This is a busy week! Tonight we signed ElvenTiger up for basketball, and attended her year-end banquet for soccer. It was amazing to see the girls on her U-11 soccer team, then look at the girls who were on the next couple of age groups, and how girls grow so fast at this age! She'll be a young woman before I know it. She has a great team to play with and loves to be the goalie.
This Thursday night is our homeschool support group's Spaghetti Supper fundraiser, so we're busily gearing up for that. Please support these wonderful kids! We've had friend and family members who can't attend buy tickets anyway, just to support all the cool stuff going on with this group. So, consider making a donation if you can! For all the details click here.
Today I was so excited to pick up our second round of vegetables and fruits from our CSA at Wolf Pine Farm (in Alfred, Maine)! I love receiving all this local organic food, and then planning the week's menu around them. Coming up: a root vegetable casserole, and brussels sprouts as a side dish - plus we made a salad for the soccer banquet potluck meal with some of the greens. The kids have already polished off half the cider!
It's December as of tomorrow, so we're gearing up for Yule and Christmas. Time to start (and finish) a bunch of projects, decorate the house, and so forth. I love this time of year! The kids are hoping for snow soon.
I came across a couple of really great quotes today, so I thought I'd share them with you:
"We expect more of ourselves than we have any right to." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
"Our word religion comes from the Latin and means 'to bind together.' A working religion, then, might be one that binds together the many rhythms that affect us by creating techniques - rituals - that attempt to synchronize the three dances, the personal, the cultural, and the cosmic. If the technique works, the reward is a new dimension of rhythm and time - the sacred." - Mickey Hart
That's all for today. By the way, this is day 20 of the Daily Blog Challenge! How am I doing? Sick of me yet? :)
"The flow of creativity feels like an avalanche of joy and wonder. Being open to that possibility creates connections with everything." - Feline Dreamers
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Reiki Healing
Several years ago, a dear friend who has admitted (with a smile) to being a "Reiki pusher" became my Reiki Master. I was attuned to Reiki I first, and then a year later, to Reiki II. Since then I've mostly done Reiki for myself and my family, plus a series of sessions for a friend who was going through chemotherapy and radiation. Then there was a year or so when I didn't do much Reiki, or at least give sessions. Not for any particular reason; I was changing careers and a lot was going on.
Within the past few months, I've gotten back into doing Reiki for others. It's been a joy! For my Mom's birthday, and the 40th birthday of a dear friend, I gave the gift of a year's worth of Reiki (a session every month). I've also given sessions to a few new friends who were in need of some healing. Next month I've volunteered to do Reiki at a local college, as part of a "stress relief during finals" event.
Reiki energy is universal energy. When you give a Reiki session, you're transmitting that energy, which is healing and renewing, into the body of the recipient. The energy then goes wherever in the person's body that it's most needed. I love the fact that when you give a Reiki session, you're also receiving Reiki energy in your own body. Rather than being drained or tired, I feel refreshed after a session.
Reiki is a tool that was given to all of us, and isn't part of any religion. Even so, I see my Reiki healing sessions as part of my work as a priestess in the community. I've given some thought to becoming a Reiki Master myself (which is Reiki III). My Reiki Master has encouraged me to do so. I have another close friend who recently became a Reiki Master, and there are several other practitioners in the community. When my Mom was in the hospital due to a car accident, I gave her Reiki there, and many of the nurses knew what I was doing. It's becoming more common as an alternative and/or complement to Western medicine.
If you've never received Reiki, give it a try. Even if you're not suffering from any illness or stress, getting a session is relaxing and calming. It's perfectly safe to do any time, with no side effects whatsoever!
Within the past few months, I've gotten back into doing Reiki for others. It's been a joy! For my Mom's birthday, and the 40th birthday of a dear friend, I gave the gift of a year's worth of Reiki (a session every month). I've also given sessions to a few new friends who were in need of some healing. Next month I've volunteered to do Reiki at a local college, as part of a "stress relief during finals" event.
Reiki energy is universal energy. When you give a Reiki session, you're transmitting that energy, which is healing and renewing, into the body of the recipient. The energy then goes wherever in the person's body that it's most needed. I love the fact that when you give a Reiki session, you're also receiving Reiki energy in your own body. Rather than being drained or tired, I feel refreshed after a session.
Reiki is a tool that was given to all of us, and isn't part of any religion. Even so, I see my Reiki healing sessions as part of my work as a priestess in the community. I've given some thought to becoming a Reiki Master myself (which is Reiki III). My Reiki Master has encouraged me to do so. I have another close friend who recently became a Reiki Master, and there are several other practitioners in the community. When my Mom was in the hospital due to a car accident, I gave her Reiki there, and many of the nurses knew what I was doing. It's becoming more common as an alternative and/or complement to Western medicine.
If you've never received Reiki, give it a try. Even if you're not suffering from any illness or stress, getting a session is relaxing and calming. It's perfectly safe to do any time, with no side effects whatsoever!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
My Media
I thought it might be fun to list what "media" I use regularly, and why. I'd love to see your list, too. Put it on your blog if you have one, or just leave a comment. By sharing, we might discover new interesting things to inspire us! (Note: I haven't included books, simply because I read so many. I do have a list of my current reads on the sidebar)
Magazines and Newsletters:
Yoga Journal. After I attended a yoga retreat last year, the retreat center sent me a free one-year subscription. It's a great magazine, and I do want to renew for another year.
Home Education Magazine. I've read HEM for several years now, and I'm still finding useful ideas, book and website suggestions, and fun articles.
EarthTides Pagan Network newsletter. I'm a volunteer for EarthTides and I write for the newsletter. But I also read it, and enjoy hearing what other Pagans in Maine have to say. Lately we've been adding new writers and more content.
Radio:
My number one station is MPBN. My favorite shows are A Prairie Home Companion, World Cafe, and the Friday night jazz lineup. I'm not keeping up with the news as much lately, but when I want to do so, MPBN is my favorite source. I also listen to WCLZ sometimes, and this time of year I listen to WHOM because they play Christmas music. I don't like the commercials, though.
Movies:
We go out to the movie theater occasionally. Some of the things I've seen this year are: New Moon, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Julie & Julia, the latest Harry Potter movie, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. My favorite genres are fantasy, science fiction, comedy, adventure (though not the really gory violent stuff) and cartoons. We'll more often use our Netflix account to get those types of movies.
TV:
I don't have regular TV, but we do watch a few series on Netflix and one with my Mom. With Mom, we've been watching Dancing With The Stars, which is a fun thing to do as a family. The kids got me really into the series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and we've seen all the episodes (there will be a movie of the series next spring!). I watch the series Heroes with BlackLion. Now that we've seen all of the Avatar shows, we're trying to decide what series to watch next as a family. Our close friends recommended Legend of the Seeker, so we may do that one.
E-mail lists:
My favorite by far is the Radical Unschooling with Law of Attraction list run by Dayna Martin. It's a very positive and supportive online unschooling community. I also get daily Notes from the Universe, weekly horoscopes from Rob Brezsny, and a weekly Live Creative newsletter from Christine Kane. Another great list is the e-newsletter from my friend's Rite Food & Company website - her articles are super, as is the podcast she does with her daughter. I get the daily public radio show The Writer's Almanac as an e-mail, too.
Websites and Blogs:
I'm most often on these websites: Yahoo (to get my e-mail), Google (for online research and our family's shared calendar), Webkinz (I love my cute virtual pets!), Facebook (a cool way to connect), MPBN (mostly to get the weather) and Blogger (to post here).
The blogs I follow more or less regularly are: BlackLion's Den, our own Feline Dreamers site, The Sparkling Martins, a friend's blog that she hasn't made public yet, Nurtured by Love, Do Life Right, JWL, The Pagan City, Wiccan Life, Snowhawke's Druidry Blog, Surviving the Suburbs, and Witchy Mom's Homeschool. There are some others I look in on occasionally, mostly unschool ones. Oh, and as a bonus for fans of Garrison Keillor: The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window.
OK, that's all for now. I hope I've provided you with some inspiration, food for thought, and entertainment!
Magazines and Newsletters:
Yoga Journal. After I attended a yoga retreat last year, the retreat center sent me a free one-year subscription. It's a great magazine, and I do want to renew for another year.
Home Education Magazine. I've read HEM for several years now, and I'm still finding useful ideas, book and website suggestions, and fun articles.
EarthTides Pagan Network newsletter. I'm a volunteer for EarthTides and I write for the newsletter. But I also read it, and enjoy hearing what other Pagans in Maine have to say. Lately we've been adding new writers and more content.
Radio:
My number one station is MPBN. My favorite shows are A Prairie Home Companion, World Cafe, and the Friday night jazz lineup. I'm not keeping up with the news as much lately, but when I want to do so, MPBN is my favorite source. I also listen to WCLZ sometimes, and this time of year I listen to WHOM because they play Christmas music. I don't like the commercials, though.
Movies:
We go out to the movie theater occasionally. Some of the things I've seen this year are: New Moon, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Julie & Julia, the latest Harry Potter movie, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. My favorite genres are fantasy, science fiction, comedy, adventure (though not the really gory violent stuff) and cartoons. We'll more often use our Netflix account to get those types of movies.
TV:
I don't have regular TV, but we do watch a few series on Netflix and one with my Mom. With Mom, we've been watching Dancing With The Stars, which is a fun thing to do as a family. The kids got me really into the series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and we've seen all the episodes (there will be a movie of the series next spring!). I watch the series Heroes with BlackLion. Now that we've seen all of the Avatar shows, we're trying to decide what series to watch next as a family. Our close friends recommended Legend of the Seeker, so we may do that one.
E-mail lists:
My favorite by far is the Radical Unschooling with Law of Attraction list run by Dayna Martin. It's a very positive and supportive online unschooling community. I also get daily Notes from the Universe, weekly horoscopes from Rob Brezsny, and a weekly Live Creative newsletter from Christine Kane. Another great list is the e-newsletter from my friend's Rite Food & Company website - her articles are super, as is the podcast she does with her daughter. I get the daily public radio show The Writer's Almanac as an e-mail, too.
Websites and Blogs:
I'm most often on these websites: Yahoo (to get my e-mail), Google (for online research and our family's shared calendar), Webkinz (I love my cute virtual pets!), Facebook (a cool way to connect), MPBN (mostly to get the weather) and Blogger (to post here).
The blogs I follow more or less regularly are: BlackLion's Den, our own Feline Dreamers site, The Sparkling Martins, a friend's blog that she hasn't made public yet, Nurtured by Love, Do Life Right, JWL, The Pagan City, Wiccan Life, Snowhawke's Druidry Blog, Surviving the Suburbs, and Witchy Mom's Homeschool. There are some others I look in on occasionally, mostly unschool ones. Oh, and as a bonus for fans of Garrison Keillor: The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window.
OK, that's all for now. I hope I've provided you with some inspiration, food for thought, and entertainment!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Not-So-Sweet Emotions
I have an ambivalent relationship with sugar. My family has a history of adult-onset diabetes, and I've wondered if that's part of it. It happens to be a food that I'm sensitive to, and interestingly, it's my emotions that seem most affected. Sometimes I feel like I'm addicted to sweets, and crave them as a relief from stress. Once I go without any sweet treats for three days in a row, though, it seems I'm released from that cycle and am just fine without sugary foods.
On Samhain (Halloween), I gave up refined sugar and most other sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, etc.) until Winter Solstice. I've done this before, and I find it gives my body a break and a chance to cleanse. This time around, it was easy to stop eating it. I rarely had a craving, and when I did I ate a piece of fruit.
Over the weeks, I felt great. I was more centered, and had fewer instances of irritation or feeling upset. Sure, my emotions still rose and fell, but the waves seemed calmer and I rode along smoothly on top of them.
This week, I relaxed my sugar fast in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday. I attended two celebrations, one on Tuesday evening and then Thursday's Thanksgiving dinner at home. Tuesday night I ate a piece of chocolate pie and a few toffee bars. I felt fine at the time, but in the middle of the night I was hot. I threw off most of my blankets, which helped some. Then I woke up with my mind chattering away, worrying over things that wouldn't normally concern me. Waking up in the night is very unusual for me; I'm normally a deep sleeper. Oddly, there was a part of my mind that was observing, and that part recognized the worries as somehow "artifical." They seemed to be a clear result of the sugar I ate.
Yesterday I had dessert again, this time during the day. After everyone left, I felt kind of restless. I remembered something I had forgotten to do, and instead of shrugging my shoulders about it, I got really annoyed with myself. Again, pausing to reflect on my reaction, it seemed like part of me was just roaming around looking for something to be upset about. I'm thinking that it was the sugar again, agitating my feelings.
Now I'm back to the sugar fast. Though I'll most likely indulge in some sweets at Yule and Christmas, I'm planning to make them an occasional holiday treat, and avoid sugars much of the year. It's not that big of a sacrifice, especially since I feel so much better without them.
On Samhain (Halloween), I gave up refined sugar and most other sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, etc.) until Winter Solstice. I've done this before, and I find it gives my body a break and a chance to cleanse. This time around, it was easy to stop eating it. I rarely had a craving, and when I did I ate a piece of fruit.
Over the weeks, I felt great. I was more centered, and had fewer instances of irritation or feeling upset. Sure, my emotions still rose and fell, but the waves seemed calmer and I rode along smoothly on top of them.
This week, I relaxed my sugar fast in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday. I attended two celebrations, one on Tuesday evening and then Thursday's Thanksgiving dinner at home. Tuesday night I ate a piece of chocolate pie and a few toffee bars. I felt fine at the time, but in the middle of the night I was hot. I threw off most of my blankets, which helped some. Then I woke up with my mind chattering away, worrying over things that wouldn't normally concern me. Waking up in the night is very unusual for me; I'm normally a deep sleeper. Oddly, there was a part of my mind that was observing, and that part recognized the worries as somehow "artifical." They seemed to be a clear result of the sugar I ate.
Yesterday I had dessert again, this time during the day. After everyone left, I felt kind of restless. I remembered something I had forgotten to do, and instead of shrugging my shoulders about it, I got really annoyed with myself. Again, pausing to reflect on my reaction, it seemed like part of me was just roaming around looking for something to be upset about. I'm thinking that it was the sugar again, agitating my feelings.
Now I'm back to the sugar fast. Though I'll most likely indulge in some sweets at Yule and Christmas, I'm planning to make them an occasional holiday treat, and avoid sugars much of the year. It's not that big of a sacrifice, especially since I feel so much better without them.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Attitude of Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving, to those of you celebrating today. It's a lovely practice to be thankful for blessings every day. I also enjoy having a national holiday when many people are focused on gratitude. Here's what I'm thankful for today:
- My family and friends. They're a wonderful group of fun, quirky, smart, creative and crazy-in-a-good-way people. They like me even though I'm weird.
- My kids. I'm so glad I helped them into the world! There was a time when I thought I didn't want any kids. I'm thankful that I changed my mind. I'm learning so much from them, and we have lots of fun together.
- The kittens! And Star-dog! Our four-legged companions really light up our days. Both of the kitten boys are snuggled up on the bed right now, being thankful the dogs who were visiting us today have gone home.
- Community. I'm blessed with a vibrant community (both in person and online). You are all so friendly and creative. I'm honored to be a part of it. Seriously. Keep up the good work!
- My home. I love this place! We are in a cozy house, surrounded by gardens, fields and woods. There are many books here to enjoy, and it's warm and comfortable. Our well-loved furniture and the artwork by friends, augmented with candles and faery lights, make it a great place to gather.
- Good food. We had a delicious feast today, and the fridge is stuffed full of leftovers. Our menu? Homemade seitan and veggie gravy, stuffing, squash, smashed potatoes, broccoli, garlic monkey bread (yeah, really - no monkeys were harmed!), veggies and dip, 3 kinds of cranberry sauce, stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato & apple bisque, miso soup, slimy onions (a family recipe that tastes much better than it sounds), and olives. Dessert was apple crisp, pumpkin pie, apple pie, pear pudding and yummy potato fudge (sort of like needhams). Wow!
- Did I mention books? I'm so thankful for them! (I just updated the "what I'm reading" section over on the side-bar :)
- I'm thankful that I got to know Mystick during his brief lifetime. I'm sad that he left so soon, but I'm very very grateful that he was with me at all. He was a beautiful cat, and I hope he's off somewhere in the spirit realm having marvelous adventures.
- The readers of this blog (and my other writings). You guys rock! Thanks so much for reading what I have to say.
- My family and friends. They're a wonderful group of fun, quirky, smart, creative and crazy-in-a-good-way people. They like me even though I'm weird.
- My kids. I'm so glad I helped them into the world! There was a time when I thought I didn't want any kids. I'm thankful that I changed my mind. I'm learning so much from them, and we have lots of fun together.
- The kittens! And Star-dog! Our four-legged companions really light up our days. Both of the kitten boys are snuggled up on the bed right now, being thankful the dogs who were visiting us today have gone home.
- Community. I'm blessed with a vibrant community (both in person and online). You are all so friendly and creative. I'm honored to be a part of it. Seriously. Keep up the good work!
- My home. I love this place! We are in a cozy house, surrounded by gardens, fields and woods. There are many books here to enjoy, and it's warm and comfortable. Our well-loved furniture and the artwork by friends, augmented with candles and faery lights, make it a great place to gather.
- Good food. We had a delicious feast today, and the fridge is stuffed full of leftovers. Our menu? Homemade seitan and veggie gravy, stuffing, squash, smashed potatoes, broccoli, garlic monkey bread (yeah, really - no monkeys were harmed!), veggies and dip, 3 kinds of cranberry sauce, stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato & apple bisque, miso soup, slimy onions (a family recipe that tastes much better than it sounds), and olives. Dessert was apple crisp, pumpkin pie, apple pie, pear pudding and yummy potato fudge (sort of like needhams). Wow!
- Did I mention books? I'm so thankful for them! (I just updated the "what I'm reading" section over on the side-bar :)
- I'm thankful that I got to know Mystick during his brief lifetime. I'm sad that he left so soon, but I'm very very grateful that he was with me at all. He was a beautiful cat, and I hope he's off somewhere in the spirit realm having marvelous adventures.
- The readers of this blog (and my other writings). You guys rock! Thanks so much for reading what I have to say.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Spirals of Life
It's time for Thanksgiving once again, and then the winter holiday season will be fully upon us. I have to say - I love holidays! I often enjoy the preparations as much as the celebrations themselves. The holidays are a time of traditions, and although things may seem the same each year, if you look closely they differ slightly as we spiral around and around.
I just started listening, while driving, to one of the radio stations that plays Christmas music. Yes, we're Pagan, but we celebrate a secular Christmas as well as Yule/Winter Solstice. When I grew up, my family were atheists and agnostics, so our Christmas has always been about family, sharing, and fun without the religious focus. Anyway, as I listened to the familiar and much-loved tunes (I especially enjoy the ones from the 1940's and 50's), the first thing that came to mind was all the fun times I've had at this time of year. Next, I thought of last December, which was tough because of the death of our cat Huzzah and my Dad's heart attack (on Christmas Eve) and resulting surgery. I'm thankful that this year Dad is doing well and getting great reports from his doctor.
Tonight I was in ritual space with a lovely group of women. I commented to one of them that I was glad we've been in circle together twice within one month, after a long period of not seeing each other much at all. She agreed, and pointed out that we'll be doing it again at Yule. It's wonderful to reconnect with her; we used to be in a circle together that met regularly. That circle disbanded, and as we both have homeschooled kids and full lives, we just got busy. It's lovely that we've spiraled around again to a place where we're sharing sacred space.
We're welcoming some new people to our Thanksgiving table this year, too. My brother has fallen in love (I'm SO excited for him) so his beloved (who is very sweet and fun) will join us, along with her college-age daughter. And BlackLion invited his Dad and step-Mom to feast with us, since his brother is out of town and they hadn't made other plans. We'll also have most of the usual clan, and I'm sure it will be a delicious feast with lots of laughter and joy.
As I get older, I now worry less about having everything perfect for "the big day" and focus more on enjoying the time spent with friends and family. I'm glad the spiral has brought us back around to the winter holidays. I wish you and yours health, happiness and bounty. Blessed Be!
I just started listening, while driving, to one of the radio stations that plays Christmas music. Yes, we're Pagan, but we celebrate a secular Christmas as well as Yule/Winter Solstice. When I grew up, my family were atheists and agnostics, so our Christmas has always been about family, sharing, and fun without the religious focus. Anyway, as I listened to the familiar and much-loved tunes (I especially enjoy the ones from the 1940's and 50's), the first thing that came to mind was all the fun times I've had at this time of year. Next, I thought of last December, which was tough because of the death of our cat Huzzah and my Dad's heart attack (on Christmas Eve) and resulting surgery. I'm thankful that this year Dad is doing well and getting great reports from his doctor.
Tonight I was in ritual space with a lovely group of women. I commented to one of them that I was glad we've been in circle together twice within one month, after a long period of not seeing each other much at all. She agreed, and pointed out that we'll be doing it again at Yule. It's wonderful to reconnect with her; we used to be in a circle together that met regularly. That circle disbanded, and as we both have homeschooled kids and full lives, we just got busy. It's lovely that we've spiraled around again to a place where we're sharing sacred space.
We're welcoming some new people to our Thanksgiving table this year, too. My brother has fallen in love (I'm SO excited for him) so his beloved (who is very sweet and fun) will join us, along with her college-age daughter. And BlackLion invited his Dad and step-Mom to feast with us, since his brother is out of town and they hadn't made other plans. We'll also have most of the usual clan, and I'm sure it will be a delicious feast with lots of laughter and joy.
As I get older, I now worry less about having everything perfect for "the big day" and focus more on enjoying the time spent with friends and family. I'm glad the spiral has brought us back around to the winter holidays. I wish you and yours health, happiness and bounty. Blessed Be!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
On Tolerance
Acceptance and tolerance are sometimes harder than they would seem on the surface. Many of us who are liberals talk about acceptance of diversity, and I think that on many levels we're doing really well. But I'm talking about something a bit closer to home - accepting the ways your friends and loved ones differ from you.
Having many different types of friends does make life more interesting. A vibrant, diverse community is a blessing. At the same time, though, doesn't it sometimes leave you scratching your head, wondering "what were they thinking?"
The thing is, everyone is different. Even your best friend, who agrees with you on most topics and really understands you, will sometimes do something that leaves you sitting there mystified. That's because each person is unique, and each of us has different priorities. When people make their decisions, they're coming from their own point of view. A determining factor that you would consider obvious may not even occur to them.
When someone from another culture or generation makes a choice that you don't understand, it's easier to chalk it up to having a different upbringing. When it's a peer, though, you might have a harder time accepting that their decision works for them. Or even if it doesn't ultimately work out, it's their learning experience.
Practicing acceptance begins at home. When a situation comes up where my partner does something I wasn't expecting, or doesn't do something that I thought was self-evident, I have to stop and regroup. My expectations of someone else, even a close loved one, are purely my own business. Unless you've specifically made an agreement with someone, it's not fair to make assumptions. And even if you have, there's always room for change and renegotiation. If I'm going to consider myself a tolerant person, then I need to let it start with those I love most.
And indeed, perhaps it should even start with having tolerance for myself.
Having many different types of friends does make life more interesting. A vibrant, diverse community is a blessing. At the same time, though, doesn't it sometimes leave you scratching your head, wondering "what were they thinking?"
The thing is, everyone is different. Even your best friend, who agrees with you on most topics and really understands you, will sometimes do something that leaves you sitting there mystified. That's because each person is unique, and each of us has different priorities. When people make their decisions, they're coming from their own point of view. A determining factor that you would consider obvious may not even occur to them.
When someone from another culture or generation makes a choice that you don't understand, it's easier to chalk it up to having a different upbringing. When it's a peer, though, you might have a harder time accepting that their decision works for them. Or even if it doesn't ultimately work out, it's their learning experience.
Practicing acceptance begins at home. When a situation comes up where my partner does something I wasn't expecting, or doesn't do something that I thought was self-evident, I have to stop and regroup. My expectations of someone else, even a close loved one, are purely my own business. Unless you've specifically made an agreement with someone, it's not fair to make assumptions. And even if you have, there's always room for change and renegotiation. If I'm going to consider myself a tolerant person, then I need to let it start with those I love most.
And indeed, perhaps it should even start with having tolerance for myself.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Confession Time
I am an unusual person, with an unconventional lifestyle. I'm a legally licensed Pagan priestess. I'm a vegetarian who eats mostly vegan food. I do Reiki healing. I radically unschool my kids. I dye my hair strange colors, just for fun. I have three tattoos, and want more. I practice yoga and meditation regularly. I read Tarot cards. I'm a nouveau hippie chick who has been to 10 Grateful Dead shows and seen Phish a few times. I spent my summer vacation dressing up and re-enacting life in the Middle Ages. I love barefoot hiking. I don't take any medications (prescription or over-the-counter). There are no TVs in my home. I shop at Goodwill, and enjoy it. I recycle avidly, and prefer to use Earth-friendly products whenever possible. I am (gasp) a flaming liberal.
That was not the confession. That's pretty much me, living life out there, being who I am and not caring much about the mainstream Western consumer lifestyle.
Now, it's confession time. Some of the highlights of my week are:
- Cooking food for the big Thanksgiving feast I'm hosting at my home. Granted, I'm not cooking or eating turkey, and my dishes will be vegan. But it's comfort food, nonetheless, and I'm getting my house all ready for the big day, washing the cloth napkins and tidying away the clutter.
- Seeing the opening day showing of the movie "New Moon." And I loved it! I loved the Twilight series of books, too. I think they did a terrific job capturing the books in the two movies that they've made so far. Bella's birthday is the same day as mine, and I totally get her character. Yep, I'd be a vampire girl, too.
- I make a pretty good pie crust. My Mom taught me, and I use her recipe. But today she told me her new technique, and after trying it for the first time, I'm so psyched! You just put all the ingredients in the food processor and let it do all the work. Perfect pie crust, ready to roll out! No mess, no waste, no pastry blender. Yes!
- We just watched the finale of this season of Dancing With the Stars. No, I don't have TV, but my Mom does, and we've been watching the show together for three or four seasons now. Mya is a beautiful dancer. Donny Osmond is a consummate showman. But I must confess, I really dig Kelly Osborne. Perhaps because she's a bit freaky herself? Could be.
Now you know my dirty little secrets. Hope I'm not getting too June Cleaver for you...
That was not the confession. That's pretty much me, living life out there, being who I am and not caring much about the mainstream Western consumer lifestyle.
Now, it's confession time. Some of the highlights of my week are:
- Cooking food for the big Thanksgiving feast I'm hosting at my home. Granted, I'm not cooking or eating turkey, and my dishes will be vegan. But it's comfort food, nonetheless, and I'm getting my house all ready for the big day, washing the cloth napkins and tidying away the clutter.
- Seeing the opening day showing of the movie "New Moon." And I loved it! I loved the Twilight series of books, too. I think they did a terrific job capturing the books in the two movies that they've made so far. Bella's birthday is the same day as mine, and I totally get her character. Yep, I'd be a vampire girl, too.
- I make a pretty good pie crust. My Mom taught me, and I use her recipe. But today she told me her new technique, and after trying it for the first time, I'm so psyched! You just put all the ingredients in the food processor and let it do all the work. Perfect pie crust, ready to roll out! No mess, no waste, no pastry blender. Yes!
- We just watched the finale of this season of Dancing With the Stars. No, I don't have TV, but my Mom does, and we've been watching the show together for three or four seasons now. Mya is a beautiful dancer. Donny Osmond is a consummate showman. But I must confess, I really dig Kelly Osborne. Perhaps because she's a bit freaky herself? Could be.
Now you know my dirty little secrets. Hope I'm not getting too June Cleaver for you...
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Life at the Home School
I stand at the counter in the kitchen, cutting up peppers and onions to sauté and add to the black and pinto beans on the stove. As I work, I’m listening to my two kids and Sash play “Dungeons and Dragons Online.” They have a PC and two laptops going, so they can each play a character and join together as an adventuring group.
They bounce ideas back and forth, each person adding their suggestions and describing what they’re noticing, in real time. There’s a lot of teasing and joking, of course, and the occasional disagreement, but ultimately each of them takes into account the other players’ ideas and the strengths and weaknesses of their characters. As a team, they work to solve the quests presented at each phase of the game. I let the conversation wash over me, my thoughts drifting back to the many other times I’ve stood in this kitchen and listened to my kids play and learn.
A lot of cooperative computer-game-playing takes place, but also board and card games, craft projects, math worksheets, imagination games, sports strategy sessions, and discussions about books, movies, history, politics, etiquette, and a multitude of other topics. Sometimes I join in, and other times I just observe, enjoying the way their minds work and the “aha!” moments when they catch on to a new way of perceiving or doing things. I’m here as a facilitator, to answer their questions or point them to resources when they ask for them.
I feel truly blessed to be spending time with my kids every day. I get to share their childhood, their education, and their unfolding as fascinating, funny, intelligent beings. Homeschooling is a choice which does involve some sacrifice: we could certainly make more money, and have more adults-only time, if we did things conventionally. But for this family, it works. I can see the results every day, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
They bounce ideas back and forth, each person adding their suggestions and describing what they’re noticing, in real time. There’s a lot of teasing and joking, of course, and the occasional disagreement, but ultimately each of them takes into account the other players’ ideas and the strengths and weaknesses of their characters. As a team, they work to solve the quests presented at each phase of the game. I let the conversation wash over me, my thoughts drifting back to the many other times I’ve stood in this kitchen and listened to my kids play and learn.
A lot of cooperative computer-game-playing takes place, but also board and card games, craft projects, math worksheets, imagination games, sports strategy sessions, and discussions about books, movies, history, politics, etiquette, and a multitude of other topics. Sometimes I join in, and other times I just observe, enjoying the way their minds work and the “aha!” moments when they catch on to a new way of perceiving or doing things. I’m here as a facilitator, to answer their questions or point them to resources when they ask for them.
I feel truly blessed to be spending time with my kids every day. I get to share their childhood, their education, and their unfolding as fascinating, funny, intelligent beings. Homeschooling is a choice which does involve some sacrifice: we could certainly make more money, and have more adults-only time, if we did things conventionally. But for this family, it works. I can see the results every day, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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