Back to School

                                             





It's 10 a.m. and to the best of my knowledge all three of my children are in school. True to form, Nora hustled out the door, car keys in hand and off to pick up her friends to get them to school. Sarah took the longest to get ready, was happy to pose for her photo and actually ate breakfast before she left the house. Jacob refused to allow me to photograph him face to camera and seemed the most anxious about the return to the penitentiary...uh school. It's been a while since I've been able to really concentrate. I love my children dearly but I am happy to work without all their distractions again.

6,620 uploads in the last minute

I wandered on to flickr and I thought, this is something I should consider doing and then I went to the homepage to look at the number of uploads. The amount never ceases to amaze me. So then I think- this is crazy. The whole world is photographing all the time, uploading their images on to flickr and then commenting on each other's images. What a big love fest. I love what you do and you love what I do and isn't it great? I'm not sure what it all has to do with anything except you get to see your images on a computer screen and in that context, your photos seem somehow more legitimate, more noteworthy, more real. I am not exactly grumpy (maybe a little) and contemplating what should be my next photo. My next big thing. The mind reels forward to the vision of three kids going to school (tomorrow!) and imagining their next big set of complaints. Homework!!

9/11

It's September 11th. Such an ominous day for one and all. Nine years ago, we witnessed the tragedy and mayhem of the hijacked planes, burning buildings, and loss of life. That day was truly beautiful weather-wise. Much like today with warm temperatures, clear skies and brilliant sun. I remember sitting outside with Jacob, watching him play in the garden as the butterflies and bees went about their business. Our little patch of suburban eden was untouched by the terrible events unfolding to the south. Observing all the well-intentioned folks going about their daily routines, I knew that nothing would ever be the same again. Fear would be our new companion and worry its constant associate.

Almost the End

                              

It's the last Friday of the kids' summer vacation. Monday, the gauntlet comes down full force and they'll be dragging their sorry asses out of bed- undoubtably grumbling all the way about the injustice of it all. I, on the other hand, will be relieved to see them go out the door and into the arms of demanding teachers who will give them lots of schoolwork to occupy them when they get home. It's not that I don't like vacation. It's just that I am not all that equipped to find fascinating activities which they are actually willing to do. School creates routines, opportunities and stimulation for which I am very grateful. Homeschooling is not my thing.
So, they lay around the house feeling fully justified to take in the last of their utter lazy ways. Or head out the kitchen door in search of a friend and adventure. Me, I am hiding downstairs, typing away and drinking in the delicious smell of the autumn clematis blooming outside my door. Children bring you all sorts of pleasures, but flowers bear unique gifts. Their shapes, abundance and fragrance which they appear to effortlessly create. It's its own kind of bliss for sure.

A Gathering of Fashionistas

I went to the city today to attend a conference about blogging- specifically fashion bloggers. I think I could say with 100% certainty that I was the only person there who didn't twitter. Still, with a website and a blog I didn't feel quite so obsolete. It was interesting to learn what the speakers considered to be their message. Of course, in the fashion world, what you are wearing is considered content. The audience's ears perked up when the panelists shared what labels they were wearing, down to the brand and color of the nail polish painted on their nails. I did enjoy soaking up the presentations and assuming the guise of a professional woman instead of my standard i.d. of harried mom, wife and homemaker. I appreciate the forum that blogging has created for me but I'm not sure for whom I am writing. Hopefully, it's the process that will matter the most in the end.