Inspiration

Drove to Franklin, TN this weekend for a Writer's conference. A surprisingly, charming and bustling population center a hop and a skip south of Nashville. My very close friend, Debra, came with me and we, as always, seem to have an amazing sense of synchronicity. That is when not surrounded by all fifteen of our children (the total sum of our progeny.) Very few people in one's life are those in which hours of non-stop lively chatter can be comfortably punctuated by an hour of complete silence. If rest of body and soul is the aim and one is fortunate to find a companion of this measure beg, borrow or steal them away with you, it is most profitable. Perhaps it is the intrinsic understanding of large family mothering, hence the need for silence and mind frittering or that it is the familiarity that allows such a comforting relationship. It doesn't matter, it is the rather organic changes that occur within that reflect the value of such. The fruit born of this weekend in which time spent with two vastly different types of kindred spirits combined with metal stimulation and rest will undoubtedly ripen over time. However, before even arriving home a creative energy inspires the fulfillng of a long neglected task. God through nature has provided the most fantasaical fort on our land. It is the product of many decades, I can well imagine, of foliage overgrowth. The bushes and trees have melded and twisted into a large abode of rooms and a canopy roof with a fallen trunk serving as a lookout, there is, as unimaginable as it seems, even a thickly, gnarled vine the diameter of a small child's writst creating a perfectly formed arch as an entryway. By what means this amazing structure constructed itself is beyond me. The gift for my children is the stuff of dreams and fairies, it belongs in long forgotten bog in Northern Ireland where pixies territorially battle the faeiries and employ Shadowtail's cronies (our resident squirrel postman) to keep watch for predators... and yet it finds itself at the back of my property. So today I endeavor to clean it up and plant a flowery vine to wrap itself around the entryway arch and make it safe for the children's endless enjoyment. Why this particular impetus out of a writer's conference? Perhaps the restoration of the value of wonder!

Exercise

The obvious thing about exercise is that, much like money you must invest yourself to get the dividends. And dragging my children with me to Shelby Farms to traipse as quickly around the various trails as possible, I find two things: It is exhilarting and indeed pays off in energy payback. However, the additional energy thing... this applies to the children as well... didn't think of that...

Boys and grandboys!

Having five sons and soon to be three grandsons provides for unlimited observation of "boy bravado." As a girl or middle-aged woman depending on the moment, it is with unending fascination that I watch these disarming forces of nature. Girls, I can relate to pretty quickly on most levels, boys... let's just say the more insight, the better. We have a fairly interesting range of personalities within our brood, from in"vin"cable (Vinny)and Christopher to reflecting and sensitive Alex. Luke and Zach are a lot alike in that they are both first born guys. Luke arrived after nine barren years so the first born moniker applies and he has jumped quite naturally into the role. They are independent, confident and able to scale small buildings in a single bound. They just seem to succeed at everything they try, excepting self-government. Why is that? I think that overconfident bravado may be too much self. Yet, I can see that this has it's advantages and significance in a boy's tool kit.
We kinda laugh at the fact that Vinny was born to swagger... he also exhibits first born qualities in my estimation. We have video of he and Gianna (his twin) toddling around. Her little feet just twinkle across the floor as she hardly brushes the ground. Vinny, shoulders hunched forward, a determined grin looks at though he is at football practice about the hit a dummy full might employed. As scripture states that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches... we should have considered that Vincent means "victorious conqueror." So far he has conqueroed all territory within his five-yo range and melted our hearts as well. Not bad for the 5th son of a 5th son...

Out with the plastics!

A couple months ago made a real honest to goodness green decision. There is a place within me that wishes I could say it was altruistic for the good of the earth and the future of all life, including mankind, imagine that backwardness. However, is was due to a health emergency the details of which I am unwilling to divulge publicly, specifically because it relates to one of my children. If you want to know... ask privately, I may share for your individual benefit. So, armed with parent guilt, it was mission impossible here, get rid of as much plastic food containers as possible, including cups, plates, storage, ziplocs, purchased food and sauces(especially anything acidic.) The result, a slow, but easier transition. Our grandparents were just begining the introduction to Tupperware and I have picked a few octogenarian brains for inspiration resulting in gifts of antique glass containers, lids included. Also, for those of endeavoring to move in this direction, walmart, kroger and Target all seem to be accomodating this demand for glass containers, they are providing a plethora of choices! So, as I open the cup cabinet and view the abundance of jelly jars... I smile a glorious realization that we have officially become a rural Tennesseee family, gotta love it!!!

Hope!!

Constantly distressing news assaults our spirits these days. From tainted food supply to rogue countries and their nuclear arms endeavors it is rare that we get a real, actual nugget that show some sort human restraint! Individuals seem to have a much less egregious approach to life since they are often simply surviving, but when we collectively, as a government or corporation, we delve into ethical and moral implications the decisions are often deplorable. But, today I am encouraged. Wrote a book and in the middle of it's sequel exploring the dangerous slippery slope of patenting human genes. The U.S. patent office has come out officially and stated that they will not, until further notice, patent any more human genes!!! GO U.S. Patent Office!!! Still, the word "more" in that sentence is a bit unnerving...

life with kids

"Humbirds!" Our 2yo Mariclaire loves the hummingbird feeder recently installed on the dining room bay window... and apparently so do a few "humbirds." Just have to express my unending surprise over joy caused by my children's discovery of nature. The simple and mundane, the common are not when experienced through their eyes. Perspective is everything and blatantly I ride the wave of my children's fresh and enthusiastic embracement of every form of life they encounter. Worms, wriggling tubes of enthralling adventure... okay, I did think, poor worm, hurry, wriggle away.

Garden Experiment 2009