Hanging on by 3 Threads and a Band-aid - 'The Trumpet of the Swan' E.B. White

I have taught in a co-op for homeschool students for about 5 years. One of my favorite groups to teach are late elementary through early middle school students. I love connecting students with the good and the greats- literature and other stories. One of the books I never read as a child is The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. I have learned so much from reading these along with my students; I say these as I have read his other 2 well known books for children, Charlotte's Webb and Stuart Little  and a precious biography by Melissa Sweet, Some Writer;The Story of E.B. White.
Why should anyone read these? E.B. White was a simple writer, approachable by anyone, of any age. His stories connect living things from aspects of everyday life. Both human and animals, anthropomorphized, have challenges and experiences that draw us in to a hope for a slower and deeper existence. Especially now in our hectic, electrified world, we need books that bring our souls to their natural speed.
While these books seem like children's books, they are an excellent diversion for the adult reader for a bit of delight in our world. Not only does the reader experience the simple delights but we can see resilience and perseverance in a parent. With my own children, I am challenged with the balance of doing for and loving in the right ways. Watching 'the Cob', Louis's father go to great lengths to provide an unusual need for his son, he is also injured. I laughed yesterday on my walk as I enjoyed my own thoughts. Somehow I felt I was hanging on by 'three threads and a band-aid.' Yet it felt like enough. Why? Why a band-aid. Our thoughts will churn up what we've assimilated (vocabulary word from our class) if we quiet our souls, and turn off our phones(mine had died.) Louis's father had been given a band-aid for his gun-shot wound. There's the band-aid! I laughed out-loud when I realized why I was thinking that. And then I reflected on the father doing his best for his son, the son who had a speech impediment.
I never read this book when I was younger. We were already immersed in 'made for tv' and movie versions of great books. The 1973 version of 'Charlotte's Web,' is exceptional in its quality, but it's not like a slow read, where you imagine the farm of E.B. White's youth. All of his stories include interesting details from his childhood, like the music store to where his father flies. But reading it with new eyes in the last few years, incorporating IEW techniques, such as unit 5 'Writing from Pictures,' and the 3 paragraph format, including simple dress-ups has been wonderful. Writing across the curriculum need not be forced. I believe E.B. White's work will be part of our studies for quite some time. It's a perfect fit of details and simple writing.

You Can't fix a Broken Heart with a Hot Glue Gun-- But can You?

I have been drinking hot water with lemons for some time. Like, for a few years. Dad and Uncle Jerry, who was the healthier of the two brothers, both recommended it highly. Dad was a 'believer,' in healthy food and healthy living, but loved bar-b-que (an entire food group if you live in Memphis, or the South,) and hamburgers from McDonald's. But he ate a lot of fruit and read books like 'Get the Sugar Out.' I'm pretty certain he had read 'It Starts with Food,' at Kelley's recommendation long before I knew it existed.  He knew. Anyhooo, 
I recently read a plan to avoid cancer that recommended it (hot water and lemons.) I'll take that as confirmation. 
Being assertive about food choices is a risky business. Failure is bound to occur. However, 30 days is 30 days. It's not a lifetime commitment. But relapse is a given if one goes right back to all the foods eliminated after such a deliberate effort is made to learn and become more healthy. 
Milk. Milk is my nemesis. Or better, milk with sugar. 
I've adapted to black coffee. Yay! but milkshakes, eggnog, cheese. No way. So, I've learned to read labels and avoid the large dose of these items. 
Sugar is not as tough as it once was. LaCroix is a lifesaver for needing a 'fizz-fix.' 
But sometimes the 'fix' needs to be bigger. The pain is harder. When you pull away the crutches, say of food, the causes of pain or stress don't go away. And when 30 days is up, you must decide how you will cope. 
One of the ways I've been working through the exposed needs is preparing and reinforcing my 'echo chamber.' An echo chamber get's a bad rap from believing all avoidance is bad. But avoiding negative or bad influence is setting a wall of protection. What I choose to let in or direct my chaotic world is just as important as what I put into my physical body. 
To that end, 
1)I've been checking my 'playlists,' and being certain when I need a tune to 'GET UP AND MOVE,' song, it's ready. 
2) I have an app for exercise, that is active even if I forget to start it. 
3) I'm documenting what I'm accomplishing. If it's a book I need to read, I'm dating the completion. If it's a reading group, I set a time. If it's an appointment that needs to be set for physical or mental health-- set the appointment. 
This has helped with 'analysis paralysis.' Take the time to think through the plan, set the details, and do it. Go at it with confident humility. But go at it. 
4)Decide what needs to be tossed and what needs to be hot-glued. Really. Somethings, physical and emotional, need to be tossed, while others need repair. Knowing what to let go and what to keep-- that's how efforts like a #whole30 can help. 
'It (really does) start with food.'  
I'm glad I did it. I'm glad I'm doing it. No regrets. 

December 2018 ~ #whole30 #ihike2019 #lifetimemeds #readthebooksihave

Before the Christmas rush was really on, I had already decided some things would change-- this year. Of course, folks have thought I was crazy to start a #whole30 diet in December. Who does some thing like this?? This is the season of indulgence and all good things. But just like the book says, no time like the present. And then there's this constant reminder: 

A Year from Now, 

You'll Wish You Started Today

So I started. I've documented everything. Every. Thing. 

I even had to visit my GP, and was able to brag. I told her I was actually looking forward to seeing her in March to see my bloodwork. 

I don't  (but that's for another post..) know exactly what pushed me, but I know hearing about someone's medical cost for things that could be prevented with early(ier) life changes in diet and lifestyle made a huge impact. 
I just don't want to live like that. I want to live. Fully. In a way that honors God and supports my family, not weighs it down. 
I've been watching Heidi Scovel hike this year, and have decided I'll set a real goal. #ihike2019 is the code for my present count of 0/52. Why should I wait for a doctor to prescribe what we already know? 
I talk to my BFF almost everyday and for some years she's been talking about Whole 30. She recommended reading 
'It Starts with Food,'  
I read it. And jumped in. All the way.
 I've been successful, with my weaknesses right at the forefront of my plan. No compromises. It's been almost perfect. And I can say, I'll keep up most of it after I'm done. I've never felt better in my life. I don't want to go back. I have 48.5 more years to go to get to 100, and after reading this article today, I think I can make it. Why shouldn't I? The gardening I plan to do to support this diet should surely work! Not to mention fresh eggs! 

One of my 5 chickens as of December 2018.

 Gardens including an asparagus bed ready for winter. 

My chicken's egg on the left. Store bought on the right. 

Over the last year, (and continuing into the next,) I have been reading many books in preparation for teaching Advanced American History IEW Writing in the fall 2019. And I believe I have all I need for that endeavor, so I made another decision. 
This year: I will buy no new books. None. (This is where to lay bets folks.)
I will #readthebooksihave 
I gathered up some reeeally good ones in the last year. One in particular is a great place to start for the upcoming new year. 

Shannan Martin holds nothing back. Should any of us, when it comes to loving our fellow man? loving God? 

2019 will be an interesting year for sure. I will certainly begin counting my #lifetimemeds again, and enjoying hobbies that feed my soul. 

What are your goals for 2019? 

Remember~A year from now, you'll wish you started today! 

November 2018 ~ #Project50 and Being a Boy Mom

On Monday the week of Thanksgiving, we planned to go to Six Flags theme park. Boys were encouraged to find a friend, preferably one that has a reputation of getting along with their sibling. The turn-out could not have been better. It's not an easy gig to plan. I don't pretend to be the master-mind or great-appreciator of Six Flags-that would be my husband, Festivus. But I have embraced the chaos of boys and all  most things my husband plans for us. But this was on me. Festivus was still at the UGA salt-mine, so if it was to be, it was up to me. Load 'em up, move 'em out.
While on the ride, my older 'tech enabled' son quietly announces a shooting has occurred in Chicago, at 'a hospital.' So as not to bombard him in un-cool mom fashion, I think quickly to ascertain which hospital. 'The big one,' he replies and returns inward like a preying mantis after it gobbles its food, but the reverse, to 'the source.' My first thoughts go to what at one time was a reflex response- crime-ridden Chicago, a city I will likely never visit, as I never made it to the Oprah show, nor do relatives live close by. I'll never see the 'Bean' up close. But for a time, about 25 years ago, I tuned in every week, to the 'Windy-City' like numerous other Americans. I watched faithfully, 'ER,' and became like everyone else, either a fan of George Clooney, or the actress Ms.Marguellis, known to me and my kids now as 'The Good Wife.' I watched as single people, like myself at the time, navigated the waters of internships and relationships. I cried when characters fell in love with co-workers, mothers and fathers came to live with their adult children and declined with disease. When the doors flew open with an emergency, I was peaked and waiting to know what would happen. And then I waited until the next week, all the week working with kids-in-care, going to church, and Friday-night-dinnering with friends my age and in my same situation. I had no cell phone, I barely watched the news. I had a camera and took photo film to Eckerd's for their amazing printing booth. I envied the people printing Christmas card family pictures. 
But I had George Clooney. (wink)
All those thoughts happened in about 30 seconds when I was brought back to how this newest information impacted our car ride. Snap-chats didn't stop, dirt-bike videos didn't quit, the tunes from the 'Fish' didn't cease. There was no pause.
I rode the Cyclone yesterday. The ride that replaced the old wooden roller coaster. Being afraid(horrified) of heights, this is no small thing. I have crawled and clung to the ropes of Talullah Gorge, trying to avoid permanent residency on that bridge when I underestimated the impact of the height and succumbed to child-pressure (not peer pressure) to cross. But I digress. I. Can't. Even. The speed, the turns, the drops. G's. That's all I could think. I felt like I'd been in a space ship simulation for a trip to Mars. While I had gained a little street-cred with my gang of ear-budded urban hoodlums, I felt the need to go back and retrieve my face from where it may have landed in Alabama after it flew from my body by sheer wind force. I had just enough time to gather my remaining wits and gumption before I headed to the next contraption of out-of-body experience. I recognized 'The Mind-Bender.' Yes, I could do this. It's reminiscent of 'The Beast,' my childhood-first roller-coaster. At the time, it was the highest and fastest on record and located just at my backdoor in Mason, Ohio. I had a seasons pass. Mom would drop. us. off. (who does this anymore?-- well, now I would, but only with 'the bigs' not 'the littles.') Anyway, just enough time to catch my breath, I ride, I survive, and I disembark. Remember, I am often now mistaken for my children's grandmother, gray hair and all. My present riding partners (the littles) stay seated as the park is low on revelers at this early point in the holiday season. They ask to ride again, the drivers say 'yes!' They go. I almost collapse, almost drop my phone, almost drop the drinks I'm holding. I am thinking it's time to go home.  It's time for a pause.  They go, I pause. But experience to which I've paid greater attention as of late has taught me, this day has only begun. And I'm in. All in. #project50 and all that. But without a word or conscious acknowledgement, they see me pause. (just like everything else they see me do-- or not do.) 
While I can. not. Can. Not. connect entirely with my kids, I *must* stay connected. While we are generations apart, and even more so by the lateness of our entry into parenthood, I must make the effort to tether where I can and bind where I am able our fleeting moments of connectedness. Their mental health depends upon it. I don't say that lightly. Locals know the proximity, but dear friends, I know you all have experienced loss of *that* unspoken nightmare. I believe more than ever, or at least in the history of our young country, there is a sense of being overwhelmed and over-stimulated that gravely impacts our hearts, especially the young. And while there are some, myself included for so long, say just withhold enabling the young, this is harder to do than one might think. We do not live in isolation; it's everywhere, and even the young ear-budded urban hoodlums crave companionship. One just cannot stand against a rail in broad day-light scrolling one's phone--all *alone*. Nor can one experience the heights and free-fall of  'Goliath' with out a ride from mom in the min-van. My lesson I take from this day is not that we should avoid Six Flags (although I hear a chorus of angels above my head when I consider that thought)-- it is that we should be there when they need $4 more for a healthy water, when they've made a poor choice before riding, neglecting a pause in the sugar fest. Because if they are like mine, and Pandora's Box is already open, they are going to make poor choices. I'm going with being present. I'm going with the 'strengthening the tethers' plan, with love and honesty. When the questions about a more important 'Goliath' come up, I'll be there with a proverbial sling and a (silent)song (in my heart) about 'only a little boy David.' Their lions are real. And Bathsheba is everywhere. Perhaps a pause will surface, and they'll be looking past Reddit, to me. 
God help me be ready and not posting my FB status. 

'He's Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself'

Each year our family seems to evolve in ways I never anticipated. Being a parent and a mother takes on a nuance I didn't expect. I devour audio books while scribbling notes on any loose page. Podcast networks are my new best friend. While a face to face friend is always welcome fellowship, sometimes it takes someone to cut through to the details that are wrecking your home-life.
Lazy is a 'charged' word. So you can imagine when I saw this book title across one of my most trusted Podcaster's playlist: 'He's Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe In Himself.' 
Run. Don't walk. If this made you stop and pause, and consider the son you've struggled with in any regard, grab this book. I listened on Audible, but it is available at most retailers such as Amazon.
The layers of challenges that are on our sons in todays modern world are astounding. And they just can't 'run away' the same way our grandfather's did at 14 or 15. They are stuck in a world of technology that may be important to them in one way, but it also monitors their every movement. This leaves them with little freedom to become the man they are trying to become-- on their own.
The monitoring is the challenge- the www is not helpful, so parents (this parent) again are 'schooled' in language that will communicate to our sons we believe in them, without a false approach to the over-indulged 'self-esteem' movement.
I'm going to include the link to the Podcast from 'The Art of Manliness,' which first introduced me to the book. It's a quick synopsis that left me ready for more. I haven't felt this empowered about empowering my son in a long while. I hope you will find it equally as encouraging.

September 2018

Books. Books seem to multiply in my house.  But as I've recently been following the 30 day challenge from Edie Wadsworth at LifeinGrace, I am reminded that I've been decluttering and discarding all along. This year when I went to the library book sale, I had a list, and stuck to it. My discards were already gone and shelf space was ready. 

This summer I read The Great Gatsby which, I must say, was wonderful. It met and surpassed my expectations. It inspired me to consider other great books and begin to branch out more in classic literature.*edit: A Podcast at Circe Institute- Closereads - has included 'The Great Gatsby' in its list of books! Fantastic! They invited Adam Andrews to participate and it was illuminating!

The summer came on the heels of a trip to Louisville, KY to the Circe Regional Conference. It too was amazing. Hearing Adam Andrews share a reading from Flannery O'Connor was spectacular. 

I was finishing the Wendell Berry selection, Hannah Coulter  with Close Reader's abroad while trekking right up I-65 through Kentucky. It was glorious. Martin Cothran was a particularly interesting presenter as I was very unfamiliar with him and his work. It was all so good. 

Upon returning home, I began to truly delve into Norms and Nobility. 

August 2017

Today will be an unusual day with a total eclipse to occur this afternoon. The boys will attempt to make viewer boxes, while I pick up glasses from a friend. I hope we just watch the video on tv. My eyes hurt thinking about it.
I'm working through IEW training videos and preparing for Summit's first class this Wednesday.  I have gathered the comments from The Close Reads Podcast Discussion Group on Facebook that occurred this May. I was heading back and forth to Memphis, and beginning my preparations for teaching IEW's 'Following Narnia, Book 1' this fall. Low and behold, guess what came up? The discussion about the winner of the Children's Literature Challenge from brackify. Who knew that the book order was such an issue, but now that I'm in over my head studying all things Narnia, I can totally relate. So, instead of studying the given source text for the lesson, I'm going to write a brief compilation of the comments. A true full-circle moment for me awaits.
We have a million birds all over our yard. As I type a small finch is resting and singing on the rocker outside my window. Peace. #lifemeds. #onethousandgifts

January 2017

"You know it's a busy day when you find yourself licking the chocolate from your breakfast donut off your phone screen.
You know your kids think you're stressed when they ask if you've used that massage gift certificate during communion at church."

This is the business of my August. The August that fell right before 'that' September. I never finished that post. School had just started for the boys and for myself. It was going to be a *great* school year. I had learned that contentment goes hand in hand with setting goals, setting aim. A *sweet spot* had been found.
I am faking that sweet spot, and day by day returning to a new normal. Loss and emptiness come and go. I've heard third Mondays in January are the toughest for everyone, no matter what you're grieving, thinking, doing.
So I watch the birds and savor God's care for me.

'A Little Latin, Less Greek'

In listening to Cindy Rollins' recording this summer over at Circe Institute, entitled 'The Long Haul: Morning Time' , I was truly inspired to rise to the challenge of an elite education for the ordinary kid. Or more likely, the ordinary parent.
If you have followed me for any time, you know that neo-classical education has been a part of our style of learning at home. But there comes a point when you must address basics that seem to be sliding through the cracks, like reading skills, math facts. We did that by cleaning the slate of all the extras, bells, whistles-- out they went.
Some will say, "But this is why we homeschool? right?" Actually, many homeschool because they are seeing something missing that has nothing to do with 'extras', but more are the nutrients of great learning. Maybe a child has learning issues, maybe the level of education isn't on a desired level. Lots, and lots of reasons.
Last summer, while planning for fall, I let Latin go. (audible gasp) The method we had used really was just spinning wheels. As much as I tried to effectively support this, it wasn't sticking (kind of like snow in the south--all the excitement--nothing to show for it.) So I let it go. It was painful, but liberating. It gave us time to shore up some tools of learning that needing mending.
When you deal with a highly intelligent student whose executive skills are lacking, sometimes the balance of using the 'bright and shiny' is a challenge.
While many recommended curriculums promise attention keeping material, underlying learning issues continue to get in the way (fun, grade level, abridged math still requires memory of basic math facts), (group activity still requires focus on the instructor to learn the memory sentence/song/fact)
But at this point, I'm ready to re-engage with Latin. And most importantly, I believe he is too. We have developed a rhythm for reading and vocabulary, and it can be enhanced by an outside instructor that can be replayed, for auditory learning, enjoyed, because of the sense of humor, and visually followed in brevity, because of the limited written connection of on-screen print while speaker is presenting. All effective methods for learning. Sign me up. So I did.
I've signed up with Compass Community, using their $1 trial homeschool package, which includes 'Visual Latin.' (will go to reasonable charge of $14/month after month trial)
I arrived at this conclusion, after a search for material on logic. Realizing that there was a connection with Jim Nance, writer of the materials we'll likely use for logic, I felt confident this was worth the try.
I'm going to start today, and use in our phonemic awareness time slot. While phonemic awareness will continue to be important, keeping material at a level that is challenging to the (my) student is critical. Remember all those changes and needs that come with middle school? That's all there even if you are homeschooled. That student is developing a self-awareness, and phonics isn't on the priority list.
Carpe Diem!!

Saint Augustine and Total Truth

Dad loaned me his copy of Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey, back at Thanksgiving, and it has been most interesting to study the impact of culture on Christianity. While we march on, seemingly liberating ourselves, and 'catching up' with others who may believe in ideas far more progressive, we neglect to see how we are moving further and further away from truth. Truth we all, myself included, may not wish to embrace, but truth just the same.

In conjunction with Jack's reading, I have picked up City of God a translation of St. Augustine's great Christian classic. It is the abridged version, from Doubleday, Image Book. Even with abridgment, there's plenty there. His life seems fascinating.

This spurred me on to pick up and read ahead for Jack, Peril and Peace: Vol. I chronicles of the Ancient Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow.   This is an easy age appropriate read of his early life, leaving no detail too vague, but adding a little more personality to the important characters in his life.

Trial and Triumph by Richard Hannula gives another perspective appropriate for the younger reader.

Last but not least, I found myself reading the similar story found in 'Peril' in Augustine's own account of Confessions. While I have not read enough to make comment worth sharing, I have taken note that he was just like any human. His life was lived within the confines of culture of a people: a poly-theistic culture, with social norms and influences; flawed and loving parents, who shared what they thought to be best; friends who walked the same path right along side; experience of loss to which all mankind can relate.

Oh Augustine, I look forward to reading and hearing more about your life and thoughts later. For today, this mama must meet the challenges of her culture, marriage, family, and responsibilities.

December 2015 - Lifemeds #50

I was encouraged this week to continue traditions. And longevity, consistency, even with break-down, will render a few traditions. The good kind.
For two years now, we have anticipated, waited in the box office line early in the morning, and gotten ourselves ready on a Saturday night, to head down to the Athens Symphony's free performance of a Christmas Concert. This opportunity is beyond amazing. It is a fully orchestrated, exquisitely divine effort on behalf of a wonderfully talented group of musicians, accompanied by the equally talented,Athens Chorus. The first half of the performance is more somber with a first half closing performance Handel's 'Messiah'- the Chorus portion. I knew I could pass on to glory after I'd managed somehow to get my hoolilgan bunch to this moment in our lives. To hear and stand with my family during this is a taste of heaven for me.
This year, we were treated to 'For Unto us a Child is Given', along with many other more traditional carols.
Inspired to connect and synthesize by my reading this summer, we continued to listen Pandora, from a channel called 'Frederic Handel'. Delight is mine. Over the next few days, I'll read passages from The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader, by Donna W. Payne and Fran Lenzo.

Most of our traditions, often painfully endured by active boys, are paving and smoothing their souls. Mine and my dear husband's too, but seeing them give in, listen even briefly. And hear them draw comparisons between this and last year. My joy is complete.

Another tradition, happening for much longer, is that of savoring in a variety of ways, Charles Dicken's, Christmas Carol. The text we have is a copy I picked up in an antique store. The illustrations are amazing. So detailed, showing Marley's horrifying teeth, and ghosts in an unforgettable way.
We have watched Jim Carey's/Disney's, 'A Christmas Carol' as well as the Star Trek Captain's version. And I'm sure from the reading, their comparision's were not favorable. It seemed in this version, Scrooge was less frightened than he was annoyed by the ghost of Marley. But everything but that is perfect in that scene. Even as Marley approaches the window the sash rises, just as it says in the book. The mother and her child are in the street, and was mentioned by Jack to be accurate as the ghost tried to give them a treasure chest, but could not.
A few years ago, in a December, Eric gave what we call in our faith tradition, 'the invitation', to give one's life to Christ, be reconciled publically to His body. He referred to this passage, 'It is required of everyman......', to walk among and consider his fellowman. Deeply, a passage from which every person may draw.
Life-meds #50
~blessings which I may manage.
~needs sufficiently met
~community
~home
~health
~a sovereign and faithful God
~a Savior who seeks those who seek Him.