Writer's Block

It’s been a while.  While I would love to blame my absence on all sorts of exciting happenings, truth is I’ve just been totally and completely void of creativity.  Kevin’s been inquiring about my next post & I’ve complained there’s nothing to write about, but honestly in my most creative hours I can find interest in the mundane, so that’s no excuse.  Anyway, I’ll waste your time use this space to catch you up on my latest and hopefully in doing so, will spark some creative juices.

 

 

This past weekend was Recital 2012.  This was my first experience of recital land and I resisted each sashay along the way.  Ellie’s been taking tap and ballet since September at a local studio I chose due to its low-key reputation.  I thought this meant that the recital would be equally low-key, but I was mistaken.  It started with costume deposits in December and culminated in a 3-show extravaganza this weekend.  Along the way, there were parent-volunteer meetings (which I avoided like the plague — me, a dance mom?  no thank you.  I’ll pay my $20 admission and stay as far from backstage as humanly possible), in-costume photos (again, avoided – it was bad enough these masses of tulle and lace were taking up space in my closet – I did not need my daughter forever captured on film Toddler and Tiara style), and multiple tech and dress rehearsals.  It was seriously my worst nightmare.  But a funny thing happened over the course of the weekend — I was swept away by Ellie’s excitement and enthusiasm as the recital approached and I was completely taken by her bright smile and furrowed brow of concentration on stage.  I regretted all of my stubborn resistance and coveted the volunteer badges with every ounce of my being — what I would have given to be backstage to congratulate my tiny dancer with an enormous hug.  Lucky for me, there is next year…

 

 

Last week also marked our return to the pool.  Each spring I enroll the kids in Pool School for a little refresher before our swim-filled summers.   Ryan’s finally old enough to participate without me in the pool, so I enjoyed the hour watching my three little fish and I realized their approach to the water was so totally and completely aligned with their approach to life.  Ellie’s a natural swimmer.  She’s literally been swimming freestyle since she turned two and has never had any struggle in the water.  She dives beautifully and her technique is so flawless it’s a joy to watch.  I wonder if it’s come too easily for her, however, because now as the focus is endurance and distance, she is totally unaccustomed to having to work in the water and refuses to do so – often stopping short of her potential.  Nothing about swimming comes naturally to Jake.  He cried through years of lessons until finally he gave in and submerged.  His technique is impossible to describe — an uneven, jerky series of movements that has lifeguards on edge wondering if he is drowning.  He carries on undeterred – working harder than the rest and making very slow and unsteady progress.  Ironically, of the three, he loves swimming the most.  Ryan treats swimming as he does the rest of his life…a time to be social and have fun.  I can see his giant smile throughout the entire class, and I don’t think he stops talking even to submerge his head.  Watching them makes me realize how different my children are from each other and how important it is to parent each according to their strengths.

 

 

I addition to swimming and dancing, my days have been busy with gardening.  Kevin built me a beautiful raised bed, which I’ve wanted for years, and I planted last weekend — apparently after a full-moon or something, which is somehow important to gardening.  I know as much about planting and gardening as I do about neuroscience, which does not bode well for this project.  Everything I read suggested to have fun and plant what you like to eat…so I’m trying.  I planted some summer goodness in the form of tomatoes, zucchini, squash, jalapeños, cucumbers, lettuces and peppers.  I haven’t seen a rabbit in my neighborhood for years, but I swear to you since the day I planted my yard has become Occupy Rabbitland.

 

 

And, finally, (are you really still reading) you’re caught up on the highlights of my life.  I’m not feeling any more creative than I was at the start, but I do appreciate your readership!!  I’ve gotta run because I hear Ryan cleaning up after himself in the bathroom, which is never a good sound.

 

 

xo,

 

 

Jeannie

 

 

 

 

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