In spirit with our unseasonably warm weather, I thought I would post this pic from our summer. We made a lot of wonderful memories this past year - days in the swing are some of them. I'm thinking about creating one of these for 2012 and starting one for this year. What do you think?
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'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'
This one is from last week. I love meal-time with Soren. He is a blast to introduce to new foods and he is usually a terrific sport about it. Here he's munching on some Brown Cow maple yogurt and a peanut butter and apple jam sandwich on sprouted bread.... with some giggles in between:
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Fearless 2013
"The thing I like most about time; it's not real, it's all in my head or all in the head....there's no such thing as the past, it exists only in the memory. There is no such thing as the future, it exists only in our imagination. If our watches were truly accurate - the only thing they would say is - now."
This is a quote from a letter written by Damien Echols to Eddie Vedder. Damien Echols was one of the three falsely accused of the West Memphis murders in Arkansas in 1993. The focus of this post is not about this tragedy, or the time lost in prison of the three accused (convicted in 1994, just released in 2012). This blog is about being inspired.
I had an incredible moment today. Not just because I was in the middle of receiving the most transcending A shiatsu massage (at this location...go!), but by what my masseuse had to say. We were talking about fears in a conversation about birth and how fear in the birthing process interferes with nature. But she continued the theme through the rest of the massage. We spoke about marriage and partnerships. Even moving forward in life. She said, '...it's fear that inhibits us. Keeps time still - prevents us from moving through life.' So true, so profound.
Fear keeps us from living in the now, by impeding our imagination with fears of the future and retaining memories of fear from the past. Like Echols said - time, if there is such a thing - is about 'now'. The picture above are some of my first tools to becoming an RN. My brother, a Paramedic (just recently!! He is yet another inspiring energy in my life) - gave these to me for Christmas. I so look forward to learning to use these (I can test blood pressure and Soren let's me listen to his heart!). Like any profession, it will have it's ups and downs - but right now, NOW - this is where I need to be. Where my life needs to move - without fear.
I had the pleasure of seeing a friend today. Quite possibly one of the most amazing women I will ever come to know. She is a pillar of strength and feels everything. She is sweet and kind - but so strong. I look up to her.
These words...these people with their stories and energies are inspiring. I am at peace with the life I have had as an audio engineer, I love the world that has opened up to me as a mother and partner and will continue to dream about our lives ahead. But I think I will enjoy this 'now' a bit more than I did yesterday and even more tomorrow. Cheers, Fearless 2013.
Pits
Not the kind you fill or the that stink. Pit Bulls. Rick and I just recently watched a documentary covering recent (last 10 years...if you can believe it!) legislation outlawing Pit Bull breeds. This includes any dog hold at least 5 physical characteristics of a Pit Bull. It has nothing to do with temperament testing or updated vaccinations. Just looks. Seriously.
Talk about discrimination, right? We have a little pitty... though, she isn't really so little - unless you consider 55 pounds of pure muscle small. Either way - we love her. She is my little girl and was the first to teach me what it meant to be responsible for someone else. August is like any other dog - loving, excited, sleeps what seems to be 50% of the day and even territorial. She growls at the mail man (when she's inside - she runs up to him and licks him when we are outside, he always has treats...), barks at other dogs as they walk by the front window, wags her tail and jumps when we get home - you get the idea.
I won't fib, her relationship with Soren has NOT always been stellar. She was the center of our world before we brought him home and she had A LOT of adjusting to do. She still gets jealous and sometimes wishes not to be bothered by the toddler. We haven't had any major instances, but like most dogs - sometimes they just want to be left alone. She does cuddle with him, give him kisses, play tug-o'-war and fetches. But she has her moments when she gives him a little growl to leave her alone or a quick nudge with her snout. The only injury we have really had is in play from a nail that was a bit to long (mom's fault), or simply - in typical Pit Bull fashion, she clumsily knocks him over. And yes, he often tries to ride her.
So, I have to say - in our experience, she has been pretty wonderful. We have our moments where we get frustrated with her - but we have the same with Soren. Unfortunately, he doesn't 'sitz', 'platz', or 'fuss' on command (she's k9 trained...).
I write this post in defense. They are a dog. No, their jaws don't lock - they aren't even the strongest of the breeds. The jaw of a German Shepard is capable of 450-750 pounds where a Pit Bulls is 200-300 pounds. I bet that gives you some new perspective. The Pit Bull was also originally bred for working, not fighting. They are notoriously obedient and typically react ONLY in self defense. We see that in our own. She is incredibly affectionate. Even when she wants to be left alone, 80% of the time she will opt for licking you away.
We love our little girl and think she is pretty awesome. We will never understate that she is a dog and an animal and should be trusted as such... but she is also part of this family.
For more information check out this documentary on Pit Bull legislation. Cincinnati is home free as of last year! Go Cincy! I can wear my Pit Bull flag proudly now.
And this blog was my inspiration for the day. Most dog pounds are loaded with this breed and they need good homes - this photographer made my day.
Green Toys
I may have talked about these before - but we have a new favorite. The Airplane.
Green Toys are great! They are made with recycled plastic, non-toxic paint and super durable - and most of all, simple, leaving room for the imagination. This is Soren's new favorite - has to travel and sleep with it. This airplane 'vrooooomsss!' everywhere with us. Thanks to his Uncle and Aunt for this one! Check 'em out!