variations on heat
07.29.2009 variation one
Summer seemed to get real start this week here in Richmond, Virginia. It was unusually lovely here for most of June and July but the southern steam has returned, transforming us Richmonders into sultry, slightly damp citizens, lounging in front of fans and drinking mint juleps. The seasonable warmth also brings the about a round of shouts throughout our home, "Are the AC's off? I'm washing clothes (or running the microwave)." Off the children run to turn off the AC's so as not to trip a circuit. Such is another consequence of summer.
variation two
Jalapenos. I've got five pepper bushes more prolific than Picasso. I've taken to bribing people into the coffeehouse for free peppers, tried stuffing and grilling them, chopping and tossing them in anything the kids won't eat and I was running out of ideas until the Sriracha ran out. I thought, "Hey I can make my own hot sauce!" I started processing some peppers on Tuesday around 11 am, went to work at 2pm. Around 4pm, my left hand (the one that did not hold the pepper cutting knife) began thrumming with a dull burn that lasted, very noticeably, til 9 pm that night. Thankfully, I did not touch and delicate body parts. Rubber gloves, goggles and a mask will I be donning when I process the rest of those spicy, green gems
variation three
I've been a parent for nearly ten years now and I still feel like I'm winging it most of the time. Just the vast difference between child one and child two has been enough to completely befuddle me. For instance, girlchild (5 1/2) is a fiery one. She is quick to temper and when frustrated or angry, is prone to lash out with her body. This is not something I ever ecounteresd with calm, gentle boychild. Feeling unequipped to be the mother of "the hitter", I have managed to make progress. Mainly, her pushes, slaps, and scowls are reserved for big brother but there have been occasional playground skirmishes and one such incident occurred last Tuesday at our regularly scheduled parkdate with our homeschool co-op.
Anwen and I had a long talk about how I could help her prevent such outbursts. We talked about anger and frustration and how to know when it is coming. We developed a code system. Code orange meant that she was beginning to feel frustrated and angry. During code orange Anwen would take a deep breath and come find me. We practiced throughout the week. I also decided that I would make sure to be in close proximity whenever Anwen was near the child she was having trouble getting along with. It would be more fun for me to chat with my friends but I know when I'm needed.
On our way to the park THIS Tuesday, boychild asked me why the news always reported on "bad stuff." He was trying to ascertain my angle on the media following a conversation he had with his Dad about negative reporting the night before. I asked him why he thought news shows chose to report on the "bad" stuff. He said he thought it was because it got people's attention. An astute observation.
I told Cruxien that it was our job to look for the positive and report it in our daily lives to help balance things out. I said that our positivity would spread like wildfire.
Anwen was listening.
At the playground I reminded her to smile, not scowl to the child she had altercated with the week prior. I'm proud to report that the two five year old girls had a very positive interaction. I made sure I was nearby to support Anwen in her endeavor. They each had great fun playing with and sculpting a piece of cheese wax of all things. It was nice to see them smiling together.
One the way to ur van Anwen said, "Mom, I understand what you were saying." To which I replied, "Saying about what?"
"Being kind is like a power, Mom."
"Yes it is, Anwen. It is a super-power."
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