Stuck in Neutral

Long time since I've done a book review, but here goes. I read the young adult book Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman. It is a very quick read and rather compelling. Shawn is 14 years old, completely disabled, and convinced his father is planning to kill him, yet Shawn has no way to communicate or do anything for himself. 


I really can't say if I like this book or not or if I would recommend it or not. I know I would not read it to any but the hardiest of children. There were parts that creeped me out (crept me out?) and also some parts I liked and found life-affirming. 


I was interested in Shawn's story because two of the Bananlets have significant cognitive disabilities and I am always trying to understand what life might be like for them or for others with even greater needs. The glory of this book is that it gives hope that even in cases that seem the most profoundly hopeless, we just do not know what sort of life is really there but is invisible to us because of inability to communicate. My favorite paragraph challenged me to reconsider what pleasures would be remain to someone completely disabled:

I love my mom, brother, sister, dad. Although I can't connect with things through my senses, there is an energy inside me and around me; somehow all the things I think about and remember turn to joy. Pure joy: favorite movies, paintings I've seen and loved, music on compact discs, pinecones, chocolate pudding, the taste of smoked oysters (thank you, Paul!) the sound of motors, a bright-red 1966 Ford Mustang. I love the  idea of books and the dusty smell of them on bookshelves, the scent of Comet in a stainless steel sink. I think of the way, on cool mornings in November, the sun pours in through my window, and covers my hands. I think about my baths every night with Mom dripping warm water from a big soft sponge down my back, the hairbrush passing through my hair after the tangles are all gone, all of it turning to joy. Life can be great, even for me. Even for me.

Happy Thanksgiving

Each Thanksgiving these two (Blessings and Bradford) stop by my blog to wish my readers a happy Thanksgiving.

They are grateful to not be featured on the menu, and arrive bearing words from G. K. Chesterton ~ You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.

Lollipop Flowers

This week's art project was another fun one, and is found here. The flowers are based on the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser (don't you feel bad for him when he had to learn to spell that name? No wonder he turned to art). 


Miss Dog Lover's has a splattery background:

I think I made my flowers a bit too small but I like the colors:

and I guess you can tell Mr Music had the Cheshire Cat on his mind: 

Fall Wondering

There is a small tree right outside my kitchen window that I see while doing dishes. The thing that amazes me in the fall is that it never loses the last leaf at the very top and at the ends of some of the branches. 

Why is this? Why do they hold on so much more than others? 
~ ~ ~
And since I'm reading Daniel... part of Daniel 11: 32 "the people who know their God shall stand firm." I am praying to stand firm no matter how hard the winds blow around here.

The Sharpie Story

This is just a little story about how amazingly God cares for us and that He uses humor sometimes, at least with me.


Today I decided to buy myself a new Sharpie in a fun color, no reason, just for a treat. And I even went into Michael's without a coupon, even going to splurge full price.


So I get back to the Sharpie display and choose my color. Good. Then I notice a tag on its bin - the only color with the tag - it is on clearance for less than it would be even with the 40% coupon I generally don't leave home without. Good.


I go to the register, where it is my favorite clerk. Good. I hand her the pen and a dollar and say, "This is a really big sale." She rings it up and smiles and says, "Probably not as big as you think." I am now puzzled. She laughs and said, "That is one cent." One cent? What is the last time something cost one cent? She says that means they are discontinued. She does a bit of paperwork, takes my penny, and checks me out.


I am laughing at God's having fun with me as I go through the parking lot. 


Then I look down, and find, of course, a bright penny.


I have been smiled on, and have a fun Sharpie to remind me.

Eggs

Some things work the same way InRealLife and in schoolbooks and some things don't. Though, to be honest, at the moment, I cannot think of anything that does work the same way.


Anyhow. The thing that has been bugging me lately is eggs. Mr Music is at one of those fast growth periods where he eats and eats, especially protein. So I have become a big fan of The Egg. 


And the thing that stands out to me about eggs is the way they are sold by dozens (is this the case all around the world? It does seem rather arbitrary). In math books a dozen also works out to be such a handy number when you do fractions - it can easily divide in halves, thirds, fourths, or sixths. Then WHY IS IT that I never seem to exactly finish a carton of eggs? No matter how many Mr Music wants to eat at a pop, or no matter how many my recipe calls for, I always seem to have ONE left in the carton or need ONE from the next carton. In Other Words, despite the superior divisibility of 12... it just doesn't work for me.  :-P

The Stuff of Dreams

Well, I awoke this morning from taking a test. The essay question was: Compare and Contrast Rumplestiltskin and God.


I woke up with only two points outlined for thus far for my answer ~ maybe you can add more in the comments?


1) God spins the straw of our lives into gold. And it's a good thing since I have nothing but straw on my own. God takes David's pebble and turns it into a war machine. He takes the little boy's lunch and feeds thousands. He takes the straw of my life, too, and transforms it into gold.

2) Knowing names is important. God shares some of His with us but moreover it is critical than He calls us by name. (Isaiah 43:1 ...I have called you by name, you are mine.)

Serious Wrongdoing

We were in the Big City today when the driver in front of us turned left on a red light. Devastatingly Handsome commented and Mr Music wanted to know what was so bad about it. So we talked about that being the kind of mistake that is more likely to kill people than to result in a fender bender.


And then came one of those moments when I am pretty convinced I have been homeschooling a little too long.


I heard myself say, "It's not as bad by dividing by zero, but it is very dangerous."

Happy Reformation Day from my toes to yours.

Um, I am not much of a nail artist. The idea is “95” on a door... and the part that looks like I got extra black at the top, well, that is actually where I dropped the kitchen scissors on my foot about a month ago. I do not recommend that as a good way to celebrate.

Art Class, Again

We finished our art projects, based on this post about Rizzo's style. 


Starting with Mr Music's salute to the Pierogie racers at the ballfield (notes: 1. Mr Music says it's not done and 2. I loved that my camera knew the eyes on the pierogie to the right were eyes):

Then Miss Dog Lover's awesome self-portrait:

and my alizarin crimson whale:

I am amazed when we do a project like this with clear instructions and end up with such different results. Creativity is a great thing.  :)

Benedict Holmes

I have loved Sherlock Holmes since I met him in junior high school. Now I am enjoying the Benedict Cumberbatch series - so much fun.

The other night I realized one reason I like the way he is dressed, his scarf, and his hair - he reminds me of another literary character I love: 

Watch out for baobabs, Benedict!

Where Does This Stuff Come From?

Mr Music has still not outgrown the continuous question stage. Two I liked recently:
* if you shoot caps off inside, can you start a fire? (I opted to not suggest experimentation as a good way to find out, despite the science lessons he is taking)
* Two bees are fighting. What should you do about it?


And Miss Dog Lover? Today she was explaining something about a dream:  when I see something in dreams I see the form but there’s black and white mixed in it. And when I try to eat it it has no taste so I know I’m asleep and I pinch myself and wake up and it works well.  (All I can say about that one is that her dreams make as much sense as mine.)

Sock It To Me

Mr Music, Miss Dog Lover, and I finally did a craft I copied from a blogland friend, called Sock Monkey Portraits. Doesn't even the name sound like fun? 

Ours are not as skillfully wrought or photographed as hers, but we had a good and silly time making them. 


First, let me introduce Miss Dog Lover's Bride Monkey. I love the way she made the gown:

Then, Mr Music's Pirates player #22, Andrew McCutchen. He was so clever about cutting up old ballfield programs and got the "22" from an old calendar:

and finally, my Mom Monkey:

Hope you have fun making some, too!

That Phase of the Moon

*disclaimer: this post makes no claims to hold any insight into life, the universe, or anything*


Miss Dog Lover, today, looking at the calendar, "Tonight we get a full moon."


Me, stirring oatmeal, "Yep."


Miss Dog Lover, "We keep getting full moons."


Me, "Pretty much every 28 days."


Miss Dog Lover, "They're nice."   :)

Totally Frederick

This weekend we here in Bananaland are experiencing the glorious sunny bright days of fall. Perfect.


And on these days I always feel like Leo Lionni's Frederick, "gather(ing) sun rays for the cold dark winter days." Today I find myself humming snatches from two songs as I hang laundry, do yard patrol, walk the dog, pull weeds, paint my nails outside, anything to gather some more sun rays.

First, an old kids' song with the chorus: 

God’s love is warmer than the warmest sunshine, 

  softer than a sigh. 

 God’s love is deeper than the deepest ocean, 

  wider than the sky. 

 God’s love is brighter than the brightest star 

  that shines every night above; 

 And there is nothing in this world 

  that can ever change His love.  

and second, the swelling part of an old Genesis song: 
The warming sun, the cooling rain
The snowflake drifting on the breath of the breeze
The lightning bolt that clears the sky for you
Yet only eagles seem to pass on through

Nerds (Make that "Scholars") R Us

Mr Music and I have been enjoying learning about different types of gladiators in his Latin course. Last week we came across tile mosaics showing gladiators. We have especially liked the retiarii. They were used tridents and nets for defense and often beat the more heavily armed murmillones just because they were light on their feet. 


Anyhow, maybe you know you are nerds scholars when you see something like this:

and notice the thetas down by the fallen - that stands for thanatos, Greek for death. But you know you are a nerd when you think, oh so that is how they did it before they thought of Xs on the eyes.   :-P

Because I Am So Caring

Just because I am such a kind, caring person, I shall not take advantage of an amazing offer that came my way and instead will pass it along to you, Dear Blog Reader. I received an email today which could make me a rich woman. But, instead, I will post it below and you may feel free to take advantage of the offer. No need to thank me.  :D

This is to notify you that you have won £500,000.00. Your email address was
among those chosen for this Coca.cola Online Grant
no.:09.11.23.27.49.33. {36} Bonus Ball Serial no. 5368/02 To claim send
address,age,phone no and country
to thompsonthompsonrichard@live.com 

Warm Regards,
Mr. Richard Thompson

Songs of My Life

Today I am sharing lyrics of three songs I love.


First, Bargain, by The Who. I hear this in terms of my life with Christ. I give everything I have (which is worthless anyhow) to Him ~ and receive His love and righteousness. There could be no greater bargain.
I'd gladly lose me to find you
I'd gladly give up all I had
To find you I'd suffer anything and be glad

I'd pay any price just to get you
I'd work all my life and I will
To win you I'd stand naked, stoned and stabbed
I'd call that a bargain
The best I ever had
The best I ever had

I'd gladly lose me to find you
I'd gladly give up all I got
To catch you I'm gonna run and never stop

I'd pay any price just to win you
Surrender my good life for bad
To find you I'm gonna drown an unsung man
I'd call that a bargain
The best I ever had
The best I ever had

I sit looking 'round
I look at my face in the the mirror
I know I'm worth nothing without you
In life one and one don't make two
One and one make one
And I'm looking for that free ride to me
I'm looking for you

I'd gladly lose me to find you
I'd gladly give up all I got
To catch you I'm gonna run and never stop

I'd pay any price just to win you
Surrender my good life for bad
To find you I'm gonna drown an unsung man
I'd call that a bargain
The best I ever had
The best I ever had


Next, By My Side from Godspell. I just love the image of the pebble in the shoe. One day that pebble will come out.
Where are you going?
Where are you going?
Can you take me with you?
For my hand is cold
And needs warmth
Where are you going?


Far beyond where the horizon lies
Where the horizon lies
And the land sinks into mellow blueness
Oh please, take me with you
Let me skip the road with you
I can dare myself
I can dare myself

I'll put a pebble in my shoe
And watch me walk (watch me walk)
I can walk and walk!
(I can walk!)


I shall call the pebble Dare
I shall call the pebble Dare
We will talk, we will talk together
We will talk about walking
Dare shall be carried
And when we both have had enough
I will take him from my shoe, singing:
"Meet your new road!" 

Then I'll take your hand
Finally glad
Finally glad
That you are here
By my side
By my side
By my sideBy my side


and finally, Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel. I would not be surprised if I were singing the final line when I die.
Climbing up on Solsbury HillI could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night

He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
I had to listen had no choice

I did not believe the information
Just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom, boom
"Son," he said, "Grab your things, I've come to take you home."

To keeping silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut

So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
'Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut

I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey," he said, "grab your things, I've come to take you home."
Eey back home

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free

Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes, but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me

Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey," I said, "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home."

Annoying Rant

I spent awhile tonight while watching Jeremy Brett as Sherlock wondering about this post and whether it should be a poll or a rant. But doing a rant is easier, so that is what you get.


Sometimes things annoy me in a particularly annoying fashion: not only do they annoy me, but they become supremely annoying because I can see the reasoning behind them and am not sure I agree with myself about being annoyed.


Obviously I hit one of these today. 


While I was going through my email, I decided to unsubscribe from a list as it is completely meaningless to me. So I did. And then went back to my inbox where the top item was from the same group I just unsubscribed. It was nothing more than a notice telling me I had unsubscribed. 


Bleh.


I understand that it is a good thing to know the preference change was saved. BUT. What makes them think that when I chose to unsubscribe, the next thing that would make me happy was one last cheery email from them?


And don't even get me started on when someone ends a discussion with, "Well, I will let you have the last word." Ack.

Montreal Minis

This summer we were given a couple tiny tomato plants that grew the tiniest tomatoes ever. They are called Montreal Minis and they are so much fun that I hope to plant LOTS of them next year. Here they are, full grown and ready to slice onto your sandwich.  :)

The Game is Afoot

Happy Birthday to Devastatingly Handsome and congratulations on finding this post. That is the first part of the challenge.

Now, you need to keep your eyes open. When you find the red tag shown below and turn it in to me, you get an ice cream date, my treat. I will provide clues if and when I deem necessary. And, btw, do not bother trying to make your own tag. It is identified on the back as well.  :-P

Happy hunting!

I Don't Get Out Enough

Last week we ate out at a chain called King's. I noticed they have introduced a new dessert which was cracking me up, "Frownies" - brownies with an icing frown piped on. 

Now, frownies are kind of funny on their own, but really funny if you also eat at King's local competition, where the specialty kiddie treat is "Smiley Cookies."

But the embarrassing part was when we mentioned it to the waitress and she assured us frownies have been around for at least five years, so apparently it's been at least that long since we've been in a King's. Now, there's something to frown about. 


As a bonus, I took photos. Super Frownie artwork:

and Frownie merchandise:

Sharing

Well. I wish I could embed this video but I don't think it can be done. So just click on this link and watch it. We enjoyed it.  :)

What is More Perfect Than a Day in June?

What? An evening in early September. When you can:
* walk the dog just as dusk is falling
* with a beloved daughter
* catch sight of the last few persistent fireflies who have outlived summer
and
* kick the apples that dropped from the neighbor's tree ahead of you as you go

Seeking Advice

Thursday we took the Bananalets on the annual trek to the amusement park. I had what I thought was a brilliant idea but couldn't get it to work. 

I thought it would be such a beautiful thing to let the wind blow bubbles from the wand as I rode the roller coaster. So I took my snazzy little bottle of Gazillion bubbles 


and while we were in line for the ride, I poured some solution in my hand and then was ready to dip the wand in and let the wind blow it out. But for some reason it didn't work very well. I could only get enough to do two dips. And they kind of burst more than blew into lovely bubbles out of the wands. I tried on a second ride but didn't do much better. One up side is this: if you are nervous about the coaster you hardly notice it while you are thinking about how could you possibly open the bottle for another dip?


Oh well. Any ideas for how to tweak it for next year's trip?

Just Wondering

I love The Screwtape Letters. And lately I find myself wondering what Screwtape would have to say about Facebook. I think he would commend its use to young Wormwood, in fact, I am pretty sure he would like it much more than he likes the war. 

Terrestrial

Just picked Miss Dog Lover up from her daycamp. She had quite a day and came home all giggly.


Seems the cute boy gave her his cantaloupe. She does not like cantaloupe. So she told the gossipy girl "that is very terrestrial of him" and returned it. The gossipy girl does not know what that word means (and frankly I am a bit loss by this use, too) but it apparently it is the wittiest thing anyone could say when being given undesired fruit.


And THEN. She and I were walking a lap around the track before we headed home. And one of the staff people said to Miss Dog Lover, "Is that your Mom? The two of you look just alike." Which made Miss Dog Lover ecstatic, as she came to us by adoption and always hopes people will think she was born to me. Her wish came true today, so of course we left the girl in ignorance of the facts.


What a day!

Local Landmark Hones His Jedi Skills

A roadside eatery halfway between where I grew up and where I now live has had this kind of random super huge cowboy holding an equally huge burger my whole life. It is traditional in my family to say "HI!" loudly as you pass and to make sure he is still holding onto the giant burger. This photo is for scale.

Lately when we drive past, we have noticed that something has happened to the burger, which he used to balance right on his hand. Now it is kind of floating by his lower arm, leading to much speculation. Devastatingly Handsome thinks it is affixed with a bit of DAP but the Bananalets think it is his Jedi powers finally coming into their own.

In any case, we all agree it would be a terrible thing if this burger fell on you. And still I braved taking the photos for my loyal blog readers.  :)

Feeling Like the Anti-Vampira

Devastatingly Handsome and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary a few weeks back by donating at a Red Cross blood drive for the first time in a couple years. We are just that romantic.


And so, since it had Been Awhile, today we got snazzy new blood donor cards, and a letter along with them with some somewhat overstated points:
 * you really have done something amazing. ~ wow, thanks. I laid there and let you poke a hole in me. That took a lot of talent, didn't it?
 * has anything else you've done lately made you feel this good? ~ sounds like a question my dentist would ask after I enjoy a root canal.


And how is this: I am next eligible to donate on my birthday. Anniversary... birthday... will the next one be Reformation Day? then Thanksgiving and Christmas? and maybe even Groundhog Day? hmmm...


They also thanked us with awesome t-shirts. I am so glad we live somewhere rich enough we can admit this is just ugly and stupid and not much of an impetus to go give blood:

And is it just me... or do they maybe turn some squeamish potential donors off by continuous reminders of the reality of blood such as making even their cards bright red?

Something May Be Missing Here

I just happened across an article which you may read here if you like, but, the part that caught my eye is: British researchers looking at the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome have received death threats from protesters angry at their focus on possible mental triggers, a report said Friday.


Now, I do not have chronic fatigue. I do not mean to make light of the condition in any way. BUT I do have to wonder if there might be a better way for people to make the point here. Making death threats and sending explosive devices to researchers hardly seems the way to convince them of your mental stability.


That is all.

More Sugar Need Amongst the Bananalets

Miss Dance is a girl who lobbies for a snack every night after the younger ones are to bed. This is in addition to the snack every night BEFORE the younger ones go to bed.  :-P


Tonight, when I suggested we have bananas for snack, she helped me "clarify what an actual snack is:


S - sugar
N - not fruit or vegetables
A - adequate quantity (that's very important)
C - cookies and cake are good
K - kitchen worthy"


*headed off now to see what will meet her criteria and pass the Mom Test*

In the Kitchen with Mr Music

Mr Music saved a donut from last night's snack for his breakfast today. First thing I saw it, he had added some white chocolate and candy raspberries, apparently in an effort to make it more nutritious.

He was kind enough to share it with Miss Dance, who dubbed it "a donut with an upgrade."

Unfortunate Design Consideration

Miss Language pointed out an ad for sneakers. We are, um, less than impressed with their logo. And I just want to say I wish I were making this up. I am posting it here in the "cultural literacy" category.


Here is the shoe:  

Yeah. What do you think of that logo? I can't help thinking of John Kerry's famous photo: 

The strangest part? 


We assumed the resemblance was an unfortunate oversight. However, according to this article, that is exactly what was intended. Inconceivable. (possibly bad word choice there  :-P ) 


The words of the ad were so over-the top you cannot even make fun of them. But I will kindly share some of my favorite parts. (I am skipping the lines that were funnier before we knew the resemblance was deliberate and are now just nasty):
    * I received my package... and rushed to tear it open like a kid at Christmas.
  * I was holding a miracle of technology. This was the real thing. (isn't that Coke?)
  * In minutes I was out the door. I was invincible.


Here is a link to a similar ad. Again, inconceivable. Please do not buy them.  


And thus ends the Cultural Literacy lesson du jour.

Pure

Yet another Mr Music story. Devastatingly Handsome had some distilled water left from coffee-making and Mr Music wanted to try it. I told him it is flat and tasteless but to go ahead. He does not like water in the first place.


So, he tried it and said it is good. I was surprised and he said, "It doesn't have that nasty taste of bugs in the sewers."


*wondering if he has a future in writing advertisements*

Yet Another Get Rich Quick Scheme

Maybe, just maybe, Mr Music should not give up his day job just yet.


I only say this because every now and then, he spouts an interesting marketing idea. The latest, out of the blue, I kid you not:


They ought to make fake scabs that you can pick off over and over again.


Ewwwwwww.

Glimpses from My World

Some days I love ants and sit back on my heels and watch them like any good self-respecting three-year-old and of course think of Merlin and the Wart:

Other days the scouts that I allow in my kitchen go back and file a full report at their anthill HQ about the location of my sugar canister and I set little terrorist traps for them:

And I highly recommend, if you are bored, reading some of the comments on the amazon page for these traps with a great Latin-derivative name. Rocco's comment that it is like a free beer and pizza party for ants is spot-on for our experience. This picture was taken about two hours after setting out the bait and the ants are partying heavy. By the next morning, as far as we could tell, the party was over. All the little ants must be home nursing hang-overs, or worse.


~ ~ ~ 


Proverbs 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer. ~ ~ ~  Except, of course, when they have been duped into providing poison.

Breaking News

Well, actually, this is not breaking news but just something I am finally getting around to posting. Sadly I cannot figure out a way to embed the video so you will have to go here and watch for yourself if you are interested in hearing about a banana attack on a monkey. And, no worries, relax ~ Melrose was not involved in any way. I am sure I'm not the only one who wishes there was actual footage of the attack.

For Those Who Care About Doctor Who

You might be interested in knowing what we spotted at a minor leagues game last week: The TARDIS. Seems the Doctor himself may have been cheering for our team.  :)

I think you can see that it is doing its vibrate thing, no doubt ready to leave for another adventure.

Carpe Picasso

Every now and then I hear a story of a criminal with something I appreciate. This is one of those stories. 


Apparently the thief found a work by Picasso he liked. A lot. And I can't say I blame him especially not if he's a homeschooling Dad. This is exactly how I look after getting everyone through a productive day and having laundry done and dinner cooked. C'mon, tell me I'm not the only one with eyes like that.

So. He must have had a different art appreciation prof than I did. I had the class back in the day when powerpoints were called "slides" on nifty little carousel racks. My prof would project the photos on the screen, and if he particularly liked it, would close his eyes and sigh just a bit before continuing with the lecture.


Anyhow, Mr Innes had certain works that made him close his eyes and sigh longer than others, mainly Vermeers and Rembrandts. He counseled us that (unless we became wealthy enough to buy great works), we should do as he had done, and construct a "mental gallery" of our own favorites which we could visit at any time.


Apparently this guy's prof took it one step farther and counseled his students to forget mental and actually build the gallery. I gotta say I just admire his straight-forward approach to helping himself to art. No face mask. No gun or weapons. No threats or lies. Just walk in and own it.


Hmmm... Mr Innes did not see the coming of the internet. Perhaps I can cut and paste and make my own mental gallery digital... 

Don't Worry

I got this on a tweet today: 

I have a feeling this could use fleshed out a bit more, but there it is in a nutshell. 


Peter 5: 6-7 ~ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.