Stone Angels and Chipmunks

Hilly, historic, and populated with angels, famous folks, and chipmunks. Lots of chipmunks. I was glad they were there. Darting out of ferns, dashing between stone markers, and daring me to approach. Like tiny little jesters, they added a bit of humor and life to the greyness of walking alone in a quiet cemetary on an overcast day.

Oak Hill Cemetary
Washington , DC

Cloud Terrace

A sight that surely would have made Pollyanna gasp with delight: thousands of prisms hung in netting like big dewy drops waiting for the sun to turn them into millions of rainbows. Beautiful and ethereal and yet, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The space wasn't quite right. Or maybe the problem was me since I was rushing to make sure I had enough time to deal with traffic and pick up the kids at school. But even more pressing than the time, were the expectations that had led me there in the first place: this Post article and a quick peek at Cao | Perrot's portfolio. I wonder if I had just stumbled upon these clouds on my own, if I would have had more of a Pollyanna reaction?  I don't know, but if you want to see it for yourself, hurry. This is the last weekend. 

Cloud Terrace
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Washington, D.C.

Chincoteague

 Yes, we saw a clump of wild ponies, but the real highlights were flying a kite on the beach,  learning how to hunt for mussels on the side of the road with some friendly strangers, finding two letterboxes, and stopping for ice cream at Mr. Whippy. The poison ivy souvenir that Adam brought home (via letterboxing) was not a highlight. 

March 2013

May List

For Small Living: We the Tiny House People
For Maternal Musing: Isabella Rosselini and Mammas
For Attending: Picture Book Panel Discussion
For Tracking: Cicada Tracker
For Deconstructing: The Cardboard Bernini
For Kitchen Dancing: Ho Hey and anything else by Lennon and Maisy
For Exploring: Andre Bluemel Meadow
For Documenting: David Guttenfelder in North Korea
For Finding:  A May List at The Natural Capital
For Light Reading: Shel Silverstein
For Hefty Reading:  Brick Books

In Praise of Duct Tape

His pants were made of duct tape. I loved them.  
 
2013 Kinetic Sculpture Race
Baltimore, Maryland

In Praise of Spelling

Now that we live in the age of spell check,  it's easy to fall prey to the tantalizing ease of merely typing and clicking on the red highlight to select the correct word.  And I will confess that there have been times when I found myself wondering why we all torture ourselves with the weekly spelling drills. But, a recent incident has clearly shown me the importance of continuing to teach spelling.

A few weeks ago when I was attempting to make it home for my grandfather's funeral, I sent a text to a cousin. Here's the transcript:

Hi Sharon, It's Lucia. I am wondering if you are heading to St. Martinville tomorrow morning. If so, could I get a ride with you? I am trying to fly into NOLA (New Orleans) tonight.

Wrong # hoe

Thanks for letting me know. Sorry to bother you. I was trying to get to a funeral.

Ya Ya hoe

Thanks to the wonders of autocorrect and/or lack of spelling profiency, the rude texter (clearly and happily NOT my cousin, Sharon) thought that they would be offensive? funny? mean? by calling me a garden tool. 

I wish I had been quick (and brave) enough to have responded with:  Shovel it up yours.

Time Traveling: St. Mary's City, Maryland

One rainy spring day, 3 busloads of fourth graders and their brave chaperones traveled back in time to visit St. Mary's City, Maryland's first capital. Despite the mud, the drizzle, and the noise that fourth graders can produce, it was a surprisingly pleasant day. In fact, I think I enjoyed our trip there even more than our trips to Jamestown and Williamsburg. It is a bit more remote so there weren't swarms of tourists, the staff/guides were excellent, and the whole place had a nice feel to it. Simple, authentic, and without any of the cheesiness or commercial aspects that some living history parks seem to have. As an anthropology student, I had some mixed feelings about this attempt to re-create snippets of time and culture, but as a parent those reservations were quickly tossed out the window. There is something so appealing to kids and adults of all ages about temporarily sneaking a peek back in time and when it is done well, it is really worth the trip. 

***It reminded me of our trip to Houston and how much we enjoyed the Fort Bend Museum and the George Ranch Historical Park.