A Mindful Life

I wish my blog were famous and had millions of readers so this video could reach many, many people. If the video doesn’t show/play then click to watch it here. I’ve not read any of David Foster Wallace’s books, but hearing this speech I can’t help but wish he was still alive.

If embedding isn’t working, view it here. I worry he is right. Don’t let him be right in this.

“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” -John Steinbeck Been on the road and in the air a bunch this summer. School starts for Claire on August 20. Kindergarten, all day, everyday. A big journey ahead!

Haven’t provided a photo of my dear girl in awhile. As I cooked dinner (homemade corned beef hash), she played spelling with magnets. She wrote “Stella Bella the Cat” but didn’t have enough letters; “D” substituted for “THE” and the “J” had to stand in for letter “L” — cute!

Below is the description of the Harper Family’s donation to the Wilson preschool fundraiser. More information about this is coming, including other prizes and ticket availability. I’m just sharing this in case you’d like to buy tickets when available ($1.00 each). Zen Life Kit There’s a lot of talk about Zen these days, but not [...]

As Claire gets older and encounters the world, I find myself thinking that I need an exorcism of my past. That sounds drastic, yes? Claire displays an intensity and sensitivity that I recognize. I observe how she interacts with kids at school, and I feel painful echoes. I want so much not to project my [...]

The child is made of one hundred. The child has a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking. A hundred, always a hundred, ways of listening, of marveling, of loving, a hundred joys for singing and understanding, a hundred worlds to discover, a hundred worlds [...]

We live in a world where volcanoes have feet and personalities, mold grows in families and the members have names, and the Crab Nebula — where Claire wants to go — is also named Lily and is very friendly. Did you know that there are blue volcanoes that produce blue lava, and that blue lava [...]

I overheard Claire singing a made-up tune while she was looking at the Olivia book while on the potty. I took notes. Sometimes it even rhymes! The stanza breaks are mine based on when I heard her pause. My Sunshine Girl is not only a scientist, but also a lyricist and composer! I can hardly [...]

In the past couple of months, Claire has fallen in love with teeny tiny toys. Miniature dolls — Lalaloopsy, Strawberry Shortcake, Squinkies (OMG Squinkies!!!), and miniature accessories are the rage. For example, I came across this flower fairy tea party set up on the sofa in Daddy’s spot this afternoon. Here is Claire playing: This [...]