Simple Abundance

A long time ago, I was given a book written by Sarah Ban Breathnach entitled Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy (my copy was published in '95).  There is a section for each day of the year.  The topics are full of variety, tons of quotes, and a section called "Joyful Simplicities" for each month of the year.  This is basically a book for you to stop and be thankful for the most simple things in life. 

I rediscovered this book when deep cleaning the basement.  This book doesn't replace (and I hope the author is not egocentric enough to think that is should replace) my bible and other religious practices.  The book is just a sweet way for me to slow down and look at some specific elements in life.  For example, today's entry is on animals.  Tomorrow's in on antiquing.  I should list 101 things for which I am thankful.  Sounds simple, but I get so caught up in life that I tend to overlook those beautiful things around us.

Dreamers of the Day

Dayton's "Big Read" was Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell.  I wanted to read it since it was THE Big Read and because an aquaintance of mine was facilitating a discussion group.  A couple of us were going to participate.  Of course the event was during my husband's travel stint, and I had volleyball driving duty.  I didn't make it--to the event or to finish the book by the date.

I did finish it last night.  I really enjoyed the book (some of the historical signficance was lost on me--I'm not very bright in this area).  The ending, however, was a surprise.  Normally, I enjoy this.  This ending almost didn't fit the tone of the book.  Almost a little too bizzare.  But one of the last lines (it doesn't spoil the book--I promise) said simply to "read to children."  How can you go wrong with a statement like that one?

Mom's Night Off

Last night was one of those rare times when I was alone in my home--with no expectations.  In theory, I'm home two mornings and three afternoons with no kids.  Some of those times I sub or volunteer.  Those are also the times when I "work" as mom--cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.  If I just sat around, I would feel guilty.  But last night, my husband took the kids to a baseball game in Cincy.

I began by making a big, yummy salad for supper (we ate a late lunch).  I took the dog for a walk.  I then drew a hot bubble bath in which to soak.  I read about 75 pages of a book--without being interrupted. (One can understand the plot so much better when you can read w/o interruptions).  It was perfect.  When my husband asked how I spent my night and I happily told him, he looked at me as though I was crazy.  I was glad to have the "night off," but I was even more happy when my family was back safely at home.

My Brilliant Kindergartener

I remember sitting through the Kindergarten orientation for my oldest.  I was a teacher.  My child was brilliant.  I was the stay-at-home mom who worked with and read to my girls all the time.  I knew these teachers would be amazed at my child.  The presentation continued, and the teacher mentioned that the children who were already reading . . .  WHAT?!?!?  Hold everything!  A child going into kindergarten already reading!?!?  There must be some mistake.  My brilliant child isn't anywhere close to reading.
The reality--my child is . . . you guessed it . . . average.

Fastforward seven years.  My youngest child is reading in kindergarten.  Is it because of my brilliance as a teacher and all of the work I've invested in him?  No.  He's just ready to read earlier than his sisters.  I feel like I've done less with him (formally) than I have his sisters, but he's actually much sharper than I remember them being in kindergarten.  One reason--he's older.  He is an October birthday, thus, almost six when kindergarten started.  Second reason--I think his sisters and his father have made up for what I have not done.  Who knows--maybe he will be ABOVE average.  Wink! Wink!