Right Now...

Going On Right Now

1. Treva's eyes are green.  They are also changeable enough that Lee and I argue about whether or not they are green (me: green, Lee: blue).  In any case, she is beautiful, and mischievous.  We all adore her, even her older brother who was nearly the cause of a blackeye on account of having pushed her off her bench at the kitchen counter during an argument yesterday.  It's a zoo.

2. Horus, despite his little-sister-attacks is heartbreakingly sweet, and unbelievably bright and articulate--and only occasionally, excruciating.  And we all adore him, especially his little sister.  We now have a membership at the new Y in Fredericton.  Both Horus and Treva have been taking swimming lessons, and Horus is doing gymnastics and dance as well.  For some reason, my otherwise exuberant son is dramatically subdued during his dance class, and has so far just been comfortable watching the proceedings, rather than participating.  On the other hand, he's right in there at gym and swim, and I love the way he proudly wears his royal blue rubber bathing cap even though he is the only one out there whose mother's conflict over the importance of learning to swim and the dangers of chlorine is manifest thus.  Also, during his last swimming lesson, Lee accompanied him to the change room, and when Horus jumped in, the fact that his two legs had been pushed into one swimsuit short meant that upon entering the water, he was, er, exposed entirely, and the teacher had to remove him, and bring him over to the parental observation spot where I quickly, and as discreetly as possible, readjusted his bathing suit, while giving Lee the "how is it possible for you to mess this up" look.  Later, Lee and I were at the window with the other parents as Horus did his dance class.  We watched him stand and watch the other kids.  I turned to Lee and said "Is Horus The Weird Kid?"  Like father, like son, said Lee.  Well there you go.  He comes by it honestly.  And maybe it's not entirely my fault.  (For the record, Lee is a fantastic dancer--Horus is, too, and I'm sure he'll become comfortable with dance class soon enough).  

3.  Lee and I have been playing squash twice a week.  I am at that stage of pregnancy where I look not quite pregnant, but just thick and disproportioned.  This is fine.  

4. I started my new job at the library.  I spent four straight hours shelving books on Thursday, and truly enjoyed every minute of it.  Quiet contemplation surrounded by literature.  And Christian Fiction.  Oh well.  Reading is important.  Even if it is moralistic romance in which the protagonist is tempted, but inevitably chooses the path of the lord.  

5. I have a new piano student.  He is seven years old and has mild autism.  He is utterly charming and totally sweet, and we have *really* connected.  As he was leaving on Wednesday night, he stood in the doorway of the studio reception and said, "Yolande, I heart you!!!", with bell-clear exuberance.  I find teaching piano continually rewarding and, to be honest, magical.  It is interesting to me, however, that the process of practising (which *is* hard work)  begins as a rather foreigh concept to most of my students, a large percentage of whom spend a large percentage of their time in front of the tv or video games.  I truly do not understand the lure of video games for parents.  From what I've seen, the peace and quiet that parents receive when their kids are being babysat by the screen is more than made up for by the whining and whingeing and negotiating and discussion that goes on around when the kids can please please pretty please play next.  It seems to me to be a much better bet just to teach the kid to read and put a pile of books in front of her.  What the hell is the point of homeschooling, if they're spending all their time virtually?  Again, I find myself straining to relate to other parents' version of moderation.  There will be no television watching in my home.  Period.  There will *never* be any video games in my home.  Period.  If my children want to play video games, they can darn well grow up, move out at age 23 (or so) and then waste their every waking minute, if they so desire.  Until then, I will be insisting that they learn to learn, learn to work, learn to practice, and learn to read for fun.  So there.  My abhorrence of video games is due to many factors, including the fog that overtakes one when absorbed in such a non-task, and  the general nothingness of the non-activity.  There is no knowledge gained, no actual action taken, no narrative (to speak of) explored, nothing *done*.  Unlike reading literature, which is soul food, medicinal, instructional, empowering, and empathy-building.  I could go on, but thankfully, I won't.  

6. I have ordered seeds, (hope seeds!) and I'm dreaming of gardening with Horus and Treva.  Our very own vegetable garden.  Thrills.  Floating row covers?  Or cold frames?  Decisions.  

7. I haven't written anything pottery-related for a long time...but things are percolating, and Lee and I have some big exciting plans...you will find out soon enough!

8.  Happy Birthday, Mum!  I am just about to call you.  xoxoxoxoxoo yo