winter concert at school!  One more battle won in allergyville!!!

JoAnn's 60th Movie Bash

     A milestone birthday calls for a special event.  This one had a red carpet, a reserved theater with a favorite film and a crowd of friends and family to honor the birthday girl.  JoAnn turned sixty with a celebration of food, laughter, singing and some heckling.  Turns out if you rent the whole theater you can call out all sorts of hilarity.  Thanks to Todd for pointing out that it was "suddenly autumn" during the porch scene of Dirty Dancing.  It was nice getting to sigh out loud at the moments when Patrick is looking his most Swayze.  And then there was the singing.  We had an absolute blast!  Happiest of birthdays to JoAnn!!!

Rise of the Guardians

    I have fallen behind on posts again.  The reasons are all good.  Life is busier than usual with more work hours and extra festivities that surround this time of year.  I am not avoiding the posts but simply living life and falling into bed exhausted.  I will try to do better in the new year but I have the feeling the rest of this month will roll this way.  Back on Saturday, Nov 24th, we headed to the theater to see Rise of the Guardians.  It was gorgeous.  The story was traditional yet fresh and clever and the characters were full...of well...character.  There was glitter...lots of it...and I love glitter.  But if you aren't familiar with the theme of this movie let me give you a glimpse.  It is about the guardians of childhood.  The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and Santa have a new recruit, Jack Frost.  They each have a bit of magic that they give to children and in return the faith and belief of the child gives that gift back to the guardian.  The key to Jack Frost finding his theme is to look deep into what is at his core.  He discovers it and while on the journey we are reminded that we, too, have a core.  It gets a grown up to thinkin'. 
       We all have a core.  A belief.  The thing that makes us "magical".  Have you lost yours or forgotten what it was?  Have you stuffed it so far down that it is not only incredibly safe but missing as well?  Did you ever really know what it was to begin with?  Think back to those moments in childhood when it beamed brightly.  It was there all along.  My journey these last few years has brought me to one overwhelming focus to find those things buried within this body.  They were bright as a child and life piled up on life and somewhere along the line it was dulled.  Stifled.  Choked out like the embers of a dying fire.  So I've been digging through rubble to find it again.  As a fire needs oxygen so does our core.  This movie reminded children to hold on to the thing that makes them who they are at the very center of their being...and reminded adults that they need to find it, rekindle it and refuse to let it go.  We all have magic, gifts and a little bit of sparkle if we share it with the world!