The bibs are gone...

I threw out the bibs today. The one with the fat ladybugs, the fire engine red cloth one that brought out the blush in Boy's little chubby cheeks, the starfish... all gone to the deep memories of when my children were babies. I couldn't part with the retro cowgirls bib. It was barely used. I'll put that one away. Boy wore bibs for about the first 9 months? He was a constant drooler and we had to do mop patrol. Girl never liked bibs much during meal time. My babies...such a whirlwind having 2 children in a year. Much of it a blur. Yet, as my fingertips let the bibs go I felt that familiar rush of tears. And the memories of their sweet round faces above the bibs will stay with me forever.


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JCK is on reruns. She'll be back soon.

What is up with those fishnets, anyway?

JCK realizes that there has been some discussion, some lingering curiosity about her fishnets. JCK wishes to make clear that the fishnets are more of a symbol, an indication of what lies under the surface of a stay-at-home mom with two children both now 4 years old and only 10 months apart. Insanity? Well...there is THAT. Yet, JCK adores being a mother. It is by far the best thing that has ever happened to her. And like all great things in life, every day is not perfect. Or even remotely close. Just the idea that she can still wear fishnets, if she wants to, and that chocolate, caffeine and whiskey...stay the tide, intoxicates her with good vibrations... and even...chocolate orgasms.

JCK wanted to convey to her readers that although she is ripe of age, she is not like an old fruitcake that appears to turn up again and again... No, back in the day when Madonna was like a Virgin, JCK was known to wear a fishnet or two. JCK was quite the lace and glove gal, yes she was. It is documented here.

JCK HATES housework. In fact, she is quite inept when it comes to cleaning. But, for inspiration she has been known to put fishnets on her hands and pose for her blog. This was during a period of deep self-inflated, perimenopausal stupidity, of which the only benefit was that she distracted herself from actually cleaning.

But, dear readers, JCK will not let you down that easily. There is one story, one little gem that she can share...

It was a Valentine's Day in 1994. JCK was living in cohabitation with a certain someone who is now her husband. JCK decided that she would surprise her man when he came home from a hard day's labor. She decided that she would whip up a delicious meal and throw on something sexy. JCK dug deep into her drawer of intimate apparel. She found what she was looking for. JCK sorted through her flashy disco tops, and chose a pink number.

So, on that Valentine's evening in 1994, E walked in the house and followed the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. Once he arrived in the kitchen, he found what he was looking for... JCK was attired in a flashy pink jacket that fell just below her tush. Fishnets, stiletto pumps, and nothing else... As to what was cooking on the stove? Neither JCK nor her LOVAH seem to remember.

JCK highly recommends trying on a pair of fishnets from time to time. There is something about the texture, the roughness of the material, especially over that most sensual spot just behind the knee...that inspires naughty notions.


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It's Thanksgiving vacation. JCK is on reruns. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

It is the year of GIRL's blossoming

It was GIRL's night, Thursday night. A scrumptious delight of my little girl in ballet costume, hair in "ballet bun," and bright smile. She had her first recital, an evening performance, and she loved it! My little girl in a pink swirly dress, dancing in The Little Nutcracker. Perhaps best of all was sitting up front with BOY, as he watched his sister, calling out to her as she was exiting the stage....

HI, GIRL!

And, she frowning, and then chopping her hand down through the air, as if to say...HUSH, BOY, THIS IS SERIOUS. I'm on stage!

It is the year of GIRL's blossoming. I see it at school. At home. In all aspects of her life. It is precious. And, I feel blessed that she has this year before Kindergarten. One more year of lunching regularly together. I sense the time going by, and am holding on to the moments as best I can....

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"At Play" sculpture from The Sculpture Gallery.

GIRL asks big questions

GIRL: Mama, what's THE most important thing in life?

JCK: Oh, GIRL.... let's see. I'll tell you the first thing that comes to mind. Kindness, GIRL. Kindness is the most important thing.


This after her question last week...Mommy, when is the end of life?

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What would your answer be? To either question.

The Charter for Compassion

THE CHARTER FOR COMPASSION:

"A call to bring the world together…

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community."

You can affirm The Charter of Compassion here.