Yesterday we lost Pete Seeger.
The Little Man, who just turned four, heard Mommy and Daddy talking about Pete. He said, "I know about Pete Seeger. He was the one who sang, 'This land is your land, this land is my land.'"
Daddy, " Yes, that's right." Little Man, looking very sad, "He's dead now." "Yes, but he was 90 years older than you are now. He lived a long life. "
I am wondering how the Little Man knew this and who told him that Pete was dead? He does know about death and knows about it because he asked and we explained it to him.
I got the sense that they were talking about Pete Seeger in daycare...
I don't know if the daycare teachers would have mentioned that he died. I don't really think so. I think that might have been something the Little Man picked up from listening to the radio or somewhere else.
I wonder if the daycare teachers told them about the songs Pete was
responsible for creating or if they thought it might be too much for
them to understand? Funny that "This Land is Your Land," is the song he walked away from the conversation with. This is a song that we used to sing in elementary school, well, only certain verses :)
Soon we will teach the Little Man the origins of the song and why Pete Seeger wanted to keep singing it.
How to teach him all the things we want/need to teach him? I was blown away by how he chimed in to our conversation about the news with confidence and how much he knew and had put together on his own.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Stepping into Joy
I am not going to write about my problems or complaints today. I am going to share a simple thing that my family did that has set about positive change.
When we moved into our one bedroom, we did so in a hurry. We needed to get all settled before our academic jobs started and I was still casting "Mi America." The apartment wasn't vacated in time and then it needed an overhaul, so we had really only a day or two to get everything set up.
We had the living room set up in the most likely set-up based on walls and where the cable hook-up was. It worked fine, however, it didn't do the glass slider and all the views it had to offer, any justice. It left our backs toward the sky and no efficient play space for our Little Man. His toys were jammed behind the sofa and sometimes would fall off the bakers rack and on to our heads. He was playing in front of the TV and building his train sets in the walking space and right by the entrance to the apartment.
On Sunday, after a drive through the snowy countryside, we came home and moved a few things around. We arranged the sofa and television in a smaller area, so it became it's only little nook, or viewing area. We decided that this area is for watching and working only. No playing, only sitting, working or watching.
By making this change it created a huge amount of space in front of the glass slider for Little Man to play. His toys are more accessible and now he can set up his sprawling train set-ups and detailed cities with plenty of room.
We can all see the outdoors and the sky because there isn't a large darkly colored sofa blocking the view. The current placement of the sofa creates a hallway to the other part of the house, making it seem bigger. It also creates a separation of living space from the doorway. Now the entrance of the apartment is into the hallway the sofa creates.
When all the toys are put away, there is a large area of space on the floor to do Yoga, Shiatsu, exercise, do a puzzle or play a board game. This is where the joy comes in.
Last night when we arrived at our 'new' home, we ate dinner. Then both Daddy and Mommy went into the playspace with our Little Man. We got a balloon from his birthday party left overs and played different games with the balloon. The Little Man giggled and giggled until he fell over. Mommy and Daddy got to move around and laugh which replaced our old habit of slumping on the sofa and watching our boy play.
Next time we got out the game of Cooties and played through the whole game... what fun! At the end of the game we put on "Curious George," in our 'movie pit.' We watch George to calm our boy and get him ready for sleep.
Once our Little Man was bathed and in bed, Daddy gave Mommy some Shiatsu in our space.
Then we got to watch a movie in our 'movie pit.'
By making one simple change, we added room for a more joyous and lively routine. I am looking for other changes we can make to step into more JOY!
When we moved into our one bedroom, we did so in a hurry. We needed to get all settled before our academic jobs started and I was still casting "Mi America." The apartment wasn't vacated in time and then it needed an overhaul, so we had really only a day or two to get everything set up.
We had the living room set up in the most likely set-up based on walls and where the cable hook-up was. It worked fine, however, it didn't do the glass slider and all the views it had to offer, any justice. It left our backs toward the sky and no efficient play space for our Little Man. His toys were jammed behind the sofa and sometimes would fall off the bakers rack and on to our heads. He was playing in front of the TV and building his train sets in the walking space and right by the entrance to the apartment.
On Sunday, after a drive through the snowy countryside, we came home and moved a few things around. We arranged the sofa and television in a smaller area, so it became it's only little nook, or viewing area. We decided that this area is for watching and working only. No playing, only sitting, working or watching.
By making this change it created a huge amount of space in front of the glass slider for Little Man to play. His toys are more accessible and now he can set up his sprawling train set-ups and detailed cities with plenty of room.
We can all see the outdoors and the sky because there isn't a large darkly colored sofa blocking the view. The current placement of the sofa creates a hallway to the other part of the house, making it seem bigger. It also creates a separation of living space from the doorway. Now the entrance of the apartment is into the hallway the sofa creates.
When all the toys are put away, there is a large area of space on the floor to do Yoga, Shiatsu, exercise, do a puzzle or play a board game. This is where the joy comes in.
Last night when we arrived at our 'new' home, we ate dinner. Then both Daddy and Mommy went into the playspace with our Little Man. We got a balloon from his birthday party left overs and played different games with the balloon. The Little Man giggled and giggled until he fell over. Mommy and Daddy got to move around and laugh which replaced our old habit of slumping on the sofa and watching our boy play.
Next time we got out the game of Cooties and played through the whole game... what fun! At the end of the game we put on "Curious George," in our 'movie pit.' We watch George to calm our boy and get him ready for sleep.
Once our Little Man was bathed and in bed, Daddy gave Mommy some Shiatsu in our space.
Then we got to watch a movie in our 'movie pit.'
By making one simple change, we added room for a more joyous and lively routine. I am looking for other changes we can make to step into more JOY!
Monday, January 27, 2014
My inner voice keeps screaming, "Write, WRITE!"
Okay... I know it has been a very long time... so here I am again and I am not going to say, "I will be back on here every day," or "I made a resolution...,"etc.
This I wrote to a friend in an email:
My thoughts keep coming back to freeing myself from the burden of working for the man and moving gracefully into a freelance life where I am paid what I am worth and
there is abundance and freedom and time. My inner voice keeps screaming, "Write, WRITE!" She (my inner voice) is always right.
So here I am... step-by-step, bird-by-bird, word-by-word.
This I wrote to a friend in an email:
My thoughts keep coming back to freeing myself from the burden of working for the man and moving gracefully into a freelance life where I am paid what I am worth and
there is abundance and freedom and time. My inner voice keeps screaming, "Write, WRITE!" She (my inner voice) is always right.
So here I am... step-by-step, bird-by-bird, word-by-word.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
What would you like to see when you go to the theater?
I was recently asked what I would like to see when I go to the theater.
Before I could even think, I heard my self say, "Something physical, lively, with a lot of energy. Have you ever heard of Squonk Opera?"
I saw Squonk in the late 90s at PS122 in the city. It is difficult to put into words what they are and how it makes you feel to experience their performance. It is like a rock band from another planet with a really high other worldly female voice. The voice is a delight and the music a trip. There are synthesized horns and a double bass that isn't just for a baseline. The accordion is a nice accent and the piano like a constant cascade throughout the music.
Visually you are at a rock concert with puppets and odd nonsensical things moving to and fro, projections take you through all kinds of nether worldly places along with some of the creatures and puppets the players become. All the players play the instruments while they play the characters and manipulate magic.
Squonk rocked my theater world and nothing has compared since.
In 2002 I saw that Squonk was auditioning in the city. I sent them me singing and dancing and performing music I had written. They sent me two of their shows and asked me to prepare music from both, one of my own songs, and choreography. I spent an hour with them auditioning, singing, dancing, laughing and playing. It was really amazing... my best audition ever. I had fun and got to hang out with performers I admire deeply and play in their world that I love so much.
I did not get to join their group as a performer and that is okay. I was grateful for the time I did spend.
It has been years since I thought of them or listened to their work, but they still hold the spot in my heart and mind for the best theater experience and the best audition. I noticed that they have 5 more shows and albums to go with them on ITunes. I asked Wayne to get me a new one for my birthday. I have Inferno and Bigsmorgasbordwonderwork. I encourage you to check them out!
This is Squonk Opera...I hope you have the joy to see them one day and that they open your childhood heart as fully as they did mine.
http://www.squonkopera.org
Before I could even think, I heard my self say, "Something physical, lively, with a lot of energy. Have you ever heard of Squonk Opera?"
I saw Squonk in the late 90s at PS122 in the city. It is difficult to put into words what they are and how it makes you feel to experience their performance. It is like a rock band from another planet with a really high other worldly female voice. The voice is a delight and the music a trip. There are synthesized horns and a double bass that isn't just for a baseline. The accordion is a nice accent and the piano like a constant cascade throughout the music.
Visually you are at a rock concert with puppets and odd nonsensical things moving to and fro, projections take you through all kinds of nether worldly places along with some of the creatures and puppets the players become. All the players play the instruments while they play the characters and manipulate magic.
Squonk rocked my theater world and nothing has compared since.
In 2002 I saw that Squonk was auditioning in the city. I sent them me singing and dancing and performing music I had written. They sent me two of their shows and asked me to prepare music from both, one of my own songs, and choreography. I spent an hour with them auditioning, singing, dancing, laughing and playing. It was really amazing... my best audition ever. I had fun and got to hang out with performers I admire deeply and play in their world that I love so much.
I did not get to join their group as a performer and that is okay. I was grateful for the time I did spend.
It has been years since I thought of them or listened to their work, but they still hold the spot in my heart and mind for the best theater experience and the best audition. I noticed that they have 5 more shows and albums to go with them on ITunes. I asked Wayne to get me a new one for my birthday. I have Inferno and Bigsmorgasbordwonderwork. I encourage you to check them out!
This is Squonk Opera...I hope you have the joy to see them one day and that they open your childhood heart as fully as they did mine.
http://www.squonkopera.org
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Photos, Kickstarter, and a New MUSICAL FILM O-STAR
An Alum of Vassar's Film Department is a great photographer, musician and filmmaker. Dima Othvertchenko '06, was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by to say HI.
I had the pleasure of acting in Dima's film "Anisometropia" as a government nurse in the Spring of 2006. I really enjoyed working with him for several reasons: He is organized, he knows what he wants and how to make it happen, he goes above and beyond, and there is always fun to be had while on set. Definitely be looking for Dima in the world of film!
I threw out the idea of photos for my actor family and he loved the idea. On Saturday, we got together and took shots of Wayne, Willo and me. They came out great! We each got shots as individuals and as a family.
In return for his great work we are donating to his kickstarter campaign for his graduate thesis, a really cool sounding musical film project called "O-Star." We would also like to draw your attention to the campaign in case you might be looking to donate :) even a few bucks can really help!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/search?utf8=✓&term=otvertchenko
Here are some of the shots we got from the shoot and some shots of the shoot happening!
Thanks Dima! You Rock!
Dima's website is a must see!
http://twowatches.com/
I had the pleasure of acting in Dima's film "Anisometropia" as a government nurse in the Spring of 2006. I really enjoyed working with him for several reasons: He is organized, he knows what he wants and how to make it happen, he goes above and beyond, and there is always fun to be had while on set. Definitely be looking for Dima in the world of film!
I threw out the idea of photos for my actor family and he loved the idea. On Saturday, we got together and took shots of Wayne, Willo and me. They came out great! We each got shots as individuals and as a family.
In return for his great work we are donating to his kickstarter campaign for his graduate thesis, a really cool sounding musical film project called "O-Star." We would also like to draw your attention to the campaign in case you might be looking to donate :) even a few bucks can really help!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/search?utf8=✓&term=otvertchenko
Here are some of the shots we got from the shoot and some shots of the shoot happening!
Thanks Dima! You Rock!
Dima's website is a must see!
http://twowatches.com/
Thursday, January 3, 2013
No Resolutions: Reflections
It has been months since I have written. My financial situation caused a sudden move and so life is different now. I have lots of time in the car and less time for me and my family.
It is a new year so I thought I would do some reflection rather that trying to make resolutions. This time just after the holidays is a perfect time to just rest and take a look to see what is going on.
I realized that exercise is lacking in my life and that I feel best when there is physical activity daily.
I realized that if I breathe and stay relaxed and calm when I am paying bills or dealing with finances, the money tends to come when I need it most
I realized that writing is an important part of who I am and to do more of it woud be good for me.
I realized that meditation is something that helps me to be a better person.
I realized that if I give my son my direct and undivided attention(which he deserves) he is less likely to foil my efforts to do something that doesn't involve him.
I realized how fortunate I am to be healthy, and to have the friends, family, and partner that I do.
Ommmmmm
It is a new year so I thought I would do some reflection rather that trying to make resolutions. This time just after the holidays is a perfect time to just rest and take a look to see what is going on.
I realized that exercise is lacking in my life and that I feel best when there is physical activity daily.
I realized that if I breathe and stay relaxed and calm when I am paying bills or dealing with finances, the money tends to come when I need it most
I realized that writing is an important part of who I am and to do more of it woud be good for me.
I realized that meditation is something that helps me to be a better person.
I realized that if I give my son my direct and undivided attention(which he deserves) he is less likely to foil my efforts to do something that doesn't involve him.
I realized how fortunate I am to be healthy, and to have the friends, family, and partner that I do.
Ommmmmm
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Back after a Rest
I haven't blogged in a while. I have been super busy with life.
Over the summer Wayne did his one man show, we went to a wedding in WI and saw a dear friend and stayed on his farm on the way there.
While we were at the wedding Willoughby got cast in a film back in NY, "Dovid Meyer" and Mommy ended up in it playing a nurse and casting extras.
Now we are all back to school and we are trying to figure out a way to better our housing and living situation. We are paying far too high a percentage of our income for housing...it is becoming dangerous.
It isn't that we are being frivolous or not working our asses off just about every minute of every day, its just that we got stuck in a bad situation and it is complicated to get out of....
But life goes on and the only way out of it is through it.
Our health is all good and for that I am more than grateful...it is the little things that make life great.
Wayne and I are working on a great project with our friend Joan called Project Animal Education. And I am excited about that!
Will share more on this soon...and we may be asking you to vote for Willo in a video contest soon
Over the summer Wayne did his one man show, we went to a wedding in WI and saw a dear friend and stayed on his farm on the way there.
While we were at the wedding Willoughby got cast in a film back in NY, "Dovid Meyer" and Mommy ended up in it playing a nurse and casting extras.
Now we are all back to school and we are trying to figure out a way to better our housing and living situation. We are paying far too high a percentage of our income for housing...it is becoming dangerous.
It isn't that we are being frivolous or not working our asses off just about every minute of every day, its just that we got stuck in a bad situation and it is complicated to get out of....
But life goes on and the only way out of it is through it.
Our health is all good and for that I am more than grateful...it is the little things that make life great.
Wayne and I are working on a great project with our friend Joan called Project Animal Education. And I am excited about that!
Will share more on this soon...and we may be asking you to vote for Willo in a video contest soon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)