when I look into your eyes...

illustration by Vladimir Bobri

Intentionally abstract. I gave my disclaimer. I don't know why I chose this image. Life is a little like that sometimes. I often wake up this way, and it takes me a little bit to calm down. It's not something I can readily put into words, so let's talk about something else... Ok, I got nothing. Let's talk about this, but in an around about sort of way. Sometimes when I'm writing, I think of a specific person who may or may not be watching. I don't mean one single person, I mean sometimes this person, sometimes that person. Not like it's written for him/her, but like, I think about what he/she may think about it. I guess you could say I have a certain reader in mind. I think it's because I can't think of everyone at once. That's probably why I so often personify the blog, because I need someone to write to for the words to flow. Sometimes I just talk to myself; but that can get a little lonely. 

It's amazing how a few strokes can carry so much feeling. There's a double meaning in that. I'm trying to help you see. The lovely thing is that some people don't need help. And it's a happy day when you find that person, the one person who doesn't need an explanation which you are not likely to give. Some of us will spend the rest of our lives recalling instances where this person or that person completely missed it, and though we risk looking like complete idiots, explaining just isn't an option. 

Though this is so often my look (the one you see here), when I think of looks this is not what I see. There is a look though. I keep it hidden in my pocket and must reassure myself from time to time. I'm speaking to a certain someone now, I hope you can see that. It's deep, I know, and if we stay too long, you'll surely drowned, but still we have to touch it. It's like a breadcrumb, see, a very soggy breadcrumb that I've left here just for you.

a donkey...

You may have heard me mention once or twice that I want a donkey, actually I think what I want is a mule. I haven't started looking at the different types, I'm still working on a name. This may not ever happen, I may change my mind. Animals are a lot of work and I don't know if I'm up for it, but still, I've named this donkey many many times already and I thought it might be good to jot these names down, just in case. Pretty much any name I like, my first thought is, that would be a great name for a donkey. So anyway, I plan to come back here as needed to update with new ideas. If the donkey thing never happens, at least I'll have a list of really awesome names in alphabetical order. This also opens up a whole new avenue for the blog. This is a great place for lists! So, that is definitely going to be a thing.  Here's what we have so far: Ash, Atari, Captain Moonlight, Finlay, Hanzo, Heimlich, Lettice,  Lupin, Kristopherson, Mason, Maximillian, Pluto, Renzo.

one, two, three...

illustration by The Walt Disney Studio

Is anyone else noticing a pattern of threes? Three billy goats gruff, three little pigs, three blind mice, three little kittens, three fairies in sleeping beauty, three bears in Goldilocks, three days to guess in Rumpelstiltskin (also, she's asked to spin the straw into gold three times). In Snow White there are three drops of blood, three murder attempts, & three days of mourning. In Cinderella- bippity, boppity, boo: the magic happens on three. They say three is a charm, or more accurately, 'third time's a charm.' I wonder how long they've been saying that. In many of these stories the third try ends with success. For instance, the house of bricks in "The Three Little Pigs," the biggest brother with the biggest horns in "Three Billy Goats Gruff," the perfect porridge in "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," and the guessing of the name in "Rumpelstiltskin." In others, it just seems to be that 'just right' number, the number of completion, the perfect representative numeral for recurrence.

Referring to my previous post, "Just Right," which contains more of my thoughts on Goldilocks, I think it's essentially a lesson in repetition (stick-to-it-ativeness) meant to teach young people, 'keep trying until you get it right' (which really isn't too far off from 'don't settle,' by the way). I think the side-plot of a little girl who entered a cottage uninvited and was ultimately chased off by bears is inconsequential or just thrown in for a bit of humor. Or, perhaps they just wanted to stuff in as many lessons as possible, and like Hansel & Gretel, kids should also come away knowing, you don't just walk up to people's houses and start eating stuff. In another story, Snow White, who also went in uninvited, didn't get chased off at all; they all became fast friends. But notice, she cleaned house before she ate and went to bed. Did she even eat? Or did she just make soup? I don't know, I need to read it again. All I can think of is the Disney version which adds in yet another lesson, "whistle while you work.' Anyway, if we go back to the central theme of Goldilocks, 'try, try, try again', here are some things to consider: 1. Once Goldilocks find's the 'just right' chair, it breaks.  2. Just when she starts to get comfortable, she has a rude awakening. It's important to learn to laugh at these things early in life, don't you think?

Honestly, I think it's because these stories are so multi-faceted that they've endured. It really doesn't have to boil down to just one moral, life just isn't that simple. The overarching  theme of all of this, anyway, is that we have to share stories; we have to laugh, learn, and illustrate. In this you will find true happiness in the Goldilocks zone. But don't forget, the magic happens on three.

just right...

illustration by Kurt Wiese

Funny story, don't you think? Depending on the illustrations, the bears can really look like the bad guys. But when you sympathize with the littlest bear who got his porridge eaten and his chair broken,   you may find yourself quickly switching sides, like a gutless flip-flopper. You know what's really scary? When I try to remember my childhood brain, I may have actually walked away from this story thinking something along the lines of, 'You have to keep trying until you find the one that's just right' (ie. don't settle). Whoa, that's pretty scary. And you thought Goldilocks was selfish. Perhaps, some walk away thinking, 'When breaking and entering, don't fall asleep.' That certainly makes me feel better anyways. It's interesting to discover how people see things differently. Fairytales like this one, which don't seem to have any clear morals, are especially suited for this, like those ink blot tests which are clearly obscure. In my defense, I'm not the only one to have hung on to this 'just right' theme. Did you know scientists have named the area in a solar system where the planets are neither too cold, nor too hot to support life a 'Goldilocks zone?' We live in the Goldilocks zone of our solar system; bet you didn't know that. Who is this little girl anyway? Is she homeless? She was obviously tired and hungry and wandering around in the forest all alone, not that that gave her the right to just go right in and make herself at home, but it certainly does help you along in sympathy. But then, if she was so hungry, why all the fuss- beggars can't be choosers. 

I'll just leave you to ponder these things on your own. I'm sure you have your own thoughts on the subject. But I love this new phrase 'Goldilocks zone' I think I'll use it. I have a very well defined Goldilocks zone in my brain for most things, the trouble is, it's not always easy to find. I think I've spent most of my life trying to remain in the Goldilocks zone. This is totally random, but I can remember my 10 year old self at a friend's house eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and thinking, 'This is the best pb&j I've ever had!' I think I asked the mom what brand of peanut butter and how did she make it. If I remember correctly, the secret lies in putting the peanut butter on both pieces of bread, but I'm still convinced it was just really good peanut butter. I often remember that, because I think it is so weird and I can see that that weirdness persists to this day. For some reason, though, this type of behavior is acceptable as an adult, at lease I see everyone else doing it. Apparently, adults are expected to be unreasonable. k. I'm outa here. As usual I am late for school. I think this is "the magic" that makes blogs happen- tardiness.

checking up, checking out...

illustration by Roger Duvoisin

So, we're here for a checkup (me, myself, & I). Not even sure if I can do this anymore, but once upon a time I had a habit of writing things down. Even though it was very time consuming, somehow that was never a problem, so I'm relying on that bit of magic to kick in. It does sort of look after me you know (the blog), so this picture is quite meaningful. I know that, and I know you know that, but this is all part of the re-introductory process. Baby steps. I'll certainly be a bit wobbly at first, but as I recall, to do this, you just have to dive right in. I'd like to start with a list of excuses, all of which you've heard before, but heaping them all up into a nice neat pile may help me feel better. Okay, so I just did that in my mind. It did help though. Whining helps too... Did you know that typing on the computer kills my arm (carpel tunnel- self diagnosis) and this morning I have in only one contact lens, which is making typing rather an adventure. Great! So glad to get that off my chest. Paranoia- that's a thing. It's not so much paranoia of being judged for my writing, but paranoia that someone is watching. they are watching you know.

Each of the kids has come in this morning (into the kitchen) and remarked at my click clacking on the keyboard vs. the usual scrolling posture- chai and scrolling, that's how I usually start my day and I'm thinking... 'that's gotta stop." I'm not working on any New Year's resolutions or anything, but I do love a fresh start and I'm super excited about this new year in which I hope to live a more purpose- driven life. I'm not sure if that's the right phrase and it's in no way referencing the book carrying the same title (which I have never read), it just came out that way. In fact, now I want to delete it. (Don't you hate that? Like when you want to name your cat Twilight and everyone thinks you're referencing some teen novel which you have also never read.) But what I mean is, you have to make choices in this life, which way you will go, how you will get there, and how quickly, etc... and if you don't make up your mind, and expect someone else to do all the choosing, they certainly will do it for you. You will find yourself rattling around in a cart being pulled by a team of horses who just run in ay direction because they can. Some creatures were simply built to run...

{That is where it stops. This is an old draft I dug up that never went anywhere. I'm posting it now, because it's the only blog I have for the whole year of 2018, it is very sad- very sad only, so let's not think about it.} 

counting blessings...

illustration by Felicitas Kuhn

Have I told you that I gather wildflowers for a living? I have four beautiful children who are all wild and free, who are themselves, individuals, nonconformists, loving the Lord. I have a pulchritudinous husband who loves the Lord and loves me. (His constant go, go, go drives me crazy, but it also makes him a real hottie.)  I have a Great Dane (I always wanted one.) I have a Vitamix too. I live in a house surrounded by trees, mostly giants. I have two fluffy bunnies to hold anytime I want. I have an amazing camera (completely underutilized) and shelves and shelves of books. I am the tea peddler, the finder, the gatherer. This morning I saved a lightning bug from a web, that makes me web-cutter. Ha. That really happened. That is what we around here like to call Brendan Luck, which makes me Luckwearer. I've got more... 

must there always be a title...

Illustration by Warwick Goble

One can only be pulled in so many directions. ~april

just checking in...

Illustration by Florence Harrison

I haven't written anything in a very long time and the house is quiet, which is very unusual, & so I thought I'd give it a go. Most of the fam is playing basketball, but I didn't go. I'm staying home with Snow, because she has a stomachache. So, tomorrow we finally find out Daniel's big news, Emmeli & I are trying to learn French, & my head never stops swimming with ideas for our business. When you're trying to run your own business, it's hard to shut it off. Some of you may already know, but I re-entered the land of Facebook. I really don't like it, but I'm hangin' in there okay. The bunnies are scampering around in here causing trouble & Owen actually has on his collar today. I'm so used to seeing him without it, that it really makes him look dressed up. Hmmm. What else? Hannah & Em & I are back into school full swing. Ben is working his tail off trying to make this property amazing and did you know train tickets to Montreal are only $90? Just thought I'd throw that out there. I think I'm running out of things to say already, so I'm gonna be moseying along now. Oh, today is the second day in a row that we've watched a John Wayne movie. Not sure if this is going to be a thing, but it's just kind of funny. That reminds me... Hannah had a cactus party & turned 16 all at the same time & it was lovely. She got a cactus named Lorenzo & a jaw harp & a ring & some cactus pencils. K. I'm outa' here. Gotta go clean the kitchen & love the bunnies. I know this post is a bit haphazard, but you know, such is life & I'm trying to learn to go with the flow. Au Revoir (literally means-until we see each other again, which is a beautiful way to say good bye). ~Me

a few things...

Illustration by Harry Rountree

First, I want to say that part of the reason why I never blog anymore is that my blogging app is no longer supported & the only option I've found as a replacement is absolutely miserable. Secondly, my life is so busy right now, it's crazy stupid. I'd love to share my day, even though it's rather boring to hear over the interwebs, because, one day I'll want to remember all the details of this busy life. I could tell you everything from my first sip of halfcaf coffee to eating cold mashed potatoes & zucchini out of a large measuring cup for dinner, but that sounds like a tedious, maniacal prospect. Instead, I'll share with you the items in my day that actually matter to me. Daniel is now driving. He's eighteen, has published two articles for a magazine in England, and has collaborated with some of the big names in his industry on games, music videos, & VR experiences. He has an amazing resume & online portfolio, and has set aside enough money (on his own) to pay for an associates degree, but until recently he just has had no desire to get his license- which is totally fine with me. It's one of the things I love about homeschooling; your kids can be themselves without all the pressure to do things just because that's what everyone else is doing. Anyway, he's a great driver & I don't feel totally panicked when I'm riding with him. So, we visited the college today. We've been there a lot lately: first to check out the fitness center, then to meet with an advisor, & then to talk with someone about scholarships [sometime over the next few days, I have to materialize a highschool transcript-one of the things I don't love about homeschooling.] We had a few other errands to run after that & then we headed home to unload groceries & eat lunch. In the morning, before we left, I posted for our business Instagram over breakfast & now over lunch, I updated the business Pinterest account. After that, I helped Hannah get her setup ready for art fair. Her 100% wool felt, hand-sewn creations are beautiful and amazing! She has the usual lineup of monkey, lion, elephant, aardvark, & blue-billed platypus, but also has some unique characters she invented, one with a mushroom hat, one with wings, & a bunny-looking creature with a star on its head. They're roughly 4-5 inches tall and $20-$30. [We still have to make a sign for pricing, print an artist statement, & pick up tissue paper & bags.] Emmeli also needs help with her art fair setup which we'll work on today, right after I package some herbs, strain some herbal infusions, take care of an important insurance matter, & go back to the college so Daniel can meet his instructor. Her little cards, notebooks, & tags are also beautiful. She uses black ink on kraft paper & does such designs as a foxglove, a clock, some gears, & a quail egg, just whatever is on her mind. Lately, she's also done a little character she created in all sorts of different complicated poses, like eating a cookie while lifting off the ground, holding on to a balloon. I'll try to post some pictures on my Instgram if you want to see. So next in my day, I headed out with Ben to put in some new herb rows. We borrowed a tractor & put in 11 new rows approximately 10 ft. X 50 ft. Despite the fact that there was no breeze & it was horribly hot & muggy, it was a beautiful evening, & I was extremely thankful that we even have the opportunity to do such things. I managed to snap a few pictures for Instagram & there was even a rainbow, because, you know, God is just awesome like that. So you know the rest of the story... in at 10pm to cold left-over supper & every bowl/plate we own in the dishwasher. Then, a quick shower, & into bed to start typing this blog. Life is so well documented these days. It may seem like it's just one more thing, but really, I think we need to drag this anchor to slow us down a bit. I didn't mention Snow, but she was there...kissing my cheek on the way out the door, lending her advice on art fair pricing & setups, picking up sticks to clear the way for new herbs, & even helping me edit this blog, but mostly typing away in her room & that's okay too. Writers are naturally reclusive like that & that's what makes them awesome; they have time to think.

out of the woods...

Illustration by Emily Winfield Martin

  Literally counting down the days! I'm so excited. Some of you know, but those of you who don't, I'll tell you in a bit. I own this picture, but I've been waiting for the appropriate timing to take it out of its sleeve and hang it on my wall. I really am truly greatful, and, I can't say too much right now, but you probably know what it's about. ❥

sweet child of mine...

Illustration by Mary Blair

Emmeli is such a sweet, nature-lovin' soul, so happy, so silly, & she loves holidays! No mater what holiday- Preesident's Day, Columbus Day... whatever, she's ready to celebrate. I really don't think she knows about obscure holidays like Sibling's Day and Talk Like Shakespeare Day; it's probably a good thing. Anyway, today is the pinnacle of holidays, the loveliest, happiest day of the year, because it's Emmeli's birthday! Lately, in home church, we've been praying for everyone's special requests. We pray for world events & family & troubles, etc..., but we also pray for dreams and goals, because (1) we want the Lord to be included and (2) He wants to be included. The kids thought it was really awkward at first, to pray for seemingly frivolous requests, but they came around. It's been neat for us, as parents, to pray with them for what's on their hearts. So, everybody here already knows that Emmeli likes baking. When I used to work at Whole Foods Bakery, she used to say that she wanted to work there, too, someday. But I had no idea until we started hearing these prayer requests that Em really does want to open her bakery someday. So we're having a baking party. Hannah & Snow helped me decorate & set up the kitchen like a little bake shop. It looks really sweet. One of the tables was left empty with just a sign that says, "Baking Station". That was what Em commented on first when she came in this morning. It wasn't the flowers, the decorations, or the treats; she just saw that empty table & said, "Baking station...awesome." K. Gotta go. We have lots of baking to do, right after I go get eggs, (kind of important). *Click on the image to visit the Magic of Mary Blair, a site created by the nieces of Mary Blair.

goody two shoes...

Illustration by Kate Pugsley

 Hi. Me again. You know, the new me who is very modern, so modern and technological that you can click on this photo to see more art by this artist if you feel so inclined. It's cool! I'm not getting paid for this, at least not yet, I'm just that awesome. But I didn't come here just to say that. I wanted to tell you about my new boots. ❥ I feel a bit silly for bringing it up, but I've wanted these boots for every birthday for the past four birthdays! (I have a pin on Pinterest to prove it.) So, trust me, It's allowed. So these are tall, black, waterproof boots that make it so I can pretty much do anything I want while looking adorable and keeping my little toes dry. Yesterday, I went for a walk in our swampy woods and tromped right out into the middle of our woodland lake with the water almost up to my knees. I went out with my camera and took pictures of the tiny plants holding their breath under the water. How do they live like that? All the old logs in there are covered with bright green moss & today, me & my boots are going back with Ben to have our picture taken. Basically we're just going to get lots of pictures of my feet traipsing about the countryside. It's gonna be great!

critters have feelings...

 

           

Illustration by Cicely Mary Barker

"This morning I will examine a hibernating albino bat who sleeps in a box in my refrigerator," not me- Paul Brand. He's the author of "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," an amazing book, by the way. It's about the life & science of a man who devoted his life to helping leprosy patients. But we got about this far into the book before Emmeli said, "That does not sound like a very happy career for a bat," which is precisely what I was thinking. It's a good thing there are so many different types of people in the world. And it's also nice when people are the same.

i decided on gryphon...

 

Illustration by Erin Kelso

I'm finally blogging again. ❥ I haven't written anything yet, but I've been blogging in my head, so I know it's coming. Sometimes I just need a little push. I'm making a public announcement now. Ready? Moving forward, All of my illustrations may not be vintage. I've been thinking about this for a little bit, but this picture helped me decide. For sometime now, I've known Blog was a gryphon. He's a who, but he's really more of a what and he's make-believe and lovable and he's kind of a secret pet. So, all that being said, I'm sure you agree. Also, since you're in on the secret, you can share him with me, because as you can see, he's pretty awesome. So, this post will be brief, because I really just wanted to make that announcement, but thanks for listening. Let's meet again tomorrow. 

it was just like that...

Illustration by Cicely Mary Barker

Today Ben told me I have a cute personality, and, well, I just don't ever want to forget that. (Heeee likes my spark!!!!!!) ^_^

 

the house with numbers...

Illustration by Roger Duvoisin

This is an attempt to blog about the number eight. I was going to title it "The Number Eight", but I've found I'm much to fickle to decide these things in advance. Who knew that cleaning the basement would inspire so many new blogs? Well, the number eight is a mailbox sticker, a very large mailbox sticker which I purchased shortly after moving into this house, some years ago. There were three other numbers. They're all supposed to go together, and they're all supposed to be on the mailbox. Since we moved in, our basement has flooded almost every year, which has led to lots of frantic scurryings to get everything to higher ground. At this point, pretty much everything down there is in a plastic tub with a lid, because that is the only way. So, one year we had what we like to call the Great flood. So much of our stuff was ruined and tossed out, and anything dry was quickly tossed into any random box with a lid in the chaos. We now have several large tubs filled with who knows what. This is the same situation which led to my previous post "Chris's Keys". So, every once in a while, when I'm in the basement rummaging through, looking for something, I'll come across one of these numbers. I have high hopes that one day they'll all come together and go on the mailbox. As it is, our post-man just knows that our mailbox is the one with no numbers. I could go out and just buy new numbers, and I've thought about it before while standing in Home Depot. I was right there in the sticker section trying to tell myself that the original numbers were way too big anyway, and I should just replace them; but I couldn't do it. I really just feel that, one day, it'll work out. One day... my shower will work, Snow's wall will be patched, the kitchen will have cabinets, & the rooms will have baseboards. The decks will be done, Sage won't run off, the mice won't get in, and the boxes in the basement will be completely organized. That is when I'll find them. The numbers will be there. You know what, I should take number 8 out there right now, just in case, before it gets lost. I wonder if it'll confuse the mailman if I just start sticking them on as I find them. Anyway, that's all. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

 

Chris's keys...

Way back a few years ago, when my kids were a little much smaller than today, there was a key. The key belonged to the house of Annie, a neighbor's dog. The neighbor was named Chris. Chris had issued the key to my children for Annie's sake, so she could get outside in the afternoons while he was away. Annie loved it, the kids loved it, and Chris loved it, and all was well, until one day, we lost the key. I say we, because I feel some responsibilty (the kids being so small), but I want you to know, I never touched the key. This was an arrangement between Chris and the kids, which they seemingly had under control. I was a little embarrased to have to admit we had lost the key to his house, but Chris just laughed and went out and made a new key. After maybe a week or so, we repeated that exact same scenario. Then, again a while after that. At some point, Chris gave us a ring with two or three house keys. Personally, at this point, I would have had my locks changed, but he didn't seem too concerned. Honestly, I don't know that he had any other options for Annie. It was definitely awkward for me; I was mortified to mention to him on numerous occasions that we had lost the key yet again. It reminds somewhat of a feeling I experienced in school when I was tardy at over and over, that feeling, walking into the administrators office and having to come up with fresh excuses again & again. I still haven't gotten over my phobia of administrators. So anyway, these shenanigans with Chris and Annie all took place about 6 or 7 years ago. They are no longer our neighbors. In fact, they no longer live in our old neighborhood. So a few weeks ago, we were cleaning the basement. I hope you are already laughing; we laughed so hard. A few weeks ago, Daniel, Hannah, Emmeli, and I were going through some junk boxes in the basement. I had been down there all day cleaning and organizing and wanted to get to some sort of stopping point, so I had called in the reinforcements. It was the end of the day & the kids were all being so silly. They just didn't understand the seriousness of the situation; I really needed to get the heck outa there. So they're just pilfering through, stuffing their pockets with long lost treasues. Daniel was DJ and he was playing the worst music he could imagine, in an attempt to force me outa there, so I would stop giving orders and just let them party. But I hung in there. There were only a few things left to do, and I was enjoying having everyone around me after being down there by myself all day. I was fighting with Daniel to change the music, trying to get Emmeli to take off the roller blades (and then get off the skateboard), & trying to get Hannah to stop getting so distracted by all the shiny objects and get down to business. "What's this? What's that? Oh yah, I remember that." And then suddenly, she blurts out, "Chris's keys!" I think it took a half second for all of us to get passed thinking, who's Chris? Then, we all burst out laughing (everyone except Emmeli, I think, who's probably still thinking, who's Chris?)

 

Lighting the way...

Illustration by Adrienne Adams

If you follow me on instagram, then you already know that, yesterday, I was up in Hannah's room snapping pictures. I've been thinking about that a lot lately. I've been wanting to take pictures of simple things like: the ukulele leaning in the corner of my room next to an unhung painting of a banjo, a crocheted rhino standing on the metal shelf in my closet, or a cup of coffee in the shadow of a stack of school books. We take for granted that we'll remember these peaceful mini-vistas. They are the backdrop and part of the setting for so many memories. Things that are so familiar today will one day be forgotten. I can remember when my kids were a bit younger, I used to think "these are the glory years", but now, I think these are the glory years. They haven't replaced the former ones, they are just a very long extension. I love these days.

So, yesterday, I went up to see Hannah during her writing time. She was sitting on the floor next to her mushroom stool, listening to music, and talking to herself as she wrote. I could hear her as I was walking up the stairs. Last year, on her birthday, which is steadily approaching again, she set a goal to write a book & she's now almost done with the first draft. The book has nine chapters, which she laid out in the beginning. Each chapter highlights a new adventure or encounter experienced by a little boy named Erven. The sweetness of the book is Erven's unique perspective. As you observe his antics, you find yourself growing and stretching and shrinking as well, and I mean that in the most philosophical way. The largeness of your world will be swallowed up by the smallness of his; you'll find yourself understanding things you already knew. You'll find that you're a better person after a short walk home from school with Erven. So anyway, that's the best I can do to describe it on short notice & I'm excited for you to read it. It's amazing when your kids are writers. As they painstakingly light the way, you get to see all the shiny things hiding under the surface of the day to day.

 

She must be in the dungeon...

Illustration by N.C. Wyeth

First off, if this seems a little rushed, it's because it is. There are three things I want to blog about and I don't think I'll have time, but, considering the recent lack of inspiration, I wanted to at least get started. For the past two days, I've been toiling in the basement. Although disgusting and exhausting, it's also been a sweet experience filled with memories and reminders. Kids scurrying up the stairs with pilfered treasures, reminiscence, delirium, and laughter mark my time in the dungeon. Now, I've emerged with fresh insights and a weight off my shoulders. As a reminder for myself, because I may have to go at any moment, my next three blogs will be Chris's Keys, The Number Eight, and Painting Icebergs. I'm borrowing Hannah's idea to lay out the titles first. Hannah's been writing a book and I want to tell you all about that too, but I'll wait on the title for that one. For now, I have to go. The dryer is beeping, I need to call my grandma, I'm going to a friend's house, and I need to get the basement to some sort of stopping point. When I come back, I'm going to see if I can get Daniel to help me with "Chris's Keys", because he's so much funnier than me. And since this blog really has no substance, I just want to end by saying, if your basement is in need of some affection, go for it. There are treasures to be found, there are stories to be told.

 

full speed ahead...

Nothing motivates like fallish weather; must be ingrained from my childhood; you know, all that scurrying, shopping for school supplies, & whatnot. For us, it's kinda weird, because we never stop having school, but still, come fall, things do become a little more urgent-like. I think this year I might buy everyone some school supplies, just for fun. I always loved that about back-to-school. Anyway, we still have a couple more weeks before we switch gears to start the new school year (& we're still finishing up the last four weeks of last year), nevertheless, I'm getting excited. I'll be using the same program for Hannah & Em that I used for Snow & Daniel at this stage, so as I'm reading through the booklists for this year, everything is familiar to me and I love it. Not only that, but we've been doing a chronological study of history and we have now come full circle, back to where we started, and will go trough it all again, building on what we've learned. That means Hannah & Em already have a foundation for everything we'll be covering this year. I feel so blessed that this has been my life, to keep my kids home with me, to learn together at our own pace, to watch my kids grow into their own personalities without the extreme influence of peer pressure and outside agendas. I'm not always so vocal about homeschooling, because I'm always afraid I might offend someone, but this is my heart on the matter. Right now, Hannah is drinking her orange juice with a glow straw in a "galaxy of shoes" (in the shoe closet). Let's face it, you just can't do that in traditional school, and even if you could, mom wouldn't be invited. The End.