Comments (2)

By doriluthy, June 21, 2011 2:22 pm

Earlier today:

Walking by a small group of 3rd grade boys gathered around the hockey nets at the school:
“You are a Nerd!” Boy 1
“No I’m not!” Boy 2
“Yes you are, why do you know so much about dinosaurs?” Boy 3
“That just means I like dinosaurs. I’m NOT a nerd!” Boy 2
“Prove it!” Boy 1
Me: Teacher nearby? Ok, just keep walking.

—

Finn and I are hanging out at the park. A lovely tall pre-teen girl with a small group of friends hanging out on the swings. She wanders over our way to check out the jungle gym by herself…
I hear her say to herself: “I’m too tall for this now.” I turn and look at her, nodding with a sympathetic smile…
I say to her, “Saying farewell to part of your childhood?”
She nods back and walks away.

—

Do you remember being there? I sure can- in either of those 2 places, I can feel such a sympathy for the kids in their trying to figure things out. Making sense of the world, knowing what to defend, realizing that you might be different…

A reminder of the great journey these little ones are on- and the tremendous need to support them with kindness, compassion, and love as they make their way into adulthood.

Comments (0)

By doriluthy, June 18, 2011 9:15 pm

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By doriluthy, June 17, 2011 5:06 pm

After last night’s little dance, I had a good chance today to do some reflection with my gal-pals, and a little art-making helped to squeeze out something symbolic in all of this…

- Perspective. How often the current life situations feel so permanent and forever. Perspective reminds me that this is all a small moment of time in the greater length of time… The Observer says to take a moment and remember to look for the great gifts which fill my life RIGHT NOW…

- Longevity. I sincerely hope that I will be around on this planet for many decades to come! The Old Mother says to trust that there will be many lifetimes to live in the years ahead, but to stay present in the moments, as my babies are only young once.

- Patience. Life is a great winding journey full of surprises, opportunities, and it’s impossible to know just when (and if!) we will ‘arrive’ at the hoped for destination… The Child says to know there will always be more goodness in store, patience for the future. Blessings will never run out.

- Intentions. Be clear about what I want in life! The Wanderer says it wastes a lot of energy to worry too much, there is a place and time for all things. AND even in making a choice, it’s possible to have a great variety.

Okay, that was worth a little grilling.

Ciao

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By doriluthy, June 17, 2011 12:39 am

I could post another blog about baking or baby, but tonight I’ve got some meat to grill… well, not real meat… anyway, let’s talk, blogosphere.

I just got home from representing the non-profit arts organization that I am the President of at a conference on… well, it doesn’t actually matter what the conference was about for the purpose of this blog. What matters is the affect that the conference topic had on me, and the affect that this specific type of event always seems to have on me. And Dustin can testify (as he said to me tonight when I got home- you LOVE this Thing!, you’re just so LIT up!) that I have a passion for service to this Thing in life/community that is fairly unrelated to mothering children. And the real trick-up seems to be that to consider pursuing it further means that I would be putting myself out there in a fairly committed career capacity. AKA: working mama. And this Thing is so alluring, it holds me captivated and curious, taps into some of my unique skills, draws me to want to be a part of it…

And yet, I’m a year and half into raising my first child and 2 months away from birthing my second child, and so far I just love love LOVE this project of motherhood. I also seem to be doing a pretty good job (thanks hubby), and most of my life I have joyfully imagined that I would be spending the years with children as a stay home mama, likely doing some version of homeschooling/unschooling as they grow into themselves in the world. Raising kids also is so alluring, captivating, tapping into my talents, and drawing me in…

And let’s not even mention my art practice, (my REAL first child) which is patiently percolating on a shelf right now as a little project taps, taps, taps on the right side of my brain, just asking to be looked at. Um, can we say unused studio space? Dang…

What’s a woman to do? Here I am looking at these three wonderful passions- Artist, Mama, Thing- attempting to reconcile time and the meaning of each of them and determine the things I want to be a part of in life. I’m struggling with the reality of how to be of service to the world and my own family and how to pursue the things that bring me joy without sacrificing my values (especially around raising children!). I know that life isn’t exclusive or even permanent, and that nothing has to happen IMMEDIATELY (except caring for myself and babies), but I feel like there might have to be some major reconciling while navigating this journey in ‘discovery of self’, and I’m not sure what that can even look like. What kinds of beliefs about myself might have to be shifted in pursuit of … oh who knows? Life seems to be one giant game of the Hokey Pokey.

Anyone out there want to help me grill up some of this meat? Seriously, I could use a little advice…

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By doriluthy, June 15, 2011 10:29 pm

Wouldn’t you agree that there are certain foods out there in this incredible world that simply have an inherent quality of goodness about them? I mean, just the thought of them, they carry with them some sense of wholesomeness, comfort, etc. Foods you want to wrap up in, like a favourite sweater on a cool summer evening.

Now, I’m not sure if this is related to my advancing pregnant state, or that summer has finally arrived and so the seasonal mood has shifted again, but my life certainly seems to revolve around my list of goodness-comfort-foods these days. And it may not be too surprising that most of the foods on my little list are things that either come from 1) the garden or 2) the oven. Of course, the most charming and joy-inducing foods are ones that combine the two elements (Knock-Your-Socks-Off Rhubarb Crumble!), providing the perfect chain of experience from Garden>Oven>Mouth.

But there is one of these goodness-foods, regardless of season or variation of the recipe, that always seems to bring a touch of homemade pleasure into my family’s days. From the act of preparation (totally child friendly), the attending as it bakes (mama’s job), the smell that just fills a house (dad’s favourite to come home to), making it in a large batch means it’s the ultimate food that will last for days. What is that wonderful food? Granola!

I know I’ve shared a recipe for granola on my blog before, but after years of making I managed to tune it into a lovely little recipe that is now my (our!) favourite. And what I love most about baking anything- the act of sharing makes it even better. So here for you all to try (and modify as you see fit), Strathcona Granola!

This sizable batch will last at about a week of everyday eating. And with fresh berries and yogurt, it is officially one of Finn’s favourite breakfasts these days. “NOLA!”

Strathcona Granola

In a large bowl, mix together:
6 cups whole oats
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 – 2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup dried cranberries

In a small pan over low/med heat, mix together:
2/3 cups honey
2/3 cup oil- safflower, sunflower, or even canola in a pinch
Mix together until honey is melted, then add to the honey/oil:
3 tsp vanilla

Add wet to dry, stirring well to coat everything.
Preheat oven to 225*F. Pour mixture evenly out over 2 cookie sheets, and bake for approx 1 hour, taking mixture out to stir well every 15-20 minutes. After an hour, take out of oven, and allow to cool entirely before placing in a well sealed container. Eat!

Enjoy, and feel free to share some of your own- what are your favourite goodness foods?

Ciao!