by supertwigs | Jul 1, 2011 | Books, Creativity, Education, Environment, Goals, Health, Literature, Nature, Parenting, Photography, Writing |
First off, I am at the conclusion of a wonderful day.
I spent the day with my children, enjoying the Canada Day celebrations in our town (happy birthday, Canada!). For some reason, I felt centred today. Relaxed and able to embrace things like dawdling (and having to carry my 3 year old around), making lunch (actually enjoying the down time of preparing a healthy meal for my family) and having no particular purpose or goals for our time (outside of enjoying ourselves). Me at my best. And (surprise, I know) I got my son at his best this way, too. I can’t really recall, but I’m going to say it was a day without tantrums.
My last post was about re-focusing on my goals. After all, tracking my goals is one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place. So, to follow up, I took a look at the goals I have set for myself since the new year:
1. Create a creative space (a place in my home where I can feel inspired and do good creative work)
2. Daily tea ritual (enjoy a cup of tea, centre myself, and remind myself of what really matters, daily)
3. Carve out an hour a day for myself (most often I seem to use this to blog, or read)
4. Focus more on self-care (to stave off “dead-eyed Mom” syndrome)
5. Write poetry (an ode to my high school self)
6. Contribute to MCP Project 52 (in a effort to practice photography on a weekly basis)
7. Write a novel (in a month)
8. Start (and, presumably, continue) running (Hmm… maybe there’s a loophole here)
9. Write at night (after the kids are in bed – the only sane moment of my blissfully chaotic days)
10. Early to bed, early to rise (okay, I only flirted with this one, but darn if it doesn’t keep rearing it’s ugly head)
11. Write a guide for Canadian homeschoolers (a goal that has grown and morphed, but remains)
12. Chart my journey with the earth (as in, create greener habits, and keep track of my progress)
13. Embrace thrift (buy less, play more!)
14. Become a professional mom (but remain constantly learning)
15. Start a family nature club
16. (I think this is my favourite one) Remember to be constantly amazed!
Which brings me back to (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti…)… my wonderful day.
I think I did it today – I remained constantly amazed. I loved watching my kids interact with the world today. I was present, and I so enjoyed their company. For themselves. As distinct and beautiful beings. And, in doing so, I enjoyed myself so much more.
I recall, when starting out on this blog, that I wanted to live a life that followed both whims and passions. Re-reading my goals for the year, I think I have happened upon just that. I have delved into things I had only dabbled into before (nature appreciation, homeschooling, writing, personal health). These whims have morphed into passions, and intersect in the most remarkable ways.
So, for the rest of the year, I will focus on those stated goals and habits I feel compelled to work on. But, I will also remain open to new whims. Because I couldn’t have predicted what life has thrown at me so far this year, and I don’t think I would have wanted to. There has been so much wonder and beauty in the discovery.
And now for a (short) book recommendation. Read Toot & Puddle: On Top of the World, by Holly Hobbie, and love how the random whims of these two pigs lead them to Nepal. I hope to be so open to life’s adventures – both little and large.
And so. How does goal-setting work for you? Do you have an encouraging story of whims and passions to share?
- Cultivate Your Passions. (happiness-project.com)
by supertwigs | Jun 21, 2011 | Environment, Goals, Nature, Parenting, Photography, Writing |
As it turns out, 2011 is nearly half over. Today being the summer solstice, we are embarking on the second two seasons of the year. The latter half. Winter and spring passed for me in a flurry of activity, reflection and big life changes. And I find myself here, in the thick of things.
I wanted to find a good way to celebrate the summer solstice, but I hadn’t planned anything specific. So, I took the kids outside. We spent hours enjoying a blissfully warm (hot, but not too hot) day, hiking in the woods, wading in the river, and running (or crawling) through the buttercups. I brought my camera, and practiced snapping portraits. It felt glorious.
Today’s summer solstice also happens to be the first official day of my professional motherhood. Any other Tuesday night, I would be working at the library. Instead, I am at home, writing. That also feels great.
So, to cap off the celebration, I thought I’d go introspective. Take a look back, and also forward. For the first time since starting my blog, I have decided to go back and read over all of the goals I have set for myself this year. Some goals, I have accomplished with leaps and bounds. On others, I have made significant progress. And on others, I still fall woefully short (running…ahem…we’ll deal with that later).
It turns out there are so many, I will probably need a post to deal with each one. Which is a good thing, since it will keep me thinking and reflecting, on…oh… what exactly am I doing again? Regardless, just looking over them has invigorated me, and made me realize just how far I’ve come these past few months. Both in my own self-awareness, and the actual completion (or, more accurately, inhabiting) of my goals.
Which makes me, for the umpteenth time, so thankful that I started this blog. I can’t count the number of ways writing it has changed and challenged me (a topic for another post).
And because (as it turns out), I like to assume grand challenges for myself, and then state them here, reading over my goals has caused me to create yet another one.
I am going to use the seasonal solstices as check-ins. Times of reflection to go over my goals, re-focus and propel myself forward.
There it is, in quotes. Something about doing this for the solstices appeals to me. It just feels rhythmic. Beautiful and inspiring in a way that “quarterly reports” do not. So, there it is. The seasonal me. A new ritual to tie me to myself, and my environment, and to that elusive cycle of life. I’m sure there’s something incredibly symbolic in all of this, somewhere.
So, for the next few weeks, I’ll be checking in with my goals. Checking in, and stepping up. And, finally, a hearty welcome to summer everyone!
And you? How did you celebrate the solstice? And how do you stay focused on your goals as the seasons progress?
by supertwigs | Jun 9, 2011 | Books, Environment, Goals, Nature, Parenting, Photography |
I just finished reading Richard Louv‘s The Nature Principle. I was privileged to hear him speak a few weeks ago, here in Vancouver. As I told him then, his book, Last Child in the Woods, completely changed the way I want to parent. After reading The Nature Principle, I can say, it has completely changed the way I want to live my life.
In fact, it has informed many of the sneaking suspicions that I have had for awhile now.
Suspicions like the feeling that I need to reconnect with nature. I want that for my children, and myself. Suspicions about my career path, and how I can add environmentalism / conservation / good old-fashioned love of nature to my life. The suspicion that my time spent on a small island off the coast of Vancouver was one of the most enlightening times of my life. And not just for the friendships I made. For the time spent in nature. The ocean breeze blowing off rocky cliffs; the sound of whales passing, their flukes slapping the waves; the trees, and the tall grasses. The sound of birdsong, the sightings of deer and other forest creatures. I can feel these things in my heart.
Our kids are named for the sea and the forest.
I have known about this nature connection for a long time. But I have not known exactly what to do about it. To be honest, I still don’t know. I do know, however, that my mind is whirling. Something I always consider a good thing.
For my family, I am going to join a family nature club (or start one – anyone interested?). For myself, I am going to start loving my present landscape. Exploring it with a keener eye, and photographing it with my camera. Those are two small steps. But, I have a great feeling there will be more. And I can hardly wait to find out where this will lead me.
So, shameless plug for a book that has the power to change lives and the world. It’s dense, and choc-full of information. Read it and be inspired.
by supertwigs | Jun 4, 2011 | Education, Goals, Parenting |
Found this photo from Wikipedia. Seems fitting. Doubt there will be any perfect swan dives for me either.
It is official. I have resigned. I am entering the official realm of the “professional Mom.” I hardly know what this means, but I am both excited and terrified by it.
I have known for awhile that I wanted to be a “Home Mama.” I wrestled with it after the birth of my first child, but, after my second, knew it was the right choice for me. I so want to be there for the little moments with my children (I know it’s silly, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive myself for missing my son’s first steps while I was at work). I am just so darn excited to learn, live and grow with them.
I am a professional librarian. I love my work. It is meaningful, engaging and inspiring, at the best of times. It is something that I am passionate about. And I don’t intend to let my skills and interests go idle. I am still going to find ways to gather, organize and disseminate information (all you librarians out there understand that – anyone else, trust me, the applications are endless). And, I am still going to read (a lot). Mostly, I am going to keep learning. Because that is what being a public librarian is all about, in my humble opinion: promoting, encouraging, and living lifelong learning.
So, in my new role as professional mom, I intend to continue this. I will just do it alongside my kids. I don’t know what this means, yet, exactly (homeschooler? Mompreneur? Crazy cat lady?). But, I do know that I won’t regret the time spent with my kids. Even on those days that are less than perfect (because, let’s be honest, those days outnumber the others). And even though simply going to work would be a whole lot easier (in many ways).
Do I know where my income will come from? Not precisely (although I have some ideas). Does this scare me? Absolutely. But, one thing I know, I am ready to embrace this new challenge. So, here I go, leaping in with two feet. Running, diving, and, yes, holding my breath.
by supertwigs | May 25, 2011 | Books, Environment, Health, Nature, Parenting |
Working my way through The Nature Principle I have been struck by thoughts on place. In other posts (here and here), I have blogged about my dissatisfaction with the suburban life I lead. Sometimes I cringe at my surroundings (mainly when I enter “downtown” and the sea of box stores swells up before me). Other times I lament the things that are missing here (adequate public transit, walkable green spaces).
A few days ago, I ran into a family I know who is moving to this town. I caught myself telling them a few of those negatives (I can’t see the ocean, there are not enough trees in our playgrounds…). But, I also realized that I have started to come to terms with my place. Have even started to think of this place as mine. To take some ownership. We have lived here for almost 4 years, and I am just starting to accept it.
What is my reluctance to this place? I live in Langley, British Columbia. A beautiful suburb of Vancouver, in a unique transition between rural and urban. It is still a place where you can find large areas of farmland, and stands of forest and riverfront. It is also a place that has embraced the box store, and the suburban staples of freshly mown lawns and uniform homes. The town’s slogan should probably be, “a great place to raise kids.” It is complete with community centres, activities galore, and lots and lots of families. Until recently, I thought of it as a place Vancouverites went to die. A compromise. A holding place. Not a home.
Reading The Nature Principle has given me a bit of perspective. The author suggests that people don’t necessarily need to retreat to untouched nature to commune with nature. To find happiness in place. That happiness in place is, perhaps, a combination of acceptance and embracing. Acceptance allows a person to truly see what is before them. The Nature Principle, refers to our natural surroundings, things like native plants and features of the land. I would like to expand this to include community and culture. To see a place is to notice the best things about it.
I have started to do this in Langley. For example, I have started to gain an appreciation for Langley’s farm culture. The beauty of the expansive piece of farmland near our home, with the little bird houses on stakes surrounding it. The fact that the food at our farmer’s market comes from our local farms. Farms I can visit, farms I drive by every day. I have also started to enjoy the niche cultures in Langley. The vibrant horse community. The local arts community. My husband has noticed the friendliness of the families here. How strangers will stop and chat with you. Something we didn’t experience nearly as much in the city.
Embrace? I don’t think I have embraced yet. Embracing, I think, involves planting. Growing roots. And becoming involved in change. Devoting oneself to a place, and rather than lamenting its shortcomings, attempting to change them. To love a place as you would a person. Accepting its faults, but loving it just the same. I do not, yet, feel rooted in this place. But, perhaps I am starting to put down tentative feelers.
For one, I am starting to love my social community. The people I know, and the web of community that surrounds me and my children. The fact that we run into people we know wherever we go. The fact that my child can go out into the park in our townhouse complex, and play with all of the neighbourhood kids. The fact that the moms bond out there, too.
What if I do as The Nature Principle suggests, and start to really notice the natural surroundings, too? What if I start to bond with them in the same way? Would I find myself growing roots, by studying the plants in this area? By familiarizing myself with the ecosystem that surrounds me? Would I stop lamenting the lack of planning that goes into new parks, and start actively trying to change that?
The Nature Principle talks about finding your “it.” The place that fills your heart and soul. That just feels right. I don’t know if Langley is my “it.” Right now, I’d have to say, no. But, maybe, just maybe, this is a matter of simply deciding to say, yes?
These are all questions I ask myself, as I wonder, when will I, if ever, begin to truly call this place home?
And you? How do you bond with place? And how long do you think it takes to fall in love with a new community?
by supertwigs | May 22, 2011 | Health, Parenting, Photography |
My baby turns one tomorrow! I admit, I am still in shock. Maybe even denial. She has an older brother. With him, I anticipated every little stage and growth. Now, I am getting smarter. They are all over so fast. So, please, not so fast! I’m not ready for her to grow up. I just feels so unreal. How could a year have gone by?
Yet, looking forward to the second year of her life – complete with language acquisition, walking skills, and a mouthful of teeth – I prepare for her birthday tomorrow.
The question is, should it contain cake?
My personal feeling on the matter has always been that no one-year-old needs cake. Especially one that has been eating healthy, organic foods from day one. Fruits and veggies, meats, whole grains. Little or no sugar. And, of course, 90% breast milk (illustrative, not conclusive, statistic, but you get the idea).
Four Cake-Eating Philosophies Disputed:
1. The “poor child” philosophy.
My child may be poor, but don’t feel sorry for her because she isn’t eating cake. She doesn’t know what she is missing. (I’m not against fun, or sweets, per se. I love sweets. Which is why I know that she will know what she is missing soon enough. Why force the inevitable?)
2. The “photo opportunity” philosophy.
Why do people feel they need a photo of a person eating cake/blowing out candles to commemorate a birth? I am guilty of this. It just seems necessary on a birthday. Now, stop and think about it: how many “good” photos do you have of a person eating cake/blowing out candles on their birthday? Because all of the ones I have collected over the years are subpar. Pretty lame in the realm of photography.
Plus, they haven’t created any real memories (“Remember the time Sylvie ate that piece of cake?” “Yeah! That was awesome!” “Good times…”).
I herby suggest to myself and others, to commemorate future birthdays with a better photo, and a better memory.
3. The “one piece won’t hurt” philosophy.
Of course not. I can only counter this with, “why?” Why the piece to begin with? She’s a baby. I don’t believe cake on your birthday will cause longterm health effects, nor am I concerned about obesity in my one-year-old. Still, healthy choices just seem easier, especially when she’s too young to fight, whine, or cry over it.
4. The “normal” philosophy.
There are two reasons, I think, many people give their one-year-olds birthday cake. One: it’s the norm. Everyone does it, and many people simply don’t consider not doing it. Two: for the guests. I would suggest that birthday cake is more for the people watching (“look at them eating cake, isn’t that cute?”) than the child.
Sure, the kid likes sweets (although not always). But, I’m quite sure parents/grandparents/friends get more of a kick out of the eating than they do. Is that really a good reason to do it?
You be the judge. Maybe I’m lame on this one. Like I said, I love sweets (although I don’t actually love cake all that much), so I understand the draw. But, I have also seen my (older) child on sweets. And, let me tell you, it makes the day easier on everyone if we limit the sugar overload. Yikes.
So, does my one-year old need cake? No. (I think you’d all agree).
But, should she have it anyway?
And, while you’re at it: What other rituals/traditions/photo-ops do you use to celebrate birthdays?
Hi! I’m Kelly Woods, writer, mother & librarian. I write about beauty, creativity, green living and lifestyle design to help others live a life of inspiration, too.