But here are the four most exciting things that have happened to me and my family in the last week. Because, you know, I want you to feel up to speed.
1.) An MFA creative writing class at DePaul University in Chicago is using a short-short story of mine called "Why You Shouldn't Have Gone in the First Place," as an example of "time and place." I know this because one of the students wrote me an email to say he liked it. Isn't that nice? It's in this book, along with many, many good short stories. I wrote it a hundred years ago. Maybe a thousand.
2.) I had a minor but important parenting breakthrough after my total Sylvia Plath collapse last week. Here it is: I don't have to follow one parenting philosophy word-for-word. I can pick and chose and figure out what works for us. Like, I can give time-outs AND involve my children in decision making and conversation. I know, it sounds elementary, but for me, freedom from thinking I am a failure at being the perfect "positive discipline" groovy parent has been revolutionary. Peace reins in the household. Also, I think the fact that my children saw me just sob my eyes out has made them realize that I do have a breaking point and that they probably don't want to see it again. Proof once more that fear is as good a parenting tool as anything else.
3.) We went to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival where my kids sang along to "This Land is Your Land," got filthy dirty, and learned the phrase "jump the fuck up." Thank you, Steve Earle.
4.) Green Apple Books has a candy drawer in the office and, as the wife of one of the owners, I have access to it. I will now be working here every Monday morning.
Peace and chocolate, my people.
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3.) We went to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival where my kids sang along to "This Land is Your Land," got filthy dirty, and learned the phrase "jump the fuck up." Thank you, Steve Earle.
I think that's all your kids need to know.
Hi Samantha,
I (Somers, your cousin's girlfriend) was listening to NPR recently, and I thought of you. On Point did an hour on the backyard chicken movement. If you haven't already, you really should check it out.
http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens
I must add, I love your blog. The twins are hilarious.
Best wishes!
if you were consistent with your parenting style your kids would find some way to sabotage all of your hard work. by doing a little of this a little of that, you are actually catching them off guard and therefore have the upper hand. this is how I rationalize doing what you do in #2. Which I do do. too. shu do be do.
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