Live Free

What's wrong with this picture?

Why is Sandy on the couch and I'm on the floor?  I've been a baaaad dog master lately. You see, it all started a few weeks ago during a cold spell. Sandy looked so cold and uncomfortable laying on our hard, cold floor.  She has a little bed that she likes to sleep on when we're not around. But when we are around, she likes to be close to us. And when she's on the bed, she just doesn't feel like part of the pack, you know. Here Byron and I are laid out the couch and there she is three whole feet away all alone on her miserable floor bed.  

As I was saying, I was feeling sorry for her.  So one night, while Byron was out playing chess, she came and put her front paws on the couch.  She inched them further to the back of the couch. She stayed that way for about 20 seconds.  Repositioned and secured herself. Put one hind leg up. Stayed that way for another 20 seconds. Then slowly, ever so slowly, to make sure I'd never notice that there was an 75 pound dog sitting next to me on a couch that has never welcomed dogs, she brought up her last hind leg. I pretended not to notice her sneakiness and gave her a nonchalant rub between the ears as I continued to surf the net. She was on! She loved it. She snuggled up against me and put her head in my lap. She looked so content - like she was finally home! Of course I shooed her off like a secret lover the minute I heard the door knob turn and the hubby return. He caught the tail end of her scurry to the floor. He was shocked as he thought he had my trust and a deal which strictly prohibited Sandy from the couch.  

And now? Now, she's wearing her welcome out on the couch. She can't wait for one of us to get up so that she can take our place. The couch is quickly becoming one more haven for Sandy's fur to retreat in. 

Learning to love the couch was so easy for her. I wonder if learning not to steal bread dough and cat food will ever be as easy to learn?  Hmmm....She certainly has selective capabilities.  

It's a New Day!

What can I say that hasn't already been said? I struggle for original and precise wording that reflects the change that I feel deep within me. Beyonce said something that struck me. Yes, really. Please don't snort. "He makes me want to be smarter. He makes me want to be more involved."  I think that is the gist of what Obama has to offer this country - this world. If each one of us can be just a tiny bit better version of ourselves - imagine the potential of the collective change.

You know,I know he could just be another politician out to protect himself and relish in his own megapower. He could not do much of what he has said needs to be done, must be done, will be done. He could have just duped us all.  Maybe.  My guard can't help but be ever so slightly elevated. He's human. But let me tell you, I will be really heart broken if that's the case. If nothing changes, if you and I don't change, if the world stands still in the mud hole we've created, I will be disheartened.  

I just really cannot believe that though. I really believe that we are at a pivotal time in our history. A tipping point. The next big movement that our future generations will study, dissect, and hopefully revere. 

That's all I'm going to say for now.    

Passing the goodness along

Last week, when my friends Ryan and Valerie were here, Valerie turned me on to this gal.  Oh my, she's mesmerizing, don't you think?  And she's so darn, incredibly cute!  Not only does her story telling talents induce feelings of giddiness for me, she comes with a cause .  Now I'm afraid there is no way I can resist purchasing this because I don't know about you, but I think I know what it feels like to be a baby monkey in a frightening tree.  

The second piece of goodness I'd like to talk about is really for all the locals out there.  Anyone?  Any takers in Austin?  Probably not.  Oh well, here goes.  For the past three years, I knew this non-profit agency was supposedly a cool place.  It just so happens to be three blocks from my house.  I knew they had a lending library and materials making tools.  But since I'm not a parent, and Casa Montessori was so well equipped with an abundance of materials, I never adventured into this place.  What a shame! This week, I finally took the time to stroll on over to Family Connections.  My goodness!  I could have spent hours in there.  This place is truly a fantastic resource for families and child care providers. Everything you would think of needing, this place has. First of all, it has free classes galore - on good topics. Just take look at their current calender for January to get an idea. They have a wonderful children's and parenting library - far superior than what I've found at the City of Austin public libraries. Inside the main room which is also the library, there's a children space equipped with a lovely little children's kitchen so that children can occupy themselves if mom or dad want to take their time perusing through the stacks. They have a whole room of dye - cut templates! Oh, the possibilities in that! Then there are several rooms of toys, materials, puzzles, and model animals all neatly organized in plastic containers, just waiting to be checked out and used. I even found a few true Montessori materials like knobless cylinders and dressing frames. I imagine getting to know the staff at Family Connections quite well as we make materials for our learning community in the upcoming months. 

Speaking of our learning community, we hope to offer more information on its progress in the upcoming weeks!  

Lastly, as Lissadell and I begin to make a list of materials to make or buy, I've found a lovely set of sandpaper letters on etsy.  What I love most is that they are not pink and blue like most traditional styles.  The birch wood is just lovely and clean looking.  Now, if she could only produce them in cursive.

I'll try to continue to chime in on a somewhat regular basis, but my schedule picks up starting this week, so I'll have to see how good my time management skills are. 

I leave you with an unrelated photo. This friend and I have been enjoying mid-morning peppermint teas together. I love, love, love how good he's gotten at holding the espresso cup. 

    

I hope y'all had a great weekend!  

On the Adoption Front

Our adoption process is going along smoothly.  Last week, Byron and I met with Janie, our social worker, individually for one hour each.  In hindsight, Byron and I cannot believe how easy going through this homestudy was.  Janie is just wonderful.  We both love her so!  Never did it feel intrusive, nosey, belittling, judgemental, or uncomfortable.  She just came by and hung out and got to know us.  Really, there was nothing scary about it.  She said the study should be complete within a month.  Very exciting! After the homestudy is complete, we will hopefully get final approval from the adoption agency. And then we just wait for a call...Very exciting!!!  

An Omen for Tomorrow

The holidays officially feel over for me.  The Christmas decorations have been put away.  The tree will be recycled tomorrow.  We sent our dear, sweet friends on their way this afternoon after ringing in the New Year with them.  The weather was 80 degrees this afternoon.  Byron goes back to his full time work schedule on Sunday. A new baby was born. 

2008 was a great year.  Not all of our plans came through the way we invisioned.  But, you know what? That's okay.  We still have goals and ambitions. They will come to fruition.  Although I'm not even near as peaceful as I'd like to be, I'm trying.  Every minute is an opportunity to feel at ease with our path in life. To focus on what's important and to stay determined and optimistic.  

I seriously can not wait for this year to unfold. I can feel that it will be a year of new beginnings, triumphs, surprises, and journeys.  So much good is due to occur.  

I hope your year is fulfilling and joyful and your spirit bright and fruitful! 

I leave you with some of my favorite pics of the 2008 Holiday Season.  

Peace~

Pilot and co-pilot getting us home safely for the holidays.

Byron and Sam at Grannie's on Christmas Eve.

The newest addition to the Descant clan - Austin.  

When Blackie cuddles with someone he's known for less than 72 hours, you know that person is cool!  

Blackie sucking the life out of the beta.  One would swear that by the looks of this image, Blackie doesn't have his very own water bowl filled with fresh water.  

A new baby girl is born to this mama!  Welcome Kate! What an honor to witness your entry into the world!  Much love, cher!