Monday, July 19, 2010
Forest Kindergartens
Thank you to my dear friend, Denise T., for sharing the following links to articles about "forest kindergartens", programs that emphasize nature and play-based learning to encourage creativity, healthy conflict resolution and development of large motor skills. Nature and environmental processes are becoming foreign to children all over the world -- someone termed this divorce of humans from nature the "nature deficit disorder." Not all of us may afford the private tuition of a Waldorf school or similar programs, but everybody is capable of integrating more outdoor learning into their children's playtime. Check these out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/nyregion/30forest.html?_r=1
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/nov/US-Schools-Realizing-Benefits-of-Forest-Kindergarten.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/nyregion/30forest.html?_r=1
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/nov/US-Schools-Realizing-Benefits-of-Forest-Kindergarten.html
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
a lot of stuff...but still not ready to announce
I don't know about you, but I am beyond excited about my impending announcement. Soon, soon. ;-)
July 4th marked two years living at the beach. We marked the anniversary by starting our day watching Le Tour de France (which we do EVERY day for three weeks in July.) After that day's stage ended, we took The Driftah to our new favorite spot on the Laguna Madre. The water was really high after Hurricane Alex, but still relatively clear. We swam and played, and we reflected on many of the past two years' memories. Later, we had dinner on the Gulf side of the island and waited for the fireworks to begin. There are signs posted everywhere notifying that fireworks are prohibited, but in previous years police officers do not enforce that law. Instead, they join us gawkers in our revelry. This year, however, things were a bit different. The dunes caught fire! And nobody -- except for city employees -- seemed to worry much; they continued launching Roman candles and other dazzling things, even as the blaze spread. Along the drive home, we found a tall fore-dune where we could watch the fire safely. Amazing. As we pulled onto the main road, we noticed the fire had spread up to it and several firefighters were battling it back away from the neighborhood. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and no property incurred damage. The dunes are charred, which will bring vibrant flowers next spring.
The Driftah will be put up for sale this Saturday. Everything works on it, according to the previous owner. But, no amount of sweat equity will make the thing FIT our truck properly. It rides too high and, honestly, it just isn't big enough. We have found a few additional truck campers we like and are sifting through the pros and cons so we can select one. I will post pics soon.
And a bunch of other stuff will be in our sale this Saturday, as well. This is the big push to declutter our home. Please pray, cross your fingers, do a garage sale-raindance so that we sell a LOT. Time to lighten our load, get organized and maintain a level of cleanliness that's greater than our current situation. All of these changes bring me great comfort and encouragement; I'm reclaiming my life finally!
First, I discovered my true path. Then, I charted a course to get me onto that path. Now, I'm implementing that plan so I can finally begin my journey. Abundant joy!
July 4th marked two years living at the beach. We marked the anniversary by starting our day watching Le Tour de France (which we do EVERY day for three weeks in July.) After that day's stage ended, we took The Driftah to our new favorite spot on the Laguna Madre. The water was really high after Hurricane Alex, but still relatively clear. We swam and played, and we reflected on many of the past two years' memories. Later, we had dinner on the Gulf side of the island and waited for the fireworks to begin. There are signs posted everywhere notifying that fireworks are prohibited, but in previous years police officers do not enforce that law. Instead, they join us gawkers in our revelry. This year, however, things were a bit different. The dunes caught fire! And nobody -- except for city employees -- seemed to worry much; they continued launching Roman candles and other dazzling things, even as the blaze spread. Along the drive home, we found a tall fore-dune where we could watch the fire safely. Amazing. As we pulled onto the main road, we noticed the fire had spread up to it and several firefighters were battling it back away from the neighborhood. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and no property incurred damage. The dunes are charred, which will bring vibrant flowers next spring.
The Driftah will be put up for sale this Saturday. Everything works on it, according to the previous owner. But, no amount of sweat equity will make the thing FIT our truck properly. It rides too high and, honestly, it just isn't big enough. We have found a few additional truck campers we like and are sifting through the pros and cons so we can select one. I will post pics soon.
And a bunch of other stuff will be in our sale this Saturday, as well. This is the big push to declutter our home. Please pray, cross your fingers, do a garage sale-raindance so that we sell a LOT. Time to lighten our load, get organized and maintain a level of cleanliness that's greater than our current situation. All of these changes bring me great comfort and encouragement; I'm reclaiming my life finally!
First, I discovered my true path. Then, I charted a course to get me onto that path. Now, I'm implementing that plan so I can finally begin my journey. Abundant joy!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Raw food gives you patience???
About a week ago I downloaded an audio file of a webcast by Karen Knowler, a well-known raw food coach. The call lasts about an hour-and-a-half and focuses on 'raw transformation.' Curious, I copied the file onto my iPod and gave a listen during my run yesterday.
Wow. Her message is so simplistic, and she speaks as if you are the only listener. More like a conversation than a teacher-student exchange. She speaks a lot about authenticity, about assessing your life in a realistic manner so that you can set reasonable yet challenging goals. Not everyone wants or is intended to 'go 100% raw', she explains. It's much easier for single people than married people, especially those with children. More members of a family means more opinions and a greater chance of incongruent preferences. Her advice is to give yourself permission to NOT go 100% raw, if that's what really suits your lifestyle. Or to make the transformation overnight, if that works for you. Whatever, just be true to yourself and your current lifestyle. That makes sense to me.
Her transformation lasted much longer than it should have, she explains. What should have taken months or even a year took FIVE YEARS. But finally, after going on and off cooked foods for several years, she realized the plentiful benefits of eating raw. Then and there she vowed to keep doing the things that make her feel good.
The transformation is not just physical. It is emotional, spiritual, ecological and, in many ways, economical.
Although I have not gone 100% raw (and really do not intend to) I have felt a shift on each of these levels. Physically I have shed some pounds and bloatedness (ha!) My skin looks much healthier and younger when I'm eating mostly raw foods. Emotionally, I feel balanced like never before. I have experienced a deeply spiritual connection with the universe, and feel detached from trivialities. My thoughts turn to big picture topics (but I also have a natural tendency to think on that level, so I suppose eating raw simply enhances that inclination.) I have a penchant for all things green; eating raw is a very low-impact eating lifestyle. Economically, I find I'm able to streamline our budget by choosing largely label-less foods that we ALL like. Eating fresh produce can be a tremendously effective method of doing good things for your body, the planet and your pocketbook.
One thing Ms. Knowler touched on, and that caught my attention, relates to patience with children. Many raw foodists claim they interact with their children (even small children) on a much healthier level when they eat raw foods. If this is true, perhaps they are also more patient with adults who behave like children? SOLD.
Wow. Her message is so simplistic, and she speaks as if you are the only listener. More like a conversation than a teacher-student exchange. She speaks a lot about authenticity, about assessing your life in a realistic manner so that you can set reasonable yet challenging goals. Not everyone wants or is intended to 'go 100% raw', she explains. It's much easier for single people than married people, especially those with children. More members of a family means more opinions and a greater chance of incongruent preferences. Her advice is to give yourself permission to NOT go 100% raw, if that's what really suits your lifestyle. Or to make the transformation overnight, if that works for you. Whatever, just be true to yourself and your current lifestyle. That makes sense to me.
Her transformation lasted much longer than it should have, she explains. What should have taken months or even a year took FIVE YEARS. But finally, after going on and off cooked foods for several years, she realized the plentiful benefits of eating raw. Then and there she vowed to keep doing the things that make her feel good.
The transformation is not just physical. It is emotional, spiritual, ecological and, in many ways, economical.
Although I have not gone 100% raw (and really do not intend to) I have felt a shift on each of these levels. Physically I have shed some pounds and bloatedness (ha!) My skin looks much healthier and younger when I'm eating mostly raw foods. Emotionally, I feel balanced like never before. I have experienced a deeply spiritual connection with the universe, and feel detached from trivialities. My thoughts turn to big picture topics (but I also have a natural tendency to think on that level, so I suppose eating raw simply enhances that inclination.) I have a penchant for all things green; eating raw is a very low-impact eating lifestyle. Economically, I find I'm able to streamline our budget by choosing largely label-less foods that we ALL like. Eating fresh produce can be a tremendously effective method of doing good things for your body, the planet and your pocketbook.
One thing Ms. Knowler touched on, and that caught my attention, relates to patience with children. Many raw foodists claim they interact with their children (even small children) on a much healthier level when they eat raw foods. If this is true, perhaps they are also more patient with adults who behave like children? SOLD.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Charting a new course
There was a time when I thought I wanted to become a supermodel. I signed up for classes at a modeling school in Dallas, paid lots of money to build a portfolio, and joined other wannabes for a competition in Los Angeles. Many agencies from all over the world converged on this event to discover their next major talent. There was adequate interest in me, and their message was always the same: get more pictures! Back in Dallas, I began saving money for the next investment in my portfolio.
I dreamed of fame, of living a lifestyle completely different from my ho-hum suburban childhood. But life has a way of telling you when you're on the wrong path and it's time to reroute your life. Somehow I had picked up the wrong map and was headed toward a destination that, once I reached it, would be an insurmountable disappointment. The money would have been nice, though. (Ha!) Perhaps I could have found the strength to muddle through crash-dieting (if I were allowed to eat at all!), or being treated like a mannequin with a pulse. And then used my wealth and influence to affect positive changes in the world? Probably not. It's not in my nature to force myself to do things I don't want to do. Quickly I realized I would never, ever feel like I was realizing my truest dreams by entering into the world of high-fashion modeling. Good thing: my body type was not in great demand.
Fast-forward twenty years. I'm finding myself rethinking my course -- I have been for a few years -- and finally I think I'm coming up with some answers. Unlike my first real detour (from modeling), I'm not making a radical change; I'm only expanding on my current occupation. I don't need to quit NativeDave.com, I just need to grow my role larger and in the right direction. Right, as in it will make me happier by allowing me to create, to do the most good for our family, the business and the planet. I have to write, have plentiful time with my family, and feel like I'm making a positive impact on my global community. Otherwise, it's just a job to me, and that will not be fulfilling.
So how do I achieve this ideal? First, I have to simplify my living arrangements. That process is currently underway. Second, I have to streamline the business so that my daily round consists of less minutiae and more meaningful and creative projects. Third, I need a schedule, despite my distaste for rigidity. In order for me to have time to chase my dreams, I need to allot time each day for ME. It's there, I just need to harness it. And make sure David sets aside that time to take over as Sage's caregiver. I cherish every moment I have with her -- reading, climbing, exploring our imagination, learning about ourselves and the world around us. However, in order for me to continue growing, to be the best Me I can be, I need a sliver of time each day to learn. To create, to dream. Next, I need to nurture my soul and worship my body. Eat well, meditate, and exercise are integral to my happiness and creative inspiration. Finally, I need hugs. From my husband, from Sage, even from Folsom the Stinky Dog. As long as I know my family supports and respects my dreams, I will have the courage to continue my journey.
My journey is putting me back on-track, down the path I was meant to travel and toward the authentic Me.
I dreamed of fame, of living a lifestyle completely different from my ho-hum suburban childhood. But life has a way of telling you when you're on the wrong path and it's time to reroute your life. Somehow I had picked up the wrong map and was headed toward a destination that, once I reached it, would be an insurmountable disappointment. The money would have been nice, though. (Ha!) Perhaps I could have found the strength to muddle through crash-dieting (if I were allowed to eat at all!), or being treated like a mannequin with a pulse. And then used my wealth and influence to affect positive changes in the world? Probably not. It's not in my nature to force myself to do things I don't want to do. Quickly I realized I would never, ever feel like I was realizing my truest dreams by entering into the world of high-fashion modeling. Good thing: my body type was not in great demand.
Fast-forward twenty years. I'm finding myself rethinking my course -- I have been for a few years -- and finally I think I'm coming up with some answers. Unlike my first real detour (from modeling), I'm not making a radical change; I'm only expanding on my current occupation. I don't need to quit NativeDave.com, I just need to grow my role larger and in the right direction. Right, as in it will make me happier by allowing me to create, to do the most good for our family, the business and the planet. I have to write, have plentiful time with my family, and feel like I'm making a positive impact on my global community. Otherwise, it's just a job to me, and that will not be fulfilling.
So how do I achieve this ideal? First, I have to simplify my living arrangements. That process is currently underway. Second, I have to streamline the business so that my daily round consists of less minutiae and more meaningful and creative projects. Third, I need a schedule, despite my distaste for rigidity. In order for me to have time to chase my dreams, I need to allot time each day for ME. It's there, I just need to harness it. And make sure David sets aside that time to take over as Sage's caregiver. I cherish every moment I have with her -- reading, climbing, exploring our imagination, learning about ourselves and the world around us. However, in order for me to continue growing, to be the best Me I can be, I need a sliver of time each day to learn. To create, to dream. Next, I need to nurture my soul and worship my body. Eat well, meditate, and exercise are integral to my happiness and creative inspiration. Finally, I need hugs. From my husband, from Sage, even from Folsom the Stinky Dog. As long as I know my family supports and respects my dreams, I will have the courage to continue my journey.
My journey is putting me back on-track, down the path I was meant to travel and toward the authentic Me.
No announcement about my announcement
I have news...but I'm not ready to share it. Have I mentioned this before? Some tremendous changes are underway in my little corner of the world. VERY POSITIVE changes, so don't worry. My marriage is fabulous; I think we actually grow closer, happier each day. I am not 'expecting', though that would be terrific, too. The nativedave train keeps chugging along through all this economic muck. At this time, the most I can reveal is this: we are simplifying every aspect of our life. Details to come...in about a week...stay tuned. :)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I've always wanted to write a post that is shorter than its title...I wonder if this is the one? Nah, as long as this title is, it still isn't as long as the actual post. Guess today is not the day I will realize my dreams.
Prop up my eyelids, please, so I can see what I'm writing. Actually, I need something to prop up my brain so I can think clearly to write. All day I make mental notes but lately I have been too exhausted to remember them or to mold them into an intelligible post. That will change soon...very soon...
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