Move aside Ylvis, I'm feeling Eddie Vedder

I have anticipated Pearl Jam's new album, Lightning Bolt for several months now and I can say that it was well worth the wait.  I fell in love with Pearl Jam as a teenager, when music kept me grounded and allowed me to realize that all the feelings I was dealing with were okay.  Not normal, but okay.  Because why be normal? and what is normal? 

My high school friends, Dustin Rawlins and Kyle Bullock (now my husband and best friend), used to have a joke, "Are you feeling Eddie Vedder?", as a teenager you are always coping with hormonal shifts and just the plain awkwardness of high school, pinning Eddie Vedder in place of better always made me smile and put me into the mood to throw on PJ's debut album of the time, Ten.  And I couldn't tell you how influential the "grunge" movement was on my generation.  How many countless weekends I would watch the movie Singles just so I could get small glimpses of the cameo appearances by Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Eddie Vedder, as members of Matt Dillon's character, Cliff's band, Citizen Dick.  And then of course, the other grunge figure of the time that also made an appearance in this film, was Soundgarden's Chris Cornell. Needless to say, I feel like I time warped back to that era when I fell in love with "grunge" music.

Now with that out of the way, Lightning Bolt is a must-have album, it showcases such a plethora of American music.  The album starts out heavy, full grunge, think of Motorhead's Ace of Spades (I think of playing Tony Hawk's ProSkater  Video Game), with songs, Getaway, Mind Your Manners and My Father's Son.  The album then shifts into classic PJ anthem style, by this I mean when Vedder becomes a pseudo-preacher with his baritone vocals, working their way up to an angelic whisper and back down again sharing with you a story in an earthy tone.  Track 9, Let the Records Play, is my personal favorite, a southern blues rock ballad, it reminds me of so many great musicians, from Son House to Jack White, with an essence of Shania Twain (yes, I said it, you will hear it too, just wait). The album winds down with more subdued songs, Sleeping by Myself, Yellow Moon and Future Days, perfect for unwinding at the end of the night.  As I said, the album is reminiscent of so much American rooted music (including Neil Young), as you listen you will be like wait, who is that, and quickly what you think you hear, transcends into something new and fresh, but keeps up with that original grunge sound you fell in love with, while showcasing the deep roots of American music .  And you know it rocks, if my two year old son, Finn, asks "Mommy music on?", when we travel in the car.  As soon as it starts, he is sitting there from his backseat just rocking to the beat.  Maybe it is how many times I listened to Pearl Jam's rendition of Crazy Mary from their Red Rocks concerts on cd while he was in utero, but either way, I think he is a fan!

So whether you are a Pearl Jam fan or need a gift idea for someone, I highly recommend Lightning Bolt, because when you need to feel a little Vedder, or a throwback to the 90s, this is well-suited for you (just look at the album cover, the soundwaves are projected to the masses).  The only other thing that would make it better, is if Pearl Jam is added to the 2014 Firefly lineup (Red Frog if you wanna keep this fan happy, you know what to do)!!!

The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Learners and Creative Minds

So as many of you know I  recently started a Master of Arts in Education program and so you can only imagine what I am immersing myself in.  But I must say I am always pleasantly surprised at what I had been holding off from for so long. You see, we often are afraid of the things that challenge us, I decided that I wasn't going to let that get in my way anymore. Instead I decided let me face the challenge and go forth, the outcomes are always worth it and when you face the challenge, accept it and jump in you find a power within yourself. 

By immersing myself in this challenge, I have rediscovered what I love about education- the power of learners grasping for knowledge and getting creative.  I am currently taking two courses: Curriculum Building and Learning Theory. I am well aware of the fact that not everyone within in a classroom is ready to learn the knowledge of that class.  So I hope that I can keep motivated, stay connected, and keep renewing my thrive to learn and share it.  So far, I have taken many trips down memory lane, exploring my past schooling, how was I taught, what worked for me, what didn't work, what kept me engaged...it has really made me start thinking that all of us are pretty complex creatures and we all do things a little differently. I know that ultimately the learner must be engaged in the subject and the teacher has to find a way to get the student engaged. So as the student, this is what I am currently doing, engaging the subject and engaging the teacher.

So as I take these classes I also try to keep engaged beyond what I am learning in the classroom. I try to look around at my world, what is going on...I turn to TED talks.  Recently I shared a link on facebook about the Bee Bummer, which I really feel is crucial to our future.  If I was in a classroom I would make sure to share this talk with my students, regardless if I wasn't teaching science, because this problem goes further and transcends many subjects, such as, agricultural, sustainability, food sources, population, etc.  As a teacher you have to find a way to connect this topic to your subject area. Today, my co-worker shared with me a link about phonebloks, this is a invention currently, that has not been picked up, but in an age where technology is constantly being changed every moment, this seems like the way to go for smartphones. I am hoping that by sharing this link about phonebloks on my Instagram and hashtagging #shouldbeatedtalk and #tedtalk that it will actually make it to a TEDtalk and actually make it possible to own. If you have never watched a TED talk I encourage you to get connected and search for one on You Tube...they are pretty amazing and really get you thinking beyond our current political spectrum which seems so bogged down on blaming the opposite sides of the aisle instead of actually working.  What I am saying is don't get discouraged in our future, don't give up, get connected to what is out there working for the greater good of mankind.  Let's get educated, get connected and get our creative minds connected.

I will try to check in with you when I can, for now, I just wanted you to know where I was, what I am working towards...this is a journey..."the obstacle is the path"-Pirsig.

Someone whispers, "She's having a mid-life crisis." I say, "No I am pursuing my dreams, which means accepting the challenges"

So I have been recently reading Willie Nelson's memoir, "Roll me up and smoke me when I die, musings from the road," and it really is helping me keep my perspective on life.  In the introduction, it talks about Nelson's advice on songwriting and he says, "I will never say anything to discourage a songwriter, but if you are a real songwriter, nothing I could say would discourage you, anyhow. If my opinion could change your mind about being a songwriter, then you really weren't a songwriter to begin with and I would have done you a favor by making you look for a different career.  If a real songwriter happened to hear that I didn't like his work, he would say, 'What the hell does Willie Nelson know? Fuck Willie Nelson" (ix, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Willie Nelson). So as some of you know, I recently took my Praxis I test, which I fretted about and studied for and yes, to my surprise passed.  All of my cheerleaders knew I would pass it, but I doubted myself, as I always do, mostly I think because we all have a fear of failure.  I knew that if I failed it I could take the test again, but if I had it would have caused doubt within myself.  So passing it of course has just further encouraged me and the path that lies ahead...Needless to say, I am determined.

So Monday, August 26th, I begin working towards my Masters in Education.  I will take this on, while being a wife, a mother, working my full-time job, as well as, starting yet another endeavor.  One of the presents that I received on my birthday was discovering that I had been accepted into a Grad Assistantship position with the English department at Wesley College.  I am super excited about this position, as it means I get to work with professors that I admire and have been mentors to me since my undergrad work. 

I must say it now, loud and clear, I could not do any of this, without the support system of my family.  First I must thank my husband, Kyle who has supported me in every dream that I ever wanted to pursue and is my biggest cheerleader.  Secondly a huge shout out to my mother, who helps take care of my son, Finn during the week, so that I can go to work.  She is an amazing human being and the strongest woman I know, I love you, mom!!! Third (and like Third Man Records, always groovin' along with us), my in-laws, Anita and Rod, for being our sounding board when we need someone to listen or reaffirm our thoughts, for helping with Finn, and for seriously just making music with us or rockin' out to music.  Rachel and Jeremy, for meeting up for cousin play dates at impromptu times and supporting our dreams.  Next let me thank the rest of our extended families both sides, too many of you to mention, you know who you are, whether its sending us happy hump day notes on Facebook, random text messages of encouragement, liking our photos, posts or blogs, we welcome all of your love. Ah, and then there are our friends, again too many to mention, you know who you are,...you may not know how you help us, for some its knowing that you are thinking of us (keeping us in your thoughts and knowing you love us is a good feeling).  Friends seriously cover so much, but I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Special shout out to my friend, Emma who lives on the other side of the world, because oceans and continents have never separated her support for me (and her family's support for me)!  So thank you all!

I just celebrated a birthday this past week, and I must say, that every year just gets better and better.  I am pursuing these dreams, in the words of Joseph Campbell, "following my bliss," even if that means slaying some dragons along the way!  How I love the feeling of defeating those dragons, in the words of Robert Pirsig, "the obstacle is the path." 

Finn playing the Ukulele

My husband and my son gave me my first ukulele for my birthday this year.  Some of you may think this is an odd present, but for those who know my love of music you will understand that it is very special.  I haven't had an opportunity yet, to write a blog post about the ukulele's appearances on stage at Firefly. Some of you may have seen my pic of Amanda Palmer, who is infamous for playing the ukulele, but after our amazing moment in the tent with Amanda Palmer and Sabrina the volunteer who played Gotye....Kyle and I grabbed our beer from the brewery and headed to the main stage to catch LP. As we made our way, the sky opened up and we were caught in the downpour, we didn't care we went with it. LP thought these Firefly fans were awesome for standing and toughing it out...but the treat we got was seeing yet, another ukulele player.  So you see, this ukulele present is something that is magical, because Kyle has always listened to me, that weekend I talked about how the men were the headliners, but the women were the ones who really rocked Firefly this year (and how awesome was the ukulele). So this year, as I take on this new adventure, when I feel overwhelmed or stressed, guess what I am going to be working on, oh yeah, strumming on my ukulele (and maybe teaching Finn his first musical instrument, because he thinks my present is his, but it's okay).

So if you don't see as many blog posts don't fret...I am still here, I am still creatively embracing life and pursuing dreams.  And you may get more recipes from me during this time, as I have many started in drafts, just haven't gotten them posted. You may also just get posts of photos, because I take tons of them, but bare with me as I follow my bliss and slay some dragons. And in the words of Joe Dirt, "Life's a garden, dig it!"

Be patient, let him ponder Picasso

 People are always coming up with "new" parenting tips, advice and methods on raising children.  The most recent one, that my sister-in-law, Rachel recently shared with me, and a personal favorite is the CTFD method, Calm the Fuck Down.  Basically whenever you feel overwhelmed, feel on the verge of exploding or melting down,  feel your child isn't learning as fast as your friend's child, just remember CTFD.  With that said, I wanted to share with you some thoughts that go hand in hand with the CTFD method, because we have all been there...your child is exploring the world and decides to _______________ and you are about to overreact, when you remember to CTFD...and then I want you to think about how to change the situation.

First of all, I want you to YouTube, Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk entitled, "How Schools Kill Creativity".  I first watched this video as I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies.  Back then, I decided that it was of such importance to the education world, that I sent it to all of my professors that I felt had allowed me to explore outside the molded system and allowed me to use creativity in my approach to assignments.  What happened? Most of them emailed it or showed other friends of theirs within the education world.  I think that this video is important for everyone to watch, because Robinson raises some important points.  The first is educating our children for the future, when we seriously cannot predict five years down the road, let alone twenty years down the road. Let me not spoil the entire thing, just take the time and watch it, then read some of my CTFD reactionary moments.

"Frank sent this" reactionary moments after you CTFD:

Coloring on the wall of the Book Nook

1- When your child decides to draw outside the box, off the coloring book and onto the walls, CTFD.  The walls can be painted and scrubbed.  If its wallpaper, even better, I still have a childhood drawing I did on my wall as a child of the sun that I did with a bright orange, permanent market (it could not be painted over), but it was on painted wallpaper...so eventually the wallpaper was stripped. My plan now, to frame it as a reminder to not hinder creativity, let it shine like the sun and warm my soul.

2- When your child decides to pick up a stick and fling dirt with it, and then put his dirty fingers in his mouth, CTFD.  Hands can be washed, and keep this lovely quote from author, Bill Bryson in mind when you want to stress about bacteria, "There is no point trying to hide from your bacteria, for they are on you and around you always, in numbers you can't conceive of. If you are in good health and averagely diligent about your hygiene, you will have a herd of about one trillion bacteria grazing on your fleshy plains - about one hundred thousand of them on every square centimetre of skin. And those are just the bacteria that inhabit your skin... Every human body consists of about ten quadrillion cells, but it is host to about a hundred quadrillion bacterial cells. They are, in short, a big part of us. From the bacteria's point of view, of course, we are a rather small part of them… This is their planet, and we are only on it because they allow us to be”. We need bacteria to survive. Lay off the hand sanitizer, we do not need another member of the OCD club. Do not be afraid of science.



Poppa says something about Churchill
and "carrying a big stick"

Dirty Hands with Dad

3-  When your child is admiring their uncle, grandfather or father working on a car or motorcycle, do not be afraid of letting them get a little greasy, CTFD.  Allow your child to understand how the world has changed over the years...the interchangeable part and the industrialized revolution...ah, history!  Let them really work on their motor skills.  Allow them to see that turning a wrench and a screwdriver is okay...these are life skills regardless of whatever profession or career path they choose later in life.  We all have had to pay for someone to fix something, that we felt was too much, because they knew what screw to turn.

a little light motorc

4-  When your child chooses a "book" from the magazine bin of your bookshelf, instead of from his "children" books, CTFD.  If he shows interest in something, let him "read" and study about it.  Engineers and Architects draw out their visions for things all the time.  If we study what works and look at what could be designed differently, who knows what we could come up with.  Remember to remind them of pulleys, and how wheels work...LEGOS are great for this!!!

I wandered lonely as a cloud...
when all at once I saw a crowd
a host of golden daffodils-Wadsworth

5- When they pull or whack at the flowers at the park with a stick, CTFD.  Think back to when you were a child and how large the world looked to you.  Remember that two weeks prior when you were at the park, these flowers weren't there. This is a time to explain how fragile and beautiful life is...when you come home bring out their baby book, remind them of how little they were (I know, it hasn't been that long, but even from the first few weeks to 8 months is a huge difference...remember how delicate their head was...how they couldn't lift it).  This is also a good time to start reminding them of the colors in the world, and introduce them to famous artists, like O'Keefe, Matisse, and Picasso (there are several great children's books out there...When Pigasso met Mootisse by Nina Laden).

Righty tighty, Lefty Loosey

 

6- When they want to help dad put together their new table and chair set, CTFD.  Don't squander their excitement for new things.  Remember if they help put something together they will learn what it means to have pride in something.  When our son, Finn, helped his dad put these table and chairs together he loved showing them off to whoever came to visit.  He also loved rearranging all the chairs.  Now he has learned to quietly move these chairs and use them as stools to reach the things he couldn't before, again CTFD...he is just exploring the world at new heights!



Helping Mom in the Garden

7- When your child decides to rip all the flowers off, not just the dead ones, or decides to pick the tomatoes when they are green instead of ripe red, CTFD.  Remember they are trying to understand what you are showing them. They are mimicking your behavior, they just don't fully understand it all, just yet. They will in time, just keep explaining it to them. On a side note, my marigolds have never had so many blooms, so maybe pulling the newbies off sometimes helps.








Washing Dad's Car

8- When your child decides to take the hose and wet the car down in their pajamas, CTFD.  Use this as an opportunity to show them how to care for and maintain your car, as well as, everything else.  Explain its just like bath time...its good to get dirty, but we also need to clean-up. Don't stop with the car, when you are cleaning windows hand them some paper towels. Also keep in mind the teenage years will eventually come...be thankful they want to help now!

Finn's Custom Bikes

9-  When you come home from work, and your husband has created a funhouse out of large boxes (that motorcycle tires came in), CTFD.  Make this playhouse into everything imaginable...currently for us, it is Finn's Custom Bikes (a garage like daddy's).  During the day this is a great way to play motorcycle garage, house, or whatever they want it to be...at night, however, we like to take all the couch pillows and position towards the television and watch cartoons. Who needs new toys? When you have cardboard boxes...think of the savings. You can also teach them about graffiti artist like Bansky, and graffiti the sides with cool drawings.

Finn @ Funland, Rehoboth Beach, DE

10- When they decide they are not going to take a nap in a strange place, CTFD.  Instead go ahead with your afternoon plans, take them to Funland (Rehoboth Beach, DE) and let their eyes be amazed by all the lights and shiny rides. Let their ears take in the sounds of the waves crashing outside, the bells ringing on all the little kids rides, and all the other sounds of a mini amusement park, as the smell of Thrashers' French Fries collides with the wave of coconut scented lotions and ocean air circles around you.  Soon the thousand yard stare will transcend upon their eyes and you know it will be time to go home (they will be fast asleep in the car).  Remember to teach them we work hard, to play hard.  So turn up the music, dance like no one is watching, and take every moment with your child and make it an educational experience filled with creativity (keep in mind you are their first teacher!)