We went from winter to the furnace of summer in one half of one day. We awoke to a grey, cloudy 45 degrees and by the afternoon we had crossed the threshold into the 90's. What happened to spring?! For one brief moment, lasting all of about 2.34 days, we could bask in the sun without a jacket (even though we needed them in the shade), work in the garden because the soil was not too wet and did not act like the plasticky clay, and enjoy the bouquet of yellow freesia, yellow ranunculus, blue dutch iris, and this wonderful white flower that lasts forever and is in the allium family. Then the moment arrived when it was too hot by 10 a.m. to work in the garden, even in the shade, and the air conditioner got its first exercise of the season. Not the way to start summer if I were running things!
The sunny weather does improve one's energy and attitude. Even the offspring got up and ready in a "relative" hurry, did some school work, and off we went on a bike ride. A bike ride that would have seemed to be extra long just a short year ago was just a quick trip with dropping off books at the library. The offspring melts in the heat, with too strong sunlight triggering a headache (migraines should not afflict younglings of this age!). Perhaps I will not be reduced to write about the weather if we can have some "normal" spring days. But then we have had record snowfall in the mountains and a cooler than average beginning of the year, so what should I expect?
Time to get the offspring practicing that woodwind!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Community
I know, I know. It seems like forever since I've posted anything. Christmas, in fact! That gives you some idea of how much "humming" has been going on around here. Competition for the computer is one factor. When I have the time to post is not necessarily when the computer is available. But my life is triage. Figuring out what is the highest priority for that week, that day, that hour, and, all too often, that minute.
And I am not alone. The more parents I talk to, the more I discover that we are all just surviving minute by minute, doing that which needs doing the most. But the good news is almost everyone is putting a priority on family. Kids with homework. Time with aging parents, even if it is just by phone. Someone who needs to be listened to. Moms are not complaining that there is not enough time to clean the house; that is just an accepted given. Part of the squeeze is the demands of the work place. More and more people are talking about having to bring work home (not that we know anything about that!!!!!). Few will complain as co-workers are cut from the payroll (can you spell r-e-c-e-s-s-i-o-n) and new jobs are hard to find. The party of family values should congratulate themselves that life for most families is sooooo much better than eight years ago!
I digress. My offspring has completed his BIG project for the year, much to everyone's relief. I wish I could say that I felt he learned something from the process. Well, I can. He learned that teachers are not always right. That teachers are not always helpful or positive. That an assignment might not be designed to be "one size fits all" (as in, all 50 states are not agricultural powerhouses but you have to write like they are!). And he learned that there are times when school is not fun. Don't get me wrong. I think teachers are considerably underpaid and underappreciated and horribly overworked. It is a nine-month marathon to teach. Those summers off are essential in building up the energy and stamina to do it again for another nine months. Some teachers, apparently, do not get rejuvenated during the summer. For those teachers I think the years of teaching start to take a toll and one year's frustrations feed into the next until negativity gets a strangle hold. When my sponge of a student complains, you know there is a problem. He loves teachers! They are the fountain of knowledge and some of the greatest people in the world (maybe not as great as George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, but still great)! Even this teacher has things to feed his insatiable hunger to learn. But her inconsistency, negativity (if not outright bullying), her need to control information (even from parents) and "keep the kids guessing", and her inability to correct, much less admit to, a mistake? All that and more has turned my "ideal" student into mush. She has single-handedly destroyed some of his self-esteem (although he is probably resilient enough, forgiving enough, and altogether too smart to allow her to have that power once he has moved on to the next grade). A child with so much confidence that he can sing a solo before a crowd of 600 without a second thought. Who writes better than most college students. Who thinks he can do just about anything (except sports). So I have had to pick up the pieces all year long. I have had to play psychologist by the hour just to get him through the year. And the situation has not been helped by the bullying by certain of his classmates nor the disparaging remarks of other students because he likes school. Such is the life of many parents, I know.
I guess most of this comes down to treating each other with respect. With appreciation for our differences. For building each other up, instead of tearing each other down. For being positive. I am the first to admit that I see the flaws before anything else. It makes me a great proofreader and a less tolerant human being. But I try hard to not participate in gossip. I try to see the good even in the classmate who has bullied my offspring and has made school a living nightmare (aside from the teacher). It makes it hard to be a parent-to correct my offspring while still building him up and finding that balance between the two. My family will probably say I am difficult because I want things just so. My students would say I am "picky" (yes, I am a teacher, too, so I know what it takes to teach and I know how clear expectations are essential, not this "follow-the-changing-standards" business) because I expect them to apply what they have learned each and every time after that! But my students would also say I care about each and every one of them. That I believe that they can do well. We see what we want to see. If we see our fellow humans as kind, then we will see kindness around us. If we think everyone is selfish, then that is what we will see more than anything else. How about one big attitude adjustment for the country? Only let's start in our own homes. How about in the mirror? Can we see the good in ourselves, rather than the flaws? Instead of focusing on weight gain or wrinkles or the family who makes more money, can we realize what a difference we make by just listening or volunteering? Can our schools celebrate the giftedness of the few and help those who have trouble keeping up instead of picking on them? Can our towns become communities when we say hello to the checkers in the grocery store and actually mean it when we ask how they are? Or start a conversation while standing in line? I am a child of the space era, of the race to the moon. When anything was possible and solutions to problems presented themselves. Yes, that time had its problems. But the citizens of this country recognized those problems and started to fix them, rather than burying their heads in the sand as if they did not exist. Not like now. We can play Scarlett O'Hara and "think about it tomorrow" if we like. But tomorrow is today (or rather yesterday). We each need to do our little bit in whatever way we can to make this world a better place. A kind word. Turning off a light. Recycling. Walking. Yes, even something as anti-American as using a library instead of (gasp!) buying a book. Standing up for one another when we hear gossip. Being there for families dealing with a loss or serious illness. Community. Wherever we find it.
So if I have not been "blogging"? Maybe I am just trying to make my little corner a little better. Not always succeeding, but doing my best with the limited time I have. And don't I really just have this day? There are no guarantees in life, just opportunities. What are you going to do with yours?
And I am not alone. The more parents I talk to, the more I discover that we are all just surviving minute by minute, doing that which needs doing the most. But the good news is almost everyone is putting a priority on family. Kids with homework. Time with aging parents, even if it is just by phone. Someone who needs to be listened to. Moms are not complaining that there is not enough time to clean the house; that is just an accepted given. Part of the squeeze is the demands of the work place. More and more people are talking about having to bring work home (not that we know anything about that!!!!!). Few will complain as co-workers are cut from the payroll (can you spell r-e-c-e-s-s-i-o-n) and new jobs are hard to find. The party of family values should congratulate themselves that life for most families is sooooo much better than eight years ago!
I digress. My offspring has completed his BIG project for the year, much to everyone's relief. I wish I could say that I felt he learned something from the process. Well, I can. He learned that teachers are not always right. That teachers are not always helpful or positive. That an assignment might not be designed to be "one size fits all" (as in, all 50 states are not agricultural powerhouses but you have to write like they are!). And he learned that there are times when school is not fun. Don't get me wrong. I think teachers are considerably underpaid and underappreciated and horribly overworked. It is a nine-month marathon to teach. Those summers off are essential in building up the energy and stamina to do it again for another nine months. Some teachers, apparently, do not get rejuvenated during the summer. For those teachers I think the years of teaching start to take a toll and one year's frustrations feed into the next until negativity gets a strangle hold. When my sponge of a student complains, you know there is a problem. He loves teachers! They are the fountain of knowledge and some of the greatest people in the world (maybe not as great as George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, but still great)! Even this teacher has things to feed his insatiable hunger to learn. But her inconsistency, negativity (if not outright bullying), her need to control information (even from parents) and "keep the kids guessing", and her inability to correct, much less admit to, a mistake? All that and more has turned my "ideal" student into mush. She has single-handedly destroyed some of his self-esteem (although he is probably resilient enough, forgiving enough, and altogether too smart to allow her to have that power once he has moved on to the next grade). A child with so much confidence that he can sing a solo before a crowd of 600 without a second thought. Who writes better than most college students. Who thinks he can do just about anything (except sports). So I have had to pick up the pieces all year long. I have had to play psychologist by the hour just to get him through the year. And the situation has not been helped by the bullying by certain of his classmates nor the disparaging remarks of other students because he likes school. Such is the life of many parents, I know.
I guess most of this comes down to treating each other with respect. With appreciation for our differences. For building each other up, instead of tearing each other down. For being positive. I am the first to admit that I see the flaws before anything else. It makes me a great proofreader and a less tolerant human being. But I try hard to not participate in gossip. I try to see the good even in the classmate who has bullied my offspring and has made school a living nightmare (aside from the teacher). It makes it hard to be a parent-to correct my offspring while still building him up and finding that balance between the two. My family will probably say I am difficult because I want things just so. My students would say I am "picky" (yes, I am a teacher, too, so I know what it takes to teach and I know how clear expectations are essential, not this "follow-the-changing-standards" business) because I expect them to apply what they have learned each and every time after that! But my students would also say I care about each and every one of them. That I believe that they can do well. We see what we want to see. If we see our fellow humans as kind, then we will see kindness around us. If we think everyone is selfish, then that is what we will see more than anything else. How about one big attitude adjustment for the country? Only let's start in our own homes. How about in the mirror? Can we see the good in ourselves, rather than the flaws? Instead of focusing on weight gain or wrinkles or the family who makes more money, can we realize what a difference we make by just listening or volunteering? Can our schools celebrate the giftedness of the few and help those who have trouble keeping up instead of picking on them? Can our towns become communities when we say hello to the checkers in the grocery store and actually mean it when we ask how they are? Or start a conversation while standing in line? I am a child of the space era, of the race to the moon. When anything was possible and solutions to problems presented themselves. Yes, that time had its problems. But the citizens of this country recognized those problems and started to fix them, rather than burying their heads in the sand as if they did not exist. Not like now. We can play Scarlett O'Hara and "think about it tomorrow" if we like. But tomorrow is today (or rather yesterday). We each need to do our little bit in whatever way we can to make this world a better place. A kind word. Turning off a light. Recycling. Walking. Yes, even something as anti-American as using a library instead of (gasp!) buying a book. Standing up for one another when we hear gossip. Being there for families dealing with a loss or serious illness. Community. Wherever we find it.
So if I have not been "blogging"? Maybe I am just trying to make my little corner a little better. Not always succeeding, but doing my best with the limited time I have. And don't I really just have this day? There are no guarantees in life, just opportunities. What are you going to do with yours?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
It has never happened to us before!
Believe it or not, we got snow for Christmas! When Christmas is usually defined by showers, pouring rain, or cloudy, we had snow. Not a lot. Not by most people's definition. But enough to coat the plants, shrubs, and lawn. It snowed for about 2 hours. Then later in the afternoon, it did what it usually does around here. It rained and melted the small accumulation. It was fun while it lasted and was a pleasant way to spend in the kitchen preparing the holiday pies and turkey.
Christmas started with a rousing shout of "Merry Christmas" at 6:30 a.m., the time negotiated by Offspring to begin the festivities. Never mind that some of us were sound asleep. Some family members, who have visited us over the holidays before, would say that we positively sprinted through the opening of presents as we finished before noon. That does not mean we have that many presents. It just means that Offspring opens a present, plays with it, builds it, reads it, before moving on to the next one. One year it took him three days to open all of his gifts, much to the amazement of just about everyone, but that is just one of the things that make Offsping special. This year he opened all of Santa's presents before building the first Lego set. Nothing can capture those smiles of pure, unadulterated joy that a longed-for present brings. Nothing is so wonderful as to be on the receiving end of one of those thank you-hugs.
In the coming days I will try to post photos of our tree and some of our special ornaments and other holiday decorations.
We hope that you have had a most magical and wonderful Christmas day, filled with the love and generosity that celebrates a little boy's birthday.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Count Your Blessings
This is the time of year when we all count our blessings. Good health (never to be taken for granted), good friends, a good job, family that is always there and supportive, food on the table, a roof to keep out the rain, blankets to keep us warm, enough money to spare for presents, faith that keeps us going in a world filled with selfishness and evil.
But not everyone is celebrating. A dear, dear friend lost her husband of many years yesterday. While it is a blessing in disguise (he was declining mentally and was legally blind), she has lost her life's companion. And her children, grown though they are, have lost a father. And a wonderful father at that. So their Christmas is going to be less than merry. I would say anything but merry, however there are little children in the picture and not much keeps the joy of Christmas away when there are children in the house. At our house, the list of missing family members is far too long. Last year at this time we were dealing with a death of our own, my beloved's mother. And I cannot help but ache for all those families dealing with the loss of a family member to the war in Iraq. Even if it has been more than a year or two, those wounds must still be too raw to contemplate. To all those mothers who have lost a child, be it newborn, stillborn, or one old enough to be a grandparent, may your empty arms find solace in the embrace of another who cares and listens.
While I am in the comfortable position of having a computer and internet access, while I am one of the "haves" in society (only in the sense that we are not poor), there are far too many who struggle day to day to meet the needs of their families. For them the merry in Christmas is going to be laughter and, hopefully, having a day of rest to spend with family. Everything is relative, I know. There are many people who have far more than we do and many, many others who are quite poor in comparison. But this I know: I am immensely grateful to my family, especially my significant other and my offspring, who fill my days and nights with love and appreciation, and to my God. Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Lord of Love. Without that constant presence, without those tiny moments of wonder and joy in creation that is all around us - in nature and the people of our daily lives - I cannot imagine life. That spirit of generosity, of saying "yes" to God, and putting fear aside is what the season is all about.
Merry Christmas to all, and, to all, a good night.
But not everyone is celebrating. A dear, dear friend lost her husband of many years yesterday. While it is a blessing in disguise (he was declining mentally and was legally blind), she has lost her life's companion. And her children, grown though they are, have lost a father. And a wonderful father at that. So their Christmas is going to be less than merry. I would say anything but merry, however there are little children in the picture and not much keeps the joy of Christmas away when there are children in the house. At our house, the list of missing family members is far too long. Last year at this time we were dealing with a death of our own, my beloved's mother. And I cannot help but ache for all those families dealing with the loss of a family member to the war in Iraq. Even if it has been more than a year or two, those wounds must still be too raw to contemplate. To all those mothers who have lost a child, be it newborn, stillborn, or one old enough to be a grandparent, may your empty arms find solace in the embrace of another who cares and listens.
While I am in the comfortable position of having a computer and internet access, while I am one of the "haves" in society (only in the sense that we are not poor), there are far too many who struggle day to day to meet the needs of their families. For them the merry in Christmas is going to be laughter and, hopefully, having a day of rest to spend with family. Everything is relative, I know. There are many people who have far more than we do and many, many others who are quite poor in comparison. But this I know: I am immensely grateful to my family, especially my significant other and my offspring, who fill my days and nights with love and appreciation, and to my God. Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Lord of Love. Without that constant presence, without those tiny moments of wonder and joy in creation that is all around us - in nature and the people of our daily lives - I cannot imagine life. That spirit of generosity, of saying "yes" to God, and putting fear aside is what the season is all about.
Merry Christmas to all, and, to all, a good night.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Little Too Busy
When the offspring implored me to start a blog, it took forever. Then, once we got everything set up, school started and homework took precedence over computer free time. But the Christmas break is fast approaching so there may be a chink in the dark shroud of "have-to's", "shoulds", and "I need it for tomorrow's".
What have we been "humming" about? Halloween costumes-Ghostbusters X 2, for one. They turned out really well and were a hit as the offspring and a friend went trick-or-treating. But that seems so "yesterday".
How about feeding a black rhino? What do you feed a rhino? I'm sure anything he wants, but we gave him sliced apples. Yes, there were bars between us.
Once again the offspring will be having a solo for the Christmas program. He is just fearless! He certainly didn't get his confidence from me! Such a clear voice. Too bad that his peer group does not think singing is cool. But as I told him, gifts like that are not to be hidden. With Christmas music filling the air, he is in heaven. We joke that he is a lounge singer in disguise because he can sure sing variation after variation. When he gets sufficiently skilled on that clarinet, I see jazz band in his future!
And that offspring is finally growing. His knee went through the PJs so I better get sewing!
What have we been "humming" about? Halloween costumes-Ghostbusters X 2, for one. They turned out really well and were a hit as the offspring and a friend went trick-or-treating. But that seems so "yesterday".
How about feeding a black rhino? What do you feed a rhino? I'm sure anything he wants, but we gave him sliced apples. Yes, there were bars between us.
Once again the offspring will be having a solo for the Christmas program. He is just fearless! He certainly didn't get his confidence from me! Such a clear voice. Too bad that his peer group does not think singing is cool. But as I told him, gifts like that are not to be hidden. With Christmas music filling the air, he is in heaven. We joke that he is a lounge singer in disguise because he can sure sing variation after variation. When he gets sufficiently skilled on that clarinet, I see jazz band in his future!
And that offspring is finally growing. His knee went through the PJs so I better get sewing!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A New Adventure
After many, many, many months of our HP asking, pleading, begging to start a blog, the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place and we are giving it our best shot! The summer is winding down, of course, which will give fewer opportunities to post entries, but perhaps the limited time will force us to choose our words and topics more carefully. So, Aunt Garnet, you are ultimately responsible for how this adventure turns out!
Our blog title derives from several points. (a) Our HP provides a running soundtrack 15/7, as anyone who visits can attest, and is always moving, even when reading or sleeping! (b) The steady stream of hummingbirds that visit the blue salvia outside the kitchen window provide regular entertainment. (c) Two of us seem to always be busy, often burning the midnight oil well past midnight. (d) And two of us so regularly have new ideas for projects and what we want to do that it is hard to turn off the brain each night and go to sleep.
So welcome to our new endeavor. We may be slower using new technological tools, but we hope that this forum is enjoyable for you.
Our blog title derives from several points. (a) Our HP provides a running soundtrack 15/7, as anyone who visits can attest, and is always moving, even when reading or sleeping! (b) The steady stream of hummingbirds that visit the blue salvia outside the kitchen window provide regular entertainment. (c) Two of us seem to always be busy, often burning the midnight oil well past midnight. (d) And two of us so regularly have new ideas for projects and what we want to do that it is hard to turn off the brain each night and go to sleep.
So welcome to our new endeavor. We may be slower using new technological tools, but we hope that this forum is enjoyable for you.
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