Modern Living

This morning we had a dilemma. Adelaide is sick today and on the couch in her pj's. When we talked about breakfast, she really wanted a muffin from the store across the street, but she didn't want to come with me to get it. Normally I would give her the choice of going or having something else for breakfast, but given the fact that she hadn't eaten for several meals I wanted to be more accommodating.

The solution: I took my cell phone with me and we talked as I walked over, bought her muffin (and a double espresso for me, it's going to be a long day), and walked home. Four minutes total, and she thought it was really fun. After the first minute she turned her book on cd on and I was not allowed to speak, only respond if she spoke to me. Of course, I might have liked four minutes of not being told "stop talking," but it was worth it to know she was safe and not afraid.

This is Just to Say Spoofs

This is Just to Say #3

I have forwarded the email

that you sent to me

and which

you were probably

thinking

was private

Forgive me

it was hilarious

so foolish

and so cold


This is Just to Say # 4

I have donated the shirt

that you insisted on wearing

and which

I was sick

of seeing

every day

Forgive me

it was satisfying

so freeing

and so tidy

Hard at work

A few nights ago I discovered Iris has been moonlighting as a tax accountant while we sleep.It appears she was not happy to be discovered.

Airport Security

Part of tonight's dinner conversation, apropos of nothing:

A: Mom, remember that part at the airport where they spray you?

Me: Spray you?

A: Yeah, where they spray you to see if you need to take a shower?

Me: I'm not sure what you mean, honey. Spray you with what?

A: I don't know.

Me: Does it look kind of like a wand?

A: No.

Me: Do you get wet?

A: Um, kind of, not really.

Me: Do you have to take off your shoes first?

A: Yes, you take of your shoes and put your stuff on that thing to see if it has metal in it. And then you walk through that thing and they spray you.

Me: To see if you need a shower?

A: Yes.

Me: Oh, okay, I know what you're talking about.

Ride 'Em Iris

My cat, whom few have ever seen (she's a hider), in action at her favorite game:

The Arts: Preschool Style

Looking at some clips from the past few months of un-edited video, I discovered a theme. Here are the edited results.

Fifth Birthday Fun

We went to a bouncy-house carnival for Adelaide's birthday last week. It was a total zoo, but fun for the kids. The adults . . . not so much.

What you are looking for?

I am pleased to say that my blog generates some hits from google searches. Some of them even appear to have been looking for something I could provide, like a particular video or link to an author's website. But many are likely disappointed when they click on my link and discover it's only my little blog. Here are some of my favorite keywords used to find me:

• "korean lady scrubs men:" I get a lot of hits looking for Korean body scrubs in various cities. I'm thinking it might be a good public service for me to compile a list of Korean spas, since many people seem to be searching, perhaps unsuccessfully. (I do not plan on posting any kinky Korean videos, so if that's what you're into, you can move on.)
• "thank you ma'am + characters, characterizations, plot:" I think this might be the Korean scrub lady dude looking for some domination, but I'm not sure.
• "Uhmerca definition:" I don't have any idea what the definition of "uhmerca" is, and I don't think it is a real word, but my use of it was merely a G.W. Bush quote, so I can' t take credit.
• "dentist started drilling:" Yikes. What was this person looking for?
  
• "young ladies velcro towels/robe:" Sounds like a very polite perv did that search.
• "massage shower cap:" This sounds intriguing. I'd check Hammacher-Schlemmer.
• "sudsy massage:" Clearly, posting about the Korean spa has drawn quite a bit of unintended clean freaks, masochists and porn-seekers to my blog. I live in fear of what kinds of searches I'll see after posting this entry.
• "David Sedaris The Biggest Loser Narration:" This one was so appealing I had to google it myself. Nothing of interest, but I was really excited there for a few minutes.

Ruth Greenberg Mosaics

The amazing and talented Ruth on Oregon Public Broadcasting!

Mad Science

Recently I noticed that Adelaide has been using her art supplies in creative ways, and in fact is more interested in experimenting with glue and paint than using them for their intended purpose. Rather than getting annoyed by the messy outcomes, I decided to embrace her creativity and make a place where she could do more experimentation. While she was away visiting family I turned her room upside down and organized a science station. Now that she is home, science station is officially a hit!

Role Model

I created this video for a friend who has a business mentoring kids with disabilities. My students are inspired when they see what an adult who is like them can do out on his own in the community. Check it out!

Above and Beyond

Having lived here in Seattle for most of my adult life, and being a creature of habit, I tend to frequent a few restaurants and shops repeatedly. A few of these places I am known by name, my order (and Adelaide's) is often known, and we have learned the names of the people there. I enjoy being a "regular," it makes me feel good to greet people by name and have something of a connection with them.

This morning on my trip to the PCC (a lovely natural foods grocery store which I frequent daily, sometimes more than once), the cashier asked after my health. Susannah is a delightful woman, and I see her chatting with many of her customers. She probably knows many of their names and has a personal connection with them that brightens their day. She is very kind and patient with Adelaide, and lets her come and push buttons on her register if it's not too busy. We've been lucky enough to have her over once or twice on her break since we live nearby the store, and more than once we have found a package of muffins or a sheet of stickers for Adelaide by our door when we've arrived home.

These kind of exchanges are such little things, but I just imagine that if the world had more of them, it would have such a positive effect on our society. It is so uplifting when someone does something nice for you, or when you have a chance to do it for someone else.

As I was leaving the store today, Susannah asked me to pick out some tulips for myself on my way out, as a gift from her. She wanted to brighten up my home and my day, knowing that I have been quite sick and struggling. My first impulse was to think it was too much, that I couldn't accept, but I reminded myself that accepting kindness is part of grace, and I really can use a little kindness right now.

So now I have a spot of color and beauty in my home on a cold and rainy day. The cats and I are enjoying our flowers tremedously, and even more the feeling of gratitude and hope that they represent.