Making Peace With the Ugly.

 

 

 



I'm a snob, I'll admit.

I hate plastic baby crap in my house.

I hate it for environmental reasons. I hate it for philosophical reasons. I hate it for aesthetic reasons.

We have a few plastic pieces in our house, but usually if anything needs a battery, lights up and makes noise...it heads to my In-law's house ASAP.

My Mother bought a Saucer at a Consignment Shop or Yard Sale for Nye-Nye when she was 3 months or so.

It's ugly. Takes up a lot of room. But you know what?

She LOVED it.

And, I made peace with it.

Now, it's our Anala-Bala Bears' turn.

And, I think she may love it even more than her Big Sissy did at the same age.

It's been a great lesson in how Motherhood forces you to let go of all those Expectations on How-You-Are-Going-To-Mother...

 

 

 

 

 



To Know Nearly Nothing.

 

 

 

 

"Minutes later the revolving front door turned again. A dark-haired man in a white shirt entered. I watched the waiter lead him in my direction, into my room, into my corner, into the old woman's still-warm seat, eyeing me all the while, making clear to me, at least, the main course he was serving.

 

I was afraid I knew who this man was. I was afraid I knew who had come to have dinner beside me. I was afraid I knew, but for once I wasn't afraid.

 

He was my future husband, of that I was scarily certain, although I knew nothing more about him than that. To know nearly nothing of him, and to expect nothing, for the long life of our marriage.

 

When we think we know someone, you see, we are already halfway to disappointment, and no one needs a head start on that.

 

This is not how we have learned to choose our partners, is it? This is not how we greet people, is it? With an open mind? With an eager hand? Like an unopened gift? Not when we make a life's work out of finding and keeping the perfect mate, the ideal match for our economic aspirations, political views, religious preferences, height, weight, taste in coffee, and wardrobe sensibility - all the ways we foolishly see in another mere validation for ourselves. When we believe we know what's good for us, what's right, and what we're looking for - and believe me, we all do - we condemn all our current relationships and doom the ones to come."

 

-one of my favorite excerpts from Karen Maezen Miller's Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life

 

 

 

*** Photo of the sweet bouquet my Husband brought home to me for our Wedding Anniversary yesterday

Even If It Was For Only Two Hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made to the Beach. Finally. It was only for two hours, but still...there were waves, and sand and one Brave Little Girl. She had a blast.

 

I love the photos of her trooping out to the water's edge.

 

 



 

 

 

 

She went out in the very cold water with her Daddy. A few big waves smacked her in the face, but still she wanted more. After 20 minutes or so, they called it quits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next she insisted on going down the GIANT WATER SLIDE.

 

Luckily, she had a very special friend who was willing to climb all those steps with her and take her down the slide. The video I took didn't capture just how incredibly fast the slide was (so I didn't include it)...none of the photos quite captured the experience, either.

 

We had to drag her away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the water was frigid, it was perfect weather for hanging out on the Beach. The wind was whipping around and our Big Girl had an amazing time running around the sand, burying herself and looking for shells.

 

A friend generously watched the Little One and the rest of us got a short but some much needed Beach time.

 

It's so much more peaceful going to the Beach in September. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue the tradition. It's a good one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbing High.

Sorry it's been so long.

 

Over the last few weeks, we haven't been at home during the Mornings (when I do most of my writing) and when we have been home, the computer wasn't cooperating.

 

Now the wonky computer is fixed.

 

It's so nice to be back. 

 

What have we been up to recently? Our family joined a Gym with a decent Kid's Club (which means we spend 3 hours each day either going to or from the Gym or actually being at the Gym). We visited friends in Norfolk (and the Beach, briefly). The baby turned 4 months. Several French Yogurt Cakes have been made by the Big Girl (with a little help from myself). And LOTS and LOTS of daily Imaginary Play.

The video below is of my Big Girl climbing the Rock Wall at our friend's neighborhood Playground. She will be 2 1/2 on the 21st and is definitely in the throes of declaring her independence EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of the day (unless she is super-clingy and wants Mama RIGHT NOW).

It's been a challenge. I'm trying to find the Peace amongst it all.

Here at Catoctin Mountain Mama, this is supposed to be "The Month of Peace." Hopefully, I'll be able to share several posts on this Month's Theme. Wishing you a Wonderful September!

 

The Calmest Revolution Ever Staged

I having been meaning to share this lovely short film. It's called "The Calmest Revolution Ever Stage" and is about the Community Acupuncture Movement. The film does an excellent job explaining the idea behind the Community Acupuncture Movement and the potential the movement has to change lives and entire communities.

 

If you have ever had an acupuncture treatment, you've probably experienced the amazing calmness and well-being you feel afterwards. If you haven't, do yourself a favor. Turn off the T.V. for 35 minutes and watch this video. And then check out POCA's website.

 

Since my family has been working on cultivating a bit more calmness and peace in our lives, I thought this would be a nice time to post this video....Enjoy...

 

 

Finding a Peaceful Moment Together During Your Wedding Day

On Tuesday, Papa Bear and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary.

He had to work late but he sweetly brought home two fruit tarts for us to share. Sadly, we both passed out from exhaustion after we put our daughter to bed (and before we could devour those tarts together). Our Anniversary, didn't work out as planned (including our Anniversary Beach Trip where I ended up with a migraine for 2 of the 3 days).

Like Weddings (Life, in general)....things rarely go as planned (this is something difficult for my husband "the Planner" to accept).

One part of our "Bollywood Farm Wedding," I was really looking forward to was taking 15 minutes after we got married to hide away in a secret spot and be TOGETHER. I wanted a few peaceful, quiet minutes to savor together without being bombarded by the music and all the well-wishes from our very loving friends and family.

My husband didn't get it but he agreed to my idea. I had this idea that we would rush up the hill after getting married and race into the room we had chosen. And, then we would spend those 15 minutes feeling super-connected and staring into each other's eyes. It didn't happen that way...and that's okay.

We were constantly stopped on our way there, so it ended up taking at least 20 minutes to get there. I also didn't take into consideration how hyper and excited my husband gets in social settings. He was bouncing off the walls and peaking out the window to look at everyone. Not exactly the peace I was imagining but it was still a very special, beautiful time.

We talked about the ceremony and my dress and how amazing everything was while I put on more make-up. We tried to figure out where the van was going that we spied leaving (very generous friends were making a beer run ALREADY). We hugged and kissed and maybe squealed a little. It was just what we needed.

So, I try and tell folks planning their wedding, how very nice it is to have those little moment of Peace tucked into your schedule.

I will always treasure ours....Happy 2nd Anniversary Papa Bear!!!! Cheers to many, many more....I Lava You....

(Here I am in my parent's bathroom. This is the room we ended up being secluded in..no photos were taken during those 15 minutes, so this will have to do.)

Helping a Toddler Find Inner Peace and Calm

 

Right now, we are smack in-the-middle-of-the-twos...except that my daughter is about to turn 18 months. Loads of tantrums. Loads of frustration. CONSTANTLY.

One thing I have been really working on with my kiddo is teaching her how to stop and take a few breaths when she is upset.

A month ago, I started by calmly walking over to her when she had thrown herself on ground and started thrashing and screaming. I would kneel down by her and gently place my hands on her chest and say, "take a deep breath, my Love, take a deep breath."  I would then take 4 or 5 deep breaths to show her how it was done. It would take 10 seconds or so for her to listen, take some deep breaths and to calm down. I did this "every time she had a tantrum" (which some mornings was like once every 10 minutes).

It didn't take long for her to grasp the concept. Now, when I see a tantrum about to erupt, I say, "okay, take some deep breaths."  And, she does immediately. Frequently, we are able to nip that tantrum in the bud. She is able to remain calm and communicate with me what is frustrating her.

It's awe-inspiring seeing this little person take control of her feelings and learn how to find a little Inner Calmness.

I have also found that I am having more patience throughout the day - because I am pausing and taking more deep breaths.....when I am about to have my own melt-down. It's so simple, yet, so easy to forget to do.

When I am about to lose it, I tell her, "Mommy, is very frustrated right now and needs to sit down and take some deep breaths." Knowing she is watching my every move makes me more committed to staying calm and focusing on my breath.

Our days are much more peaceful (for now). And, I am very, very grateful.

Places I Find Peace....River Farm

One of my favorite things about living in the D.C./Northern Virginia/Maryland area is the overwhelming amount of interesting places to visit. Yesterday, my daughter and I finally made it out to River Farm...a place I've been meaning to visit for many months now.

This was our third attempt. The first time I got lost (it's difficult to find, particularly when you leave the address behind) and the second time, we arrived at 4:50 pm to only find out that it closes at 5 pm.

I had heard wonderful things about the place, especially the Children's Garden. My expectations were blown out of the water.

It's an absolutely beautifully maintained, charming spot with countless serene nooks and crannies. And the Children's Gardens contain some of the most well-thought and inspirational children's out-door play spaces I have ever seen. It's the kind of place you wish you had visited when you were a kid.

It's hard to believe this spot is only 7 miles from my home. It feels worlds and lifetimes away. Utter peace.

River Farm was purchased by George Washington in 1760. He leased the property to his personal secretary (who ended up marrying his niece). Several generations of Washingtons lived at River Farm until 1850 when it was purchased by a dairy-running Quaker family.

A horticulture-loving gentlemen bought the farm in 1919 and added many of the beautiful features still around today. The American Horticulture Society is currently headquartered at River Farm and they have created one of my favorite features...the Meadow.

Originally, there were 4 acres of rolling lawns that sloped down to the river. The AHS has turned those 4 acres into a wild sea of native grasses and plants - home to foxes, butterflies, hawks and eagles.  Amazing.

River Farm has definitely jumped to the top of our "Beautiful Places to Run Around and Get Our Energy Out This Winter." Did I mention it's free?

Photo Courtesy of The Photo Garden Bee

Making Peace with Mosquitoes (Or Not)

Ochlerotatus notoscriptus, Tasmania, Australia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

During this Month, I am supposed to be writing about Peace. We are almost half way through the Month and I haven't started...I better get hopping.

This post is kind of a stretch....but I've been meaning to write about my Bug Repellent Recipe for a while.

So, how have I made peace with living in area infested with mosquitoes?

Filling lots of mason jars with sand, sticking incense in the jars and placing them around us while we are playing or working in the back-yard.

And by religiously applying my "Homemade Bug Spray" whenever we venture outside.

If you do a search, there are gazillions of recipes of Bug Sprays out there. I came up with mine by going to Whole Foods and reading the ingredient list of several different "Natural Bug Sprays" (including Burt's Bees).

I decided on my final ingredient list based on what I already had at the house and which Essential oils were the cheapest.

1. Rosemary Oil

2. Witch Hazel

3. Yarrow Tincture

4. Lemongrass Essential Oil

5. Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

I figured out the proportions by eye-balling it. First, I put in the Rosemary Oil and filled up 1/5th of the bottle. I then judged what 1/10th of the bottle looked like and added that much of the Lemongrass Essential Oil. I did the same for the other Essential Oil. (It's super important that you NOT put too much Essential Oil in the spray because if it's too concentrated it can burn your skin).

I then added as much of the Yarrow Tincture as I could spare (this Summer I was running low on my Yarrow supply, so I couldn't use as much as I would have liked). Susun B. Weed uses ONLY Yarrow Tincture and she swears by it.

Lastly, I topped off the bottle with the Witch Hazel.

I've made about 10 batches or so this Summer. Overall, I've been fairly happy with the results. It's not perfect but works pretty well. The Mosquitoes chow down on any areas that I missed spraying with the repellent. When any of us go out without it on, we get eaten alive. This Bug Spray has definitely brought my family some peace over the last few months.

I am sad to see Summer go...but not the mosquitoes!