Happy Halloween, Cow/Boy!

How can you not love a holiday that involves costumes and candy!

Satchel was a cow/boy for halloween. The cow was his first favorite animal along with the sound, "moooo". However, the animal du jour is the giraffe which Satch calls, "long neck" (sounding more like laaaaah-nah).

In the morning, after a breakfast of cream cheese on toast with fruit, we donned our costumes (I was the vegetarian farmer in overalls) and headed over to the apple store to buy a new keyboard. Mama fried it with coffee after having given dada heck just a few months prior for doing the same thing. Later we took a stroll to the playground.



















The air was warm and smelled of the raked leaves which lined the hilly streets in great heaps. The sky hinted of oncoming rain in shades of grey. Bright berries decorated the branches of nearby trees.


















There were a few children dressed in costume at the playground, but Satch didn't seem to notice. He was very busy looking for sticks and digging in the wood chips. We romped about until it began to rain.

Honey Bunny

Satchel's has a new favorite treat, Bunny Grahams! They are tiny bite-size cookies that melt quickly in the mouth. They are trans and saturated fat-free, and are made with organic whole wheat flour and organic evaporated cane sugar instead of refined sugar. They also provide an excellent source of calcium.

Bella! Bella!

I'm excited to report that the beautiful and talented, Isabella Mariani has made news again. Seen here, (in the dark purple sweatshirt) she is performing an african dance with the National Dance Institute on "Good Day New York". Seems she is following in the footsteps of her performing parents, Abigail and Michael. (I once saw Abigail and Michael perform a duet so beautiful that I had to bite my cheek to keep from crying...I bled.) Their handsome son, Alessandro, is also quite amazing. Some of the most exciting ice hockey I've seen was watching Alessandro play at Chelsea Piers. He's been playing since he was a wee lad and I always looked forward to the home games. Recently the young man was elected captain of his team (quite an honor). He is also an aspiring photographer.

The Mariani's are my model family, a strong and loving unit. I've watched their children grow into the most extraordinary human beings I've ever met. And they have some terrific family rituals: In the wee hours on Thanksgiving day, Michael stakes out the perfect spot for his family (who joins him later) to watch the Macy's Parade; every year near Christmastime, they throw an open house and friends drift in and out merrily while the vegetarian chili fills bowl after bowl. It is true that Michael Mariani once stood back to back with Placido Domingo during the intermission of Lakme at the Met....I saw it with my own eyes. It is equally true that (in the summer) I love listening to "Viens Mallika" early in the morning while sipping coffee spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

Like Giants

" In those days,
we finally chose
to walk like giants
& hold the world
in arms grown strong with love
& there may be many things we forget
in the days to come,
but this will not be one of them."
- Brian Andreas

Yesterday was Satchel's and Robert's Bon Voyage party at Legal Aid. Jami wrote Satchel this poem:

Satchel Cooper Cox

What a privilege it has been
to know such a wonderful boy.
You've stolen our hearts
and filled this office with so much joy.

We've enjoyed watching you grow
you've really amazed us all.
Especially when you took your first steps
before you could actually crawl.

When our jobs were too stressful
and sometimes we wore a frown
our spirits were always lifted
whenever you were running around.

You're definitely the smartest baby
I think we'll ever know.
You're such a strong man!
And we'll all miss you so!

So Satchel, we have to thank you
for the memories that you've made.
And we sincerely hope
that you'll come back to visit us someday.

Eyes are the Mirrors

EYES ARE THE MIRROR (MIRRORS) OF THE SOUL

"A person's thoughts can be ascertained by looking in his or her eyes. The proverb has been traced back in English to 'Regiment of Life' (1545). But the proverb was known much earlier. Cicero (106-43 B.C.) is quoted as saying, 'Ut imago est animi voltus sic indices oculi' (The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter). The Latin proverbs, 'Vultus est index animi' or 'Oculus animi index,' are usually translated as 'The face is the index of the mind.' The French say, 'Les yeux sont le miroir de l'dme (The eyes are the mirror of the soul). 'The eyes are the window of the soul' is a variant form of the proverb..." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).

My eyes are puffy, bloodshot and tired. They tell the story of a co-sleeping, breastfeeding Mama whose 16 mos old babe has not slept through the night since he was born. Last night I was so exhausted that my body ached, I couldn't eat. I took a motrin and went to bed while Satch and Robert ate dinner. I was always one who went to bed and woke up exactly 8 hrs later...no alarm, happy as a peach! That seems like ages ago. My husband, on the other hand, was never a good sleeper and wakes up frequently at night...makes himself chocolate milk which he slurps with a spoon, reads or pecks away at the computer. When my husband began routinely snoring, he graciously moved to the sofa. I can still hear him...through TWO closed doors. (Dare I mention that I once broke up with a guy because he snored?) And now I have this amazing little boy whom I love madly, but he has his dad's poor sleep habits. I am sure there is a spiritual lesson here somewhere, but I'm too exhausted to figure it out.

Today while Satch napped, I started working on my new project...photographing eyes (the Iris to be precise). Above is a self-portrait...I haven't perfected it yet.

Remote Control

Satchel found the remote control.














He willingly handed over....














....and rolled around on the floor

Quickies

These days I'm all about quick meals. Satchel has entered toddlerhood...enter temper tantrums. I just can't seem to make anything that requires...time. I haven't even made fajitas in ages...the chopping the grating, salsa, guacamole is too tricky to juggle with a tot at my heels. So here are two of Satchel's favorite "quickies" and if you have some favorites that you would like to share with me, please comment...I can use all the help I can get.

Tuscan Pizza

• Flat Bread or "pocketless pita"
• Pesto (jar or fresh)
• Smoked fresh mozzarella
• Chopped sun dried tomatoes

Spread a thin layer of pesto onto the flat bread. Sprinkle with cheese and top with sun dried tomatoes. Bake in oven until cheese is golden and bubbles. *I've made this an appetizer for parties and it's always a hit!


Tricked Out Mac & Cheese

• 1 box of Annie's organic mac & cheese
• 1 lb fresh butternut squash (great source of vit A, C and more)
  
• 6 oz container of Stoneyfield Farm plain organic yogurt
• 1 T butter
• 1/2 c frozen peas (or any veggie your tot will eat)
  
• 1/3 - 1/2 package of Smart Ground (soy)

Steam butternut squash (we buy chopped to save time) in a pot with 1/2 c water until tender (16-20 minutes). Meanwhile begin cooking mac & cheese according to directions on box. When squash is cooked, drain, mash and set aside. When macaroni is cooked, stir in all remaining ingredients (the soy doesn't need to be cooked) and mix thoroughly.

*My husband hates squash, but can't tell it's in this dish...and the color blends in with the cheese.

Balance

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” -Robert Fulghum

At 16 months, Satchel likes balancing objects. One night he balanced a huge baking potato on end in a tiny toy tea cup.

Tonight he balanced a water bottle on end during dinner and repeated his new trick several times. He was quite pleased with himself and said, "woooooow!" (Note the 4 utensils on his tray...seems I never pick the "right" one)

As I type this there is a hideous scream of a saw as more work is being done in the house while Robert and Satch clean up from dinner. It's been so relentless that every time Satch hears a hammer, he mumbles, "Jim", who does much of the work. Still no tub or sink...Satch is overdue for a bath. Robert said that the tub should be in this weekend and I look forward to a bath with my boy. We've never bathed together because we only had a make-shift shower.

Satchel's new words are: yellow, Laura, chin, woe ole joe (his new favorite song), and long neck (his term for giraffe).

Igloo Indoors

"Anything can happen, child, anything can be"
- Shel Silverstein





Aunt Laura gave Satchel this very cool Igloo from Ikea. I urge you to run right out and get one! It's as much fun for the cat who throws himself wildly at the sides. Satch squeals with delight to see the cat playing in his igloo.
















The light is soft, beautiful and diaphanous through the fabric of the igloo...like a winter morning.


I tossed a bunch of his plush toys inside as well as the plethora of cloth books that Dr. Berry gave him so that it will be soft and cozy inside.













(How I love Ikea - there are three in the area where we will be moving)

Good Byes

Dr. Berry's office through me a bon voyage party today. We stuffed ourselves with yummy mexican food and Diane's special homemade cake. The staff gave me a gorgeous "Tree of Life" mirror...hand made from old drum metal in Haiti. The cards and the sentiment...it was all very touching and I feel blessed. I had just enough time to take a photo of the newest arrival, Miss Pippa Purcell Jones, born to Jenny & Mike! (She's a beauty)

A Party and a Parting

Yesterday was my 43rd birthday and I forgot all about it until the wishes started flowing. We are knee deep in rapid renovations to sell our home and move. I've been so stressed about everything that I forgot about my birthday until I discovered this hand silk screened card by Cori Dantini from my sister-in-law sitting by the coffee maker. (Will frame this one) Laura flew in from KC MO to help with the project. I received many wonderful well wishes, many from whom whose birthdays I don't know or can never remember.

This card from Jules also touched me deeply. Robert and Satch took me out to dinner and when we returned there was a very dense and decadent chocolate cake awaiting...and the four of us (Robert, Satch, Laura and me) had a little party. There were gifts via post from family and friends...like a handfull of vintage buttons tied in an antique hankie from the lovely "Di-Di" who also made me a cake and homemade chocolates. How lucky am I!

Ms. Hemingway asked me, "Are you 21 and holding?"
I said, "NO...I'm 43 and proud!"
"Good Answer", she replied.

Thank you, everyone, for the wishes and gifts and for making me feel so loved.

Earlier that morning, my mother called to wish me a happy birthday and informed me that my grandfather died. He was 94 years old. It was 10 pm on Sunday night and he left in his sleep with a nurse at his side and a meditation tape playing softly in the background. He did not die of a disease, nor in any pain. He simply left his body.

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to my grandfather Walt whom I called, "Gully". In his younger days he battled both alcoholism and depression. In his latter years he became withdrawn, and softer, more emotional. He liked to say a blessing at thanksgiving dinner and would make everyone hold hands...he always got choked up before he finished speaking. He was a voracious reader, he had a thing for Mexico and taught himself to speak Spanish. He played the guitar and the drums and had an accordion in the bedroom closet. Whenever he left me a message on my answering machine (which was rare), he always ended with "Love Grandpa... (pause)....Walt Kaminski" as if he was dictating a letter. (How I wish I saved them)

Dear Gully, Thank you for sitting me in the engineer's seat on the train to Manhattan and letting me blow the whistle , for family sing-a-longs, knishes, diving for coins...here's to your wingtips, your blue eyes, and your 94 years!!!

Even Steven

Remember that episode of Seinfeld in which Jerry claims in his life, "things always even out for him"? Well, yesterday I had one of those days...a bad day OR a good day depending on how you look at it.

I was asked to paint inspiring quotes on the exam room walls of an OB/GYN's office in B'Ville and after the second wall, the bulb in my projector blew out. SO...I called the local art supply store in Syracuse, BUT they said they did not carry my fancy shmancy German Astrascope projector, THOUGH they did carry Artograph AND they just produced an MC-250 model imported from Germany SO the bulb might fit. We jumped in the car and took the 25 minute ride to the store. Once there, Paul, carefully unwrapped the halogen bulb from the Artograph and compared it to mine. It was a fit! BUT, they only carried a 300 watt and mine is a 650 watt. I took it anyway...I quickly sifted through my bag WHEN I realized my wallet wasn't there. THEN I remembered I received an envelope of cash that very morning from a photo shoot I did a few days prior, and paid for the bulb...35 bucks! (I was quite bummed about this because it felt like money was going in one hand and out the other...it was like "do not pass GO, do not collect 200 dollars"). Since I was now in Syracuse, I went to their office there to do some work THEN I realized I left my breast pump back at the B'Ville location. THEN one of the secretaries said that she could pick it up for me so I could have it the following morning. LATER, the office manager reimbursed me for the bulb and I was thrilled.

THEN that night, after I got Satch to sleep, I crept to the kitchen for some Ben & Jerry's "Brownie Batter"...I opened a fresh pint and dug in the scooper....WHEN (Shhlop) a giant, perfectly round, scoop of ice cream went flying through the air and right into my clean, crisp, striped, cotton pajama bottoms THEN (splat) landed on the kitchen floor (which is in the process of being refinished so is quite nasty) rendering the scoop unsalvageable. I walked to the living room with my big, round chocolate stain on the front of my pajama pants and told Robert what happened. He said, "at least it wasn't the last scoop".

I guess it's all about how you look at things...everything does have a way of balancing out..."even Steven".

Nuby, Bums and BabyLegs

I bought Satch these leg warmers from BabyLegs for the cold winter months. Worn under his pants like long socks, they will keep his legs warm and toasty......








I discovered that they were also perfect for "bare bum time".

















Satch has shown signs of moving on from his Podee toddler bottle to a sippy cup, though he doesn't like the spout type, nor having to tip the cup. I finally found the perfect cup by Nuby. It has a soft silicone straw and can be sipped upright. It's great for his favorite treat, YoBaby organic drinkable yogurt. It's like a Lassi!

Mom to Mom: Veronica

Once a month I will be interviewing blogging mamas. If you would like to be interviewed on Mother Rising, please post a comment here (and let me know how to contact you).

It's October and I'm pleased to introduce....



Mom: Veronica
Of: Fiona (age 10 mos)
Where: Nevada
Blog: Petunia




1. In what ways has becoming a mother changed you?

Becoming a mother changed me in so many ways! Too many to say here, but the biggest changes are:

I know myself better.
I know now that I can do it.
I found this love that is much bigger than I thought existed.

2. Do you have a mothering tip you would like to share?

To try to be present, it is challenging because mothering is very demanding and sometimes repetitive, but in being a mother I have found my biggest spiritual practice, if I choose to be present for the experience. I am confronted with feelings of frustration, with wanting to escape {my natural tendency}, with wanting to hold on to moments forever, etc., I am just seeing myself as I mother Fiona.

3. What is your creative outlet/medium?

I am basically a crafter; I like to do so many things! From photography to sewing

4. How do you carve out time for your creativity?

Finding time for creativity is very challenging for me, it is finding time for one of my favourite things in the world, but there are so many other things I have to get done! Still, I steal some moments when Fiona is sleeping.

5. Why do you blog/journal?

I started blogging and for one month nobody but my husband knew about it, it was very freeing to say what I wanted for nobody else but myself. I found that even though being a mother is the best thing and I wouldn’t want to change it for the world, I was getting a little lost in the demanding role. My blog is my space to express myself and it is where I connect with like-minded people.

6. What blogs do you frequent?

I enjoy visiting all of the blogs on my sidebar, the first blog I discovered was wee wonderfuls , then angry chicken, they led me to this wonderful world of sharing.

7. Who are some mama bloggers that you would most like to meet?

I would love, love to meet you, Wendy, all the people in my sidebar, especially Misha, Amanda, Marieke, Andrea, Anastasia, Selena, Trudi, from and everybody who leaves encouraging and sweet comments and takes time to visit my little blog.