To Be Dazzled... (a rather long post)

or more examples of why I'm the luckiest person on earth....

So we spent the brisk, yet beautiful day indoors yesterday because I was feeling so crummy. I got out the bubbles and a bubble gun and let Satch blow bubbles in the bathroom so I could take a hot and longer-than-five-minute-shower. When I asked him if there was something he'd like to do, wouldn't you know he said, "oooh sum rafts" (crafts). So I got out the paintbox and he painted and then asked for tape and stuck his creations up all over the studio window. We then read some books, had a pretend picnic where he served a mysterious imaginary brew he calls "pupatino"! While he took his nap, I finished reading a book that I found at B's yard sale on Saturday.

Would you sit with me for a spell because it's a good story?

You see, I met B via freecycle...she offered some Waldorf-ish lanterns that she and her beautiful son, J made some years ago with jars and tissue paper. I thought that I could use them for Satchel's birthday party in May or have a summer evening lantern walk and then enjoy them all year long when we want a bit of candle light. I also felt that a mother and son project such as this one should not end up in the trash. So I responded to her post, plopped Satch into the pram and walked to the other side of the lake.

Am I ever glad I did!

The lanterns were beautiful and B was quite a lovely soul AND her son J charmed Satch right out of his shy sideways glance into full fits of laughter. Satch was completely smitten with this delightful 7 yr old chap. We sat and chatted over fresh mango and discovered we had a lot in common. It turned out that this family was moving and having a yard sale the following week. Naturally, I planned to stop by.

When we returned from our Thomas the train adventure, however, the yard sale was over so I phoned to ask B if we could still pop by. Her sweet son, J, answered and asked, "Is this Wendy of the lanterns"? "Why yes it is", I relied. When we arrived at their home, I announced myself, "It is I...Wendy of the lanterns", and explained to J that I very much like the name he gave me.

B had some items set aside for us and I just couldn't believe our good fortune: TWO butterfly nets which I'm sure will catch many a bug, a blue Ukulele, this magic kit, a puppy costume, paint, a big bag of wool roving AND...this book, which I've just finished reading and absolutely love! Satch spent a good part of the afternoon pulling silks out of a bag and yelling "abba ba dabba hokey pokey" and slept with the puppy costume, and one of the butterfly nets.

If that isn't amazing enough...I found this book and this book at the Library book sale! The latter I've already started reading and it made me teary and gave me all sorts of ideas to adapt in our home. And I'm sure there are some who wonder how I manage to read so many books and the truth is, I don't watch tv so I read a lot. Except for yesterday because I was feeling so yucky so when Robert came home and took Satch outside to set his worms free, I flipped the tv on for just a second and was smacked in the face with one disaster or another...a shooting, tornadoes, wild fires and Rachael Ray. Ah! I'm not missing much - back to my books!

Oh, yes...last week 'tween the upcoming birthday crafting and Mother's Day gifts, I made a worm house for Satch and we cared for earthworms all week. (Pics of those as the events draw near)

I awoke several times last night freezing and covered in sweat. I'm guessing it means I kicked that bug from yesterday because I do feel that I'm on the mend this morn.


"Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing
to be dazzled-
to cast aside the weight of facts


and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world" - Mary Oliver

Sluggish

I slept poorly last night and awoke feeling seriously sluggish with a slimy feeling in the back of my throat rendering it quite raw. "Everyone wonders at the nature of slug slime", said Jasmine Saville (whose home I do truly covet, by the way). This statement couldn't be more true. Trying to remove slug slime from Satchel's fingers and clothing takes effort...that slime is crazy sticky. And that is precisely what I feel like this morn..., slow, sticky, slimy and raw.

I don't have the energy for much of anything today, let alone being creative.

A kindred mom, whom I met through freecycle of all places, said, "Wendy, you have such a strong creative instinct...at some point I would love to talk with you about how you manage to feed it and also balance all the practical things which life requires - I have a strong creative instinct too, but I am so often overwhelmed". I replied, "I've been asking other moms that very same question for a year and a half".

Perhaps it's a part of who we are and we sort of just find those golden moments in which we can create.

The serendipity of the aforementioned exchange called me to reflect upon this glorious book. I think Sandra Magsamen said it best in her book entitled ,"Living Artfully: A heartfull guide of ideas and inspirations that celebrate life, love and the moments that matter", wherein she writes, "The desire to make beautiful, meaningful moments and things is an undeniable part of who we are".

I swear, her book is like the inspiration bible!

As for today, I'll have to take a break from all the makin' and doin' (and worryin' about the move that is a month away)...I'll have to mend my self and not the holes in my jeans.

"she is part of the pond she lives in,
the tall trees are her children,
the birds that swim above her
are tied to her by an unbreakable string" - Mary Oliver

Most Alive Monday: And the Winner Is...

What a week....













The not-so-good part: our wee boy is now allergic to tree pollen! The very good part: we scored big at the library book sale and had lunch with friends in town center; we rode on Thomas the Train; our Mother's Day gifts are completed and ready to be shipped; Satchel's birthday goody-buckets are almost finished; and we got some nifty treats at a local yard sale!

(The Roundhouse ceiling)






























(a wee boy and a REALLY big door)
























A happy passenger!

Feeling a bit allergic.

(Danger keep off)

Swollen eyes notwithstanding, my wonder boy pulled a name from a hat and the winner is.......

Thank you all for sharing your wonders and inspiring me all week long, for allowing me an opportunity to give (Thank you, Ginger) which feels so darn good!

 The two pink houses on Swinks Mill Road,
witnessing bamboo
and backhoes that chase raccoons
and peepers from their vernal pools,
dream of sycamores on Swinks Mill Road.


- Greta Ehrig (excerpt from Two Pink Houses on Swink's Mill Road)*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

You may also post photos of your "most alive moments" in my most alive flickr pool! (If you post a photo in pool, be sure to include your link in the comment)

Most Alive Monday: Wonders (and a Prize)

"You shall see wonders" - William Shakespeare















It was a great day for bubbles and so I dragged out every bubble making device we had including a set by the great Fan Yang that Satchel's Grands sent, the bubble thing, and my old fave (the multi-bubbler by Pustefix of Denmark) that my talented friend, Fanchon Lavigne (a kind and gentle spirit, a photographer and large format print specialist ), gave to me many MANY years ago.

Little did I know back then, that I would one day have a son who would love bubbles as much as I.













 How his squeals of joy make my heart leap!

I'm so inspired lately...by Satch, by the season and by so many mamas that are lighting the way. Ginger Carlson of The Wondershop sent me a copy of her new book, "Child of Wonder" and I am deeply moved by it. It's a book that explores and celebrates play, discovery, creativity and imagination. You'll be hearing from Ginger in an upcoming Mom to Mom interview.

And because giving is another thing that makes me feel most alive...I would like to give away a signed copy of her book. Simply share a wondrous word or two (something that moved you this week - a quote, a moment etc.) in the comment section of this post by midnight on Sunday and my little wonder child will pick a name at random to be posted NEXT Monday morning. *Also please let me know how to contact you for your snail mail address.

I will not be posting this week because I want to finish sewing some softies for Satchel's upcoming birthday party, and crafting some Mother's Day gifts for the Grands, but I'll be back on Monday with a winner..."Bisy Backson"!!!

Listen to presences inside poems,
Let them take you where they will.
Follow those private hints,
and never leave the premises. -Rumi

*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

You may also post photos of your "most alive moments" in my most alive flickr pool! (If you post a photo in pool, be sure to include your link in the comment)

Wonderful!

"Mama, I'll make a scary monster and you say oooh that's won-der-pul"




















He paints "storms with rain, lightning AND thunder", green diggers, "volcanoes with smoke, fire and steam", train tracks, hermit crabs, streams, ponds, A's and E's and bugs......"

(click on here for a slide show)

Today is Poem In Your Pocket Day...below is the poem we will be carrying with us to music class today. We will give it to the first person we see and ask that they too, pass it on.

To You
STRANGER!
if you, passing, meet me, and desire to speak to me,
why should you not speak to me?
And why should I not speak to you? -Walt Whitman
Have a good weekend everyone!

PURRRR

'Tween all the playing and reading and making, we've been busy searching for another temporary nest as our landlords are moving back into their home. I think we've found it, though the whole idea of packing and moving and unpacking again has me feeling a bit foggy. More words tomorrow.


"The fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on"

-Carl Sandberg

Celebrate Earth!

"Yet everything that touches us, me and you,
takes us together like a violin's bow,
which draws one voice out of two seperate strings.
Upon what instrument are we two spanned?
And what musician holds us in his hand?

Oh sweetest song." -Rainer Maria Rilke


In honor of the upcoming Earth Day festival next Tuesday April 22nd, we are enjoying these wonderful books that celebrate our planet, nature, the environment and diversity:

EcoArt: Earth-Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3-9 year olds by Laurie Carlson. Lots of projects for the wees including how to make your own non-toxic art supplies.

The Nights of the World invites readers to pull the shutters and explore how children in other parts of the world spend their days and nights. A lovely bedtime book!

Tales of the Shimmering Sky and Tales Alive! are collections of multicultural folk tales and activities from around the world.


Such a wonderful way to explore and celebrate the many cultures sharing our planet.

Kids Care! -75 ways to make a difference for people, animals & the environment by Rebecca Olien

Some great ideas for compassionate kids.


Hands Around the World: 365 Ways to Build Cultural Awareness & Global Respect by Susan Milord

Explore and celebrate the rich diversity of our great planet!

The Kids Multicultural Cookbook will give your kids an opportunity to make and taste foods from around the world. Can you say Apfelpfannekulchen?


Kids Around the World Celebrate is a lovely book! Now your family can explore the best feasts and festivals from all over the world.


Kids Around the World Cook ...and enjoy the many flavors of our great planet.
I know I'm not the only one who thinks that a mango lassi is the most insanely delicious drink in the world!

Kids Around the World Play is an enchanting trip around the world through play. Kids can learn to play Jackstones (from Kenya) or Ishikeri (from Japan). I always wanted to learn how to construct a galimoto for Satch (from Malawi) and now I can.

Kids Around the World Create explores diversity through global crafting. Make a Tibetan prayer flag, Greek worry beads or a Chinese bamboo stick book.


Solomon's Tree by Andrea Spalding and is a beautiful story of a young Native American boy who loses his favorite tree in a storm. His uncle helped him carve a mask from the wood to honor the spirit of the tree. The story gave me goosebumps!


And one of Satchel's faves..."Earthdance", a glorious poem by Joanne Ryder

Most Alive Monday: Wild Love

"such wild love-
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure." -Mary Oliver

Satchel's first animal love was the giraffe. "Laaaaa Nas", was what he called them when he was learning to speak. Long Necks is what he was trying to say. Over the last two years, I thrifted some wooden giraffe beads to use as holiday ornaments for our xmas tree and we purchased a felted giraffe for our tree in 2007. Although his big beautiful heart made space for new wild loves, we decided to take him to our local zoo for the Breakfast With Giraffes event!

(He was beaming on the tram to the event)

The feeding station had to be closed due to some mud so we had to feed them through a fence...a disappointment, but still a lovely encounter with the purple prehensile tongues.

Afterward, Satch rode this gentle and quiet carousel twice! (His first experience on a carousel that was too fast and too loud rendered him a tiny horizontal blur in striped leggings.)


We visited elephants, lions, a cheetah, some fabulous chimps and then we brushed a goat until...

he smiled!

We discovered a magical GIANT hobbit-like tree slide in which you climb a stairs within the trunk and then slide down through the fallen log...

After a late lunch of brick oven pizza at Isabella's, we went home exhausted.  Before bed we read these two books...and it was the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Animal Faces is a book about observation. The book is a photo mosaic of the faces of 21 different individuals from 24 different species. The best way to describe this book is to quote the author, "By looking at animals in this careful way, you will find yourself loving animals even more than you did before".

The Girl and the Elephant, simply put, is a very charming story that celebrates the bonds of friendship.


*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

You may also post photos of your "most alive moments" in my most alive flickr pool! (If you post a photo in pool, be sure to include your link in the comment)

Some Questions You Might Ask: Daffodils

"Is the soul solid, like iron?
Or is it tender and breakable, like
the wings of a moth in the beak of the owl?
Who has it, and who doesn't?...
Does it have a shape? Like an iceberg?
Like the eye of a hummingbird?
Does it have one lung, like the snake and the scallop?
Why should I have it, and not the anteater who loves her children?
Come to think of it, what about the maple trees?
What about the blue iris?
What about all the little stones, sitting alone in the moonlight?
What about roses, and lemons, and their shining leaves?
What about the grass?" - Mary Oliver

Have a good weekend, everyone! And don't forget about "Poem In Your Pocket Day" on April 17th!!

April Showers Continued

"the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things" - Mary Oliver

Drizzle yesterday so we pulled out all the stops here....dancing and driving and a walk in said drizzle for more art supplies, a walk that turned out to be sacred...

I found a deer antler in the grass beside the sidewalk, slightly smelly with a bit of fur on it. I tried to imagine that it was a shed antler, but the banging of my heart in my chest told me otherwise. I stood stunned for awhile and tried to answer the stream of questions spilling from the little red pram beside me.

I could not leave it there. I wrapped it in a plastic bag and carried it home. In my imagination, a buck walked beside us...I could hear the puffing of his breath and the sound of his footsteps. We were almost home when suddenly Satchel yelled, "MAMA WHAT'S THAT", and there in the grass near the school yard was another antler attached to a piece of skull. My eyes began to sting as I pushed back the tears that wanted to fall. I could see the suture line in a portion of the bone. I picked it up, placed it in the bag and explained to Satch that we would call the medicine woman and ask her how to clean it and if we should keep it or return it to a special place. Oh the stream of questions: what happened to the deer; where did the deer go; how did it return to the earth; is it sad; is it happy we have horns, etc.

"I don't know, but my guess", I said, "is that the deer would be happy that his antlers are with us and not near the road because we know that these antlers are special...all creatures are special. Every time we see or touch his antlers we will think of the deer, he will be remembered".

Pixie explained with comfort and detail all we needed to know. The antlers will make a trip to Squam Lake in the fall where they will be decorated in a traditional way by our two boys. Satch will be giving one to his spirit brother to take back to California. The other will remain with Satch and will be used as a talking stick for our family.


After lunch we danced to Cranberry Sauce Flotilla by Dog On Fleas up in the art studio. This hip acoustic album was recorded in a living room with an old upright piano, a base and other cool instruments! A mixture of traditional and original recordings, it was the biggie in the July 2007 issue of School Library Journal. Sort of Dixieland Jazz and Squirrel Nut Zippers - and we LOVE it!




Pre-nap we mellowed out to Dean Jones' Napper's Delight and did a bit of reading. It's Dean's first solo album...a beautiful collection of lullabies, some new, some traditional and includes vocals by the wonderful Elizabeth Mitchell (whom you KNOW we adore).

Post-nap...we did some Drivin'...

Is it a guy thing? What is is about boys and cars? Satch LOVES them....loves riding them, loves pushing them...LOVES in a font size too big for this screen. These days, when he's not outside "diggin' fo worms and yookin' fo bugs", he's playing one set of wheels or another....

The Automoblox car....it's SUPER cool! It fits together like a puzzle and is great for those wees who like to take things apart and put them back together again. It is very sturdy and rolls smoothly, fast and FAR! There are many models and each one is like a work of art.













The Plasmacar is the most AMAZING thing I've ever seen!

It's a kid powered car that uses the laws of physics to move. It really glides and can cruise at a respectable speed. It can hold up to 220 lbs. Satch and I get on together and race around the living room!






















 Here he is using it as a rescue vehicle for wayward alligators. 


















(The medical bag I made from an old canvas toiletry bag to store all his toy medical instruments).

You can click on the video to see it action!



We ended our day with a warm plate homemade Chana Masala and jasmine rice. The scent of garam masala filled the air and soft sitar music played in the background...all cozy in our place in the family of things.

April Showers

Spring Rain by Shelley Krause

Two in the morning--
the rain and the roof
are talking

We've taken down our Easter decorations and have hung tiny glass raindrops on the branches in our vase.  It's raining and on that note...here are a few things that we enjoy on rainy days...

Yellow Umbrella is more than a book, it's an experience. A wordless award winner with stunning paintings by Jae Soo Liu and music by composer Dong II Sheen.

Doodle All Year is another Taro Gomi marvel, the chunkiest book of fun ever.

The Other Side by artist Istvan Banyai is a wordless, visual treat in which the other side of the page IS the other side of the story. Satch loves the upside down house and the bike riding Penguin.

Fizz, Bubble & Flash! is terrific book of fun science experiments. You can play with your food and separate the iron from your breakfast cereal with a magnet or make a dollar bill dance!

The Kids' Science Book is another great source. Make sprout art or learn how to make rain in your kitchen!

Have an M.Y.O.P. party and make your own puppets and puppet theaters. I LOVE the "Umbrelly Sea Jelly.....I wish I thought of it first!

And how about some quite time and learn hand signs using THIS beautifully illustrated alphabet book.

Most Alive Monday: Pirate Edition

" Captain Hook must remember
Not to scratch his toes.
Captain Hook must watch out
And never pick his nose." - Shel Silverstein


Wherein we tie scarves around our heads, construct a sail for our sofa-pirate-ship and watch Peter Pan!

(The ottoman is "the plank"!)


*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

You may also post photos of your "most alive moments" in my most alive flickr pool! (If you post a photo in pool, be sure to include your link in the comment)

Boogers and pirates are an award winning combo according to Satch!

I Cannot Improve Upon This Scene

"Where does the rainbow end, in your soul or on the horizon?" - Pablo Nerudo

Satchel's favorite part of "Little Bits" class is when Ms. Kim brings out the parachute. What is it about that magical, rainbow colored, billowing piece of fabric that induces such excitement and wonder?

I recently discovered a smaller 10' home-friendly version of the play-chute by Pacific Play Tents and decided to try it out at Satchel's class and the children had just as much fun with this one as the jumbo version used in classrooms.

The chute is strong, yet light weight. It's machine washable, and comes in a storage pouch and it's inexpensive, indispensable fun!

Do you have a playchute?
What kind of games do you play with it?
(I'm looking for ideas for Satchel's upcoming birthday party in May)

In honor of National Poetry Month, I offer you these words...

I will not play tug o' war.
I'd rather play hug o' war.
Where everyone hugs instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins,
and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.

- Shel Silverstein

Have a good weekend, everyone!!!

The Creative Family

I recently received a review copy of ,"The Creative Family", by Amanda Blake Soule of Soule Mama Blog! The book is exactly what I expected. It is every bit as beautiful and mindful as her blog! It's a book about choosing to live a creative life, nurturing the imaginations of our children and connecting as a family. Sprinkled with inspiring quotes, gorgeous photographs, simple projects and thoughtful activities, this book will inspire you to celebrate the love that you share as a family in a joyful new way.

"The Creative Family" is a guide for (please pardon the pun, but it is the only word that truly describes it) soulful living!

AND...in honor of National Poetry month, I offer these words...

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .

How did it go?
How did it go?

Mom to Mom: Sandra Boynton

I first became familiar with Sandra Boynton in the late 70's through her greeting cards. In the 90's, I stood on line at FAO Schwarz to have some books signed for my niece. The book, "Moo Baa La La La" was one of Satchel's first loves. We've read it so often that I can still recite it by memory and do so when we're in the car and need a little humorous centering. A little Penguin and book came to live with us last Christmas. There's a Boynton for bedtime and now there's a Boynton for the bath!

Sandra has launched a new project entitled, "Blue Moo" a cd and songbook set of fifties style music. It's a swell little package...the cd looks like a mini "45 record" - do you remember those? It features some legendary artists like B.B. King who, in my humble opinion, is way too cool to be a human.

What I admire most about Sandra is her ability to manifest her dreams and try new things. She doesn't limit herself and she's not afraid to ask for what she wants. It is with great joy that I humbly introduce (or reacquaint) you with Sandra Boynton....



Mom: Sandra Boynton
Of: Caitlin (28), Keith (26), Devin (23) and Darcy (17)
Where: Connecticut
Site: Sandra Boyton

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

The opportunity to see the world through a child's understanding is truly transformative. My perspective--not to mention my pile of laundry--is immeasurably increased.

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

Hmmm. Delight in your children exactly as they are. Let them play. And take time to play with them. Schools like to talk a lot about "preparing children for life" but of course this IS their life, and I believe it's the most important time. Beware of television--on a certain level, no matter how apparently worthy the content, I think the interaction with the medium itself is passive and non-creative. Um...was that one tip? I lost count.

3. Tell us a little about how you juggle being mother/author/illustrator/director?

Well, every mother juggles way too many things. You just keep going, and keep smiling, and try to remember to feel peaceful and grateful.

4. What inspired you to create your new song-book sets?

I felt there was a decided shortage of nuanced and sonically-complex music available for kids. I strongly believe children's music should be many-layered in its lyrics and composition and implied narrative; that the performance should be skillful and surprising; and that the recordings should be equally interesting for children and adults.

5. How do you go about assembling the group of artists?

With optimism and naivete. First I create, with my songwriting/producing partner Michael Ford, a very tight full-instrumental demo of each song (Mike usually sings the demo lead.) Then I shoot for the moon: I send the demo to the manager of the recording artist that I think would be best for it. For Blue Moo, I wrote an early Beach Boys style song called "Speed Turtle," and so I figured, Why not ask Brian Wilson? And he said yes. Whoa.

6. What was it like to work with these legendary artists?

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. I never ask a singer who is not an absolute favorite of mine. And for Blue Moo especially, many of these singers are the heroes of my childhood, so it's unreal to be in the recording studio working with them, an absolute dream come true.

7. Where do you think your creative process will lead you next?

I'm not a planner. I'll be curious to see!

8. Lastly, what moves you, grounds you, fills your well?

Chocolate, of course.