Funny and True

"There was even a Transcendental commune, but it was short-lived (as communes filled with intellectuals usually are)." - from Our Gods Wear Spandex:  The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes (Christopher Knowles with illustrations by Joseph Michael Linsner), which I have been reading while watching Heroes at home with Anna.  Drew gave us Season 1 to watch.  Must say:  great television.  But, the overall premise of the show has been buggin' me.  So, now I'm into researching the history of comic book superheroes and trying (key word) to see connections (and disconnections) between superheroes and the global, dislocated economy.

But as I playfully pursue that relationship, I'm gaining all kinds of useless knowledge, like:  Did you know that Freemasons are supposedly derivatives of The Knights Templar and Egyptian mystery cults?  Whoa.  Me neither.

Wes

Tonight

Everything is complicated.  It is that simple.

Wes

At Home

It doesn't get any more domestic than this, folks...

First off, a little sewing.  I've been having lots of fun trying my hand at clothing for the kids -- so far, some pj pants for Wyatt, and a kimono top that he sported at the Multicultural Festival this year, but that will get wide-spread use.  I got the pattern from Habitual, but changed some minor things and added the arm patch with that oh-so-cool plastic belt buckle from who-knows-when.  

Secondly, but perhaps more predominantly, lots of preserving.  Freezing, drying, and canning of the summer's bounty.  As much as I enjoy doing this and the feeling I get of being connected to generations before me doing the same, I really don't like preserved food.  Doing this work almost brings me to tears (seriously), thinking about having no fresh food in a matter of months.  I hate winter here perhaps for the sole reason that there is a period of time when there is NO FRESH PRODUCE.  At least not locally, which we all know by now is the only way to go.  If you have doubts about that, you can request an informational post from me in the comments section!  In any case, I do what I have to do.

Lastly, I really am getting the occasional moment in the "art room," which houses both my supplies as well as Wyatt's.  It lacks work space right now, but I'm just happy to finally have it organized, thanks to my mom's inspiration and reworking of her own studio space.  We have traded and repurposed many a storage container between the two of us, which meant I didn't end up buying anything new for the entire space!  Hooray for that.

All this combined with getting the daily laundry on the line, keeping Elise fed, changed, and slept, as well as filling in for Wes these last few weeks on the basketball court with Wyatt ("Airball, Mom...") has been keeping me busy...and aware of my limitations.

~Anna

More to Come ... Eddie Vedder from the movie "Into the Wild"

By Popular Demand ... Well, if Ryan Were Popular

It's time to give the people what they want ...

Our first family venture out with the "dualie" Ironman.  This thing looks like a beast, and - so Anna tells me - it is.  I have yet to push the "45 pound carriage" for more than a few blocks.  Clearly, the kids don't know a good thing when they ride in it (see the picture).  But, seriously, Anna swears to me that they really do enjoy it.  Do you like the side-by-side sich-ee-a-tion?  We figured this would cut down on first child, second child stereotypes.
Elise laughed for the first time about a week ago (at me of course).  Here is a great picture of her in full facial stretch.  Love those dimples and the dress!
If only I were this happy in my own shoes all the time.  The picture I didn't post was of me in Wyatt's diaper throwing a tantrum.  "Yai-Yai" (as Wyatt refers to himself these days) just 's growin' like the proverbial weeds that are also running wild all over our yard.  Can't he do dad's chores when he wears dad's shoes? 

Wes