tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34391487890160146282024-02-19T02:10:48.374-08:00The Modern HousewifeSunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-73159293556750857422014-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:002014-04-20T11:50:05.863-07:00If you want something done right...Never send a man to do a specific task. That sounds counter-intuitive. You'd think that the <i>more</i> specific you are with what you want, the more likely he will be of success. Simply untrue. If you are dreaming of something and you have a picture of it in your mind, you will need to be very careful in your instructions.<br />
<br />
It's not that he's incompetent or can't get it done. It's not that at all. What happens is that after he departs to do the task (fetch something from the store, run an errand), he will decide that what you told him is not what you really wanted. He will decide that, since he's a problem solver, he will get you what you <i>really</i> wanted. What you would have wanted if you'd known it was available. Something <i>better</i> than what you asked for. Perhaps you had subconscious desires that you failed to communicate. Perhaps instead of Tide, you really wanted Cheer. It's on sale, and you like a sale, right? Perhaps instead of depositing to checking, you'd like it in savings. You do need to save, after all. What a great man he will be when he returns, victorious, with the thing you didn't even know you wanted. Men are problem solvers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiStK_m2iG6QTA9q1PlzM2CKXFOvOIwT5vwYyjz-lTWX55MmlMcFiDVuoCsoFeBekb9TeNKtOEofcTO_9lvjtn5aM7mSpCmTFA9R79S4mic_jDM0sN9ybbwaQ5eC4jP5tQJMuL-3PZOB89/s1600/lox_bagel_potato_salad%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiStK_m2iG6QTA9q1PlzM2CKXFOvOIwT5vwYyjz-lTWX55MmlMcFiDVuoCsoFeBekb9TeNKtOEofcTO_9lvjtn5aM7mSpCmTFA9R79S4mic_jDM0sN9ybbwaQ5eC4jP5tQJMuL-3PZOB89/s1600/lox_bagel_potato_salad%5B1%5D.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>Perhaps instead of going to the bagel shop and buying your favorite bagel and toppings, he'll go to your least favorite grocery store and buy bacon. You like bacon, right? Never mind that you said <i>specifically</i>, "Go to XX Bagel Shop and get me XX Bagel. That's all I want. That's my heart's desire. That's what I'm having for breakfast." When he returns with bacon, he will explain that they also had bagels at your least favorite grocery store, and no, he didn't get your favorite topping, and no, they don't have the good kind of bagels at your least favorite grocery store. But he is already cooking the bacon, and a good man he is indeed, because it's already cooked for you and you don't have to do a thing. And plus, he also got bagels.<br />
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I have learned to be <i>very specific</i> with my wishes when sending a man (any man) to fetch me something specific that I want. I explain the size, the brand, price doesn't matter. <i>If they don't have that brand and size, please don't buy me something else. This is all I want.</i><br />
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Alas, today I forgot. I am having bacon and inferior bagels for brunch.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-39192006910085226562014-02-14T11:05:00.000-08:002014-02-14T11:10:17.989-08:00VirtueYou don't have to dress sexy for me to like you.<br />
<br />
You are beautiful just the way you are.<br />
<br />
It's hard to find fault with these statements. You ARE beautiful just the way you are. And you SHOULDN'T have to dress provocatively to get attention. So what's wrong with it?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure. It's difficult to pin down perfectly, because it's webbed into our entire social structure. There's nothing wrong with it and everything wrong with it.<br />
<br />
I was thinking about it this morning, after watching a video a friend shared on facebook.<br />
<br />
There's <a href="http://www.northfulton.com/Articles-COMMUNITY-NEWS-c-2013-11-13-201489.114126-sub-Pinecrests-Virtue-Is-So-Beautiful-video-goes-viral.html" target="_blank">this one</a>. And then there's this video that my friend shared that got my attention:<br />
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<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oartIE7rKuM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />
"We don't know why<br />
You want a guy<br />
That only cares<br />
What he sees with his eye"<br />
<i>(Read the lyrics from sportsleader.org at the end of this post.) </i><br />
<br />
Ok, I can get behind that message. But there's a more subtle message here that bothers me.<br />
<br />
I realized some time last year that there's a sortof "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue" target="_blank">virtue</a> movement" going on, particularly with young people. The idea seems to be twofold: first, that you don't have to be sexy to have worth and your appearance should be dictated by personal tastes and not a desire to attract attention; and second that a girl's appearance causes a reaction in the boys that the boys may not like or appreciate. Dissecting this, the first portion is fine. You<i> shouldn't </i>have to show skin to get attention; you should be judged on your personal qualities. And our society <i>does</i> put too much pressure on people to look a certain way, a way that may not even be healthy. A girl <i>should</i> dress for herself. But dissecting the second part takes you somewhere a bit more slippery.<br />
<br />
A girl's appearance causes a reaction in boys that the boys may not like or appreciate. Some of the boys put it in the perspective of manners. They don't <i>want</i> to think of you in only a physical way, but it's hard not to when you're practically naked. It's impolite for you to cause them to think those "impure thoughts" when they don't really want to. In a way, I do think that it's impolite to impose your sexual presence on other people. Whether you are male or female, showing <i>too much</i> has always been considered in poor taste. And there's certainly a lot of tasteless fashion out there these days. But as a matter of taste, mainly it's just annoying to those who have to look at your "I'm with Stupid" tee shirts or your low-hanging pants. Right? I just shake my head. Those people aren't <i>making </i>me think anything other than what an idiot they are. But what about this idea that it's maybe sortof a <i>violation of privacy</i> to interject your sexuality into a guy's perfectly peaceful day and change this thoughts for the next few minutes?<br />
<br />
Some people think this "<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FModesty&ei=pF7-Uri_JJHcoASKg4GwDQ&usg=AFQjCNFBPfc-co-JiFGsFMU-T4PoVCt3Ww&sig2=hlVwCvm_ZVV1xHli_GI-4A&bvm=bv.61190604,d.cGU" target="_blank">modesty</a> movement" is a women's movement. That girls and women are behind it, wanting to be appreciated for their personality and not their appearance. I don't think it is. Women may want those things, but the writing I've read is mostly written by men, particularly young men. It's not often you hear teenage boys wishing for <i>less</i> skin, right? So it got my attention. They say they can't concentrate when you wear shorts or tank tops. That it's not fair for you to dress that way and take their mind off liking you for you. Poor things. It's a power trip.<br />
<br />
That's right, it's about power.<br />
<br />
After much thought, I realized that what women are doing when they dress provocatively is that they are <i>taking power away</i> from the men. Men can't concentrate when they are distracted by a sexy female. It takes over the conversation, their inner thoughts even. It <i>is</i> a violation of privacy. And <u>that</u> is why women do it. That is why women have always done it. Because this is the power that we have. It is such a rush to know that you can control a man's thoughts, even his actions for a little while. That you can get noticed, can direct the conversation for a little while. Women are usually smaller and less physically strong. But women have used this tactic to get ahead at home, in politics and in business for time immemorial. In many places and in many times, it is the <i>only power women have had.</i><br />
<br />
The modesty movement subtly plays into rape culture. It promotes the idea that women are making men think a certain way and the men just can't help it. Probably they can't help their thoughts. This is a hard-wired thing, and it's integral to our humanity. Women have thoughts too, by the way. And we are imposed on just as much if a man reveals his maleness in a way we find attractive. But men <i>can</i> help their actions. There is a huge difference between thinking "wow...I'd really like to...." and "I'm going to...whether she likes it or not." So this whole "she was asking for it" thing is just absurd. However in places where women are required to cover up their skin, the argument is inevitably made that they are safer that way. That they are valued for their skills and personality and not for their sexual beauty. That clothing that obscures their sexuality promotes their equality. What it does is it takes away their power.<br />
<br />
These men want women to give up their power. Because it's impolite. Damn straight it's impolite. I'll wear what I want, thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Virtue Makes You Beautiful Lyrics</b><br />
1<br />
2<br />
3 Dressing modest, we know it is rough<br />
When the world is making it so tough<br />
Don’t need short skirts or low cut shirts<br />
Being the way that you are is enough ou ough<br />
Everyone else doesn’t seem to care<br />
Everyone but you<br />
Baby you light up the world like nobody else<br />
By the way that you speak and respect yourself<br />
Girls with integrity are hard to find these days<br />
You gotta know Oh Oh<br />
You are so beautiful<br />
If only you saw what I can see<br />
You’d understand why I need your modesty<br />
Right now I’m talking to you and you must believe<br />
You gotta know Oh Oh<br />
Virtue is so beautiful oh oh oh<br />
That’s what makes you beautiful<br />
Yo, big men…only think of the girls that are virtuous baby<br />
.So c-come on<br />
Must have it wrong<br />
.To prove we are right we put it in a song.<br />
We don’t know why (you, you ,you)<br />
You’d want a guy<br />
That only cares what he sees with his eyes (here here)<br />
Everyone else doesn’t seem to care<br />
Everyone else but you<br />
Baby you light up the world like nobody else<br />
By the way that you speak and respect yourself<br />
Girls with integrity are hard to find this days<br />
You gotta know Oh Oh<br />
You are so beautiful<br />
If only you saw what I can see<br />
You’d understand why I need your modesty<br />
Right now I’m talking to you and you must believe<br />
You gotta know oh oh<br />
Virtue is so beautiful oh oh oh<br />
That’s what makes you beautiful<br />
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na<br />
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na<br />
Na na na na na na na na na na na na<br />
Na na na na na na<br />
<br />
(Softly)<br />
Baby you light up the world like nobody else<br />
By the way that you speak and respect yourself<br />
Girls with integrity are hard to find these days<br />
You gotta know Oh Oh<br />
You are so beautiful<br />
(Louder)<br />
Baby you light up the world like nobody else<br />
By the way that you speak and respect yourself<br />
Girls with integrity are hard to find these days<br />
You gotta know Oh Oh<br />
You are so beautiful<br />
If only you saw what I can see<br />
You’d understand why I need your modesty<br />
Right now I’m talking to you and you must believe<br />
You gotta know oh oh<br />
Virtue is so beautiful oh oh oh<br />
That’s what makes you beautiful<br />
That’s what makes you beautiful<br />
<br />
Some more reading:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2007/aug/21/opinion/oe-ream21" target="_blank">The False Modesty Movement</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://beckybrinkerhoff.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/curvy-in-a-christian-home-the-modesty-movement-and-its-negative-effects/" target="_blank">Curvy in a Christian Home (the comments are particularly interesting)</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://themodestymovement10.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Modesty Movement</a> (oy)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And this one I just like: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13436290-4000-years-of-uppity-women" target="_blank">4000 Years of Uppity Women</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-17709773075161296302014-02-09T11:18:00.000-08:002014-02-09T11:18:19.890-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt3QaMjUp6WDd_Gg7MVZcbeRNMd0EYmNYKZh9ZG_3_i_1GVo1nQh-MkcDzN2SOZX9OfLT2uBX2LqmXUGvvw62iEbQ3UPP9HKHjHClo5g12fkiFh6dTi2AP_laMSGFsZ8ta8IrHIe2-eTo/s1600/job-search-green-jobs-careers-reading-newspaper-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt3QaMjUp6WDd_Gg7MVZcbeRNMd0EYmNYKZh9ZG_3_i_1GVo1nQh-MkcDzN2SOZX9OfLT2uBX2LqmXUGvvw62iEbQ3UPP9HKHjHClo5g12fkiFh6dTi2AP_laMSGFsZ8ta8IrHIe2-eTo/s1600/job-search-green-jobs-careers-reading-newspaper-photo.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
Women of my generation decided that the supermom thing was bogus. We decided to stay home and raise our children. We innocently thought that we would do our best, spend our years with our children and then go back to work. But many have found that after even just a few years, they cannot resume the careers they left.<br /><br />I have observed that many women are beginning to get the feeling that their decisions to be housewives or stay at home moms for a time may turn out to be irreversible. It's true that some of it is possibly our "fault." At this point in our lives, we are loathe to take shitty jobs that we might have settled for right out of college. It's simply not worth it for us to make less to work more than the part-time and freelance gigs we have now, or go completely back to the beginning. It is simply not worth it to drive an hour each way to work. Women feel that their education and experience, including life experience, is valuable. Employers, apparently, do not.<br /><br />When I make a comment that, as soon as my knee is healed, I will go back to waitressing, my friends are aghast. "Surely," they say, "you should be doing something else. You have skills, you have talent." That may be, but either there is not a place I fit, or there is not a need for my skills, or I am not effectively conveying those skills in my resume, my letters or my interviews. The truth is that I really couldn't even get hired as a waitress without relying on personal connections. Thankfully, I have a job, and one that I like. But I am underemployed and underearning.<br /><br />This whole thing makes me wonder: What untapped talent must be quietly folding laundry and cooking dinners all across our great country? What great minds and strong backs must be keeping schedules and running fundraisers? I am not sad that this talent is going to the benefit of our children and our society. But I am disappointed that when women want to go back to work, they kindof can't. And I am concerned that the realization of this phenomenon will place women in a position where they must make a life choice at a young age: be a mother OR have a career. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-13882823596900738132013-11-17T15:19:00.002-08:002013-12-04T09:35:11.085-08:00Yep. Found this one on <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/">Copyblogger</a>. It's perfect. Not preachy, not sarcastic, just helpful. The sarcastic ones are afterward. :)
<a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/grammar-goofs/"><img alt="15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly" height="4661" src="http://netdna.copyblogger.com/images/grammar-goofs.png" title="15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly - Infographic" width="600" /></a><br />
<small>Like this infographic? Get more <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/content-marketing/">content marketing</a> tips from <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/">Copyblogger</a>.</small>
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I'm not perfect, I have to stop and think about these things sometimes too. It's nice to have them all in one place.</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-3245925336365398612013-01-16T09:41:00.000-08:002014-02-09T11:24:25.566-08:00Is Teach too good for San Luis Obispo?Really? That's what it comes down to?<br />
<br />
San Luis Obispo has a national Blue Ribbon School and California Distinguished School in our school district. It's a 10 out of 10 school, with an API score of 987 (2011). It's so popular that we had to have a lottery this year for admissions.<br />
<br />
...And so our school board, in its wisdom, would like to vote to <i>close it</i>.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
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Charles E. Teach Elementary was once a larger school. In the '90s, enrollment dropped at the same time as our district had budget cuts. So the school was moved onto the site of another neighborhood school, Bishop's Peak, which had also declined in enrollment and had extra space. Fast forward to 2012 and it became clear that both schools are overcrowded. This is a true thing, and something must be done.<br />
<br />
Our district has an open enrollment policy. As long as there's room, any child may attend any school they wish. Teach is a school of choice, with an accelerated program for high-level learners that need an extra challenge and a different school environment. There is another school of choice in our district, Pacheco Elementary, which is a dual language immersion program, teaching in English and Spanish. Pacheco Elementary is also very popular, and holds a lottery each year to determine which kindergarteners will be admitted. This year, Teach also held a lottery. When we arrived in San Luis Obispo in 2009, our neighborhood school, Hawthorne Elementary, was full in our child's grade. Though it is one block away from our house, we had to choose another school. We chose Bishop's Peak, across town.<br />
<br />
For some reason, this over-enrollment policy does not seem to apply to Bishop's Peak. When the school became crowded, we simply "made room" for more students. Rather than sending the additional residents to other schools, we just put more desks in the classrooms. We have classes at both schools with 33 students. When Teach became overcrowded, we did the same thing. I'm personally glad for that, because my second child was not chosen in the lottery, and if a few more seats had not been made available (and a few above her on the waiting list hadn't dropped off), she would not be going to Teach today. She would be at Bishop's Peak - an equally crowded school.<br />
<br />
If Pacheco can have a lottery, why can't Teach? If Hawthorne can turn away children that live in the area because it's full, why can't Bishop's Peak?<br />
<br />
Of course that is not ideal. It's not even fair. How sad is it to live across the street from a school you'd like to attend, yet have to drive across town? But if the board wants to talk about hard choices, that's one they can consider. Pacheco is a school of choice, and though I think Spanish is a very important skill for children in California to learn, no one is arguing that children <i>need</i> it to be successful and happy. Yet no one is considering closing Pacheco and poaching their classrooms. Advanced programs for advanced students are <i>necessary</i>. This is what the school board members in question don't understand. They* believe that these children will get a perfectly good education at a neighborhood school. That they will thrive <i>just as well</i> if they are in the mainstream, differentiated classrooms. The evidence of research does not bear out that conclusion. Clearly, the parents of Teach students do not believe this to be true, or we wouldn't be driving our kids from other cities to attend school in San Luis Obispo. The commute is a burden on families, but we are willing to do it because <i>it is necessary</i> for the welfare and education of our children. In spite of research showing that gifted children need gifted education, the San Luis Coastal Unified School District board, on the whole, <i>simply does not care</i> about the educational needs of our special needs children. On the contrary, they do not even believe they have special needs.<br />
<br />
I can't say that the board is rushing to a decision. True, they only have a few weeks within which to reach a decision about what to do to solve the overcrowding problem at Bishop's Peak and Teach. But they have known about the issue since September, and should have been researching and discussing it all this time. They have simply ignored the issue. They do not even know how much it would cost to re-open one of our closed schools to accomodate Teach, only that it would cost and they don't have any money. They have not researched traffic options except to drive by the school, view the traffic, and conclude that yes, "it is bad." No concrete information was presented at the most recent board meeting. Members said they "would like to know" how much things would cost. But no one was assigned specifically to find out. The only concrete information that was requested was from the president - who asked the staff of Bishop's Peak and Teach to begin making a plan for consolidation and closure. <br />
<br />
They have not even considered the option of doing nothing at all and simply capping enrollment at both schools. At least for a year or two until a better solution can be had. Why is that option not even on the table? No options appear to be viable for our board president except closing the school.<br />
<br />
What on earth is going through people's heads when they take the best school in the district and simply lay it aside to pillage its resources for the other schools? It's almost as if our one shining jewel makes them insecure. The more successful you are, the more you are despised.<br />
<br />
<br />
*When I say "they" referring to the school board, I am referring only to those members who have already made their mind up to close Teach Elementary, not those who are in favor of keeping it or who are honestly trying to look at all options and make a good choice. Unfortunately, I believe that those who can't wait to close our school are in the majority.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-64812182839299058202012-09-20T11:08:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:08:00.839-07:00Gender BiasI just noticed that whenever my neighbors fight in the street, I always assume it's the guy's fault. I wonder why that is? True, he does look like a total douche, what with all his neck tattoos and all, and his ghetto-lookin' friends. But she's no lovely, either. I just realized 2 days ago that they have a baby. Today he was yelling at her about who takes their child more places (or something), and then he left with the baby. Which made me suddenly realize that I'm totally biased against the man whenever there's a domestic squabble. I guess it's hard for me to understand a woman not being the one to take the main interest in her child, but there are definitely women out there that aren't cut out to be mothers. And there are definitely men out there who would do anything, including give their lives, for the welfare and happiness of their children. <br /><br />Is my bias socially learned? Based on 100 movies, books and live scenarios where the man is the abuser? The unreasonable one? Or is it simply biological sympathy for another mother? Now, this particular situation may indeed be a case of he's a jerk and she should leave him. But maybe not. This is one bias I'm going to have to unlearn.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-6203504608676009532012-09-06T16:55:00.001-07:002012-09-06T16:55:05.524-07:00Photo Book<object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=8AaM2Ths2ZOacW&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=8AaM2Ths2ZOacW&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaM2Ths2ZOX8g&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;">Shutterfly <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books/baby-photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">baby photo books</a> are the perfect way to preserve your baby's precious moments. </div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-40027448762090970742012-08-16T10:39:00.002-07:002012-08-16T10:39:11.636-07:00<span class="userContent">Quote of the day, courtesy of the 10-year-old
in the backseat: So, mom, It's sortof like a gang isn't it? The PTA?
Once you get in, you can never get out.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">(2011) </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-20960201234515821322012-08-16T10:35:00.000-07:002012-08-16T10:35:12.505-07:00<span class="userContent">To yell or not to yell: That is the question.<br /> <br />
Whether ‘tis nobler to simply put away the bowls, cereal, milk, frozen foods…to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous messiness and
waste,<br /> <br /> Or to take arms against a sea of troubles and chores undone, requests unheard and commands unheeded and by opposing end them?<br /> <br /> The heartache and the thousand natural shocks a mother must suffer to scre</span>am and punish,<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br /> Only to mold them into caring, conscientious, tidy creatures,<br /> <br /> Devoutly to be wished.<br /> <br /> Perchance to be heard and heeded, that is my dream.<br /> <br /> Ay, there’s the rub.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
(original post Facebook, March 8, 2012) </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-25602293433358030402012-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:002012-03-28T13:05:07.632-07:00Never Upgrade<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NCxd-quw4vGjWWM6IEZ85HYspYqfPyMDdhURp4wvCAovu07waKoJxwkdJZDbuTEHcKBET2PD05RGZkS9VW8rDKQEMeMXBW2enl6DfuzcjQPIEtx8Pg7Q-4IC03lC__sVwa1J3crVWb4B/s1600/welcome-to-icloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NCxd-quw4vGjWWM6IEZ85HYspYqfPyMDdhURp4wvCAovu07waKoJxwkdJZDbuTEHcKBET2PD05RGZkS9VW8rDKQEMeMXBW2enl6DfuzcjQPIEtx8Pg7Q-4IC03lC__sVwa1J3crVWb4B/s400/welcome-to-icloud.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ack.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I kept trying all week to upgrade to the new iOS, but never had my phone plugged in long enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I finally accomplished it, but I couldn’t figure out my apple id.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I went to the apple store, and the girl there helped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she was suggesting I get icloud, so I can synch constantly with the cloud (and give apple all my personal life), which I didn’t want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that if I didn’t, that’s ok, but the explanation about how it all works and how I would be able to synch my phone in the future with Outlook and everything didn’t make any sense (as in: Outlook isn’t connected to the internet, so how can it synch with anything as she suggested?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End result now is that I do have everything on my phone, but if I plug in to my computer, it will erase everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fine, ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I’m supposed to select “restore from backup” which will take around 3 hours (during which time I am supposed to sit at my computer and do things so that my computer doesn't fall asleep), and then all my data won’t go missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fine, ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I plugged in, I got an error message that says <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“iTunes could not connect to the iPhone “sunshinecowgill’s iPhone” because the pairing record is missing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I don’t know what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">NEVER UPGRADE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ack!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have pictures on my phone that I don’t want to lose, and I don’t really want to email them all separately, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything else is on my computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that I never upgrade because it’s always been such a hassle, I always lose things, and she said, “That’s too bad – it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">supposed</i> to make your life easier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it never does, and today is no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really confused, and really almost started to cry (I don’t even know why, I mean, I like the photos, but who cares?), because why does it have to be so difficult?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left feeling ok about it, that I would just go home and do the restore from backup thing and get back to my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, after I got the error message, I panicked and signed up for the evil icloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now apple has my personal life AND IT STILL DIDN’T SYNCH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it has is a tracking device on my phone and no appointments or contacts, no music, no nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just creepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, it says I still need to set it up on the phone, so maybe there's hope about staying unmarried to apple. But I'm not that hopeful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lame.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-veSWCanYlz6k8p4dSS0FMhrf8354IhDWulm9zYSEWon0ZxiZ71iec4No5plAqVC6QKVDFUM8bTOIdl_Y2Rk-UU8mR5yHyl2XohmioWCzYq8bDr_UTZ6UIkxsmqP6mlkO_CAHNctMFAA/s1600/icloud.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-veSWCanYlz6k8p4dSS0FMhrf8354IhDWulm9zYSEWon0ZxiZ71iec4No5plAqVC6QKVDFUM8bTOIdl_Y2Rk-UU8mR5yHyl2XohmioWCzYq8bDr_UTZ6UIkxsmqP6mlkO_CAHNctMFAA/s640/icloud.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-36122409826413926492012-02-20T11:42:00.000-08:002012-02-20T11:42:24.340-08:00You Have a Choice by Leanne Ely, CNC<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<h1><span style="color: #83ccc9; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You Have a Choice</span></h1><h3><span style="color: #83ccc9; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Leanne Ely, C.N.C</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/wp-content/uploads/56901/dinner_diva_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><span style="clear: left; color: #4c4c4c; float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Dear Friends,<br />
<br />
In the everyday scheme of things, your quality of life is dependent on the choices you make. Really understanding the muscle of your own choices is totally empowering and has the capacity for realigning your life direction. Knowing who is in control and realizing that you don't have to take your marching orders from a bag of M & M's or a two year old can be revolutionary. Let me explain.<br />
<img height="179" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://savingdinner.com/wp-content/uploads/Choices.jpg" title="" width="300" /><br />
We are almost trained by this culture to take on the mantle of victim. A famous lawsuit over spilled hot coffee from a fast food establishment is a good example. Rather than take responsibility for the fact that the coffee was hot (as coffee should be), this individual blamed the company for not providing a warning and consequently, this individual won a substantial lawsuit and profited off this phenomenon of "victimization". </span><span style="clear: left; color: #4c4c4c; float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="clear: left; color: #4c4c4c; float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>[Sunshine's interjection: This is a famous case, and while I worked in the restaurant industry, I found out more about it. The other side of the story is actually very interesting. The McDonald's in question was serving coffee at near-boiling temperatures and hotter than you need coffee to </i>ever <i>be! They had been asked to turn down their coffee formally at least three times, and failed to comply. They had already burned other patrons. The poor old lady who got the coffee in her lap suffered 3rd degree burns from the boiling stuff, causing pain and disfigurement. She was parked and very carefully opened the coffee. So there's more to the story than "dur, coffee's hot, don't spill it." You can read more here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald%27s_Restaurants">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald%27s_Restaurants</a>, and it's actually fairly interesting. Nonetheless, there are lots of "victim" stories in our news, and people really do need to take control of and responsibility for our own choices.]</i><br />
<br />
That's a rather dramatic example, but we place ourselves in the victim role everyday. I am going to bet somewhat unaware of it, too. The examples I used from the first paragraph are good ones. Did you know that no matter what, a bag of M & M's will never hug you, never say an encouraging word to you, and can never love you like a real live human can? <br />
<br />
Did you also know that 2 year old children don't have the brain skills yet for abstract thinking? Therefore, their attempts at absolute tyranny are (or should be!) ineffective and leaves YOU in charge. You don't have to be pushed around anymore by the whim of a 2 year old if you decide you're ready to be the boss (that doesn't mean you have to be unpleasant; just FIRM. Smile when you say no or redirect your little one!). <br />
<br />
You have control over what goes in your child's cereal bowl every morning, too. You're the one buying the groceries; you're the one who should decide which cereal you'll spend your hard earned money on. Which is a better nutritional investment for your child-- artificially flavored and colored sugary, tooth decaying fake food or a lesser known brand of whole grain cereal without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, colorings, etc.?<br />
<br />
Food is fuel for the human vehicle. The better the quality of the fuel, the better we feel and the more we enjoy our lives. Our bodies house our souls and it's the only "soul vehicles" we will ever be given. Treat yourself better than you do your car. That vehicle can be replaced-you cannot.</span><a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/wp-content/uploads/56901/dinner_diva_200.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/wp-content/uploads/56901/dinner_diva_200.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blissfullydomestic.com/wp-content/uploads/56901/dinner_diva_200.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> <br />
Love, </span><a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/wp-content/uploads/56901/dinner_diva_200.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Leanne Ely<br />
Your Dinner Diva since 2001<br />
<a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Kd82g&m=3iN2BmpJuUeFr_l&b=tqo1az_575w2Dw5qA4TkZw" title="">http://savingdinner.com</a> for a Free Menu-Mailer when you get a our Daily Dish</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Republished from Leanne's newsletter. Find out more about Leanne and how you can SAVE dinner by visiting her website above.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-70792631101897411302011-12-12T20:31:00.001-08:002011-12-12T20:31:39.015-08:00StrengthsI received this in my inbox today, from Flylady. I liked it and thought I'd share:<br />
<br />
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</style> <![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No More Parents Left Behind by Alice Wellborn:<br />
<br />
Christmas is a season of celebration and joy, but it is also the time of year when we all focus on gifts. Let's forget about material gifts for a moment, and think about the gifts that our children bring to their lives.<br />
<br />
One of the few things that I dislike about my job is the focus on children's weaknesses. We get so involved in figuring out what's wrong that we forget to figure out what's right. The emphasis on weaknesses is really pretty foolish, because we base our lives on our strengths. Schools don't have the time anymore to appreciate the whole child -- all the different gifts that children can have that may have nothing to do with school learning, but can have everything to do with living a good life. Teachers need to value all of the gifts that children bring to school. Success breeds success, and the confidence, energy, and motivation that success brings to children just seems to spill over into everything else they do. <br />
<br />
There are lots of different ways to be "smart". "School smart" requires logical, sequential reasoning skills, a good memory, and the ability to thing abstractly. But we all know people who have a "green thumb" with plants, or who have a wonderful way with animals. Others have a wonderful way with people -- they have great social skills and they have a sense of how people feel and how to help. Lots of people who have trouble reading can take an engine apart, figure out what's wrong, and put it back together perfectly. Some of the most spiritual people I've known have been very simple people in other ways. I'm always impressed with people who are talented in the arts. The problem is that it isn't until high school that students really get to explore and use these other kinds of gifts.<br />
<br />
Although we are all judged in our first 18 years of life on our ability to be "school smart", for the next 50 years we actually get to do what we're good at! I know several people who were very successful at school, but who have failed at living a happy, productive adult life. I also know many people who struggled in school, but who are very successful in life. I've worked in this same small town for 33 years, and a lot of the kids I evaluated in the past have grown up and had families of their own. I see them everywhere I go, and I can tell you for a fact that "school smart" is not a ticket to success. It certainly helps, but it's no guarantee. <br />
<br />
So what should we do as parents? We need to work very hard to help our children do as well as possible in school, both with learning and with discipline, and then work just as hard at helping them find their gifts. When I talk to parents of disabled children, I tell them that their most important job is to find out what their child is good at and make sure they have every opportunity to excel in that area. We all have to be good at something, or we just give up on ourselves. Remember that sometimes we adults get so focused on a child's weaknesses that we forget about strengths, and strengths are what each of us builds our life on. <br />
<br />
The last and maybe the most important thing to say about finding a child's gifts is this: You have to love the child you've been given. We don't get to pick for our children. All we can do is give them lots of opportunities to figure out who they are and what they can do, and then support them and love them as they become the person they're meant to be. It's their dream and their life. We don't mold children, we unfold them.<br />
<br />
*****************<br />
Our very own education specialist Alice Wellborn is now a regular contributor at FlyLady.net and we are thrilled to share her wise words with all of you. Alice is a school psychologist and the author of the amazingly helpful book No More Parents Left Behind.<br />
<br />
You can follow Alice on Facebook: <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-More-Parents-Left-Behind/141333445932691" target="_external">https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-More-Parents-Left-Behind/141333445932691</a><br />
<br />
The No More Parents Left Behind Website:<br />
<a href="http://www.nomoreparentsleftbehind.com/" target="_external">http://www.nomoreparentsleftbehind.com/</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-16247973844724714372011-10-18T09:10:00.000-07:002011-10-18T09:11:20.453-07:00Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OKx0HsW1WnWnj3jRF91evNU1F4UKTzmLUNx2kQ1n53BDCAlWOrHWesAI6D_z_5Ri6BVt_x4RBviye4rb2S49JWk4UiVmU8aBCkU2eyeIy_3T3AvNzBlpGJVJU63qCm8ZbkQ9qswSE4lV/s1600/boys+green+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OKx0HsW1WnWnj3jRF91evNU1F4UKTzmLUNx2kQ1n53BDCAlWOrHWesAI6D_z_5Ri6BVt_x4RBviye4rb2S49JWk4UiVmU8aBCkU2eyeIy_3T3AvNzBlpGJVJU63qCm8ZbkQ9qswSE4lV/s320/boys+green+eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Upturned faces</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where now lie softly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tender cheeks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tentative smiles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One day will hold</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ardent hopes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fierce desires</div><div style="text-align: center;">And anger</div><div style="text-align: center;">And hurt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But always will secretly keep</div><div style="text-align: center;">That innocent uncertainty</div><div style="text-align: center;">and perfection of youth</div><div style="text-align: center;">As it begins to bloom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is tall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And strong.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But something about him is</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pure emotion.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He seems deeper than the rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And more fragile.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Sunshine Gladish-Cowgill</i> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-47888348884276384202011-07-09T21:05:00.000-07:002011-07-09T21:05:16.701-07:00Bike RideWell, that blows the whole plan out of the water.<br />
<br />
So yesterday, we decided: Today is the day that my little girl is going to learn to ride a bike.<br />
<br />
She's been wanting to take her training wheels off Puddin' (her bike), but is afraid to ride fast, and I wasn't sure if she could go fast enough to stay up. But she's bigger and stronger now, and she really wants it. Ok fine. <br />
<br />
My son got a monkey bike for Christmas. Like this one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI7QmzdRMH0iXta0XY9SRnAyoTuqY7KGz3NJJJDb6GyngBIFYWn0m_GRPqNcSAeZp9ZiD1gY-OpTH5fsbh4auqCP-OMHBwPWEqshRmDldof5Jx5T_PQ6yZ5pVCA6xHy1ZByMURT4VAbG_/s1600/monkey+bike+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI7QmzdRMH0iXta0XY9SRnAyoTuqY7KGz3NJJJDb6GyngBIFYWn0m_GRPqNcSAeZp9ZiD1gY-OpTH5fsbh4auqCP-OMHBwPWEqshRmDldof5Jx5T_PQ6yZ5pVCA6xHy1ZByMURT4VAbG_/s320/monkey+bike+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So Sonja decided one day to try riding it. It's short and pretty much not intimidating at all. After just a few minutes, she had figured it out and could ride <i>in the house</i>. The next day, she figured out how to ride on the sidewalk and liked to ride the monkey bike. But still couldn't ride a "2 wheeler." This, I pointed out, is silly, because monkey bike <i>is</i> a two-wheeler. <br />
<br />
Back to the story of yesterday.<br />
<br />
We got the bike out of the garage, took off the training wheels, and I walked the bike up the driveway. I was prepared for a back-breaking afternoon of running behind her, holding up the seat and encouraging her not to give up, even if she had fallen. She noticed the gate was open and the cat was walking out, and ran up to shut the gate. ? "Um, I can't get the bike out if you shut the gate. Just let kitty go, it's fine." She walked back and took the bike, and I took the gate and opened it all the way.<br />
<br />
There were two cars parked in the driveway. My experience with my own bike and my son learning to ride told me that the skinny (3 feet maybe?) space between the car and the fence would be a squeeze, so I simply suggested that she go ahead and walk the bike out to the sidewalk and we'd walk down to the school and try to ride. She sat on the bike. And...rode it up the driveway.<br />
<br />
Just like that.<br />
<br />
I just stared at her and smiled. I don't think she had even realized what she did. Later, I asked her what was going through her mind when she did that. Was she thinking she would just try it? What? She said she just didn't know. Nothing. She just did it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6WJAGlHOCUYfyO4DZwJT978y5ZJQ8tSo90AH5TG4gsedynzSzvwzTqVxwtVqi1BrT7nd0rklAL_QZ-wcnlaAZItMnCvjQCjTls32IXIsvo6NexEKPOYkQiyGvN_fuWYF3Zbgv2U2Kqqs/s1600/sonjas-bike-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6WJAGlHOCUYfyO4DZwJT978y5ZJQ8tSo90AH5TG4gsedynzSzvwzTqVxwtVqi1BrT7nd0rklAL_QZ-wcnlaAZItMnCvjQCjTls32IXIsvo6NexEKPOYkQiyGvN_fuWYF3Zbgv2U2Kqqs/s400/sonjas-bike-3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>And then she rode the 3 blocks to the school and rode all around, turning left and right, circling the handball courts and basketball hoops. She rode the whole time and then rode home. It had only taken her 2 stops to perfectly master the footbrakes. She never got nervous and never fell.<br />
<br />
I just sat in the sun, watching and smiling. <br />
<br />
The clank of the chains against the tetherball poles is such a peaceful sound on a Friday afternoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaRqzE4J23qU-1OZWvkRvHhk5lyuZyQSuQjUE4TkD_sHUILi5bNyqIyG-_0_FDotN-TCjGhWxAfW1DNKbsjG4FSGcZ8teCej3bfP0u_JTDezmaMATq2X7nGQXLuMD7NdxYnM6GpotZtwC/s1600/sonjas-bike-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaRqzE4J23qU-1OZWvkRvHhk5lyuZyQSuQjUE4TkD_sHUILi5bNyqIyG-_0_FDotN-TCjGhWxAfW1DNKbsjG4FSGcZ8teCej3bfP0u_JTDezmaMATq2X7nGQXLuMD7NdxYnM6GpotZtwC/s400/sonjas-bike-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyngDPjt3ejMDpkUqQtppwZe41aGrym7g4zuKXStqMuq3JF3wJr3nOPwJQGvfbeGxEFYImytfeyeh_csTaueyl9jw2nO2m7JubGKZiud99gcwApr6nasAaYpahVg5H9Nb341TxrdJZ_gX/s1600/sonjas-bike-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyngDPjt3ejMDpkUqQtppwZe41aGrym7g4zuKXStqMuq3JF3wJr3nOPwJQGvfbeGxEFYImytfeyeh_csTaueyl9jw2nO2m7JubGKZiud99gcwApr6nasAaYpahVg5H9Nb341TxrdJZ_gX/s400/sonjas-bike-2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-9836654048619113712011-05-10T15:46:00.000-07:002011-05-10T15:46:24.431-07:00Seed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtfTVuZ3c64xJv0M6t_0zX85dcKsBrqByqFx4k59NzMD7GwSrFsElpTqPz2ix5NicVMJBRpELY8AhG2lwzZ2PWPjalzWYE3zvfeuTxGe4pRD_dtLTDhEe3RWFa6h_wupY4XGQ_AWQwqfr/s1600/keeponpavement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtfTVuZ3c64xJv0M6t_0zX85dcKsBrqByqFx4k59NzMD7GwSrFsElpTqPz2ix5NicVMJBRpELY8AhG2lwzZ2PWPjalzWYE3zvfeuTxGe4pRD_dtLTDhEe3RWFa6h_wupY4XGQ_AWQwqfr/s320/keeponpavement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Seeds on the path.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seems like such a waste. Like sex with birth control. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then again, there are no weeds on the path.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljmK6ZeaV20d1QrALFqX5Y3ZU6yg0uazV1Sv4zus3J2BLz0bzfiSfw0HsFLVyH_5JBZ9abKq8k7LTYQqd5EGD_DwEkbEujk44dhxxnbDMA8PeEe1ZXDax3_bAK10u0pshzr4vJk1QmW5c/s1600/rivertrailfoxtails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljmK6ZeaV20d1QrALFqX5Y3ZU6yg0uazV1Sv4zus3J2BLz0bzfiSfw0HsFLVyH_5JBZ9abKq8k7LTYQqd5EGD_DwEkbEujk44dhxxnbDMA8PeEe1ZXDax3_bAK10u0pshzr4vJk1QmW5c/s320/rivertrailfoxtails.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Special thanks to anewscafe.com for the photos. I was running and didn't want to stop to take my own of the foxtail seeds strewn across the South Hills Trail.</i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-65074229862464630482011-04-06T14:25:00.000-07:002011-04-06T14:25:06.556-07:00How well do you know your dog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw6qiujPhKSll5EtedKydEM0FN9LjYgxDICMaoAsR9gEEq7PoNx1KKAV-0K1or8EfntgChFagaOab6WsegFbg0lYFq5tOre32XEc6g2gypFf7XcZ4N-C-uXmjNkMHEd_Tiy5D9dmeGyXQ/s1600/Pitbull-2-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw6qiujPhKSll5EtedKydEM0FN9LjYgxDICMaoAsR9gEEq7PoNx1KKAV-0K1or8EfntgChFagaOab6WsegFbg0lYFq5tOre32XEc6g2gypFf7XcZ4N-C-uXmjNkMHEd_Tiy5D9dmeGyXQ/s320/Pitbull-2-picture.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>How well do you know your dog? Or your wife, for that matter?<br />
<br />
Today I was hiking in Reservoir Canyon, and passed a dog on the trail. I wasn't running, just carefully picking my way up a wet part of the trail. I was wearing my usual running clothes, doing my usual thing. The dog was accompanied by a man and three women, nonchalantly walking back down the same bit of trail. As I approached the group, I said a few kind words to the dog, and passed on. After all, I am a little nervous around dogs. But though it was a pit bull, I don't believe that any particular breed is any more friendly or nasty than the next. I try to treat them all the same. The dog walked around me, rubbing against my legs in a way that was not aggressive, but not altogether friendly either. It didn't growl, look at me, move its ears or give any other sign that it was about to jump up and bite at me. It nipped me under the arm, catching a bit of my shirt before coming back down to earth.<br />
<br />
A few steps later, I thought to check out my shirt. This was a souvenir from a soccer tournament, and not really cheap, either. It's relatively form fitting, so didn't blouse or dangle where the dog bit it. Sure enough, there was a little tear in the shirt. I pulled out my headphones and addressed the group: "your dog tore my shirt." I really didn't have a plan, a request or anything else to say. Just thought they should know.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcTBvitYMiE0KEo59h6e55CKZuRnFiNs-svq5jWjAJd4NhLHaHy_xhq6OemjgIqXWMetFA2RMY3Vj7hS4nPlNtCGzzFta1EZMydif0EjfkqestdmLf5CvggMr-u9XmQ3_65R4Ocig1kEN/s1600/IMG_1147%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcTBvitYMiE0KEo59h6e55CKZuRnFiNs-svq5jWjAJd4NhLHaHy_xhq6OemjgIqXWMetFA2RMY3Vj7hS4nPlNtCGzzFta1EZMydif0EjfkqestdmLf5CvggMr-u9XmQ3_65R4Ocig1kEN/s320/IMG_1147%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Tis only a flesh wound...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The man turned and looked at me. "She's never done that before," he said. I'm not sure if he said sorry or not, I'll assume he did. I didn't even realize until much later how strange it was that he was wearing only pajama pants and flip flops. Let's assume that his statement is true, and that she hadn't ever bitten a passing stranger on the trail. He offered his phone number, if I wanted him to replace the shirt. Not really. Just thought he should know. "No," I said, "just something to consider." I mean, I didn't want anything in particular from this guy except that he should know that his dog might do something unpredictable.<br />
<br />
With the exception of rampant poison oak, Reservoir Canyon is a magnificent place to be a dog. Small animals to chase, a creek to play in, hills to bound over. I'd never want a dog to have to be on a leash in such a perfect place. Heck, the dogs aren't even the biggest predators out there. On the other hand, technically, that dog bit me. Just a little closer leap, stronger bite or perhaps one of us losing footing...and who knows? I continued up the trail, and asked myself: What did I want from that man or his dog? Is there any way to know what might happen? Is it fair to ask that dog to walk on a leash, even out in the country? How well does he really know his dog?<br />
<br />
How well do you know yours?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-17443602067863123162011-01-11T22:45:00.000-08:002014-05-29T22:45:51.117-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know, I keep thinking about how I speak about Teach when
people ask me about my son’s school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems as though we have been somehow gently pressured into making less of our
kids and our school in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if
we’re supposed not to say that our kids are smarter than other kids because
it’s not nice to the other people’s kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The parents of the students at Teach have always worked their asses off
so that their special children could have special opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because they deserve it and we want it for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if this sortof
apologetic, my-kid-isn’t-better-than-any-other-kid thing has leaked out onto
our collective enthusiasm with respect to school events and fundraising in
particular.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was having a conversation with a home-schooling neighbor
who asked me about Teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard the
things I said to her and wondered if I was being too p.c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says she has a smart kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants him to have “enrichment” in his
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why I shouldn’t I say, “You
kid is smart…he should go to Teach!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
a great place for kids who want enrichment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We offer so much more than any other local school!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She said, “Is it free?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought for a second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> in life is
free, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained about how much
the “enrichment” costs, around $800 per child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I explained that we contribute as families, but not everyone can, so we
generously work as Boosters to ensure that all the kids can have it, even if
their families are too poor or too lazy to contribute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Poor” and “lazy” are negative terms, but in
only 4 letters more concisely describe families who just can’t seem to swing an
extra $800 each year for each child or who don’t feel like they should have to
do anything since their school is publicly funded or they are just ignoring the
way the whole thing works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, yeah,
it’s free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if it’s the
school for her, but it’s the school for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where else can you get so much for only $800 a year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s probably not the best possible school,
but it’s sure good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained about
the huge class sizes, and also that it didn’t bother me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t seem to make my son’s educational
experience any worse than it would be at any other school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Homeschooling wouldn’t be better, Catholic
school wouldn’t be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any of our
local public schools wouldn’t be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least I don’t think so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I feel like I am expected to explain why my kid isn’t
any smarter than other kids?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do people keep their smarter kids in schools without
opportunities for them to excel, just because it may make them seem “snobby?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if we collectively stopped being so apologetic about
our class sizes and our smart children and our better opportunities?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know where I’m going here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-10093173991366345502011-01-07T19:36:00.000-08:002011-10-24T10:12:18.418-07:00Winemaker<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KJf8SnNoexGuWUd6r1xdGqDmYREbXh3uRd-DlMXNClwzCu7KQ2Pvc3pEV9cn0j5VnzgSU8_3x7Sejwu5_dXPHavlkeVyzpXgaYmfAgM28Uuy2kJw6hr6MkKXiL7GExshOzSxSvya-IJg/s1600/wine+blending+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KJf8SnNoexGuWUd6r1xdGqDmYREbXh3uRd-DlMXNClwzCu7KQ2Pvc3pEV9cn0j5VnzgSU8_3x7Sejwu5_dXPHavlkeVyzpXgaYmfAgM28Uuy2kJw6hr6MkKXiL7GExshOzSxSvya-IJg/s400/wine+blending+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.culinaryfool.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If I had stayed, perhaps I'd be in the prime of my career now.<br />
<br />
Driving down the road today, I heard an ad for a winery on the radio. It mentioned the winemaker by name - a friend and classmate from college. The last time I saw her in person, she was wearing dusty boots and I was wearing a lab coat. We discussed the harvest, the color of the fruit, the brix. I just don't seem to care about these things anymore.<br />
<br />
Was it love...or merely a long-lasting infatuation?<br />
<br />
Wine was the imp that gave us the courage to explore candlelight opportunities. To create poetry, art, dance, romance. It made us beautiful, witty, sensitive to color and light and music. It was complex and layered and full of life. I was fascinated and wanted to spend my life learning how to craft it.<br />
<br />
My relationship with alcohol has changed as I've gone through my life, and I no longer see it as a purely good force for human happiness - it's faults acceptable and endurable. Like any imp, it does not decide when you've had enough mischief, yet continues to play its tricks with complete disregard. Have I grown tired of its twisted humor, like an overindulged darling? Or is there simply no room in my current life for its gifts? Candlelight opportunities must remain unexplored, mysteries unrevealed. Night and darkness don't have the warmth they did. Afternoons don't have the lolling daydream quality of those yesterdays. I don't always notice the subtle layers of flavor, color, scent.<br />
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Is it truly that I don't care? Am I just in a hurry, forgetting to feel the bright sparkle or dark velvet through my nose and across my tongue? Do I no longer want the challenge of blending the caprice of nature, the regimen of science and the craft of man?<br />
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Or have I simply forgotten the magic in the dust and quiet shade of rusting leaves?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-87879631699973864692011-01-06T19:50:00.000-08:002011-01-07T19:56:44.426-08:00Desiderata<div><em>Desiderata (by Max Ehrmann ca. 1920)</em></div><br />
<div><em>Go placidly amid the noise and haste,</em></div><div><em>and remember what peace there may be in silence.</em></div><div><em>As far as possible without surrender</em></div><div><em>be on good terms with all persons.</em></div><div><em>Speak your truth quietly and clearly</em></div><div><em>and listen to others,</em></div><div><em>even the dull and the ignorant;</em></div><div><em>they too have their story.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br />
<div><em>Avoid loud and aggressive persons,</em></div><div><em>they are vexations to the spirit.</em></div><div><em>If you compare yourself with others,</em></div><div><em>you may become vain and bitter;</em></div><div><em>for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.</em></div><br />
<div><em>Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans</em></div><div><em>Keep interested in your own career, however humble;</em></div><div><em>it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.</em></div><div><em>Exercise caution in your business affairs;</em></div><div><em>for the world is full of trickery.</em></div><div><em>But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;</em></div><div><em>many persons strive for high ideals;</em></div><div><em>and everywhere life is full of heroism.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br />
<div><em>Be yourself.</em></div><div><em>Especially, do not feign affection.</em></div><div><em>Neither be cynical about love;</em></div><div><em>for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment </em></div><div><em>it is as perennial as the grass.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br />
<div><em>Take kindly the counsel of the years,</em></div><div><em>gracefully surrendering the things of youth.</em></div><div><em>Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.</em></div><div><em>But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.</em></div><div><em>Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.</em></div><div><em>Beyond a wholesome discipline, </em></div><div><em>be gentle with yourself.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br />
<div><em>You are a child of the universe,</em></div><div><em>no less than the trees and the stars;</em></div><div><em>you have a right to be here.</em></div><div><em>And whether or not it is clear to you,</em></div><div><em>no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br />
<div><em>Therefore be at peace with God,</em></div><div><em>whatever you conceive Him to be,</em></div><div><em>and whatever your labors and aspirations,</em></div><div><em>in the noisy confusion of life </em></div><div><em>keep peace with your soul.</em></div><br />
<div><em>With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,</em></div><div><em>it is still a beautiful world.</em></div><div><em>Be cheerful.</em></div><div><em>Strive to be happy.</em></div><div><em> </em></div><div><em>**Reposted from <a href="http://www.circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/">Circling My Head</a>** </em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-59756547378570835812010-12-27T12:22:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:22:17.443-08:00Honeymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yy4DFDSzPRr9CIdDaSkLJfTBeV1aUY24CQwpeNbYxJLOrCPD-i70tSxYFcVKATEneVxMNau4cm1cR2N3hf1V-PthOdhAAevUmOlQWxzYnJFWdj5zObqtecL1eP0KNq-jido4VN_-OCcG/s1600/best+mom+sonja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yy4DFDSzPRr9CIdDaSkLJfTBeV1aUY24CQwpeNbYxJLOrCPD-i70tSxYFcVKATEneVxMNau4cm1cR2N3hf1V-PthOdhAAevUmOlQWxzYnJFWdj5zObqtecL1eP0KNq-jido4VN_-OCcG/s320/best+mom+sonja.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>There is this honeymoon of motherhood, when the child is around 4 to 7 years old, when they are sweet and everything is perfect. They love you. They even like you. They are soft and sweet and want to hug you all the time. They are kind, positive, encouraging, friendly, helpful. Alas, my last little baby will be seven in only three days. I can feel her warmth slipping away.<br />
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I am sure she will still love me, and of course I will always think of her as that same soft, precious thing. But like new baby smell, when it is gone, it is gone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eohW6-SyshbaljNEkqIHHppeo3zV2kXHu-Dz3TGkrH_fgXXm2tk8xUMbUbCCiXpcjpN9JXvMOHiHcdcC1rNEhGaqM4u8xA1HBrBmTYRiYhhPTbKjBcqk6l8FaoaCu-XZAH1zW3KsLuxy/s1600/iloveyoumommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eohW6-SyshbaljNEkqIHHppeo3zV2kXHu-Dz3TGkrH_fgXXm2tk8xUMbUbCCiXpcjpN9JXvMOHiHcdcC1rNEhGaqM4u8xA1HBrBmTYRiYhhPTbKjBcqk6l8FaoaCu-XZAH1zW3KsLuxy/s320/iloveyoumommy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-24816433468862341592010-10-22T11:34:00.000-07:002010-10-22T11:36:32.194-07:00A Lesson in DependenceYesterday I broke my iPhone. You heard me: smashed it to bits. No, silly, of course not on purpose.<br />
<br />
Today I receive my lessons in dependence. I am humbly reminded that a) we can all get stranded at any moment and b) losing your phone does not make you actually stranded or helpless.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs169.snc3/19656_286795354575_249641974575_3601517_8380755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs169.snc3/19656_286795354575_249641974575_3601517_8380755_n.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Alarm: I started the day to a sweet little beeping alarm. Not my brand new, birthday gift, Sony Dream Machine, waking me up to rockin' tunes from my iPhone. And my daughter's Sony Dream Machine ca. 1988 which has woken me up for the intervening 2 decades, faithfully, with the most horrible rrrnt-rrrnt-rrrnt every morning. I can hear it all the way downstairs.<br />
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Time: Good thing Lyn just got both of my watches fixed. For 18 hours now, I've been wondering what time it is. I just went to dig one out.<br />
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Grocery List: I wonder what we need from the store? Chicken...something...something. I still have paper. Better write this stuff down. Who knows what I'm forgetting?<br />
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Time Management: I won't be calling and emailing Booster volunteers while waiting for my kids to get out of school. I guess I'll have to take care of that at home. Wanna find me? Guess you'll just have to leave me a voicemail. I'll have to make time to listen to those...<br />
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Notes: going to put that notebook back in my purse. I usually carry it, but recently thought I didn't need it anymore.<br />
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Camera: I can't even take a photo of the damage to share with my friends on facebook. *sigh* Funny thing is, that's the <i>first</i> impulse I had. To <i>take a picture</i> of it, <i>call</i> my husband and ask him what to do while I was standing in the Apple store.<br />
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Phone: I said I needed a phone to call my husband, and the salesman didn't even know what I was talking about. I laughed, and repeated, this time more specifically, "Can I borrow your phone?" Good thing I actually know his number, from the early days. And I know my mom's. If you are not one of those people, I am not calling you. I don't know your number.<br />
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Calendar: I <i>think</i> my daughter has some sort of recital today. And we have something tonight, but I don't know when, exactly. And I <i>thought</i> there was something else. My fragmented, multi-tasked-to-death mind can't remember like it used to. Good thing I have a...<br />
<br />
Maps: I have to get directions to iCracked. So I can get my phone fixed. Anyone know where Murray St. is? <br />
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<br />
I'll have to remember to wear clothes with better pockets (so my phone doesn't fly out) and learn some important phone numbers. Like my son's. And my best friends'. And the school's.<br />
<br />
Worst of all, Apple says it will be $200-$500 to fix or replace it, depending. Yikes!! Let's hope iCracked is all it's cracked up to be!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-34717157226813214172010-05-31T17:27:00.000-07:002010-05-31T17:27:29.253-07:00The Garden Project, Part 4Well some things are growing, anyway. Alas, the lettuce didn't come up, even after a second sowing, but the rest is looking nice. I spent a hard day weeding the other day (the weeds are <i>relentless</i>!!), but it was worth it, because now my garden looks decent enough for a photo. It's really scruffy looking without the shade trees, but what can we do?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4obm1Bck9xHfQbiNP26DRqTlIRsGElFZxUXOGmmuX7KHU-077XbaVRAFv2lQ5iUVCFSv2398pJszn0A3bCskq6lEvwvXB4LSvhW8v7yGRLLEm4nekWaKX1ajk3j3dMrq8Y4sdGufY9Ij-/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4obm1Bck9xHfQbiNP26DRqTlIRsGElFZxUXOGmmuX7KHU-077XbaVRAFv2lQ5iUVCFSv2398pJszn0A3bCskq6lEvwvXB4LSvhW8v7yGRLLEm4nekWaKX1ajk3j3dMrq8Y4sdGufY9Ij-/s640/IMG_0442.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The volunteer sunflowers are craazy, but I decided to just let them stay. :) There are several at the row ends. Good placement! The tomatoes are growing, and I had to pull a bunch out of the furrows with the weeds. (Compost tomatoes, perhaps?) I borrowed some seeds from a friend and planted purple beans, radishes, lettuce (again), chard and onions. I got another parsley plant to replace my poor transplant that didn't make it and some strawberries too. The lettuce in the box didn't germinate, neither sowing, so I gave up and planted strawberries. We'll see if it grows in the row.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCHZ9zCNRNUHAdVumh1Axp36gA3zf7QxVwf3jVno-2tqAA0L_xjIuojlmuhVCNWg6Y73KQx677A7C4QvIOzGEQ9GTooRKZNaDBzqy20_xvHcF6PcGczabqIMsH2P092ldk2eHmEuwF6_C/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCHZ9zCNRNUHAdVumh1Axp36gA3zf7QxVwf3jVno-2tqAA0L_xjIuojlmuhVCNWg6Y73KQx677A7C4QvIOzGEQ9GTooRKZNaDBzqy20_xvHcF6PcGczabqIMsH2P092ldk2eHmEuwF6_C/s640/IMG_0443.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The landlords next door did a number on our shade bushes. They completely hacked an entire row of 20 foot bushes that shaded our studio, workshop and their own tenants houses, leaving us all in the heat of full afternoon sun and without privacy. BOO!! Additionally, the bushes (trees?) were holding up a falling down fence that we had propped up with a 2x4. Now it's leaning the other way precariously, and looks like it could fall down any minute. Slugs are eating the basil, potato and pepper plants, so I confess I BugGetta'd them. The pumpkins are doing great (as pumpkins will do), and the cucumbers are growing up too. I was weeding in the watermelon area to plant beans, since the watermelons didn't germinate, when I found a bunch of tiny 2-leaf sprouts. I realized too late that they might be watermelons, and the two or three left might not make it. But I halted the bean operation anyway, and we'll see. They were under the drip hose, and completely invisible!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbOPxWsUzEgbev5brTqvO7Mn5jp3q11nLW_A8XeBoXqhRefqur8GnTPdg-D3_MpL6Hbv4pEFLBIYLYSWdkMv2hF-IMJzOI6K9tao5GhZ_1Vz8qsEvBH4h6o5hg0OA5-zZeovLCBQYjd3Y/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbOPxWsUzEgbev5brTqvO7Mn5jp3q11nLW_A8XeBoXqhRefqur8GnTPdg-D3_MpL6Hbv4pEFLBIYLYSWdkMv2hF-IMJzOI6K9tao5GhZ_1Vz8qsEvBH4h6o5hg0OA5-zZeovLCBQYjd3Y/s640/IMG_0444.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The grass is growing in nicely, but so area lots of stickery weeds. They will have to GO! Also, the day I made the lettuce boxes, I finally cut the pot off that poor tree and planted it. It was easy! After my mom and I cleaned up the dead leaves & spider webs, it looks pretty good too! I added a mini date palm next to it. I don't know if that's a good place for it or not, but it's the best location I had, and I just love those! The large artichoke isn't doing very well, but it's sprouting a smaller one from the base, so they'll all be the same size next spring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g2LYrj9-krJJ3u_q5YIP6jcvDdUbEMZU0QR5u9_LAfhZYXVTYatImX85VTtZBB424O3IbfN4HHV4M0VIm-wpNFw1582zcoODvG6qPZ0YmWo8bzZJ28TUxuiwtmb37CnPCFfeN867MP4t/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g2LYrj9-krJJ3u_q5YIP6jcvDdUbEMZU0QR5u9_LAfhZYXVTYatImX85VTtZBB424O3IbfN4HHV4M0VIm-wpNFw1582zcoODvG6qPZ0YmWo8bzZJ28TUxuiwtmb37CnPCFfeN867MP4t/s640/IMG_0445.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljDWdGY5ow1OFox6s1MvV7DjMFi7Irhx1_1L9OZMv2KpADE-uHffc-ZUGJQyBaMuRGlWeioPI-JoSs_CJ03olo4R6jSkk7nlpL-jKK_itjNcl51fNnEATqJKYTEvkVJU3ocPnzf7hyphenhyphenAzK/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljDWdGY5ow1OFox6s1MvV7DjMFi7Irhx1_1L9OZMv2KpADE-uHffc-ZUGJQyBaMuRGlWeioPI-JoSs_CJ03olo4R6jSkk7nlpL-jKK_itjNcl51fNnEATqJKYTEvkVJU3ocPnzf7hyphenhyphenAzK/s640/IMG_0446.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-67686603555624225692010-05-31T17:12:00.000-07:002010-06-04T13:06:41.191-07:00Grateful Beads<img alt="" height="100" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.6500699.jpg" width="760" /><br />
There's one shop I forgot to mention in my Eco Fashion bit. Grateful Beads! These ladies make the sweetest, girliest little things for girls and ladies, and at very reasonable prices. These are perfect for a little girl's birthday gift or something for yourself. They do not currently have all the pretty little rose and flower necklaces and earrings up, but I'm hopeful that they will. For $5, you can buy the prettiest little beaded necklace for a girl, with handmade glass charms and lampwork beads. They also sell flower wands and hairclips too! Check 'em out: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gratefulbeads">http://www.etsy.com/shop/gratefulbeads</a>. If you'd like the children's items, you may need to email and request them or wait for them to go up.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-30810126431651267512010-05-27T18:40:00.000-07:002010-05-27T18:40:31.207-07:00It's a good thing I was wearing makeup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9a6zqcDJXLm36JFmFbkZzVo6_z6GqGCFpPdhdXoNFYX6lCuVX1io0BqgZV1hGYyzCdeU9F25oWj6VGrDiz8ynDdbpXHKZpUXZo0jO1Y3hciMlO-oCpDV_RnLcApu8BdVRrCZe8DP2Nw0/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9a6zqcDJXLm36JFmFbkZzVo6_z6GqGCFpPdhdXoNFYX6lCuVX1io0BqgZV1hGYyzCdeU9F25oWj6VGrDiz8ynDdbpXHKZpUXZo0jO1Y3hciMlO-oCpDV_RnLcApu8BdVRrCZe8DP2Nw0/" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's a good thing I chose to wear makeup last night. At the last minute, I thought, hey, there's going to be lots of people there, let's fix up the hair and put on a little lipstick.</div><br />
Good thing. Because I found myself at the front of the room with a microphone, saying the words I never dreamed I'd ever say: "I'm Sunshine Cowgill, and I'm your Booster Club President for next year. T-shirts are on sale in the back of the room." That was what was on my cue cards. I swear. I just repeated what I was supposed to say. I was a little shocked, but what could I do? All those people were in there, potentially looking at me as I mouthed the words..." ". Yeah, that's right, I was speechless.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">How did this happen, you might ask? Good question. One day, I received two separate phone calls from current Booster members saying that they thought I'd be a great president next year and asking if I'd consider running. I was floored. I mean, I couldn't even get elected to student body secretary in 6th grade, let alone anything where I had to actually <em>do</em> something. Truth is, I was really flattered. I didn't imagine anyone would ever think of me for something like that. But the honor is a little dubious, since no one else wants the job. Not a lot of competition to beat out. Still, I do feel honored. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But I also feel unqualified. So I said thank you, but no. Not just speaking modestly and saying I'm unqualified, but actually <em>unqualified</em>. I don't know anyone here, have no ties to the community, and most importantly: I don't know how PTO's and PTA's work. I don't know how school districts work. And I'm already doing all I can do in a day and more. I say inappropriate things. I swear. Hell, I need adult supervision.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So how did I step on their trap? How did I not see the smirks on their faces? I <em>swear</em> there were smirks. I knew something was up, but I didn't think I'd fall for it. Guileless, I just repeated the words. It's true, I was tricked. But I could have simply not said it. I could simply have said, "I'm so sorry, I can't do it." But the truth is that <em>no one else would step up and do it</em>. Okay, maybe someone would. But who? When? I was worried that my son's school wouldn't have a Booster Club President, for Goodness sake.<br />
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</div>People, there are doers and do-noters. There are commitmentphobes. There are full-time employed single parents. But I have discovered that the amount of stuff a person has on his plate doesn't seem to have anything to do with whether or not they step up and volunteer for something. People are just simply leaderless, or maybe they are fearful of getting in over their heads, or they are selfish.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">People, step up to the plate and help the world out. There are jobs large and small that need doing, and no one is going to do them but you. Don't be afraid to ask for a specific assignment, to ask how large of a commitment it is, to admit that you don't know what you're doing, but you'll try. I suggested just this week that a woman I know start her own Girl Scout troop. She said she didn't know how. Well, shit, sister, neither did I. But I survived half a year with 12 (now 9) tiny little Daisy Scouts. (Okay, it nearly killed me, but still, I made it.) Afraid that others will complain about your performance? Who cares? Do you see them volunteering? All you have to do is simply say you are going to do something <em>and then do it</em>. That's it. No flaking out, obviously, you have to follow through. Take the leap. Say you'll do something. And then do it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Your child's </em>school, baseball team, youth group, Scout troop, choir, friends need you. I am not just doing this because my son's school didn't have a president. I am doing this because <em>your son's school</em> didn't have a president. I was already volunteering, I was already doing. Now I am doing more. And you can too! Don't be afraid, you can do it! Every meeting, every gathering, every whatever, it's the same handful of people doing all the work. Just because we are doing it doesn't mean you are off the hook. Just because we are surviving doesn't mean that we don't need your skills, no matter how great or meager.</div><br />
Sure, the meetings aren't that fun. We don't have cocktails and play games. It's business. But it's business that needs doin'. And plus, there are some really witty, fun people that I've met and become friends with. I owe all my current local friendships to my involvement in some way or other with my children's education and activities. I have fun at meetings. (Prolly cuz I can't keep my mouth shut, but hey.) I crack jokes. They may or may not be funny, but I'm having fun, anyhow. Who cares? I show up. This is all part of my life, part of what I do all day, and I actually think I'd miss it if I quit it all. (Though I'd get a lot more sleep!) Those moments driving across town, when you're talking to your kids in the rear-view mirror? That's your life. You are spending time with the people you love. You are talking to them and teaching them and learning from them. Those conversations with other parents after pick-ups and drop-offs, on the sidewalk, in the driveway? That's your social life. And I don't mean that in a bad way. I mean, not every moment is a red carpet moment. Not every evening is a sunset on the beach evening. There is a great deal of joy to be had in the little transitions when you see your friends and spend time with your children. These are smell-the-roses opportunities. There are actual roses by the sidewalk, know what I mean? <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't know if I can do this job. But one thing's for sure: they must be desperate, because they asked me. So I'm doing it. Maybe I won't have time and some things will slip through the cracks and someone somewhere will be angry with me. Hopefully it's not someone who either pays me or whom I care about. On the other hand, maybe I'll be a great president. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">People, it's time for <em>you</em> to show up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7okmfCiD-UOEo23dptOwHe8STbxSOlSayQwdjBPcQR5Rb5rnfNCIXM7jepQYC_BzxncAeq04u5D5nRraMRFCICHLHH-qWqjydauTf9GAHVHWdoydFGvpJSiFQJlG5rrAUD2mufxa0J54/s1600/uncle-sam-i-want-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7okmfCiD-UOEo23dptOwHe8STbxSOlSayQwdjBPcQR5Rb5rnfNCIXM7jepQYC_BzxncAeq04u5D5nRraMRFCICHLHH-qWqjydauTf9GAHVHWdoydFGvpJSiFQJlG5rrAUD2mufxa0J54/s320/uncle-sam-i-want-you.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439148789016014628.post-52216607498073973792010-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:25:08.922-07:00Eco-Fashion Favorites - or just Fashion FavoritesEvery year I save up to do my shopping at the Whole Earth Festival in Davis, California. Here I can find beautiful, eco-friendly fashions that are not only practical, unique and stylish, but they fit and make me feel pretty! Now that the hippies are on the technobandwagon, I am happy to announce that all my favorites are available online. This is American ingenuity and labor, and much of the materials are American-grown and milled. :-) Isn't that nice for a change??<br />
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Might I recommend:<br />
<div align="center"><b>http://www.xylemclothing.com</b><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.xylemclothing.com/" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Xylem Clothing" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4fINGs7_GuwhJNR5XCQ6Uxfq8XCCcqV-ICQCf8fqWm2ZJx9wa5e88nC5vWqiMcRsQeYbjPyonIqBVYsrv1GqmPgA7CUSsuxhuM5nBUT7fIb16j1vXm4YGJgTU3Gm-adxkxytZrc_lEy-/s640/xylem-logo-big.jpg" width="523" /> </a></div>Xylem features pixieish designs in gorgeous foresty colors. Most items seem to be non-GMO soy and organic cotton, but there are some hemp silk options too and maybe others. This brand looks amazing on slender women, but it looks great on me too! Sexy, sophisticated and totally unique. These guys have a smooth operation, but don't let that fool you, they are still handmade in the USA. Xylem is also available on Etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/xylemclothing">http://www.etsy.com/shop/xylemclothing</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><b> http://www.intertwineddesigns.com </b></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.intertwineddesigns.com/" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Waxing Moon Batiks" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwFU2h4Xs1qaNDOXKUvjPcC05imzAzvruT7XQ-VyIUwDwRdxrE5dTTcrxeFHtcyyLAxBnnRwHCrYSPDKAyc83EbNAMKk08_HqgVILhEEQStmucFT-WRMw7_NXkbVlenTqBQ80phRXJ0EZ/s640/intertwined+designs+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div>This fun & funky brand is so cute for everyday, with simple styles that are differently-cut for a great fit. My favorites are the hemp skirts and gauchos/capris with pockets in the front. Don't be afraid of crazy colors - I've found that they look totally awesome with all my little tees, tanks and tops. Also available are superslinky soy tops and dresses, hemp silk things and cute accessories. Plus stuff for your hunky man. Handmade in Washington state. Betsy Cassell ( in the blue scarf) is the designer, and she's just a doll and one of the nicest people I've met! Intertwined Designs is also available on Etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/intertwineddesigns.">http://www.etsy.com/shop/intertwineddesigns.</a><br />
<div align="center"><b>http://www.waxingmoonbatiks.com</b><br />
<br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.waxingmoonbatiks.com/" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Intertwined Designs" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG69soWeMo3BU0nyk7hiQrI8_PAaeN6nhk7qV0MwtS-VQ_jYdFZEeSX5R1gowe7MOq99tGmtq5CixwhZ2FaOHO2WvwXWS8fu8jFyovG5qAznNn6baF5W0MMz7DiUsvhvFns3HOHKz5fSHI/s640/waxing-moon-batiks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This brand has been around a little longer than the others. In high school, I used to pine for the beautiful, jewel-hued velvet hippie clothes that the original designer, Moni Sumner, used to make and I could never afford on my fast-food wages. Now her daughter (Jessie Reynolds, pictured above) has taken over, and just look what she's done! Amazing creations, all handmade in organic cotton. These are sewn and batiked in Sonoma, California by the artist herself (well, there's a few American Apparel blanks, but they are at least made in the USA). She's got tons of amazing, stylish designs that are very wearable. Don't worry, they even go in the washer & dryer just fine. :-) Waxing Moon Batiks makes gorgeous things for women and children. Pick up a batik velour tank dress for your little girl - every one comes with a tiny, matching purse, and she is <i>guaranteed</i> to love this dress that doubles as a jumper when the weather is cool! Waxing Moon Batiks is also available on Etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/waxingmoonbatiks">http://www.etsy.com/shop/waxingmoonbatiks</a>.<br />
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Don't know about Etsy? You should really check it out! <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a> is the largest online marketplace of handmade goods and supplies to handmake your own goods. This isn't Ebay. These are serious artists that present beautiful thing beautifully. :-) Support art and craft by buying it and surrounding yourself with it; your life will be richer.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read this blog at www.The-Modern-Housewife.blogspot.com.</div>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076180045570116528noreply@blogger.com0