Sunday, February 13, 2011

Slow-Motion Sunday - Wholehearted


I began to write another sonnet for my "Little Songs for Sunday" series early this morning when the house was very quiet and still.  As I wrote, my eight year old son came padding into the room.  A constant stream of chatter ensued!  It wasn't long before he trotted back to the bedroom and woke his eleven-year-old brother, who is starting to understand the fine art of sleeping in on the weekend.  My writing time evaporated and I gave myself over, wholeheartedly, to spending a day with my sons in preparation for Valentine's Day.

We made chocolate-kiss roses instead of Valentine's Cards.  I am not thrilled to be contributing to the sugar feast that will occur with the school holiday parties, but this was a cute idea that both of my sons were interested in trying.  To offset the sugary treat for tomorrow, I did my grocery shopping today primarily in the produce section (as I usually do.)  We are all set for some light pasta dishes and some delicious salads this week.  I'm looking forward to a huge salad of greens and herbs, with strawberries and pecans!

I'm writing out "Olivia" themed Valentine's cards for the students in my first grade classroom.  I love the picture book (and maybe tv show?) character Olivia.  Do you know of her?  She is a lively, intrepid character who lives every moment to the fullest.  I aspire to be like her!

Signing off now to read another chapter or two of Kathryn Lasky's Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf to my 8 year old son.  This book is set in the world from the Guardians of Ga'Hoole but focuses on the life of one little outcast wolf (one paw is slightly splayed causing his removal from the pack at birth.)   My son is completely absorbed in the story, and is constantly asking me to read more.  This is a book he could read to himself, but he would struggle with some of the vocabulary.  Because he just wants to get lost in the story rather than work his way through it, we are sharing it.  I am loving every moment of having his little head on my shoulder... his energetic body still and relaxed... as we get lost in a far away place together.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace and moments of joy.




7 comments:

L'Adelaide said...

what a precious post you are offering this day...and the sweets are good for us all, all kinds of sweets! these are very sweet... [grins]

what a special time is having young children at home and it sounds like you are making the most of it. i have an 8 grandson and wonder ,, do you think it is good for him..his parents are mormon and very devout in the church thus my selection always are difficult as i don't live nearby...any thoughts, this sounds wonderful to me. ;) xox

Marcie said...

Linda, I can't imagine anyone objecting to the story... but the wolves and other creatures in the book do have their own spiritual, or "religious", beliefs. I'm not sure if that would be offensive. Perhaps you could read it and use your judgment based on your understanding of your grandson's family values. I think you would enjoy it; I know I am!

Pom Pom said...

What a nice day, Aisling! The kiss roses are sweet! Good idea to shop in the produce section. I'm wondering what tomorrow will be like with my students. I hope to speak of love and communicate to them that they are cherish-able! Happy Love Day to you! You are a love spreader!

Unknown said...

How fun to spend creative time with your sons on a quiet Saturday afternoon. No harm in a little chocolate either!
Loving your posts here!
Deb

Anonymous said...

Isn't reading to a child one of life's loveliest pleasures?

Nan said...

Such a beautiful posting, Aisling. It feels like you brought the 'quiet house' to town, and I'm so glad. And the description of reading with your boy makes me ache with remembrance.

Marcie said...

Deborah Jean, Songs, Nan...

I'm so glad to have had that quiet weekend. This has been a non-stop week, but we have Friday off from school so I am looking forward to some "down time" with my gang. Thank you all for your kind remarks.

Nan - Those memories are poignant, aren't they? I know, because of my first two are now young adults, how quickly these precious days of children are. I try not to take a single moment for granted.