We're Moving!

Robert was offered a fabulous job as an attorney for the federal government within the social security administration. So...we must move to the DC area rather quickly. If anyone out there knows someone who is interested in purchasing our home, please email me at: wendy at wendycook dot com. The home is known as Fuller House and is on the national registry of historic places. It was built by architect Ward Wellington Ward in 1911. We are not looking to make a profit on the home. We intend to sell it for what we paid for it plus the cost of the remodeling and repairs which will be completed before we move. We are willing to offer an assumable mortgage to a couple/family just starting out because we acquired our mortgage when the rates were still low. This decision is in part due to the speed in which we must relocate, but also because it's really nice thing to do for someone. (and perhaps such kindness will be returned to us one day)

Here is an original newspaper article about our home from 1911...We have the original plans too! (Click on image to enlarge)

Vote BIG!

I submitted my photo to JPEG Magazine...

I Carry You With Me

"I carry you with me into the world,
into the smell of rain
& the words that dance between people" - Brian Andreas














Robert had an interview in the DC area today and won't be home until tomorrow morning. I hope he is offered the position as it would be better for our family in a number of ways. Although we love the house we purchased in upstate NY, we decided that we don't want to plant roots here.

After lunch, Satch and I took a 25 minute trek to the playground. He loves the playground. He loves digging in the wood chips and, of course, the swings! We played for three hours and he still cried when it was time to go. The organic cheddar crackers that I brought to soften our departure were of little help...he ran away clutching the tiny tub. We had just enough time to get home and eat dinner before the 30 minute stroll to Toddler's Tango.

















It is the second day of autumn and already the air smells of fallen leaves. I handed Satch a crimson leaf...the color of his pram. He examined it closely and giggled before tossing it to the ground.

Toddlers' Tango

Satch and I took a stroll to Westcott Street Fair and heard the most beautiful song. We followed the melody to a corner where a group of toddlers were dancing and swaying to the music. I was moved by both the song and the children. I later found out that the song is "Peace in Twelve Languages" by Tom Knight.

It has become my new mantra. You can hear a sample of it here or download it from Apple itunes!

Paz (“pause”) Spanish
Paix (“pay”) French
Peace English
An (“on”) Korean
Siochain (“sh-Kaan” Gaelic (Irish)
Friede (“free-deh”) German
Shalom Hebrew
Salaam Arabic
Amani ("Ah-mah-nee") Swahili
Santeepop Thai
Heiwa (hey-ee-wah”) Japanese
Hoa Bihn (“hwah-ah-bin”) Vietnamese

Satchel started Toddlers' Tango on tuesday (a gift from grandma). We thought he would enjoy it because he loves music and loves to dance. He was a bit shy at first. He sat and rocked to the music while the other children got up and danced.


toddler's tango session 1 on Vimeo
He really loved tapping the floor with the rhythm stick and paused to wonder what all the woo-hooing was all about.....


rhythm stick 1 on Vimeo
When we got home, we went straight to Amazon and ordered some musical instruments for him: a tea bell, wrist bells, an egg shaker, maracas, a kazoo, and some rhythm sticks. (We are still searching for a good drum.)

Self Portait With Elephant

"Ask for what you want, and be prepared to get it." - Maya Angelou

I had a childhood dream to do a self portrait with an elephant (I just adore elephants) and after a previous encounter with an elephant named Siri at the local zoo, I decided to "ask for what I want". I'm not religious, I don't pray to God. I "communicate with life", as the character Maude, in one of my favorite films (Harold & Maude) said. I emailed the director of the zoo, and after our phone conversation he agreed to grant me my wish. I knew I would need an assistant because once I set up the camera and framed the shot, I wouldn't be able to push the button. I asked my friend Julie if she would be my "button pusher" and she agreed to do it. (Then my husband took Satch and me to a little mexican joint for a celebratory dinner...cheese enchiladas...Satch loves 'em!)

And THIS is what I plan to teach my son: If you have a dream, a vision, a wish, and idea...try to make it happen. Never be afraid to ask for what you want.

Saturday morning we drove up the service entrance of the zoo and walked to the elephant barn. It was quiet and we could smell the scent of animals as we approached the barn. Once inside, we saw Siri and I was amazed by how much larger she appeared indoors than outdoors. Walls and a ceiling give a different perspective. Mick and John, her handlers, greeted us and took us to the yard. It was overcast, but I took a quick look at the sky to make sure that the sun would be behind the camera and set up the equipment while John went to get Siri. A few moments later, they appeared. She was magnificent with wise, amber eyes. With Siri in the view finder, I adjusted the tripod, set the camera, and framed out the shot. I let her sniff me before I approached her. Then I wrapped my arm around her leg and stroked her, leaning my body against hers. She leaned back...an elephant hug. It reminded me very much of how a dog leans into you when you're petting it. Her skin was both rough and soft like velveteen tree bark. I could smell her breath, hot and sour like wet hay on a summer day....her skin, earthy, musky, mammalian. She was gracious and patient while the photos were taken and we thanked her for both the photos and the wondrous experience. We thanked the handlers too and after John brought Siri back to the barn, I asked him a few questions about her. I learned that we have a few things in common:

Siri: 39 years old (but believed to be in her early 40's based on her characteristics);9,600 lbs; vegetarian; likes jelly beans; She is an artist. (Is it any wonder that I was drawn to her?)

Wendy: 42 years old (but believed to be an old soul); 110 lbs; vegetarian; likes Jelly Bellies; Also an artist.

We walked back to the car still absorbing our magical experience with the scent of the wild on our skin and our clothes.

Namaste, Siri...from one who loves elephants.

"They are incorrigible tons of strength and harmony. Their hide is ancient, their eyes sweet, they roll in dust to cool off, they make their own showers. They know how to frolic out under the sun. They're learners. They do not forget, and they don't hold grudges." -Bradford Morrow (A Bestiary)

To see the entire photo set, click here!

Dream BIG, my son!

Be Free

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
cause theres a million things to be
You know that there are

And if you want to live high, live high
And if you want to live low, live low
cause theres a million ways to go
You know that there are

You can do what you want
The opportunity's on
And if you can find a new way
You can do it today
You can make it all true
And you can make it undo
You see
Its easy
You only need to know

Well if you want to say yes, say yes
And if you want to say no, say no
cause theres a million ways to go
You know that there are

And if you want to be me, be me
And if you want to be you, be you
cause theres a million things to do
You know that there are

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
cause theres a million things to be





You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are

-Cat Stevens

Obbity Bobbity # 2

One thing that really irritates me is ignorant remarks regarding mothering by women who don't have children...

Today as I was finishing my workday I sighed, "Boy, I'm tired". A woman, pregnant with her first child replied, "That's by choice"(referring to the fact that I co-sleep with my son). I turned to her and said, "The choice to sleep with my son is a good choice for my family...Satchel has never slept through the night, not all babies do, and if I had to physically get out of bed every time he woke up to nurse, I wouldn't be able to function". Then I added, "Talk to me in a month and tell me how tired YOU are because mothering puts 'tired' in a whole new perspective".

I admit, "attachment parenting" is hard work, but the rewards are great, and for our family it feels right, natural and the most nurturing for our child. Dr. William Sears writes, "Sleep-sharing babies get the message - I am just as valuable during the night as I am during the day. I belong to someone 24 hours a day." (For the record, co-sleeping and breastfeeding are beautiful and magical experiences which I will cherish forever!)

What are some of the irritating remarks you have received? Let this comment section be a place to dump them so they no longer linger inside you.

For those of you who don't know what Obbity Bobbity is, click here!

"Harold and Maude" is on tv tonight (one of my faves)...after Satch falls asleep I will watch a bit of it. It will be a good remedy for the aforementioned crumminess. I just adore the character "Maude" and hope to be as vibrant as she when I'm in my 80's.

Magical

"Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love. This continues when the baby becomes a toddler. Anyone without prejudices, who has ever observed an older baby or toddler nursing can testify that there is something almost magical, something special, something far beyond food going on. A toddler will sometimes spontaneously, for no obvious reason, break into laughter while he is nursing." - Dr. Jack Newman

Mom to Mom: Cheryn B

Once a month I will be interviewing blogging mamas. If you would like to be interviewed on Mother Rising, please post a comment here (and let me know how to contact you). This month, I'm pleased to introduce....

Mom: Cheryn
Of: Layna, 8 mo.

Where: New Jersey
Blog: daily babbles




1. In what ways has becoming a mother changed you?

Most importantly, it has given me soft little squishy hands and feet and chubby rolls to nibble on! Then the bonuses~ It has brought out more of "me." It has heightened my senses, made me more present in simple moments. I am more motivated and inspired to make healthier choices- eating better, being more active, cooking at home more often. I am PROUD of myself- for the mothering I am giving, for the amazing birth experience that we had (Layna was born into water, and I made it through with no pain meds despite her being born at 9 lbs 4 oz.) and for the family that we have become. Overall, it has deepened my understanding of love and life.

2. What is one tip you would like to share about mothering?

Just to let it happen, and to trust that it is there to happen in all the right ways. What feels right IS right- no matter what the books say, no matter what ANYONE says. I just looked for something I remembered reading- it's in reference to babies only napping while in mama's arms, and being concerned if this is a "bad habit" to allow- from Sear's The Breastfeeding Book: "It's easy for mothers to let themselves fall into the trap of focusing on "getting something done" while baby sleeps. Instead, we urge you to enjoy these special cuddle times while they last. Eventually your baby will outgrow her nap-time cuddling need and you may long for the restful days when all she wanted was for you to hold and nurse her."

I believe this is referring mostly to the newborn stage, but, Layna and I just enjoyed an hour nap together (and we did so yesterday and the day before)- snuggling together, her fast asleep on my chest- a treat that for sure I won't pass up any day. Of course the time for this isn't always available, but when it is, GIVE THIS GIFT TO YOURSELF.

3. What is your creative outlet/medium?

Right now, mainly photography. Otherwise, a little bit of a lot of things- painting, jewelry making, mixed media work, sculpture.

4. How do you find time for creativity?

The photography is the easiest to fit in only in the sense that lately my subject is Layna! Also, taking the camera along wherever we go allows for a simple walk to be a creative time.

I try to look at flipping through inspiring books, viewing others' artwork, websites, etc., as creativity in itself- so there's always a little bit of time here and there without getting all involved in a project to do this. All in all, however, I get a little scattered and distracted and don't always find the time, which I am working at every day in trying to overcome.

5. Why do you blog/journal?

Started mostly for a means to keep those at a distance in the loop, updated on what's happening with Layna and the family. Also, a place to connect with others out there in this wacky world, a place to empty my thoughts......if only I could keep up with it.

6. Which blogs do you frequent?

When I have time~ for the fellow mother thoughts- Mother Rising, Pink Coyote, Little Birds, and others on Mother Rising's link list, along with Dooce now and then for a laugh... also- Bird in the hand, Superhero, Jen Gray.

7. Who are some bloggers you would like to meet?

Any listed above!

Blog of the Day

Hey...Mother Rising was just voted Blog of the Day!


And one of my photos just won an honorable mention on "Picture This". I would do an interpretive dance of joy, but I'm too exhausted. For the last several nights, Satchel has woken me up 7+ time per night.