Any Given Moment

New beginnings in Spring

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:30:00 +0000

You know what’s funny? Just as I was polishing up a new blogging space and getting ready to set a link here for it, my e-mail box began to fill with messages from bloggy friends of the past. Checking in, sending updates, reaching out… this is what I love about us! And about the Internet! As much as I push against any mainstream production with my blogging, it’s still so rewarding to hear from you and know that there are real live human beings out there. Cliched statements are time tested truths for a reason!!!!

Such A fond hello to all of you.

Here’s the deal, when I stopped blogging in this space I knew I wasn’t stopping altogether. I like the idea that blogs keep electronic records of our days, and I liked that it’s a bit more fun to post photos for family and friends in this way rather than using Snapfish or Shutterfly or what have you. So I designed up a simple little space where I can post pictures and keep records, and honestly- not do much else. My life right now is not conducive to thought provoking posts, or taking time to visit other blogs, or even answering most comments from others. Those who are able to do that I hold in the highest esteem. I’m ok with my blog attitude because I love where I am at in life (perhaps you can see this through my photos); if you’re ok with that too, then come on over to my new space and see what’s going on. Just like my e-mails (as in lack there of), even if it takes me months to say hello or return a single comment, know that I’m giddy that you chose to swing by; I am perpetually amazed by this blogging community!

The new blog carries the same name, but a different address. This will be the last time I post here, on this version of “Any Given Moment”. That means all of you, my fabulous followers, will not receive updates unless youvisit the new blog and sign up there in some way; I have links over there to meet everyone’s fancy. And I do hope to see you over there- even though this post falls a bit flat of expectations, right??!!! Hey, just keeping it real ;)

Enjoy every moment!

Love,

Communication

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:16:00 +0000

skyping with the grandparents

A looooong time ago I started this blog, or at least 2009 feels like it was a long time ago. I've put up post after post; sometimes daily other times monthly...if that. I've made new friends, become a better bread baker and advanced my photography skills out of the dark ages all thanks to blogging. A gazillion more things have occurred too; the clearest of which is that my original timeline for when I was going to end this blog came and went weeks ago.

Ace began preschool

Bear began 1st grade

I could go on and on about how the actual moment to type my final post kept alluding me, but in the end the reason I haven't fully signed off here is because of all the reasons I need to sign off here! Insightful isn't it? Ha! Just like other things in my life I've ever had to make big decisions on, I trust my gut and know the time is now to move along from blogging at Any Given Moment.

I can't look forward and predict what will be. All I know is that I've had such a merry time wandering around my life with you. The moments put in here has been well spent, it's simply time for me to move that time and those efforts elsewhere.

Huckle looking for the future

Thank you so very much for joining me in this space! Laughing along with me, supporting during the tough moments, offering advice and tips- all of it has astounded me- the generous community of folks gathered here!!! From day one you have welcomed my presence and supported my journey. Thank You.

Godspeed to those of you who continue to put your words in to post print and much love to my readers and supporters everywhere.

XOXO,

Moment with Mutts

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 11:51:00 +0000

Because of my dogs, I'm committed to finding animal inspiration in the day to day moments. What animals inspire you? Share your stories and links in the comments!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Links:
-Jon Katz on bringing the game face to animal training
- "Project Unconditional" (with a direct link to a memorial my friend M recently wrote about her dog)

During the process of putting peanuts out for crows, I've since seen 0 crows, BUT a blue jay and I are beginning to enjoy each other's company.

Thus, I want this to happen, like STAT!
And this lucky, dude. Why, he didn't even have a peanut!

The Dogs:

Huckle wears a muzzle when we are out and about. He's not a fan of off-leash new dogs who rush up to him, but since we live in a rural area where people come to vacation we encounter situations like that quite regularly. I want to prevent any negative encounters for Huckle.

This little friend of Trot's and Huckle's just turned 10!

Jeckyll and Hyde type photo shoot

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 04:22:00 +0000

Photography outtakes are always good for a laugh, right? Maybe an explanation too.

Picture it: Bear, Ace and I at a super cool spot in the New Hampshire woods. The plan was to take some photographs for Bear's 7th birthday-this is tradition- just as is the birthday boy being able to pick the setting. In this case, Bear wanted a castle setting to go along with his Harry Potter themed birthday. Lovely I thought, but then I found it! I found a castle! Smack in a New Hampshire forest.

So on a sunny day we drove there and my child model posed and posed for me...

until he could grin no longer. And then the mood changed and the darker side of Madame Sherri's castle came out...

Notice the shoes: Ace came over to see why his brother was writhering about on the stone walkway. So we packed it in and began our hike back to the car. Along the way I tried to discuss the finer points of how to behave when tired and hungry and so over everybody and everything; Bear had his own opinion on things. We would have gone on this way for a few more yards, but then something caught our attention in the water.

He grabbed my hand and pointed. We held our breath, watching. The spread of colors in the wing, the burst of sound as the heron launched into flight. Those amazing, amazing crazy long feet.

Nope, Bear wasn't magically un-grumpy after that sighting, but his actions became a bit more thoughtful. We were back in sync as son and mother; slightly disagreeing with each other, but always loving. That bird was a reset button to our day whose favor won't soon be forgotten. But how to repay a heron?

As we entered the parking lot, Bear and I chatted about what beautiful something we might give the heron since it's beauty stopped us in our tracks. He said, "I will stop being loud and crying in it's woods home."

Well there you go.

I have found that difficult days tend to leave larger imprints on my memory, what could almost be described as a feeling of fondness for them. For when will I ever again find myself in a forest with all the very same dynamics as this day? Let it pass (oh dear God, let the day pass), but if the heron's flight is to embed in my memory, so too I collect beauty from this time in the woods with my 7yr old, grumpy grumbly boy.

Sprinklers and (Light)sabers

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:57:00 +0000

You know, it had started out with a suggestion to turn on the sprinkler for a little bit; to cool off while perhaps watering a flowerbed or two. As the water indeed cooled us, our brains began to defog. Suddenly the boys grabbed their lightsabers for some Star Wars action, and I grabbed my camera to practice capturing moving water.
I love spur of the moment summer!

PS: the goggles??!!! He's the first person I've ever met who wears goggles when playing in a sprinkler!

July {Harry Potter Birthday Party}

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:56:00 +0000

Ahhh, it feels like only just days ago Bear was turning 6....

and yet today's post is going to be all about his 7th birthday- you know, the one with a Harry Potter theme. Fun times ahead!

First up, Bear appreciates his clothing matching whatever theme he's got going on in that head of his (Star Wars pilot? He wears a helmet. Magician? He dons a black top hat for the day.). I love that quality about him, so when birthday season arrives it's prime season for outfit pairings. This year he picked out:

- a Quidditch robe ordered through Target.com (lucky dog that Harry Potter's number happened to be the birthday year Bear was celebrating!)
- his annual birthday shirt to "look like it came from Hogwarts". I custom ordered it from Priceless Kids and it was perfect! It has his name on it under the star.

Bear's July birthday is great because it's in the summer and it gives us time to plan and allows flexibility for people's schedules. It's is not so good because it's right around July 4th. We usually have a houseful or are travelling, and Bear usually wants to invite everyone and their mother. So we've learned to compromise ;)

He's had a party or two with lots of guests and lots of activities, but more often than not (like this year) he and I plan his party around whoever happens to be in our house for the 4th of July. Since this means a guaranteed splattering of both children and adults he is fine with the idea and Champ and I are able to mesh everything together in just one weekend rather than 2. Score!

Harry Potter Birthday

I broke the party into 3 separate parts. Part one was "The Great Hall" aka dinner time. Each place setting had Gryffindor colors. Champ created a snitch centerpiece out of a gold paper lantern from Target and some wired ribbon. Candles were lit, Harry Potter books were spread on the table and butter beer was served with dinner. Everyone was given a pair of Harry Potter's infamous glasses to wear- we all looked ready to attend Hogwarts School!

After the meal, the gang had opportunity to create their own magic wand (we had some previews floating around to give everyone an idea), sample Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and develop a potion.

And then we had cake! Bear wanted to help decorate his Basilisk (Harry Potter speak for giant snake) cake. We used rock candy and giant malt balls to make it seem cavern like. Bear also wanted green icing, so whatever, we did that too!

Happy, Happy 7th Birthday, Bear!

Party Details
- field research done here and here and here
- butter beer recipe
- Harry Potter glasses purchased in Target party favor section and spray
painted black.
- directions for cardboard roll candles (I used white paint).
- potions table was created with recycled bottles filled with colored vinegar or water. Muffin cups held baking soda and gold stars. Set of small cork bottles were purchased at Target.com.
- printable Bertie Botts Bean labels here. I cut and pasted them onto brown paper bags along with eyeball stickers and filled each with a few jelly beans.
- my free printable Harry Potter Thank You (bought feathers and thank you medals at Michael's).
- directions for wand making.

This time of year

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 01:21:00 +0000

See those tadpoles? They are about to hunker down for the night. Me too. How about you?

This weekend we were out of town, which practically guaranteed that today was going to be busy and a little off center. And it was, but it's summer! And I'm not working! And we returned with lots of home garden vegetables, so who am I to complain if I felt a little sluggish all day?

Monday is about to tuck in and I have a few more bits and pieces of produce in my pantry and freezer to show for today's efforts. I'll drop heavily into bed (probably still smelling of cucumbers and tomatoes), but tomorrow first thing I'm gonna peek in that freezer to see how things are doing, and then I'm going to label all my blueberry jams. It's the simple things in life, right gang?

Huckle spends his summer days by the water, Bear is dutifully studying to become a magician. As for me, I live to be up to my neck in all sorts of produce bounty this time of year. Smelling to high heaven of mint and green beans and zucchini.

Good night!

PS: I'm tired.

July {Star Wars Birthday}

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 02:28:00 +0000

...as in July 2014. I'm going to be working backwards here, gang. Today's post is about Bear's birthday last year, the follow up post will be about Bear's party this year.

So Star Wars Party!!! For a 6 year old! And only 6 year olds enjoyed it, see...

The setting for this one was in Pennsylvania at my in-laws house. Bear wanted a Star Wars celebration of a sort, but we were hardly to be home and able to pull it off near or around his birthday. That's when my mother-in-law, B, came in clutch! She kindly hosted the party while we were in town visiting. Not only was the timing to be perfect, but she willingly took the reins for planning the whole gig. I hardly had to raise a finger- just a quick e-mail here, a Pinterest link there and voila- we show up at my in-laws house where a Star Wars party was set to launch in 3,2,1...

In a matter of moments the yard went from looking like that up there- a group ready for a good time- to this:

A group having an increasingly festive, good time!

I didn't manage to take many pictures, but let me tell you how creative the food was! B had labelled them all with a Star Wars theme and the cake consisted of cupcakes patterned to look like 2 lightsabers in battle.

Champ, being the awesome phys. ed teacher he is, set up a Jedi training course. Children and adults participated in lightsaber battles and obstacle course training, then a snazzy certificate of completion was handed out to everyone.

It should be noted that Bear's Taun-taun sleeping bag made a showing at the party. He had been gifted it a few days earlier by my Star Wars fanatic brother and my sister-in-law S (who lovingly supports my brother's obsession most of the time (you are soo good, S!). The thing is actually super cool, crazy gigantic and Bear sleeps in it every.single.night. Thank goodness summer in Vermont is relatively cool!

Happy, Happy 6th Birthday, Bear!

Party Details
- I originally had looked at all these creative Star Wars party invites, but then I didn't need to use them. 'Cuz remember? My awesome mother-in-law B was doing all the leg work for me.
- I did some of my original field research here, here and here. Oh come on, why not call it what it is? ;)
- link to the Jedi Training Certificate I created.
- link to the Star Wars birthday thank you I created. Yoda image from here.

It's a year later, but you deserve another thank you or two B&T!!!

The week that ended with Great Escape

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 19:37:00 +0000

I could alternatively title this post "How I Know They Are Growing Up". Here's why:

1: This week was Bible Camp for the boys. It was Ace's first time in attendance and just like Bear when he began, it took him some time to adjust. Just a day or so, enough to remind me that the child is 3 and though he has a boatload of confidence and an older brother to boot, there will still be times when he needs a little coddling, an extra hug from Mama, or a summery afternoon nap. Once I cracked the code for this week, he was as pleased as punch to trot off to camp. He spent his hours there among such a supportive staff- I am continually moved by what they provide to the youth in my town each summer. I think they know how I feel since I am a blubbery, emotional mess by the time camp ends, but it is all just so poignant!!!!!!

2: All in the same afternoon the boys caught a bug (what in the
world is it?! (*edited to add: my friend, K, tells me that it will soon be a furcula borealis moth), worked on an art project and ate lunch brook side without getting their clothes soaked or accidentally dropping their food into the water! I don't even know if i can handle all that independence from them. Also I'm not entirely convinced they will never again lose their lunch to a flowing stream.

3: Our summer family traditions now firmly include Great Escape; learning one's way around an amusement park is an important childhood skill I say! This was a big year for Ace and Bear. Ace is tall enough (and sure enough of himself) to go on all the "kiddy" rides. He showed no discretion among the airplanes, swings, carousel, train, cars- all brought pure joy. Bear was eager to go on all those rides too, but this year he discovered a whole new world available to him. A world full of heights and speed and plummets...

See that tower in the distance? That's Sasquatch. Bear rode it.

Bear rode both the "lift" and "drop" versions: rising 19 stories, 192ft into the sky with me and experiencing weightlessness for the first time in his 7 year old life. He devoured it whole. We moved on to Steamin' Demon...

It's a loop and corkscrew roller coaster- yay! Champ did a grade A job of videotaping Bear's first ride, so we only have a photo of us leaving the station. But here's a picture I took of it a few years ago...

You get the idea.

Watching their childhood pass so swiftly is hard. I can easily sink back into the memories of cloth diapers and nursing and board books read from the rocking chair. My remembrances are gauzy and nostalgic- there are always lit fireplaces and cozy dogs nearby. My favorite music is gently playing and dinner was prepared hours ago, hot and ready to be eaten at a moment's notice.

My remembrances are entirely faulty. They are as synthetically created as the memory in my head of my baby boys always smelling like Heaven and nothing more. It's only when my present day life encourages me to build new memories of my children- memories like that of Bear gleefully screaming his lungs out in the coaster seat next to me- that my fist of a heart loosens a little to let all that goodness seep in and a little of that cloyingly persistent part of the past seep out.

It's too early to tell if eventually all my memories of my boys balance out and I have consistently accurate and good ones. I don't even know if I want that to happen. What I am happy to report from the trenches though, is that it is a little less painful to watch your children grow up when as parents we recognize that we need to grow right along with them. "Change is the only constant" and all that jazz. If Bear is ready to move on, well then it's my job to introduce him the the next coaster in sight.

It occurred to me as we were skipping up to Sasquatch that the moment will come when I might no longer be able to handle such rides. When even if Bear perennially asks me to join him, the day comes that I must turn him down as I sink into a park bench. So I studied those benches before the ride launched and I saw those parents. The moms or dads gingerly sitting there and squinting into the sun with a most amazing look on each of their faces, full of love and wistfulness and satisfaction. I saw their children, practically adults, sitting in the seats surrounding me.

That afternoon at Great Escape I knew they were not remembering the time consuming process of helping their child up into the ride's seat and buckling him in, nor the jarring effects of the loopy roller coaster which no Excedrin entirely erases. They were remembering holding their child's hand and gently leading on to the next ride, the next challenge. A perfectly painted summer sky, the smell of funnel cake sweet on their child's lips. No bickering siblings, no sore feet. The lure of fresh soft serve once the park closes and the gentle sighs of a 7 year old as you proudly carry him out of the park he has conquered.

Hmmmmmm, what's that? Oh you bet I'm gonna carry that version in my heart for as long as I can. For the time being, it's as realistic as they come.

"The Dangerous Book for Boys" and "My Father's Dragon" {aka our summer kid-riculum}

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:38:00 +0000

One needs be intentional in summer, otherwise it wheels on by, leaving Fall and perhaps a melted popsicle, in it's wake. I enjoy the feel of summer, but if left un-manipulated I am very much that person frowning into the sun with a Fudgesicle dripping down my hand. So I do manipulate and coax summer in to a form that we can manage.

really, this attire is the only way to battle with water balloons

We fill our sun-soaked days with kayak paddles, and impromptu
picnics, and camp days and dirt. Lots of dirt. Bookending all that are appointments and mini vacations: those ritual visits of dentists, grandparents, well child check-ups, and amusement parks.

ran out of blog appropriate water balloon battle pictures. How about raspberry picking instead?

But what about those tiny pockets of time that show up each day when the watercolors have been overused and even the sand pit has been graded enough? Sure, sure we practice our reading and math and letters over summer, but what about all that other important knowledge? The kid-riculum of summer! The knot making, paper airplane building, star gazing, tree house building type of summer day nostalgia! Well, if you're a wiz then you already know how to teach such things to your child and you innately know how to spread it out across time. I am not a wiz, BUT I do have the perfect book to guide me in parental wizziness*...

"The Dangerous Book for Boys" is a book unto itself and I struggle to appropriately explain it. Similar to a boy scout handbook, but with supplemental stories. Chock full of activities and advice ranging from first aid, to important battles, to tanning an animal skin, growing sunflowers, understanding grammar and building an electromagnet.

Bear just turned 7, but there is still plenty in this book for us to explore! We cracked into it this week and explored the pages on paper airplane building and the 7 Wonders of the World. He was immediately smitten. Ace stuck around for a while too which shows how awesome this book is if it's suggestions can hold the attention of 3 year olds!

the planes taking a break from racing each other

My paper airplane building just upped into the competitive range thanks to the directions in this book. Can't wait to see what other skills we learn this summer- there is a section on
building a go-cart... Oh and there is a similar book for girls too (not that I think the female population wouldn't enjoy this book as well)!!!!

Where do we do these activities? Why, anywhere the wind blows us! Take a look at this day's classroom; complete with dirty beach towel and wrinkled yoga mat. The boys
flopped right on down after our airplane races and turned an ear to our current
summer read...

Are you familiar with the "My Father's Dragon" series? They are lovely and magical; centered around a boy and the baby dragon he helps to rescue. There's a helpful cat, lots of tangerines, a few lollipops and many interesting wild beasties. It pairs well with "The Dangerous Book for Boys" because the main character has packed a curious assortment of objects (along with the skills needed to correctly use them) to help him on his journey. We are on the second of the 3 book series and both Bear and Ace are enraptured by the imaginative tale.

Fall has always been my favorite season, but with these helpful books and a whole lot of lovely weather I'm beginning to appreciate summer more and more.

*also I have Champ who is a wiz and an Eagle Scout to boot

Trying to slow summer

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 13:27:00 +0000

Moving at a slower computer pace this summer feels quite good! Granted, my hand is forced a little as my computer has "operational quirks" shall we say, and since in summer it's much more tempting to take a kayak paddle rather than jot a blog post. Or to arrange a gathering of friends, or go on a hike, or eat a popsicle... practically all manner of things tempt me away from the computer these days- especially the sunshine!!! So you see I've tried to transfer that slower gait on over to other areas of my summer life. While it is difficult to maintain, when day to day life is calmer it is- I repeat- quite good!!!

Still, it's nice to check in back here now and again, so here I am. We've been travelling, and sleeping in and playing hard. Bear had a birthday yesterday and you can bet that is waiting in the wings to be reported on here. For now though I leave you with 2 snapshots from when I pulled the old "is there something on my camera?" trick on Bear yesterday.

Happy slow summer to all of you!

Kindergarten 2015

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 01:36:00 +0000

He started out his final day as a kindergartner with his requested breakfast: pancakes with Nutella, strawberries and fresh whipped cream. His prank mustache glued on, he boarded the bus with even more confidence than he had back in September.

It was Trot's turn to join us for the car ride today

Later, we joined him at school: his father, some grandparents, his brother and me. My mind battled between thinking this was the hugest of deals, and recognizing that this is only the end of kindergarten with a long way to go until college. Regardless, I wanted to document it all. Even the celebratory pizza lunch.

On into this evening we celebrated, wearing crowns and opening commemorative presents. I squeezed my Mom's birthday in there too.

Document. Document. Document. But so far it hasn't been enough proof for me to truly grasp that my little boy isn't quite so little, nor kindergarteny any more. Bittersweet and tender, joy laced with something darker, A heart grasping to understand this new development in motherbood: this is where I leave it at tonight.

Grilled Bok Choy at Ball Mountain Dam

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 11:18:00 +0000

You know how there are those spots relatively close to where you live that entice you to visit over and over? They hold some sort of nostalgia, or engaging vista, they tend to transport you to another space in your head when visiting them? Ball Mountain Dam holds that charm for me.

Not too far from home, it always feels like we are camping out in the wilderness, yet we can get the boys home in time for baths. When I need a short-lived outdoorsy experience I hanker for a visit here. This time around the boys rolled about like bear cubs and explored the varied species of birds while we cooked up lunch. Let me tell you about that bok choy before I get too far ahead of myself. My farmer friend taught me how delicious it is to grill greens; ever since then I eagerly anticipate this time of year when our CSA's arugula and kale and bok choy and escarole and mesclun greens are all vying for space in my fridge.

Grilled Bok Choy
Ready? Heat up the grill (gas is fine, but charcoal did taste super yummy) to a low-moderate flame. Place the intact, whole head green(s) of your choice on the grill. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, a little olive oil... any flavoring you desire. I used pesto this time around because that was lingering in the fridge too. Just keep in mind that you don't want to saturate the greens. Grill on one side for approx 3 minutes, then flip and repeat on opposite side. Keep an eye on your greens as they cook fast. When all appears wilted and warmed, pull it off the grill and enjoy! Tuck it in with your burger, or treat it as finger food like I tend to do. On this day I had 3 heads of bok choy! It was a picnic, why hold back?

Some sort of construction is happening at the Dam right now, but even with that we were able to walk down to the area we most like to tromp around at.

We stayed and played on the rocks and in the mud until every one was satiated with food and fresh air, yet we were still home in time for baths.

Socrates clocked me with a good one

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:15:00 +0000

Sometimes we all just need to admit that life is spinning a little faster in our personal solar systems. This confession seems most obvious to me when someone else's turbo orbit has just decreased in speed- I wave thrashingly to that someone else as I wiz by.

Champ is the ULTIMATE BEST at balancing intensity and relaxation.

Being busy is actually fine by me. I like the structure that must be made of it, I appreciate the checks next to all the things raced to completion. Busy in and of itself is how the majority of my hours, days, months are spent: I know this to be true because I can remember a time when I didn't have quite so much going on and I know similar frivolous moments will re-emerge in the most distant future. For now, busy is the buzzword of my life; don't go thinking of that as a complaint, please.

If being busy keeps me constant company though, eventually all that organized chaos pummels me into a 6 cup chugging coffee drinker ( I lie. 3 cups max. Otherwise my stomach decides to sit outside my ribs for the day.) who still doesn't have enough energy to get dressed. That's when I curse busyness as the bane of my existence- I thrown in an extra curse to my extreme tendencies too. Because really, Self? You can't just keep it even keel? Always having to whirling dervish around or lump it up on the bed? Self usually answers me in the same way: go to the books and leave me alone (Self always knows the best advice). I begin to climb the bookshelf.

"We all have the same 24/7. What we do with our time becomes our priority. Choose what you do with your time and do not lead a life by default”
- Patt Hollinger Pickett

Busyness and default: two separate things. Usually when I begin to lose my mind, it's because I've accidentally set my systems to "default". My inner peace relies heavily on how long it takes me to find the reboot switch. My eyes sweep around the house looking for it and I feel a vague awareness of energy beginning to overtake me; noticing all the contented creatures milling about the sunshine.

I slowly begin to remember that busy is fine, cruising default through my days is not: things must be shook up. If it's nice weather I drag some of those creatures outside. We turn on music and dance vigorously on the grass, I force group selfies on them to provide me evidence later (when I forget again) that children grow quickly and yes, busyness is legit.

Look! Look! One must balance both or else that 'ol cliche of boys maturing and tasks never getting ticked off becomes the truth. Who ever would want that? I will make the time to recognize I do not want that truth. Ever.

Socrates hangs on my bookshelf too. He scolds, "Beware the barrenness of a busy life." He does not like to hand words out gently, like Ms. Pickett. The brute blows his urgent breath hotly onto my cheeks, even as he (in his own way) repeats what Ms. Pickett has already said. Self told me to listen to their words and so I do. The reset button found, I revisit my "to do" list (it's not like it will magically go away) and devise a plan.

My boys easily model what those writers continually clock me over the head with. They have their own activities to complete and timelines to manage, yet somehow they do it with a hell of a lot more grace and composure than I have.

It's a fact people are busy, it grows exponentially with age (until, so I hear, it doesn't). Years will pass and the lists my boys create will mature: they will scrawl down hard, most difficult things to be accomplished. It will not always be a life of buying groceries, changing the car's oil, climbing the backyard tree. May they never lose their ability to balance, or at the very least may they remember that books always provide fighting words when the world demands that life should be just so.

Life is intensely busy. Life is relaxed.
Life should never ever be just so.

Moments with Mutts

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 27 May 2015 00:57:00 +0000

Moments with Books

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 14 May 2015 16:11:00 +0000

This week I'm chatting about "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler and "Reading Lolita in Tehran" by Azar Nafisi.
*************************************************************************

VITALS: "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler
HOW WE MET: It was time
A MOMENT'S SUMMARY: Opening with a section called "Instructions For How To Use This Book", Poehler describes her book as an "open scrapbook" of memoirs, photos, advice and essays. Beginning with a nod to her childhood acting debut, she writes her love of performing and improv grew aggressively from that moment. The book adds details to her publicly known timeline: adventures in comedy and improv; joining the "Upright Citizen's Brigade"; her time at "Saturday Night Live", then Parks and Recreation"; friendships with Tina Fey, Seth Meyers and Rachel Dratch... even Poehler's grandious schemes when hosting the Golden Globes. These sections of the book are spectacular; her keen balance of humor and truth felt on every single page. I was smitten with the SNL gossip tidbits she mentions. What makes this book more than the usual fine book to read though is that unflinching honesty, especially when directed at herself. She writes of her drug use, journeying through divorce, beginning her career at SNL just as 9/11 impacted America, and her children Archie and Abel. All sprinkled in perfect doses throughout the timeline, leaving me wanting to know a little bit more as I turned each page.
HEAD AND HEART: This is undoubtedly heart text. In her section on "time travelling" she boils down clandestine moments to simply believing. In God, or purpose, or destiny... whatever one's choice, but in always believing. Knowing firmly that seemingly unrelated events happen for the good of our souls. Always.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: Spike Jonze
FOR MY QUOTEBOARDS: "It's easier to be brave when you're not alone."

VITALS: "Reading Lolita in Tehran" by Azar Nafisi
HOW WE MET: I had just finished a reread of "Lolita"- this book seemed like a perfect follow up choice!
A MOMENT'S SUMMARY: The title refers to a secret book club founded by the author in the Islam Republic of Iran where she taught. The club was composed of 7 handpicked, female students who met weekly to review the classic texts of "Lolita", "The Great Gatsby", "Daisy Miller" and "Washington Square". Nafisi's intent was to allow the women room to discuss literature without the overriding censorship and fundamentalism that ruled the Republic just outside the book club's doorstep. Tentatively the group begins. As each week progresses, they draw strong, impactful connections between the characters in the books and the harsh day to day experiences of life as a woman in the Islam Republic
of Iran.
HEAD AND HEART: it was a great follow up choice, but admittedly there was a time I might not have picked this type of book out so readily. I can read about past national and world issues, but I don't tend to pick up novels that are still stinging and fresh with those same issues. In the end, I'm glad I read this. Parts were difficult to get through, but important for me to be reading.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: the "magician"
FOR MY QUOTEBOARDS: "No I am not over dramatizing. Life in the Islamic Republic was always too explosive, too dramatic and chaotic to shape into the desired order required for a narrative effect."

******************************************************************

AS FOR YOU: Have you decided these books are worth the read, or not? Got an insider scoop on one of these selections? Carry on the discussion in the comments- using the rating scale is optional ;)

Mother's Day should always involve fiddleheads and ramps

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:03:00 +0000

A few years ago a Mother's Day tradition involving fiddleheads began for me. Some Mamas would prefer jewelry, or a new skein of alpaca yarn. Others hanker for spa treatments and shopping sprees. Still others desire nothing but the love of their offspring.
I am none of those women and Champ knows it. I like nature; especially eating things straight from nature's woods. The tradition goes that on or around Mother's Day, Champ drives me to a known spot on the side of the road that sells fiddleheads. We load up. I am euphoric for days on end. Bear shares my Spring enthusiasm, so this year I taught him how to forage for fiddleheads since he is my only competition in the house when it comes to gobbling them up.

The fern buds are delicious I kid you not, but admittedly the specific seasonality of them and the way they are acquired is what I am most in love with. It all feels very Vermont to me. That's not to say fiddleheads aren't embraced elsewhere (for starters, ask any Mainer); it just underscores some of the things I find enigmatic, but wonderful about where I live. This environment serves my soul perfectly.... even when I'm not physically
exploring the woods for these succulent green bits. Here's the deal:

1- why would I when they are pre-cleaned and sold at a fair price?
2- in the woods these days I am fixated on finding ramps. Once I master them, maybe I will move on to fiddleheads.

Look! My first independent find of ramps. Thanks foraging coach B for for teaching me well!

**********************************************************************************************

As a bonus to this Mother's Day post, I'm going to share a way to cook up some of those
tasty fiddleheads foraged from the forest floor or from a neighbor's blue cooler.

Soba noodles with panfried fiddleheads

*Parboil a handful of fiddleheads for 5 minutes or until fork tender (the water will probably turn a bit brown).

*Rinse fiddleheads under cool water and set aside to drain.

*Prep a handful of soba noodles according to package directions.

* heat up your oil for frying. I use a wok and canola oil.

* prep your 3 part dipping station: 1 bowl of flour 1 bowl with whisked egg 1 bowl/bag with dry batter mixture. I use a homemade Bisquick type mix and add in a bunch of garlic powder.

* dip your fiddleheads in the flour, then egg, then dry batter.

*fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes

fiddleheads are needed for this recipe, cute Mother's Day teacup present from your son is optional.

They end up looking like vegetarian fried shrimp

* grate some carrot and find your black sesame seed container
*happily discover chives flourishing in the garden and use some

* put the whole thing together and...

there you have it. Top it off with a little tamari or soy sauce, then dig in while thinking fondly of the motherly figures in your life.

Happy Mother's Day! Happy Monday! Happy Extended Birthday week to: Melissa, G.A.D, Mason, Cole, Kyle, Addison, and G-dad! Who did I miss??!

XOXO,

Snapshots of Life: Teach

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sun, 10 May 2015 01:11:00 +0000

This week's Snapshots of Life challenge, sponsored by The Lazy Pit Bull, is "teach". A good word; a word that can be stretched. Because you see, I could leave this week's definition as a lesson in teaching Trot and Huckle to remain still while trying to capture a photo of them side by side...

Trot, just moments before sneezing

See?! And what in the world is Huckle doing (besides being filthy dirty)?

But if I left it at that it wouldn't be the whole truth, and it would only totally showcase how this version of an...um... teachable moment went down hill fast...

Listen up though, readers! We weren't in the woods to teach about proper portrait behavior. Oh no! We were in the woods so Champ and I could teach the entire family about exploration, and being together as a unit. About using the buddy system when venturing somewhere unfamiliar, and about enjoying nature. About appreciating what is gloriously wonderful in those woods just beyond our doorstep.

Thankfully, in that definition of teach, it was a success.

Cinco de Mayo bean salad

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:48:00 +0000

Right? Now if I were a bean salad, I'd totally want to get introduced like that. I make this recipe on Cinco De Mayo because the final presentation is so darn festive but... I also like to make this recipe on a weekend in January, a Wednesday in the middle of July, oh and on the second of every month. It's flexible and have I mentioned adorable?

I'll get to why some jars aren't filled all the way, don't worry

I found this recipe in Get Togethers With Gooseberry Patch. Let me be the first to tell you that there are a bunch more worthy recipes in that there cookbook! In the cookbook, the recipe is called Southwestern Layered Salad; anymore, I tend to add-lib to that recipe, so I felt I could take liberties by bestowing it with a special name for today.

CINCO DE MAYO BEAN SALAD

Alright, so to begin here's the original recipe. That picture is way cuter than any I have taken, so go ahead and admire it for a moment. Now grin, because you can easily make your own version of that! The first step is to gather up some containers for the individual salads. Mason jars work the best because you can clearly see all the layers of the salad: you need 1 jar/person.

These were the empties at my house. Are they not the oddest collection of labels you have ever seen?

Clean your jars and think about what you want to put in them. I didn't use the gooseberry patch recipe verbatim. On hand I had: spinach, some cherry tomatoes, a tiny bit of corn, and a bunch of beans. I had made the beans ahead of time in the crock pot; I thought I had a post about how I do it, but I can't find it. Only found this version, so expect a crock pot bean post in your future. Divide out your supplies and fill each jar. Top them off with the yummy cream cheese mixture that Gooseberry explains (I tend to use sofrito sauce instead of the can of tomatoes with green chilies). Screw on the lids and place jars in the fridge. I've found these salads can last up to 2 days, so it is a great "make-ahead" meal.

Can you guess which one is Champ's?
Hint: he likes the least amount of vegetables.
Can you guess which one is Ace's?
Hint: he loves cream cheese.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!
(*** my sister-in-law A introduced me to sofrito sauce and it has been a love story ever since. Thanks again, A!)

Luke Skywalker and Yoda love today's date

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 05 May 2015 00:32:00 +0000

This guy celebrated May 4th, 2015 aka "May the force be with you" day aka "Star Wars Day" every blessed moment of this Monday. I'm not that devout about it, but I respect his vigor. He loves his Star Wars, as do millions of others, which makes me kind of anticipatory about how serious a holiday the world would like May the 4th to become??

Oh, wouldn't he squeal over an officially deemed Star Wars holiday.

Ahem... speaking of holidays, tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo. If you are feeling festive come back tomorrow to score a recipe for a seriously cute Cinco de Mayo bean salad. The recipe caters to individual tastes and the presentation is out of this world. Like from Naboo or something.

Yup. May the force be with you.

Don't trust a red winged blackbird

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 00:34:00 +0000

Apparently, Spring has been distracting me. I have been walking around the yard with my camera to my eye. Looking for earthy scenes to snap, tripping over the extraneous garden equipment, toys, kitchen sinks, hibernating Bigfoot that never got tidied up before the snowflakes fell last season.

It wasn't even hard finding signs of Spring, or at least Vermont's version of them: I know what emerged pinecones on the forest floor and children in only sweatshirts means. The red winged blackbird's song confirmed it. Though I thought that bird had my back! Good 'ol BB failed to mention this 2015 sign of spring...

Since when did he morph? These crazy birds are singing each morning about the babies to hatch from their eggs and here I am searching for where my supposed baby went. Do you know how grateful I am that he is holding "bear"? At least that means he's not quite 30 yet. I told Ace to tackle that maturity right out of his older brother...

Well done, Ace. In closing, a test:

How old would you say Ace is in these photos? (you know what the correct answer is, people. Don't fail me unless you want to be considered a raven evermore).

(also, I kinda sorta tend to separate blog life from my real life, but I can't ignore this particular tugging any longer. So a moment to acknowledge the big picture: Nepal. And closer to home on my "dear friends front" (tonight you know who you are) let me spend a moment on a different awfulness. My heart aches for your family's tragedy. My head hurts trying to fathom how to help you through it. I pray. I think of you every moment. I love you. I will call again tomorrow.)

Moments with Mutts

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 16:32:00 +0000

Because of my dogs, I'm committed to finding animal inspiration in the day to day moments. What animals inspire you? Share your stories and links in the comments!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This past Sunday was the precise moment Spring arrived at my house. Sure, sightings of the beaver working on their lodge act as a groundhog forerunner for us, but when the ice on our lake (it's 2 acres; sometimes I call it a lake, sometimes I call it a pond. Either version allows for kayaking.) has melted away and the water foul paddle amuck, THAT'S when I first consider putting the snow gear away. Huckle gets flat out giddy when the megansers and Canadian geese and wood ducks arrive; they signify that soon oh so soon, he will be swimming about in his beloved lake.

Spring fever has me swinging by The Lazy Pit Bull to participate in this week's "Snapshots of Life" challenge: Earth.

THE LINKS

= crows shop well and give the best gifts

= I have big aspirations for the summer

= An octopus pretends to be a hermit crab (or a Hollywood star sick of paparazzi cameras!)

= "Pet" the sheep thinks she's a dog. I dare you not to laugh a bit...

THE DOGS

"HEY! I think the water is almost the perfect temperature for me!"

Champ calls the geese "the investigators" because as soon as anything is spotted by them,
they head on over to check it out.

Huckle enjoys their attention.

Let's hear it for Spring!

Moments with books: "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?"/"The Jane Austen Book Club"

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:00:00 +0000

Ready for round 2? It's about time I get back to a regularly scheduled blogging series around these parts!
*************************************************************************

VITALS: "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple
HOW WE MET: the cover caught my eye when I noticed others reading it. And I noticed A LOT of others reading it.
A MOMENT'S SUMMARY: the novel works it's storyline from start to finish through published documents, invoices, e-mails, letters and any other manner of communication used by Bernadette and scrounged up by Bea, her daughter. At it's core, this is a lock-tight example of the mother/daughter bond that can endure through anything... even a continental divide.
HEAD AND HEART: Bea attends a private school in the novel. My Bear attends- for all intents and purposes- a private school as well. This has been a new kind of school year for me; with Bear in kindergarten and my only previous experiences being as a public school teacher. Some of the humor, albeit stereotypical at times, built around Bea's school days made me laugh out loud.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: Microsoft jokes (the setting is Seattle)
FOR MY QUOTEBOARDS:"That's right', she told the girls. 'You are bored. And I'm going to let you in on a little secret about life. You think it's boring now? Well, it only gets more boring. The sooner you learn it's on you to make life interesting, the better off you'll be."

VITALS: "The Jane Austen Book Club" by Karen Joy Fowler
HOW WE MET: completely random
A MOMENT'S SUMMARY: six Californians form "the Jane Austen Book Club"; the 5 women and singular male tout their club as "all Jane Austen all the time". The book's prologue introduces each character in his/her "own private Austen" way, then continues to weave it's story by spotlighting on each member as he/she hosts a club gathering. The novels covered are: "Emma", "Sense and Sensibility", "Mansfield Park", "Northanger Abby", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Persuasion". That's the layout- surrounding all that is life! Sci-fi conventions, dog breeders, death, a Costa Rica trip, lesbians, divorce, fundraisers...
HEAD AND HEART: Fowler shows her proficiency in all things Austen. The way the characters are laid out, the relationships, the humor- it all hums along just as Ms. Austen would have prescribed.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: "Ask Austen" magic 8 ball
FOR MY QUOTEBOARDS: "The pants were spotted with olive and blue flowers, and now there was a hummus-colored spot as well on the ledge of her stomach. You could go a long time without noticing the stain, however. You could go a long time without looking at her pants. This was because she'd broken her glasses some time after our last meeting and patched them together with a startling great lump of paper clips and masking tape. It was possible they weren't even broken. It was possible she'd merely lost the screw."

******************************************************************

AS FOR YOU: Have you decided these books are worth the read, or not? Got an insider scoop on one of these selections? Carry on the discussion in the comments- using the rating scale is optional ;)

On recovery day

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:29:00 +0000

It's Tuesday- the day after Monday, April 20th- this year's Patriot's Day in Massachusetts. The calendar turns past Marathon Monday with the conclusion of the 2015 Boston Marathon. Runners from far and wide have made their treks back home. I've returned home as well; complete with sore muscles, soaked clothes from all that rain, a head cold and a sense of full circle completion. There is nothing in the world like running the Boston Marathon; I know this deep in my Atlantic rain soaked bones and regardless of the fact that there is still much in this world for me to experience.

My love for this city runs so thick in my blood that it's hard to determine whether my family's comfort level in Boston is due to that love, or due to the fact that Bostonians are some of the most outstanding people I've ever encountered. I think for all intents and purposes, it's the latter. I think this data swells substantially on Marathon weekend. Check it out:

the friendliest, most pleasant marathon volunteers EVAH. From the day we arrived to the moment my friend M and I had finished the race and were struggling to cover ourselves from the elements with the traditional heat sheet handouts (I don't think I will ever master that process), those volunteers were there, happy to help. Every single cop, and firefighter, and security guard and bag checker we encountered did their job professionally yes, but affably too! That delicious officer in that photo up there? Above and beyond, above and beyond I say. Gratitude to all.

I'm proud, so proud of M. And of me. And of the runners. And spectators. And of the city that continues to teach me of...
"One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield."

- end lines from "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
(originally quoted by the BAA and prophetically written on the Marathon Monument in Copley Square)

wishing a speedy recovery to all my fellow Boston runners,

Running over break

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:48:00 +0000

Champ's run went spectacularly! Couldn't have asked for anything better. Good weather, fundraising through the roof, people supporting for miles and miles and no long-term injuries. Yahoo!

(all these run photos taken by our most outstanding friend, V)

Energy levels are high anytime you involve elementary children. I can't show you their faces in this space, but you can imagine just by observing the joy erupting from the adults' faces! It was legendary. I'm so proud of you, Champ!

(I did not make the cake. Isn't it the coolest?!)

I haven't cleaned up all of the celebratory birthday glitter and balloons just yet as we are still partying; my Boston run comes up in just a few more days! It's spring break around these parts too, so the laid back celebratory vibe is easy to slip in to.

Gotta go stretch or eat pasta or something. In the meantime, Happy Spring to all of you!

Love,