Sunday, November 30, 2008

Casa Fartus de Motherscribe it should be called

The abode where JCK resides might well have become known as The House of Farts had there been any witnesses outside JCK's own tribe. Tremendously fumy farts. Casa Fartus de Motherscribe it should be called. Tis' true. Imagine if you will, 3 flatulence bearers. BOY gets a pass as his odorous phase has now ...well, passed. With 3 other rootin tootin TOOTERS to take his place. The plague has thrown open the door and left, but his black cape tails are trailing behind breaking much wind. My GOD, the aroma. Perhaps best if social engagements are cancelled for another day.


In other news...JCK is happily ensconced in her bed with luscious red lap top atop her. Not to be confused with what is underneath...a his and hers dual control...heated blanket. Such indulgence. Such luxury. Hers for the taking. One might think a heated blanket would be unnecessary in Southern California, but remember it is really a desert and the nights are cool.

So, JCK lies amidst plump pillows that are not her breasts, and much fur that is..thank the Goddess, not belonging to JCK but to her cat...A feline who loves to follow JCK, and has been pawing back through memory lane to the days when JCK actually lay abed and read books. Said feline was not too saddened when JCK writhed and moaned on the bed recently due to foul illness, because...after all, JCK was upon the bed.

All felines being equal, we are here at the end of the trail...NaBloPoMo: writing 30 posts in 30 days for the month of November. A challenge JCK thought she was up for, but really wasn't. Yet, she did it. Through dramas, illness, and the tedium of forcing words across a page that didn't want to be written. It's JackO'Clock by GOD!!


***JCK acknowledges that not all questions proposed by her readers were addressed. JCK begs indulgence and patience on the part of her readers. The questions will be answered. In time...all in good time.


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Saturday, November 29, 2008

those small moments stay with you

Everyone has just sat down at the large dinner table. We are at E's brother's home. There are the 4 of us, Uncle M, Aunt P and their two teenage girls, Aunt P's sister and her boyfriend and Aunt P's mom. 11 of us. 3 of whom BOY has not met before.

My Sister-n-law, Aunt P, says: Let's follow a Thanksgiving tradition and go around the table and each say what we are thankful for.

Uncle M: BOY, why don't we start with you.

BOY: I am thankful for Mommy & Daddy and for all of you.

We all sigh...

We manage to get to a few more people and then...

BOY: I have something else! I am thankful for your hearts. And they help pump the blood in the body.

BOY, I am thankful for you. And how you share your view of the world.

*********************************

GIRL keeping me company in the kitchen while I make cornbread stuffing. I don't know if there is anyone else I'd rather have keeping me company. And lucky for me, she feels the same.

GIRL, I am thankful for you. And how your directness and curiosity challenge me to be a better mommy every day.


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Friday, November 28, 2008

Flu bug just won't let Casa de Motherscribe alone

I so wish my ending pieces on NaBloPoMo could be on a high note, but as of this morning I woke up with the flu.

And now E is getting the stomach flu.

GIRL threw up in the car on the way home last night. She has appeared to have bounced back. Aah....youth. And I'm glad as I can barely take care of myself at this point.

Here's to healthier days. The flu bug just won't let Casa de Motherscribe alone...


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Thursday, November 27, 2008

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for the roof over my head, the little children who play within it, and the man who warms my bed. I am thankful for the clean water that flows into my house, and the dirty water that flows out. I am thankful for the food upon our table.

I am thankful for the ability to read, and to be able to read to my children. I am thankful that I feel love and am loved. I am thankful for the path that my life has taken, and for the many adventures ahead.

I am thankful for my parents, and my grandparents who came before them ...long gone, yet leaving indelible marks upon my heart and mind. I am thankful for my brothers and sister, and for their children who have a special place in my heart always. I am thankful for the extended family that has become mine through marriage. I am thankful for my life long friends and for the friends who pass through my life, sometimes never returning.

I am thankful for silly giggles and the choiceness of grabbing a handful of my husband's ass.


I am thankful for the time I have to write and for the community of bloggers whom I have met along the way. I am thankful for my readers - some who leave comments and some who keep coming back without leaving comments. They return, and for that I am thankful.

I am thankful for chocolate, caffeine and the occasional whiskey...and for the bliss of sleep, elusive yet on this day but hopefully near at hand.

I am thankful for a blue sky and a sun that continues to shine upon us. I am thankful for the rain and the newly green sprouts fighting through the soil.

I am thankful for all of these things. What are you thankful for?


Happy Thanksgiving!


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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

NaBloPoMo...Driving JCK to write poorly at best because she's such a friggin' goody two shoes...

In which she would love to yell FUCK, but it appears unseemly due to Thanksgiving being tomorrow. Nothing really VALID to yell FUCK about, but it would feel good. Yes. It. Would.

Diarrhea. Not mine. Yet. But, poor little GIRL. Although...you'd never know there was something wrong by the way she's been today - other than taking a 2 hour nap this afternoon.Can we say it again? FUCK. Let's hope that's all there is and it's done by tomorrow. So far, very minor. But, there IS the night to get through.

Today I built a Lego bulldozer with my son, took my daughter to ballet and have been making cornbread stuffing tonight. I've based it on a recipe, but have thrown in my own pizazz. If it's good tomorrow, I'll share the recipe in a post.

For now...I'm off to bed, once again hearing the rain on the roof, but too tired to read.

NaBloPoMo. Driving JCK to write poorly at best because she's such a friggin' goody two shoes...


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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

California dew...indeed




One of my very favorite things is curling up in bed with a good book, snuggled under the covers and listening to the thrum of rain on the roof. It's been too long since I did that.

I've been off the computer for the last two days, except for a quick catch-up on email at the end of the day and my dutiful posting for NaBloPoMo. Next year...remind me not to do this again. It is a great goal, to post every day for 30 days, but man...is it grueling. I miss, most of all, having time to read all the wonderfully talented bloggers who are out there.

I've got posts coming up about my latest foray into becoming Betty Crocker, the wonderful tips I got on managing meals, and yes...I've got a post about raising girls in today's society brewing. So...stay tuned.

For now, I'm off to read a book... the rain is coming down and my bed is calling to me. California dew...indeed.


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Monday, November 24, 2008

I told her that she would get to Kindergarten gradually...

This morning GIRL dissolved. She's allowed. She's four. It was a rough morning. First her headband wouldn't go on right. Then her warm washcloth for morning ablutions turned cold. And she didn't like anything BOY said. Pretty much...any thing. She seemed fragile. I recognize all those feelings and frustrations...but, I call it perimenopause.

Then came the clincher, out of the BLUE...

Mommy, I DON'T WANT TO GO TO KINDERGARTEN!

Sweetie, you're not going to Kindergarten any time soon.

But, Kindergarten is EVERY DAY! And she burst into tears... at 7:30am.

I took her on my lap and held her. I explained to her that she wasn't going to Kindergarten next year. I told her that she would get to Kindergarten gradually...doing the PreK class that BOY's doing this year next fall. She would go every day to PreK, but only half days. And her Daddy told her that by the time she was ready for Kindergarten she would love it.

I feel blessed that her teacher is in agreement with us that she have that extra year next year. She has a late September birthday, so she could go to Kindergarten next year. (California has a bizzaro cut-off date for Kindergarten - you must be 5 by early December??) Intellectually, she would be ready. But, to give her that extra time that she needs to have more self-confidence and social ease before entering Kindergarten...that is a gift that I can give her.

And so...she wiped her tears away, fixed her hair and sat down for breakfast. All was once again well with her world. My frustrations continued into the evening. Luckily for me, Jack is back!! As in...It's JackO'Clock!


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Sunday, November 23, 2008

I'm glad you are excited about being 5 now

Dear BOY,


One of the things that I love about you so much is how affectionate you are. In both words and action. You'll suddenly throw your arms around me and say, "You are the bestest Mommy in the whole wide world!" And when I say, "Thank you, BOY, I think you are the best boy in the whole world," you say, "Aw Shucks, Mom." It kills me. Every time.

You're also the first one to run up to a friend, or someone whom you haven't seen for a while, give them a bear hug and say, "I've missed you!" The other moms always melt. I'm already on the floor, undone. Oh...those girls in your future...

You are so incredibly sweet natured. Recently, you and GIRL have been going around pretending you have animal babies in your tummy. You'll say, "Look Mommy, my stomach is huge!" Then it is: "A baby puppy is born, mom. Isn't he the cutest?" That pup may be cute boy, but no one is cuter than you.

Five years ago tonight, also on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, you were born. Your dad and I were there at the hospital, my mom - your Ma'Mai, your Uncle M and Aunt P and their two girls -your cousins. And your birth family was there. There was... T your birthmom, her dad, her step mom, her mom and step dad, her sister, and your birthfather. You had a huge fan base from the beginning, and were welcomed into this world with love.

But, your biggest fan, other than your mom and dad is your sister, GIRL. She basically thinks you hang the moon. And you pretty much do. Maybe because you hang so differently, and always bring a uniqueness to the mix. Your daddy and I know that you will do something really intriguing some day when you're a grown-up. But, for now, you're my little boy and will be for a long time. Probably forever.

There were moments today when I looked at you and thought you looked like you were 5 years old. It was both lovely and bittersweet. Your whole little being is beginning to look much older. I'm glad you are excited about being 5 now. I know you were a bit unsure if it would be as fun as 4. I'm just glad you thought 4 was fun.

You are so beautiful with that shiny, thick blond hair and those mile long eyelashes. And those impossibly blue, blue eyes. But, the most beautiful thing about you is your loving and open spirit. I can say this now as someday you'll be rolling those eyes at me.

I love you more than the moon and the stars and the universe...

Happy 5th Birthday, BOY!


Love,

Mommy


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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Apparently turning 5 is heavy business...

Last night as I sat on the edge of BOY's bed, we had the following conversation:

BOY, it's going to be your birthday in 2 days!

Mommy, I don't want to turn 5.

You don't? Why not, BOY?

I don't want to be a big kid. I like being 4.

Oh, BOY you will be a small kid for a loooong time - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12... You're still going to be a little boy. And you'll always be my little boy.

Thanks, Mom!

Apparently turning 5 is heavy business...

*****************
Thank you for your lovely comments wishing BOY back to health. He is much better and eating lightly, but still weak and taking naps -which is pretty much unheard of in the Lexicon of BOY. Casa de Motherscribe has been under house arrest and GIRL is managing very well, considering...

I'm DYING for a whiskey, and really NEEDED it earlier today when it appeared that the washing machine had broken and water was leaking out from underneath...But, luckily it was due to a wash started in mid-cycle on top of a full wash load. Duh.... I believe I AM tired.

As for talk of whiskey...I am afraid to drink any as it lowers your immune system and I can't afford to get Stomach Flu from Hell. So, for now....gallons of Irish tea will have to do. Alas, JackO'Clock cannot truly be JackO'Clock without the actual Jack.


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Friday, November 21, 2008

Let's just call it...Vomitus Diarrheaus

BOY is sick with the stomach flu. He's never been like this. Let's just call it...Vomitus Diarrheaus. It was almost 10 hours of vomiting starting last night until about 4:30am this morning. He would vomit and then fall asleep in my arms within seconds. As soon as the vomiting stopped the diarrhea started. He's running a fever and is completely zapped. He can take some fluids now, but in small doses. I'm exhausted. I'm hoping he'll feel much better tomorrow. And that the rest of us don't get it...


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Thursday, November 20, 2008

GREENING the Lunch Zone




Several weeks ago I noticed a Twitter snippet that All Adither had written. It went something like this... For someone who likes to think of herself as GREEN, I sure use a lot of Ziploc bags. Her thought really resonated with me, because I am also trying to live a more responsible GREEN life (yet use a lot of Ziploc bags!) and want to teach BOY & GIRL to respect our environment and planet. There is nothing like packing lunches day after day to show yourself how much plastic waste you are creating for the world. That is something that I am determined to change.

I was also horrified when I read: Plastic Ocean: The great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Recently in BOY & GIRL's preschool newsletter, there was an article about GREENING THE LUNCH ZONE.

Some school lunch waste facts:

  1. It has been said that the average school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year.
  2. Juice boxes - Most inorganic trash retains its weight, volume and form for at least four decades.
  3. Paper bags and napkins - It is estimated that 17 trees are cut down for every ton of non-recycled paper.
  4. Plastic bottles, forks and wraps - In the U.S. alone, we discard 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour.
  5. Styrofoam - In the U.S. we throw away 25 billion cups every year.

Here are some ways to GREEN-UP your child's lunch box:

  1. Pack food in reusable containers (avoid plastic bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil and prepackaged foods.)
  2. Use a refillable drink bottle.
  3. Pack a cloth napkin instead of a paper one.
  4. Use reusable utensils instead of disposable ones.
  5. Use a lunchbox instead of a paper bag.
If you have some great ideas for GREENING the Lunch Zone, please share in the comments. Also, does anyone have good ideas for making children's birthday parties more GREEN? The juice boxes...the water bottles... My goal is to be packing GREEN, trash free lunches for my family by January 2009. What about you?

Here are some great web sites to get you thinking GREEN:


http://earthseeds.org/trashless_lunch_box
(Great site for ideas on where you can purchase trash free lunch supplies.)

http://greenlivingideas.com/kids/tips-for-packing-a-nutritious-waste-free-lunch.html
(Tips for packing waste free lunches and a cost analysis of how much you can save by going trash free.)

http://www.wastefreelunches.org/
(General information on going waste free.)


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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

She is so capable, I sometimes forget that she is only 4

I love how GIRL always asks me for a hug and a kiss before I go somewhere. Then she hugs me tight and kisses me on my shoulders and head in loud smooching noises, like a cartoon. She has 4 freckles on her nose now, but those round, round cheeks are still there. She frequently calls out..."Mommy? I love you," from another room. I love holding her hand when we walk together. I can feel that she is in-between where she's been and where she's going. In many ways she is easy to be with. Friends frequently say that talking to GIRL is like talking to someone much older. She is so capable, I sometimes forget that she is only 4. She is all about doing everything by herself. Except at night, after we've read the last story...she wants to be carried to her room. "Mommy, carry me." She is "too tired to walk." And I carry her because just for that brief walk across the house, I get a glimpse back in time to when I was putting her to sleep in her crib...


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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

If JCK has to cook one more meal with chicken, she swears she will start sprouting feathers.

JCK is desperate. Yes, she is. It is her job to feed her family and to keep things...well, interesting in the menu department. The bedroom is taken care of, but the cooking going on in the kitchen is a pretty sad state of affairs. Boring...YAWN. YAWN. JCK would like to think of herself as a Domestic Diva, but truthfully she is barely adequate of late. The trouble is that she is flummoxed. If JCK has to cook one more meal with chicken, she swears she will start sprouting feathers. And with her familial history, well...let's just say feathers would not help. JCK is on a quest and she believes YOU can help her.

There are three things JCK needs to know:

JCK wants to know how you organize your meal planning.
In other words, do you sit down every Sunday night and plan a week's worth of menus? Or, do you see what's on sale and in season and plan your meals around those foods? Please tell JCK that you are not like her. Please tell her your secrets. JCK has no meal time planning secrets. She often finds herself scavenging through the refrigerator and cupboards at 4:30pm wondering what she will fix for dinner that night. And her children are like ravenous beasts flinging themselves at her, as if she knows what she is doing. Please, please tell JCK that you are not like her. Although JCK would welcome some company at that JackO'Clock hour!

JCK wants to know how you keep things varied and healthy when you serve your family dinner. Do you plan ahead? Do you use the crock pot? Do you have favorite sites that you go to for easy, quick family friendly recipes?

JCK wants to know how you save money at the grocery store without using coupons. JCK has tried using coupons, but has found that the foods/items that she buys for her family are usually fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. The food coupons seem to be for prepackaged foods that are often full of MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and other additives. JCK may have loose morals with her mixing bowl, but she takes a firm stand on those evil additives. The coupons are for things that JCK doesn't feed her family, so she would be buying foods that she wouldn't normally buy - hence spending more money.

JCK appreciates you taking the time to answer these deep, probing questions. You see, you will not only be saving JCK, but an entire family. Most especially her husband E who, truth be told, is a bit scared to sit down to dinner.

And for an extra bonus...what about fun, creative lunches? Lunches that JCK can pack for her husband and children that will be delicious and do not have to be reheated.

And...And, what are the must haves in your pantry??

JCK would love to share your ideas, these little secrets with everyone, so after you have left your tips in the comments section, JCK will create a post with your fantastic ideas and will link to you.

JCK is sighing deeply as it is now 4:19pm and she is unsure what will be for dinner...tonight. JCK really, really needs your help. Does anyone know how to remove feathers?


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Monday, November 17, 2008

Turn on. Yes. I'm easy. Just open. And click.

You. RED.
Lushness.
OVER here.
Now.

Wine.
Good vintage.
Has legs.
Syraaaah...

Turn on. Yes.
I'm easy.
Just open.
And click.

Tomorrow.
Possible hangover.
or Surf addicted
whiplash whimper.

Hot. And.
Bothered.
Man cake. Local.
Dessert.

After. Main course.
Of...Her.
The RED.
Lap. Top.

Sated. With.
Varietal pleasure
of
textures.

Sleep. Comes.
With...
Knowing
SMIRK.


*******


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Sunday, November 16, 2008

...because her daddy is kicking her ass

JCK was talking with her father on the phone the other day. It was his birthday. He is now 72. JCK asked her father what kind of day he was having, what he had been up to...and he happened to mention that he had been to his yoga class. YOGA. Her dad. JCK's dad. Yoga. JCK was quite surprised. Not over the fact that her dad was exercising, as he's always kept himself in pretty good shape - still plays tennis once or twice a week and goes to the Y three times a week. No, she was surprised about his exercise choice.

Yoga?

Yes.

Really?

How long have you been doing yoga, Dad?

Oh, about 3 or 4 months.

JCK was quite impressed. At first. And then she started thinking about her dad being 72 and being all exercisey. And her mom, who is amazing and hiked up Mount Washington this past September with JCK's stepdad. Her mom also swims, hikes frequently, and takes dance classes. JCK's mom is 70. And then...JCK started feeling like...

What the fuck, JCK?!


Because....well, JCK has gotten into bad habits. Oh. Yes. She. Has. JCK has basically married her lap top, which is considered bigamy lapomy in this state. E knows about the lap top. He's seen her...red lushness. But, he's not getting in on this. This is JCK's issue. The truth is that JCK is feeling a bit overripe these days. Out of synch with her body. So, she's going to make every effort to start moving her body. And respecting it. And feeding it better. JCK is beginning to realize that chocolate, caffeine and the occasional whiskey do not contain vitamins. Even if her head keeps telling her so.

JCK loves yoga. She is a novice. But, it feels good to her. Believe it or not, JCK was once fairly athletic. She played on a tennis team, she swam... It is time to resurrect that JCK. The one who loves how much taller she feels when she walks out of a yoga class. How connected she feels to her body. How she wants to do it again. JCK is going after THAT feeling. JCK may be heading toward 50 in a few years, but she is still young. Too young to toss away the muscles and curves that could be hers for the taking. She is ready to make a change.

But, what JCK won't tell you...is that she feels quite motivated to make this change because her daddy is kicking her ass. YOGA. Yoga? YOGA. Her 72 year old dad...


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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Thinking of those fleeing from the California fires

The sun peaked through a layer of smoke that shrouded the sky above Los Angeles.
Photo: Monica Almeida/The New York Times

Tonight I am thinking of those fleeing from the California fires. There are fires all around us. None of them are close by, but you can see the smoke for miles and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated. Please take a moment to send good thoughts out to all of the families who have been devastated by what has been described as fire storms.

**********************
Thank you so very much for your kind words over the death of our dog, Soul Man. He had what they think was a stroke and never recovered. He was completely disabled, not being able to get up or even move his head. So, we made the decision to have him put to sleep. Our other dog Cali is a bit out of sorts. She is 11 1/2 and has only known life with Soul. The silver lining is that she is getting lots of extra hugs and attention. But, she is still looking for her friend...

***********************


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Friday, November 14, 2008

Today we had to put our Soul Man to sleep

He was the cutest black lab puppy ever. He entered our lives when he was 5 weeks old. He was so tiny that he could ride around the back of E's neck like a scarf. I will never forget how fast he was, tearing around a ball field with other dogs...flying like the wind. Or how he chewed up a pair of hiking boots and two pairs of dress shoes - all mine. We named him Soul Man.

Today we had to put our Soul Man to sleep. He was 13 1/2. He will be missed by all of us. Safe travels, Soul Man! May you find your legs again...and fly.


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Thursday, November 13, 2008

It is such a treat to read to you


Dear BOY & GIRL,

Tonight I was reading a chapter book to you two and you were captured by the story. One of my childhood favorites: Stuart Little by E.B. White. A chapter book with minimal pictures and many, many words! I picked it up on impulse the other day while we were at the library. And here we were, tonight, the three of us...immersed in the story.

I read three chapters. You wiggled a bit, but at the end of each chapter you wanted to read more. More, you said. MORE! I didn't know if you would be ready for a chapter book, and was fully prepared to toss it aside if it was too much, but it wasn't.

BOY, I loved how you kept looking up at me to watch the expressions cross my face as I was reading.

GIRL, you took such pleasure in turning the pages when it was time.

I've always loved reading the picture books to you both, and we still will, but this...this was special. This enabled you to use your own imagination as I read you the story, and you drew your own illustrations in your head.

I don't even know how many hours I have spent reading in my life. I have read in beds, in chairs, hammocks and trees, on the floor, on the beach, on a mountain top, in waiting rooms, in the car, on airplanes and trains... And, oh yes...on the computer.

It is such a treat to read to you. Sometimes it takes a great deal of patience, because you ask SO many questions. And when it is a book that you have memorized, GIRL, you love to chime in. Occasionally ...early. You are both so curious. About everything. It makes me a little tired, but most of all it fills me with love and wonder. Because your curiosity means you are engaged in life. And maybe, just maybe...I'm doing something right.

As we always say ...I love you more than the moon and the stars, as much as the whole world, and even the universe!


Love,


Mommy


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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The word marriage is an important one...to each and every one of us.



Despite flying high over the Obama win last week, my heart was heavy watching the votes come in for Proposition 8. I have a hard time understanding how people can take away rights from others. Especially when quoting scripture. I consider myself a Christian and this doesn't jibe with my beliefs.

There's a wonderful essay on this called: Proposition 8: "It is written, but I say unto you" by John Seery. He says:

The offended religiosity claims to be based on Scripture. It all boils down to a couple of passages in Leviticus, and maybe a few scattered comments in Paul's letters. To take those passages seriously, however, one today must read them selectively and tendentiously while ignoring their clearly antiquated aspects. I don't see any way around it. If a man lies with a male as with a woman (Lev. 21:13), then that "abomination" requires that they both be put to death--along with the death penalty for adultery and other offenses. If the "Yes on Prop. 8" folks are sincerely convinced that Leviticus requires them to oppose same-sex marriage today, then why aren't they following Scripture more rigorously and calling for the death penalty--not only for homosexuality but also for heterosexual adultery? I just don't get how one can be actively incensed by one line of Scripture but then be completely oblivious to the very next line. If you're a literalist and you believe every word in the Bible is God's revealed word, then you have no exegetical right to pick and choose which passages in Leviticus matter to you today and which don't.

The word marriage is an important one ...to each and every one of us. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, African Americans had to drink out of their own, separate water fountain. They were considered "beneath or less than" their fellow Caucasian Americans. Here, you can have water! But, you are not clean or pure enough to drink from our fountain.

Is this not the same in considering Proposition 8? Here, you can have a commitment ceremony and some legal rights, but NO you can not have OUR marriage. You are not pure or worthy enough to take our word marriage.

And...you might be contagious. Yes, there are many people out there who still think that homosexuality is a choice. Oh, YES. Who in their right mind would choose to be gay in America? No one would choose to be gay in our society today. Being gay means discrimination at the very least, and at worst... It's been 10 years, but doesn't anyone remember Matthew Shepard?

This is what it comes down to for me. Proposition 8 is a violation of our human rights. We may have elected an African American President last week, but our fight for equality in this country is far from over.


*******************************

For further reading, please check out Cheri from Blog this Mom. Her posts on gay marriage and Christianity here, and what we can do here.

Also, Tootsie from Vintage Thirty did a post on Proposition 8 here.


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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Memories weaving their indelible spell for the future reflection

Some days it is the simple things. Sitting in an over sized lawn chair with my feet up, a cup of hot tea, and my son snuggling on my lap. His head laid back against my shoulder, his cheek exposed for innumerable kisses. The softness wounds me in its velvety sweetness.

Not to be outmaneuvered, my daughter climbs aboard as well. The curve of her bottom plopped down into my lap, all while continuing her stream of consciousness chatter.

Letting go of the shoulda, woulda, coulda and immersing myself in the moment. Memories weaving their indelible spell for the future reflection. Never to be regretted for the time taken. How lucky I am to have these moments with them. My children. This fleeting present in our ever hastier world.


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Monday, November 10, 2008

I have snorkels, too, BOY!


Recent conversations at Casa de Motherscribe:


BOY: ....snorkels....


GIRL: I have snorkels, too, BOY! See!


JCK: What are you two talking about?


GIRL: Snorkels. I have them right here. See?


JCK: What are snorkels, GIRL?


GIRL: The holes in your nose.


*************************************


BOY: God loves us.


GIRL: Yes, he loves us and he is everywhere.


BOY: He's IN everything.


GIRL: Everything.


BOY: He's in the road. We just drove over him.


****************************


BOY: I'm going to put YOU in time out, Mommy. I'm going to tell daddy on you and he will never let YOU out.


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Sunday, November 9, 2008

Just 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.


This concludes the segment: Just WHAT is up with those fishnets, anyway?
A question asked by g from Doves2Day, Ellyn from A little piece of Heaven, and phd in Yogurtry at CoffeeYogurt.

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Note: It's NaBloPoMo, what would you like me to write about?


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Saturday, November 8, 2008

Mr. NOBODY


Someone else has ridden into town. A stranger. He's a nasty sort of fellow. Always up to nefarious deeds. His name? Mr. NOBODY.


Who left crackers all over the couch?

It wasn't me, mommy. It was Mr. NOBODY.


GIRL, you broke my train track!

It wasn't me, BOY. It was Mr. NOBODY.


Mommy, can I have some Halloween candy?

It's all gone, BOY.

What! Who ate it all?!

Mr. NOBODY.


More than two can play at this game. That Mr. NOBODY really gets around...



****Note: Movie Poster photo from Google Images


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Friday, November 7, 2008

And how he took 10 FRIGGIN' days to call!


When we last left our heroine, JCK, she was seen exiting the parking structure of an IBM building.

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JCK was feeling quite giddy. In fact, she had butterflies in her stomach and her loins appeared to be radiating heat. All caused from a delicious flirtation with an intriguing man named E. Titillation at an IBM sound stage. Who knew?

10 days went by... JCK was feeling a bit CONFUSED. Certainly this E fellow had appeared sincere in wanting to see her again. Hadn't he? He seemed so nice and had quite a cute ass. And tiny freckles on his nose. She had seen them. The freckles. She was saying almost all this, and more, on the phone to her friend SD from L.A. SD was patiently listening as JCK appeared to go on and on about this E character.

Suddenly the call waiting beeped in.

Hold on SD, I'll be right back.

Hello?

Is this J?

Yes.

It's E.K. We met on the IBM industrial shoot?

Oh...hello, JCK said throatily with warmth. Can you hold on just a moment, E? I've got someone on the other line.

Click back over to SD on call waiting.

SD!!!! IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM!!

Poor SD had to get off the line. For the personal safety of her ears.

JCK returned to E on the other line. They chitted and chatted. Perhaps for several minutes. A date was set for dinner. E asked what time JCK would like him to pick her up. JCK, being an independent sort of gal, stated that she would prefer to drive herself. It appeared to throw E off a bit, yet he went with it. They agreed to meet at his apartment, and then go together to the restaurant.

Date night arrived. The weather cooperated. No sleet, snow or rain. JCK wore something feminine. Fishnets were not involved. After all, this was a first date, not an affair.

JCK arrived Chez E. He lived in a quaint two story apartment building. JCK had barely grazed her knuckles across the door, when it was thrust open. E had been waiting. Not really, but this was 15 years ago and JCK's brain is a bit spotty after having children barely 10 months apart and all that.

What JCK does remember is this...

JCK was quite nervous. Imagine her delight when E welcomed her into his apartment, took her coat, and asked her if she'd like a glass of wine. Beautiful music was playing...and not just in her own mind. While he was pouring, JCK noticed that he had prepared a spread... just for her. On the table was a bountiful plate of brie, crackers and red grapes. JCK began to imagine what it would be like to feed E grapes, when she came back to earth and realized he had asked her a question.

Would you like the nickel tour?

Sure. JCK seemed to say that a lot. She was a bit tongue tied around E, but the wine was helping.

E showed her the small kitchen in front and then his bedroom in back. The first thing that JCK noticed, other than the shelves full of books and albums, was the fireplace.

My GOD, he had a bachelor LAIR!

That was where JCK's mind went. E, being the gentleman raised in the south as he was, led her right back out to the wine and cheese area. They nibbled a bit, finished their glass of wine, and left for the restaurant.

E took JCK to a lovely little bistro in an area of Atlanta called Virginia-Highlands. They drank wine, ate some food, and talked. And talked. About many things...politics, JCK's previous life in L.A. and NYC, E's life as an actor in Atlanta, his college years at Carnegie-Mellon, his six months spent living the gypsy actor's life in Europe, and JCK's childhood years in Africa and Beirut, Lebanon. There was a lot to talk about. It flowed quite easily and it wasn't just the wine.

Later, they walked a bit. Talked some more. And decided to get ice cream cones on the corner. All the adult chairs were taken, so E and JCK decided to sit in the small toddler chairs. Luckily for them, their buttocks were youthful and fit quite nicely. They continued to wax eloquently on ...and suddenly... it was quite late. Hours had gone by.

E drove JCK back to his house and walked her to her car. He told her he had had a lovely evening. She did the same. They said goodnight. JCK drove home. There was no carnal knowledge at this time.

That night, JCK had a strange thought. But, it kept pushing its way to the surface and calling to her...

I am going to marry this man.

And on a gloriously beautiful October day in 1995, they did marry.

JCK still likes to tell the story of how they met. And how he took 10 FRIGGIN' days to call!

E likes to tell the story of how he drove off from the IBM parking garage kicking himself because he had gotten the O.K. from JCK to call, yet did not have her telephone number. A minor detail. E did take the matter into his own hands and called her agent, whom he had known for quite some years, and talked him into divulging the much coveted telephone number of JCK.

As to why he took 10 FRIGGIN' days to call? E thought it had only been a few days. As any woman who has been married for several years will tell you ...men have a different sense of time.

This concludes the story of how JCK met E.

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This post is for Jason from The Jason Show who wanted more posts containing the words: Carnal Knowledge ...

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Note: It's NaBloPoMo, what would you like me to write about?


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Thursday, November 6, 2008

How JCK met E


Atlanta - Spring of 1993

JCK was in one of her moods. In fact, she was feeling downright blue. A sudden spring snow storm had brought Atlanta to its knees the day before. 4-6" of snow and two snow plows in the city meant a booming bar business. Of which she couldn't partake as she had an audition that afternoon.

The audition was for an IBM industrial training film. Oh, joy! The pay was always good, but the idea of putting a suit on, as well as makeup, and appearing UP, was a little much to bear at this particular moment. Fuck! However, JCK knew that getting out would be good for her and she would feel the better for it. So...she dragged herself into the shower, changed and headed out.

Her agent had paired her up with an actor named E. She had not met him. She had moved back to Atlanta the summer before, from Los Angeles, and she hadn't yet met the full contingent of actors in Atlanta. It was a small community overall, and everyone appeared to know each other.

She arrived early and there were a couple of other actors there. She had a few minutes to look over the copy and then sat to read with one of the actors. The casting assistant called them in, and after a quick run through they were put on tape. As JCK walked back out to the waiting area, she noticed another actor had arrived. He was quite friendly, they chit chatted, wished each other luck and she left. His name was E.

The next day JCK's agent called and told her that she had gotten the role. It was a three day shoot starting the next week and would pay the rent for April. JCK was glad that she had roused her ass and gotten to that audition.

The night before the shoot, JCK found herself feeling quite ill. Her throat was incredibly sore, and she had that bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was coming down with something. The next day dawned with a head cold the likes of which JCK had not experienced for some time, perhaps EVER. Her nose appeared its own rain cloud and things were not looking good for JCK. However, she started downing cold medicine and hoped for the best.

When JCK arrived on the set and found her way to wardrobe & makeup, she was pleasantly surprised to see E there. It appeared that although they hadn't read together for the audition, they had been teamed together. Life had just gotten more interesting for JCK.

The film was typical 1990's Industrial Film. Dialogue like an extra dry martini without the buzz. Slightly painful. The Right Way and the Wrong Way of Time Management. JCK and E were playing coworkers. E was the disorganized, bumbling worker. JCK was the slightly anal, highly organized worker. It was...a match made in IBM heaven. The scintillating scenes consisted of various scenarios in which it was made clear to the future viewing audience that JCK's way was THE WAY. However, E had the fun role. JCK was happy to watch him bumble, despite a head cold from hell and feeling like CRAP.

At the end of a very long day, bearable only by E's charisma and JCK's heavy makeup, E asked JCK if she would like to go out for a drink. All JCK felt like doing was going home, crawling into bed, and perhaps reading a trashy romance. Apparently E's charisma, charm and good looks were persuasive, as JCK threw all Kleenex to the wind and met him at a local eatery.

It was there that JCK confessed that she had a monster of a head cold and would be drinking hot tea. E ordered a beer and charmed her by stating that he hadn't even noticed that she had a cold, and how professional was she! that it hadn't interfered in any way with the production. JCK began purring. JCK also wondered if E might be blind. Surely her nose, just to the southern side of Rudolph, and frequent dashes to the bathroom during breaks had been suspicious? She was intrigued.

The next couple of days passed uneventfully. JCK and E had a little flirtation going, which helped pass the time. Then the shoot was over. E caught up with JCK at the parking structure.

Can I call you sometime?

Sure.

They got into their cars and drove away. JCK realized that E had not asked for her telephone number, but she figured he would find her somehow.



This is the end of installment one: How JCK met E

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This post was sparked by JEN from Rants & Raves who wished to know how JCK met E.

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Note: It's NaBloPoMo, what would you like me to write about?



***Photo of The Office courtesy of Google Images.


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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly

Looking at the jubilant crowd in Chicago last night was truly awe inspiring. The number of young people participating was incredible. Never in my lifetime have I seen something like this, and I have never been prouder to be an American.

Today dawned a new day. A day in which we look ahead to the inauguration of our first African American President of the United States of America. The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly.

Barack Obama is the future and I hope he’ll be a great President. He’s got an incredibly challenging job to do, but his willingness to seek advice and his openness to hear others will serve him well.

Our children have been born into an historic time. A time of change in a world that appeared stagnant. A time of hope when we had become hopeless.

Barack Obama.

A man born to an African father and an American mother. A man who is both black and white. A man who inspires hope and infuses us with the belief that we are capable of greatness.



**Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post.


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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

When I got to the voting booth, I held her up and traced his name with my finger

I took my daughter with me to vote this morning. We live in a small town and our precinct is a tiny little church around the corner. Everyone was flying high with joy, excitement and HOPE. It was very emotional.

When I got to the voting booth, I held her up and traced his name with my finger.

Barack Obama

Then I punched the ink pen down, piercing the paper.


HOPE

PEACE

CHANGE

Oh....I hope, I hope....I hope...





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Monday, November 3, 2008

Forget eye candy, this is whole body candy.

I was so exhilarated, but then... I looked over and he was gone. And I was left with this memory... Him. Emerging from the sea, shirtless. Water dripping down his long torso, hair flung back, azure blue eyes crinkling up from the sun. And that smile...or was it a smirk? I still don't know. I will have to wait 6 long months before seeing him again. A bloody difficult thing to do when you're a stay-at-home mom, and don't get out much. Halloween comes once a year, but that kind of candy...well, it was weekly and it was good. 13 weeks of candy for this Mamacita. 13 weeks of Lost. Of. Delish. Worth waiting for. He was.









Until 4 weeks ago...

When Candy for the Mamacita became Candy for Big Girls. Ahhh HonUH.. You got it! Candy for Big Girls. A new man is in town and I will never be the same. His name is Sam.... *SIGH*









SAM, I AM!!!
He looks good in leather.

And he's Irish...in real life. He shows up late, after the kids have gone to bed. He's not particular about what I'm wearing, just that I am there. And I am...baby, oh yeah. If this is Life on Mars...where's the launch pad?



Forget eye candy, this is whole body candy.
















And this is why, fickle woman that I am, I have thrown Sawyer under the bus. Well, at least until "early next year." It's good to have a variety of delights, no?


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Thanks to Happy Geek who wanted me to write a post completing the sentence: I was so exhilarated, but then...

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Note: It's NaBloPoMo, what would you like me to write about?



*** Eye candy photos courtesy of Google Images & ABC Television.


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Sunday, November 2, 2008

Painting was a way that I could express the pain over my infertility

I come from a long line of artists. Painters, on my mother's side. My grandfather was an artist, as was his mother, and two of his daughters - my aunts. (My cousin, Charles Reid, drew the header for my blog above. Pen & ink first, and then he added color and digitized it.) Although my mother is not an artist, she has a gift of perceiving skin tones and seeing the nuances and variances in color. There is no blue, green, red or orange. She sees magenta and crimson...scarlet lake and blue geranium. My sister has inherited the family gift. Her eldest son appears to have the gift as well, which brings it to 5 generations. That I know of.


At a young age I realized I didn't have the family gift. Not only did I not have the family gift, but it appeared that I was much less gifted than the average student in art class. There was something about looking at an object and drawing it that I couldn't manage. Here is a bowl of fruit, here is a vase, here is... Art was intimidating. Daunting. The family gift was not dropped off at my door. Although my mom always embraced whatever I did. She was a supportive mom.

Nine years ago, after being married to my husband E for a few years, we appeared to be infertile. Thus began a cycle of hormone shots, inseminations, and then moving on to IVF (in vitro fertilization.) It was a gut wrenching process and every month my cycle continued to come with a vengeance.

One day, out of the blue, I felt driven to go into an art supply store. I chose a handful of acrylics, some paint thinner, brushes, and a large pad of canvas paper. At the time, we were living in a tiny guest house on the west side of Los Angeles. I set up a make shift easel with a piece of plywood, and I used clothes pins to hold the paper in place. When my brush first splashed color across the paper it felt right. I found myself wanting to paint often. And when I did paint, I lost myself... Coming back to earth 2 or 3 hours later.

Painting became a way that I could express the pain over my infertility. And, where I could escape from it all...

Soon a theme emerged. Having never been able to paint or draw anything that was recognizable, it appeared that I could do it! I could paint... vaginas. Quite ironic, really.

This shows the utter emptiness of the interior... Unending. Forever barren.


In this painting, there is so much pain that the edges of the torso and legs have burst into flames. The blood reflects the loss of hope. The amount of blood symbolizing the many cycles that have gone before.


Below is a painting in which my chaotic thoughts poured forth... You have an image of an angel in the bottom left, symbolizing hope. Then above the angel, an embryo in a pure womb. Lots of blood. Breasts showing the feminine form, with the black hand prints of darkness making their mark.


I'm not sure when, in my cathartic painting phase, I did this painting or the one at the top in pinks and golds, but I like them. Their colors speak to me, still.


I painted for about six months. Suddenly, my need to paint just...stopped. I've never shared these paintings with my family.

It was to be four more years before I became a mother.

Looking at these paintings, touching them, feeling the layers of paint beneath my fingers, I miss it. Perhaps I'll paint again. Thank you Memarie Lane for your curiosity about my painting.


****Note: It's NaBloPoMo, what would you like me to write about?


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Saturday, November 1, 2008

It's NaBloPoMo 2008, what would you like me to write about?

Today is the first day of NaBloPoMo 2008. NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. The goal is to blog every day for the month of November. 2007 was my first year participating in NaBloPoMo. It is a wonderful way to find out about other bloggers, introduce them to your blog, and challenge yourself to complete the goal of 30 blog posts in 30 days. Today is the last day to participate, so go on over and sign up!

For those of you who are new to Motherscribe, last year I told the story of how my husband E and I became parents. After years of infertility, we were blessed to adopt our son, BOY, and several weeks later I found out that I was pregnant at 42. Enter GIRL... They are 10 months apart in age, if you round it up... At the present time, they are both 4 years old. I am a stay-at-home mom.

One of my favorite bloggers, whom I met through NaBloPoMo 2007, is the delightfully witty ...Mrs. G of Derfwad Manor. Once you read a post of Mrs. G's, you will be hooked for life. There is no substitute for your fix of Mrs. G. A few months ago, she had the creative idea of giving her readers an opportunity to leave questions in the comments section of her blog. This month, I would like to borrow her idea, plus add a dash of something else.

If you have any questions for Motherscribe, please leave them in the comments. I will write a post answering your question.

I want to challenge myself to write about things that I don't necessarily write about, so if you have any topics that you'd like me to try, please don't hesitate to put it in the comments.

You can also leave a sentence trailing off... and I will finish it with a post around that.

There are no rules other than that I will honor the privacy of my children and husband.

So, please, leave me your thoughts, ideas, questions and...whatever else you like, and I will attempt to write about it.

If you have a blog, I will link you in the post. If you don't have a blog, please still feel free to participate!

We've got 29 days left in the month. It's NaBloPoMo 2008, what would you like me to write about?


Note: Please let me know if you are participating in NaBloPoMo this year and I will come by and support you as well!


***Above image created on ImageChef.


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