Gratitude Wednesday!
1- Grateful for the opportunity to attend a wonderful women's crafting night on Sunday. It was pure loveliness to be creating among women folk. :)
2- Grateful for the beautiful warm weather that has come our way this week. I've been getting out in it as much as possible, and sitting on our front deck has become one of my favorite things to do every afternoon!
3- Grateful for the wonderful greens coming from our garden and yard!
4- Grateful for authentic connections with my husband, my daughter, my friends and my on line peeps!
5- Grateful for knowing, honoring, trusting and love my Self. <3
xoxoxo
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Words / communication authenticity.....
I have been known to say that Kathrynn is not the "best" of communicators..... What that means for me, is that she does not communicate the way *I* always want her to: with "clarity" and words. :)
When Kathrynn is particularly emotional, or feeling something strongly, her ability and/or willingness to communicate using words, can sometimes be almost non-existent. This is not to say that she is not communicating, because she clearly is. Sometimes she is communicating via her hands or feet. Sometimes she is communicating using her tears. Sometimes she yells. And sometimes she goes into her room, and wants no one to be near her.
The other day she had a very intense response to some information, that was so disappointing for her. She was so filled with anger! She was not interested in talking about it, or being comforted by me. She went into her room and slammed the door, sobbing. I wanted to connect with her, so i opened her door, to let her know I loved her, and to get me if she needed anything. This was met with "GET OUT OF MY ROOM" at top volume. Although at one time I would have become offended by this, or taken it personally, I knew it had nothing to do with me. A few minutes later she came out of her room looking for a picture of our family. Then back into her room she went. I heard her playing her favorite lullaby, and saw her through a crack in the door holding onto the picture of our family, as well as an herbal pillow.
Eventually she came out of her room, and she was done being angry and sad, and ready to play. Later I asked her if she wanted to talk about what had happened. She told me that she was so disappointed in X , and that she tried to make herself feel better by listening to the music and holding the picture and pillow. She told me that she wasn't sure if those things made her feel better or not, just that after awhile she did feel better.
I share the experience because her way of processing her emotions might make many people uncomfortable. Her "non traditional" methods might not even be acceptable in some households. In our household, we are learning to respect each person's journey, and how each person processes emotions differently. I absolutely love Kathrynn's process. Sure it might have made me feel uncomfortable at various times- but those are my issues to deal with. Kathrynn is not responsible for my issues.
Something else that occurred to me this morning:
Words/communication can be a tool that can lead to clarity, to authentic relationship, to connection. And words/ communication are also good for Control. I can use words to control on a variety of levels. I can try to demand the use of words, in a way to control too.
This is a very interesting concept for me to realize. Kathrynn has a friend who is quite verbal, and at times this friend gets so upset when Kathrynn is not willing to "use her words." In some ways, yes, this girl is wanting to connect via words. And in other ways, yes, this girl is trying to gather a sense control with words. I think this is a normal thing in our society- to gain a sense of control about ourselves, or our world, using words.
Ultimately, what a wonderful mirror for me!
I think at some level I have realized my part in using words as a form of communication sometimes, and control other times, which is why I no longer expect Kathrynn to communicate in a certain way, and why I have changed the way I communicate with her. And I also see that there are times when I continue to use words, and perhaps want her to "use her words", as a way to gather a sense of control about what is going on. Ultimately, that is about *my* needs, not hers.
Food for thought..... what is this communication stuff all about? Connection and control for *my* sake? Lots of yummy stuff there..... :)
Thanks to my peeps over at the miracles list whose posts led to this blog post! <3
When Kathrynn is particularly emotional, or feeling something strongly, her ability and/or willingness to communicate using words, can sometimes be almost non-existent. This is not to say that she is not communicating, because she clearly is. Sometimes she is communicating via her hands or feet. Sometimes she is communicating using her tears. Sometimes she yells. And sometimes she goes into her room, and wants no one to be near her.
The other day she had a very intense response to some information, that was so disappointing for her. She was so filled with anger! She was not interested in talking about it, or being comforted by me. She went into her room and slammed the door, sobbing. I wanted to connect with her, so i opened her door, to let her know I loved her, and to get me if she needed anything. This was met with "GET OUT OF MY ROOM" at top volume. Although at one time I would have become offended by this, or taken it personally, I knew it had nothing to do with me. A few minutes later she came out of her room looking for a picture of our family. Then back into her room she went. I heard her playing her favorite lullaby, and saw her through a crack in the door holding onto the picture of our family, as well as an herbal pillow.
Eventually she came out of her room, and she was done being angry and sad, and ready to play. Later I asked her if she wanted to talk about what had happened. She told me that she was so disappointed in X , and that she tried to make herself feel better by listening to the music and holding the picture and pillow. She told me that she wasn't sure if those things made her feel better or not, just that after awhile she did feel better.
I share the experience because her way of processing her emotions might make many people uncomfortable. Her "non traditional" methods might not even be acceptable in some households. In our household, we are learning to respect each person's journey, and how each person processes emotions differently. I absolutely love Kathrynn's process. Sure it might have made me feel uncomfortable at various times- but those are my issues to deal with. Kathrynn is not responsible for my issues.
Something else that occurred to me this morning:
Words/communication can be a tool that can lead to clarity, to authentic relationship, to connection. And words/ communication are also good for Control. I can use words to control on a variety of levels. I can try to demand the use of words, in a way to control too.
This is a very interesting concept for me to realize. Kathrynn has a friend who is quite verbal, and at times this friend gets so upset when Kathrynn is not willing to "use her words." In some ways, yes, this girl is wanting to connect via words. And in other ways, yes, this girl is trying to gather a sense control with words. I think this is a normal thing in our society- to gain a sense of control about ourselves, or our world, using words.
Ultimately, what a wonderful mirror for me!
I think at some level I have realized my part in using words as a form of communication sometimes, and control other times, which is why I no longer expect Kathrynn to communicate in a certain way, and why I have changed the way I communicate with her. And I also see that there are times when I continue to use words, and perhaps want her to "use her words", as a way to gather a sense of control about what is going on. Ultimately, that is about *my* needs, not hers.
Food for thought..... what is this communication stuff all about? Connection and control for *my* sake? Lots of yummy stuff there..... :)
Thanks to my peeps over at the miracles list whose posts led to this blog post! <3
Comic joy!
Kathrynn came home last week from a friends house with comics in hand- comics she had made! This was new for us, and became something she and i started to do together. :)
When a friend came over last weekend, they decided to make some comics, and then sell them the next day at a comic stand! This is exactly what they did. :)
I have to admit that I was thinking to myself, ohhhh I really don't think they're going to sell any comics..... And I started to feel a bit anxious about how Kathrynn would feel if she didn't sell any comics. Then I realized, if anyone could sell comics, it would be Kathrynn and her friend Virginia! And I decided not to worry about it any more.
Sure enough, within minutes, I rounded the corner of our yard, to see this:
They were making their first sale!!!!
They were so very proud of themselves!
They had great selling tactics, which at times included holding Kathrynn's guinea pigs as an enticement for people to stop! :)
It didn't take long for them to sell out of their comics, and so back to work they went!!!
They sold nearly all their comics, and then decided to sell some stuffed animals too....
We decided to walk to the park near our house, and the girls tried to sell their remaining comic there, and a few stuffed animals, with no luck. It was a beautiful day and everyone was too busy playing! They were satisfied with their sales for the day- $8!- and had fun in the park. :)
When a friend came over last weekend, they decided to make some comics, and then sell them the next day at a comic stand! This is exactly what they did. :)
I have to admit that I was thinking to myself, ohhhh I really don't think they're going to sell any comics..... And I started to feel a bit anxious about how Kathrynn would feel if she didn't sell any comics. Then I realized, if anyone could sell comics, it would be Kathrynn and her friend Virginia! And I decided not to worry about it any more.
Sure enough, within minutes, I rounded the corner of our yard, to see this:
They were making their first sale!!!!
They were so very proud of themselves!They had great selling tactics, which at times included holding Kathrynn's guinea pigs as an enticement for people to stop! :)
It didn't take long for them to sell out of their comics, and so back to work they went!!!They sold nearly all their comics, and then decided to sell some stuffed animals too....
We decided to walk to the park near our house, and the girls tried to sell their remaining comic there, and a few stuffed animals, with no luck. It was a beautiful day and everyone was too busy playing! They were satisfied with their sales for the day- $8!- and had fun in the park. :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Camping joy!!!
Our first camping trip!
Some may be shocked that I have never taken Kathrynn camping before...... Believe me, I've been waiting patiently for the experience! And I also decided that I knew it had to be when Kathrynn was truly interested and ready. :)
When Uncle John asked me if we'd like to go, I talked with Kathrynn about it and she was so excited! Our opportunity had come!
Kathrynn had a lot of fun helping to set up the tent. It was a wonderful location that John had scouted out for us. We were situated on a little peninsula and so could basically see water from 3 sides. Behind our tent were acres of trees, that led to the lake. It was peaceful and not busy at all so we had lots of land to ourselves!
Kathrynn built a fairy house the first afternoon we were there, and visited it a few times during our stay. Because the trees had no leaves, we could see her visiting this special place from our camp site. :)
The head lamp was a big hit.....
As was the picnic table on its end.... lots of climbing opportunities!
The comforts from home...... Great for Kathrynn, and great for John and I. :P
Kathrynn was really excited about having a fire. She worked hard at helping John with all the necessary branches and leaves, ect, and then helped him set up the fire.
They did a great job! It provided some lovely "hippy tv" for us.....
as well a way to roast some marshmallows!
I love the shots with and without flash. :)
Good morning! Kathrynn was hiding behind me. :)
Note the hat- it was in the high 30s or low 40s that morning!
With the sun out, it quickly warmed up, and we spent a few hours playing various games, including I-Spy Bingo. :)
Kathrynn spotted this hawks nest near our camp site.... We saw the mom and dad hawk, and are pretty sure that's who woke us up that morning!
After we got our site torn down and packed, we headed to the beach. Kathrynn is facing the peninsula where we'd stayed the night before.
We had so much fun on our first trip! I am so glad that John asked us if we wanted to go, and also glad that the weather was perfect for camping!
Some may be shocked that I have never taken Kathrynn camping before...... Believe me, I've been waiting patiently for the experience! And I also decided that I knew it had to be when Kathrynn was truly interested and ready. :)
When Uncle John asked me if we'd like to go, I talked with Kathrynn about it and she was so excited! Our opportunity had come!
Kathrynn had a lot of fun helping to set up the tent. It was a wonderful location that John had scouted out for us. We were situated on a little peninsula and so could basically see water from 3 sides. Behind our tent were acres of trees, that led to the lake. It was peaceful and not busy at all so we had lots of land to ourselves!
Kathrynn built a fairy house the first afternoon we were there, and visited it a few times during our stay. Because the trees had no leaves, we could see her visiting this special place from our camp site. :)
The head lamp was a big hit.....
As was the picnic table on its end.... lots of climbing opportunities!
The comforts from home...... Great for Kathrynn, and great for John and I. :P
Kathrynn was really excited about having a fire. She worked hard at helping John with all the necessary branches and leaves, ect, and then helped him set up the fire.
They did a great job! It provided some lovely "hippy tv" for us.....
as well a way to roast some marshmallows!
I love the shots with and without flash. :)
Good morning! Kathrynn was hiding behind me. :)
Note the hat- it was in the high 30s or low 40s that morning!
With the sun out, it quickly warmed up, and we spent a few hours playing various games, including I-Spy Bingo. :)
Kathrynn spotted this hawks nest near our camp site.... We saw the mom and dad hawk, and are pretty sure that's who woke us up that morning!
After we got our site torn down and packed, we headed to the beach. Kathrynn is facing the peninsula where we'd stayed the night before.
We had so much fun on our first trip! I am so glad that John asked us if we wanted to go, and also glad that the weather was perfect for camping!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
More library joy :)
I have sung the praises for our local library before, and I'm back to do it again!
The children's department closed for 3ish months, and were we so happy to see all the changes they'd done!
I didn't get many shots of the changes, although here a shot of Kathrynn putting on a puppet show using the new puppet show frame they had in the play room.
What actually brought us to the library that day was a program on birds. Our library offers so many great programs! This program was on birds and included a craft of making a bird feeder!
The woman leading the class did such a great job talking about birds and their habitat, and how we can help protect their natural habitats.
She even led some fun bird yoga!!!
Kathrynn went up to help with a demonstration of how birds and the land and trees co-exist together. :)
And here she is working on making the bird feeder, which now is in a tree in our back yard! :)
I have so much appreciation and love for our local library! :)
The children's department closed for 3ish months, and were we so happy to see all the changes they'd done!
I didn't get many shots of the changes, although here a shot of Kathrynn putting on a puppet show using the new puppet show frame they had in the play room.
What actually brought us to the library that day was a program on birds. Our library offers so many great programs! This program was on birds and included a craft of making a bird feeder!
The woman leading the class did such a great job talking about birds and their habitat, and how we can help protect their natural habitats.
She even led some fun bird yoga!!!
Kathrynn went up to help with a demonstration of how birds and the land and trees co-exist together. :)
And here she is working on making the bird feeder, which now is in a tree in our back yard! :)
I have so much appreciation and love for our local library! :)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Garden is planted!
After a series of days with lovely temperatures, we decided it was time to plant! We were inspired on the warmest day of the year, so far, which was Yesterday. I think it hit the low 70s!!!! It was so warm that Kathrynn got *hot* and had to go inside. lol!!!!
We planted more spinach and more kale to supplement the spinach and kale we already have growing. And then we added 3 kinds of lettuces, collards, broccoli and beets. Yes, we really do love greens in our family. :)
We'll do some more planting once the weather gets warmer.... some herbs in some planters, and then watermelon and pumpkins by the fence like we did last year, i think. And then maybe some cucumbers this year too.
We've joined a CSA again this year, so that feels like a good balance of what we'd like to have on our land, knowing that we'll also get yummy local veggies from a local organic farm. :)
I have a feeling by Monday, we'll see little sprouts coming up, and our already growing spinach and kale and arugula will be on our plates for dinner. :)
Pictures forthcoming of course. xoxo
We planted more spinach and more kale to supplement the spinach and kale we already have growing. And then we added 3 kinds of lettuces, collards, broccoli and beets. Yes, we really do love greens in our family. :)
We'll do some more planting once the weather gets warmer.... some herbs in some planters, and then watermelon and pumpkins by the fence like we did last year, i think. And then maybe some cucumbers this year too.
We've joined a CSA again this year, so that feels like a good balance of what we'd like to have on our land, knowing that we'll also get yummy local veggies from a local organic farm. :)
I have a feeling by Monday, we'll see little sprouts coming up, and our already growing spinach and kale and arugula will be on our plates for dinner. :)
Pictures forthcoming of course. xoxo
Friday, March 5, 2010
First day of gardening!
It was such a beautiful day today.... got to 51!!!!! Kathrynn and I sat on our front porch soaking up the sun, and then Kathrynn had a great idea of going out to our garden! To be honest I was not looking forward to what I *thought* I was going to find, which was a bunch of dead starters..... The cold weather came on fast and furious at the end of the fall, before I could really get much from what i'd planted.... But when we went out this afternoon I found almost a whole row of harvestable spinach!!!! Yipeeeeeeee!
We cleaned out the rest of the garden.....
Found some awesome worms!!!!!
And watered the spinach and the cute little kale that is also coming in!!!
Next up... planing seeds!!!!! Can't wait to start eating out of our garden again!!! :)
We cleaned out the rest of the garden.....
Found some awesome worms!!!!!
And watered the spinach and the cute little kale that is also coming in!!!Next up... planing seeds!!!!! Can't wait to start eating out of our garden again!!! :)
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