Last week, little Miss. S started Horseback riding lessons.I sat and watched her first lesson, with this amazing smile on my face, and feeling in my heart. It is funny, thinking about what and how to expose your children to different learnings, cultural activities and adventures in life. Balancing time for play, school work and the world at large.  Knowing that in addition to the activity itself, there are so many life lessons in each of these moments..

After weeks ( actually months of asking if she could take riding lessons ) she had finally cleared the waiting list, and was a bit shocked when we announced at breakfast that today was the day!

As we walked up to the stables ( and the boys ran around the barn ) she grabbed my hand and announced ” I’m a bit nervous ” No worries I said, that is totally understandable and after some more conversation…imagine how the horse feels!

At that exact moment, a memory in my mind. Me, in Ballet at the age of 7, crying the entire first class. 

A week or so before, as we were driving somewhere, my mom had proudly announced that she had signed me up for Ballet and Brownies. She was clearly so excited about both of these activities and had clearly spent some time thinking about her little girl and her own dreams for me…

In these moments, I think about her often, and I realize so much differently then I did simply as a young adult.

I understand for the first time the delicate balance between her dreams, her hopes and her role as a parent. She spent so much time thinking about how to introduce us to the world and then allowed us then to find our own ways and things we loved.

Balancing I realize looking back art, sports, culture in a way until now I did not understand. There was a simplicity and elegance to it, things she had wanted for us, and expose us to, but then at times an understanding of what actually fit and served us well. Never feeling like we moved from one thing to another, there was enough time to work through the initial excitement ( or apprehension ) the appropriate amount to time to actually participate ( and not quit ) and then in some cases to really and deeply connect with..

Our afternoons early on consisted of the classics and in hindsight a really balanced little plan; Brownies, Ballet and Little League early on, Piano lessons ( this was probably the biggest disaster in a house filled with natural talent and a grandmother who had gone to Julliard ) Art Classes, Little League and  Soccer in the later years and finally a full roster of Sports and Art Classes that perfectly fit the things I most loved and excelled at..Somehow, we found our way through all of it and naturally got to where we were meant to.

Her hopes and dreams, her dedication to making it all possible and then her understanding of who I really was. 

 Finally, I am appreciating it now. Weekends and School Vacations were meant for big outings into the city, Museums, Planitarium’s, Broadway plays and in the Spring and Fall daily treks outdoors. 

I realize more and more, how much like her I actually am, and in some ways want to be.With more affection, and no holding back of emotion, I want the best for our kids and want them to have a love of life, confidence in themselves, a knowledge of the world, a love of learning, and honesty about what feels right and a dedication to try their best. 

Looking serious through out the group lesson, little Miss S.  finally came out of the ring, leading her horse back up to the stable. Her instructor kindly said how well she had done and was clearly hopeful that she had enjoyed it..A few minutes later, after a hug, when it was just us,  a huge smile came over her face. ” That was great she said, when do I get to come back ? ” walking down the path with two other girls, she looked a little taller and eagerly joined their conversation.

 A pretty amazing afternoon. 

Thank you Mom. Image courtesy of Tara Donne 

These are the current windows in the stores. The Washington & Lincoln graphics relate back to a group of T shirts in the store. We thought it would be fun and interesting to have the windows be relevant as we get closer to the election. As always our focus was how to get parents and children talking, while making it aspirational for kids.

Asking “What Number are You?”  Allows kids to peek back and choose a favorite President, or peek forward say what number they are going to be.

I was flipping the channels the other night (which of course annoyed Amy and put her to sleep), when I happened across To Kill a Mockingbird. It has been over twenty years since I read the book, and many years since I have seen the movie. Reflecting now…I have not seen the movie since becoming a parent. As I watched my love and appreciation for the movie and book switched from a child’s point of view to a parents. My previous viewings and thoughts were focused on Boo Radley, Jem, and Scout. The friendship they forged through small steps, small gifts and mostly imagined was magical to me.  The racial injustice was always palpable and understood.  Never failing to cause the right amount of indignation, sadness, and anger.

As I watched this time, the central character in my mind became Atticus Finch.
A quiet, humble, gracious, and deliberate man. Doing the right thing, regardless of the difficulty and cognizant of the consequences. Loving his children, while teaching them the sad and beautiful nuances of life. Not shielding, but protecting. Not editing, but explaining. There is no submission in the world of Atticus Finch and his children. If Jem & Scout are to become it will be through surrender and love. As the book and movie end, there is little doubt that Jem & Scout will become a tremendous source of pride for Atticus.

I have a new role model. My work as a parent is subtle, and obvious. Allowing the mystery to unfold without interference. Being there when it goes really badly. I must be the best person I can be every day, because my children are watching.

Came across this great service earlier this week, and thinking about trying it out…I aspire to plan out weekly meals, figure out how to easily shop for just what we need and have a variety of healthy choices on the dinner table, but alas, Unless my husband does the cooking ( which I must admit he  does often and quite well ) it is merely an aspiration. Trips to the market result in some good menus and plans for a few days, and then back to basics. Or, I buy some random things that don’t quite mix with anything else. Other times, a key ingredient can be forgotten. An now…for a monthly service that makes it all a bit easier…Relish . A monthly service for about $ 7.00, you select 5 menus each week, and then print out a shopping list and the recipes. Prep time is 30 minutes or less and the average cost of the food is $85.00 per week There our a number of other menus and ideas included each week including some easy ideas for frozen meals.There is also a gluten free subscription service, which makes planning and shopping for gluten free menus a snap! Started by two moms in Colorado, I must say, I think this is brilliant!

One of my favorite photos of my amazing little girl. A moment that captures her beauty, curiosity, and love of participating in life.  The struggle to foster the innocence and joy of childhood is a theme that often has me scratching my head. Thank you grasshopper.

The More Loving One
by W. H. Auden

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.

How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.

Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.

Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.

An amazing story, and thoughtful program highlights it is never too late for Love. The restorative and healing effects of opening your heart is a daily choice. Not an easy one, but ultimately the best one…

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

.

Love this post from Decor 8 this weekend…and wanted to share this spectacular bedding line with everyone!Rickshaw design which was started by Catherine Fitzsimmons, a former Pottery Barn Kids and Ralph Lauren Textile designer is all about bringing a fresh approach to the nursery.. I love these toys, blankets and stuff. Have to track her down and get in the stores!

An upcoming trip to New York in late Fall, so we are making a list of places to go! Sweetiepie a new restaurant on Greenwich is a must.What is not to love about a restaurant whose premise is a place for kids to take their parents….designed and owned by two stylish New Yorkers, with a menu of classics and deserts so simple and divine…Grilled Cheese, BLT’s, Roasted Chicken and to finish it off, fantastic ice cream sundaes.. If you live or are visiting New York with kids, check it out.

.

We wanted to let everyone know that Gabrielle from Design Mom is hosting Nie Nie Day on Thursday, August 28th….She has invited fellow bloggers, etsy artists and anyone interested to set up silent auctions for this special event and everyone is invited to shop! An effort to help support Stephanie, Christian, their four children and their family during their recovery. We wanted to help spread the word. If you are interested, click on the above, and join in!