Monthly Archives: October 2010

Making it work

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Gorilla Girl’s and Monkey Man’s nursery teacher uses the phrase “make it work” when she is cajoling stubborn three and four year-olds to make nice, join the group, or otherwise adhere to the rules of decent, community-oriented behavior. I’ve watched … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, coaching, community, growth | 3 Comments

Out of the mouths of babes: gender divide

Posted on October 20, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Gorilla Girl and Monkey Man are taking a bath – I can hear them on the baby monitor from downstairs. As I write, I think of the little things they say that make me laugh. Or cringe. Today, during our … Continue reading →

Posted in beer, expectations, friends, gender, motherhood | 2 Comments

At a child’s party

Posted on October 20, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

We sit at the table Sticky with candy corn remnants, Melted ice cream, sugary frosting A child’s party reveals us Asleep in my arms my son Warms me as you speak Protects me from the chill In whispers you talk … Continue reading →

Posted in identity, sisters | 1 Comment

Definite Uncertainty

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

A month ago today, I celebrated my 44th birthday.  Celebrate is perhaps too strong a word; facebook messages reminded me it was my birthday.  Later, my kids sang happy birthday to me and we ate ice cream cake. Otherwise, it … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, expectations, growth, identity, inspiration | 1 Comment

How frinkles produce tranquility

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Hanna made a cake for everyone for monkey man’s and gorilla girl’s birthdays.  The recipe came from the Sesame Street Cookbook (purchased by Mairead and Hanna for a Christmas present last year).  One of gorilla girl’s greatest pleasures is paging … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, food, inspiration, sisters, tranquility | 1 Comment

Extra ordinary life

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

This summer, I went to Paris and Montpelier, France with my high school friend, to visit my college friend and her partner. It was the first time I’d been away from my family for an extended time. And the first … Continue reading →

Posted in art, expectations, friends, motherhood, paris, travel | 3 Comments

Possession

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

I saw a mouse late last night in my house. It could be the colder temperatures driving them into seek shelter.  It could also be the lure of neatly stashed food, under the futon against the wall, stored by M, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, collecting, inspiration, motherhood | 3 Comments

Hispanic heritage month

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive. –Frida Kahlo, 12-18-1939 Thanks to my school colleagues for organizing the Hispanic Heritage Month assembly today. It was a good reminder to look outward for … Continue reading →

Posted in identity, inspiration, painting, race | Leave a comment

Cupcakes and lessons on being decent

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Motherhood isn’t all heavy-duty exhaustion and selflessness.  In moments like this, you get to be part of amazing stuff.  My kids celebrated their birthdays for the first time with their classmates at school.  We made cupcakes with their older sisters … Continue reading →

Posted in food, motherhood, teaching | 1 Comment

Only the beginning

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Necessity is the Mother of Invention

My class is reading and discussing American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang.  It has been fascinating and exciting, but sometimes a struggle.  The books has layers and conflicts and makes readers uncomfortable on many levels by pushing them into … Continue reading →

Posted in expectations, identity, motherhood | 1 Comment