30 moments of gratitude: fifteen

I am grateful for the ability to go inward without fear. Recently I have felt myself entering a season of quiet reflection. I don't have the desire to speak but rather listen, and even more than that, watch. In these moments I find myself still, watching the leaves twirl and twist on their way to the ground...letting the sky take me... hearing the songs of the wind...getting lost in the conversations of the finches... my mind is not in a hurry and my body melts into silence willingly. This is a slow recharge that I happily surrender to.

in a perfect world

This (election) is probably the most historic event that has happened in my lifetime and my children's lifetime. It has been especially poignant for my son who has been studying the history of Africans in America. Last night as we gathered around our television, and I rocked my little one to sleep, tears began to fall. I cried watching John McCain's speech, and then Barack Obama's acceptance speech. It caught me by surprise the feeling that grew in my tummy. Then I realized it was one change of many to come, that I would not share with my father... And boy did that man love politics. Because I am always analyzing everything and love sociological and psychological perspectives and ideas- and because I have a bit of an obssesion with fairness, justice and equality I was thinking how in a perfect world each and every candidate would have had the same amount of money to use for campaigning. Every candidate would have equal and completely unbiased newstime (both television, newspaper and magazines), each candidate would be allowed to debate, and those in the media would present equal and fair news. Not endorsing anyone. In this perfect world it would be interesting to see what Americans would have chosen without the art of persuasion. What would this look like? But, we don't live in a perfect world, and it will never be one. Hopefully though we will have the change promised. Hopefully we will not lose any freedoms and that government will not become large and prominent in our personal lives. These are my hopes and I am choosing to be hopeful. ...and that, I promise, is my last words on politics. Now to "my perfect world", even when it's not"... What wonderful weather the day brought us. Sunny, clear blue skies and a warm breeze begging to be played in. So that is what we did (sorry for the picture quality...cell phone pics) and then we ate Sherbert...watched Thomas the Train...napped and worked on our diorama.

election day

I have made a conscious decision not to share my political views on my blog. I have strong beliefs- but my biggest belief is honoring everyone's views. The dishonoring of that, has been such a disappointment to me this year. I find it wonderful that we are all different- with varying opinions, values and views. It has made me sad and sometimes angry watching the politics in the media...seeing the candidates treated unfairly, hearing the cruelty and the prejudices people have for those who don't think like them. It's been interesting to see just how celebrity driven our society has become...as though these individuals should be a part of the political process. That said, we try and make it a point in our family to show all sides of life- and this goes for politics. We watch the conservative media and the liberal media and hope for some truth in the middle. We talk with CJ about the different issues being voted on (including home-school rights that hang in the balance). We also let him know that their are several folks, (including a woman) running for President. We are a nation made up of more than just the democrats and republicans. We believe in free speech and we feel so blessed to live in a free nation. One where each person is allowed to make up their own, personal minds. It is so inspiring watching my son make decisions based on his own beliefs. Not ones swayed by us, celebrities or even the media. Today pollywog's favorite friend, who comes once a week to play, spent some time with her. This gave CJ and I some time to make some treats for our family election party. So while pollywog did this we did this: Tonight we will eat spaghetti, cupcakes, hold up our signs and watch the future of our country unfold...We are a blessed Nation!

30 moments of gratitude: fourteen

I am so grateful for memories. Treasured and enjoyed...so close to my heart that sometimes they seem like yesterday, and sometimes I wish they were yesterday.

yesterday

I am playing catch up today on my posting. We have been so busy that I just haven't had a chance to sit and write...today the forecast is busy as well. The weekend was nice. To sum it up in words: corn mazes, glowing pumpkins, trick-or-treaters, Falafel night, a favorite old movie "Where the Boys Are" that my husband generously watched with me, house-work, Minestrone soup, lesson plans, and gorgeous weather. Yesterday was a wonderfully typical day. Thankfully I had completed all the housework over the weekend so that Monday I could spend the day enjoying the children (and getting a jump on the mountain of laundry...ugh). So here is yesterday- in words and pictures: block towers ready to knock down singing songs (lately she loves to sing- her favorite songs at the moment are, "Where is Thumbkin", "Twinkle Twinkle", and "Itsy Bitsy Spider". It is so adorable listening to her sing and make the actions) while pollywog napped, CJ and I listened to the Beatles and worked on the Huckleberry Finn diorama bubbie let her play with his legos (thank you bubbie) plus: fig newtons, crocheting pollywog's first scarf, Martial Arts, and pizza...yep, that about sums it up. Oh, and going to bed with a warm heart and a content smile on my face. Nothing exciting, but so wonderful just the same. There is something so special about the simplicity :)