Hannah just said, "A new title? You're always doing that!"
It's true.
But, I never really liked Swimming Upstream as a moniker. I always loved The House of Diminished Circumstances; however, if you've seen our basement, that title is no longer fitting.
"Does it have its own postal code?", one friend asked.
A few years ago I read a charming children's book called Five Minutes Peace in which a mother elephant sits down to tea and toast only to be interrupted multiple times. She tries to take a restful bath - however, her children somehow find her and serenade her on a recorder. Eventually they all join her in the bath wearing their pajamas. Ultimately she sneaks down to the kitchen where she is allowed to enjoy exactly two and a half minutes peace.
I feel a bit like that mother elephant.
The days are packed and a moment's rest is often all that is available.
And, in truth, that moment's rest is often this blog.
Thus, the new title.
(One question: A Moment's Rest or A Moment's Peace or A Cup of Tea?)
11 comments:
You are doing a lot of tinkering with this here blog. I will miss swimming upstream. It was just pessimistic enough for me. I guess the new one is too. Don't get too seasonal affective now! Go play hide-and-go-seek with your kids in the basement. And, just keep writing, no matter what you call it. Otherwise I'll get bored!
I can relate - and I'm only responsible for 2.5 kids, not 5. (I say .5 because at this point, Baby Girl isn't really THAT much work.)
For me, I've learned how to rest without peace - like dozing for 10-15 minutes while the kids watch Thomas 3 feet away. It's not ideal, but I'll take what I can get at this point!
(P.S. Baby is scheduled to arrive on the 21st now. Say a little prayer I go into labour early and they have to deliver on the 18th...)
Yes, an interesting dilemma for a full time Mom, that's for sure. I used to remember that if I could get a few minutes to close the bathroom door behind me, I was lucky! Then there are the days when you forget what your real name is ... Always being called Mom or Mommy. That is why I liked teaching half days. I had the best of both worlds. I could be myself and have my own identity half the day and then be Mom for the rest of the day. I loved it. Being in the same school as the kids was just great. Truly teaching is the best profession to be in when the kids are young and of school age.
I love it, love the blog, love your humour, love the lightheartedness. Keep it up. And keep the kettle on...hot tea demands a rest!
I like "A Moment's Rest", and I second Erin's comments. :)
While I'm here, I have to thank you for introducing me to "A Holy Experience" -- it is such a beautiful blog, and I'm so inspired by it. I can hardly wait to read Ann's book, but I have a school bill to pay off first and then I'll treat myself.
Colin, i will keep writing and hopefully do some more writing instead of just pictures. How is that wife of yours?
Jaclyn, I had to check the calendar re. the 18th and the 21st. I hear what you are saying. Isaac missed the school year by 1.5 days thus dave was back to work 1.5 days after his birth. I'll pray. Couldn't you beg to have the section on the 18th?
Erin, I like this layout so much more - light, glorious light. The dark grey was too star trekky for my liking. (p.s. I am just waiting for the kettle to boil.)
Mary, Teaching is a fabulous profession esp. for a dad who has his entire summers off. And, the kids like to call me by my real name as a joke although they truly believe that Mommy is my real name.
Sue, Holy Experience is something else. Funny to think that she just lives in Listowel, ON. Dave and I often joke that we will drive there and play the background music from her blog (my dad calls it that "infernal piano music") really loudly as we drive through the countryside until farmer husband stops his tractor to talk! I want the book as well and have been dropping hints with dave re. valentine's day. "Life is not an emergency" really hits home with me.
Anne-Marie is feeling quite a bit better, in no small part due to the 'stuff' you gave her. She is still struggling, though, but better than she was. I am determined to be a good husband to her during this time - better than Dave :) Is it possible?
Yes, please write, although, of course, I do enjoy the pics too! It's always a balancing act, isn't it: how much to write? how many pictures to post?
Actually, a picture of the proverbial tea kettle would be good. I get cold everytime I see Hannah standing on top of that hill!
I love the title, and yes, why not take an artsy photo of your own hands holding a cup of tea, or at least a teapot sitting on the table for your header? Your blog is kind of like this for me -- I picture the things you talk about here would be what we would talk about if I was in your home, and we were drinking tea (naturally). I also like the brightness of the blog this time around. But I miss sweet Isaac's face from the top.
Anyhoo, there are my two cents.
Elena, am enjoying all these wonderful comments. And there's nothing quite like a good cup of tea, is there? I also liked sweet little Isaac's angelic face! He has a smile that lights up the world!
Btw, I really liked the collage of photos from 2010.
Thinking about tea, have you read Three Cups of Tea? Excellent! I now have the sequel, Schools from Stones. It's quite miraculous what just one man is capable of doing ... how one man can change the world for some.
You are like a bowl of Muslix, with every bite something new. Sorry, I really like cereal...
Glad you kept the 'although trained as a school teacher...'
Love it!! And so, so true. Ah, to find a quiet moment in the craziness of the day. Cheers (with or without tea), my friend.
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