Aug. 25, 2009
Personal Energy Conservation
Posted in Stream of Thought
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I'm trying very hard to conserve energy lately. Not what you think. I've done energy conservation for years. I mean conserving my energy. It's so easy to get caught up in activity, don't you think? As a homeschooler, I think I'm prone to doing too much. I have three children. Even if I allow each child to do only one activity per week, that still sets me up for driving to three activities per week. Chase's Tae Kwon Do is time intensive. If I don't take him at least two or three times per week, it isn't worth it. That puts me in chauffeur mode a couple more times per week. Chase and Sierra still go to religious instructions, on different days, of course. And Marina works now, but doesn't drive yet. There is an unsafe area (known for its police activity) between here and the library, so I reserve my right to be an overprotective mom and not let her walk there. Then there are household chores, yardwork, writing my comics...the list goes on and on. I remember one of my psychology professors in college talking about how stress affects us. Usually, the type A personality who hasn't had a vacation in years is not going to drop on the job. Sickness happens when you finally allow your body to rest after keeping it stressed for long periods of time. Think of it as driving with your foot to the floor on the gas pedal. Eventually the engine is going to complain. My body complains with asthma or migraine headaches. I had a doozy of a headache this weekend. It scared me enough to make a doctor's appointment. I had been putting off scheduling it for three months, setting my children's needs before my own. It is so important to take some time to rest. Time to conserve energy. That's what I'm trying to do now. I'm going to try to take some time daily to do something restorative, like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk or finding ways to make myself laugh. (Laughter is very restorative.) Even if I have to break it up into small pockets throughout my day, I need to get out of the habit of putting it off and renew my energy reserves. September is right around the corner and I know our activities are going to start up again. I need to take care of myself so that I can be there for my family. Want to conserve energy with me? Tell me how you will take time for you. |
Jun. 21, 2009
Dads
Posted in Stream of Thought
Dads are so important. They are the strong protecting presence in our lives. They may not know it, but children are watching them, learning from their example. Even the cats are watching.
I am so blessed to have such wonderful examples of loving fathers in my life. My husband, my brother, my sister's husband, and so many relatives and friends who are good fathers. And of course, my own father.  To all of the fathers, grandfathers, and godfathers, I hope you are all enjoying your Father's Day and cherishing the love surrounding you! |
May. 10, 2009
Happy Mothers' Day!!!
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Busy day ahead, but I will be in and out adding to this post. I wish all of the mothers I know a very joyful Mothers' Day! I will be in and out adding to this post later, but I wanted to share my mom's post about my grandmother. I wish my children could have known her, but I realized a lot of what I love about her is within my own mother.  I hope all of the mothers had a lovely day! I pulled one of my comics out of the archives just for you! Today started with breakfast in bed. They are getting much better at this. Sierra brought me the paper to read while I waited. Chase made some eggs for me, Sierra made toast, hubby made coffee and Marina baked ginger spice muffins. I'm not sure if anyone cleaned up after. I decided not to look. After church, we met my parents at the movie theater for Star Trek. Awesome! I am so glad it was good. We don't go to movies often, so it was nice to get our money's worth. My only issue was the sound was a bit loud for my taste. I like to come out of a movie with my hearing intact. Next we went to an Applebee's restaurant for dinner and then home where my mother gave me a beautiful Lady's Mantle plant for my garden. My dad also brought a grapevine cutting. I can see I'll be spending a lot of this week digging. And now I need to finish the comics for tomorrow! I've decided to keep it simple this week, I hope everyone enjoys it! |
Jan. 16, 2009
Frost-bitten in Manhattan
Posted in Stream of Thought
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Thursday was an eventful day. I had to attend a parents' meeting in the city with Marina about the upcoming Italy trip. I stopped in the Bronx along the way, because my mother was going to stay with Chase and Sierra and my father had offered to drive us into Manhattan. We planned to take the train home. Wouldn't you know it? Thursday was frigid. We bundled up and drove to the Bronx in the afternoon. I like to take advantage of an opportunity to have good Bronx pizza whenever we are in the neighborhood, so my mom ordered a pie and I got ready to go pick it up. While I was getting ready, I heard this noise. Planes have always flown low over my parents house, but this was different. It changed from a normal sound to a sound like a plane going down. Then I heard a distant, muffled noise. Boom! I looked at my mother and said, "That sounded like a plane crash!" We looked outside, but there was nothing to see, and neither of my parents thought it could be a plane. It was probably just a truck hitting a pothole. After we ate we turned on the news to check traffic before leaving for the meeting. Sure enough, a plane had crashed! The pilot lost both engines after flying into a flock of birds and managed to land the plane in the Hudson River. Thankfully, there was no loss of life, except for the birds. Traffic was tied up on all the roads, and we passed a couple of fender benders along the way, but since we were going to the East Side, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. (The Hudson River is on the West Side of Manhattan.) And because I know my father reads my other blog, I can mention here that he is very, um, creative at the wheel. Kind of like a NY cabbie. We made it to the meeting and then walked to the subway station. It was only a five or six block walk, but we were frozen by the end of the first block. I had intended to show Marina my old high school along the way. By the time we passed it, I was so cold I just pointed it out and told her to keep moving. If we had stopped, I was sure my muscles would freeze to my bones. After the train came into the Bronx, it was another frosty four block walk to my parents' house. I'm ready for spring now. And I have to say, I don't like to think about plane trips. If I know someone in my family will be on a plane, I do my best to not think about it until it is absolutely necessary. This is how I cope with a situation I have no control over. I am grateful that Thursday's crash had a happy ending, but really, did it have to happen on the day I go to a talk about my daughter's trip? |
Jan. 6, 2009
Laughter on the Journey
Posted in Stream of Thought
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It has been fourteen years since my second chance at life. If you are new to my blog, you can read My Own Epiphany in the sidebar or read last year's updated and edited version, Remembering My Second Chance. I'm much happier with that article. This day means so much to me! Since my experience, I often struggle with the question of why. Think about the story of the Magi. In their quest to find the Newborn King, they followed a star. Each of us has a star to follow, a purpose, a reason for being. I wonder why I survived. Was it simply to have two more children? Do I have a higher purpose? Why am I here? Questions. My philosophical self loves them. I don't know how often I ask myself if I'm doing what I'm meant to do. I don't know what I would do if the answer was no! Because at this moment in time, I am content. I love my husband, my children, my family, my friends, my animals. I really do enjoy homeschooling my children and writing my comics and articles. I am amazed at every comment I get, because it means that I touched someone enough that they felt the need to respond. I've been a bit overwhelmed lately and I haven't been able to return the favor to some of you, but I want you all to know that I do appreciate your thoughtful comments. I think the most important thing I have learned since my attack is not to take my life too seriously. Holding on to anger, worrying excessively, refusing to forgive and let go of past hurts makes it hard to enjoy the little miracles that happen each day. I try to remind myself of this whenever I draw my comics. Sometimes laughter is the only thing that keeps me sane through life's trials. And I say this as one who has fought depression and anxiety. If I make only one person laugh each day, if I inspire one person to make the most of their gifts, their talents, then I truly am doing what I am meant to do. And I thank you for giving me a purpose. So follow your star. And as you do, make sure you enjoy the journey. Peace and Laughter! |
Jan. 1, 2009
Journey to the Center of the Bed
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Today I stripped the sheets off of Sierra's bed to wash them. This took about a half hour to accomplish. I really wish we had a second camera, because I don't think I can do this experience justice in words only. The first step to getting her sheets involves clearing around the bed. Her bed is in the corner of the room, forming an L with her sister's bed. They are both captains beds, but Marina's is slightly higher and has a nifty collapsible table at one end. It's rarely collapsed as it is usually full of stuff. Since it overhangs Sierra's bed, she claimed it for her own. Underneath this table, between the beds, is a space about five inches wide. My clearing method involves taking a broom and sweeping out the debris so that I can sort through it. The contents of the 5 inch wide space between the beds (this is only a partial list): -candy wrappers -a beheaded statue -three stuffed animals -various plastic Disney figurines -Polly Pocket dresses -assorted doll clothes -Oh! There's the head! -a roll of electrical tape that had been unrolled and then rolled again -tiny plastic farm animals from a counting set -two blank pieces of paper, taped together -one of those skipping things with a ring you put on your ankle connected with rope to a ball -the pink hair clippings from a pony toy -scissors At this point I'm wondering if I should be happy or sad about the fact that she doesn't know how to hide evidence, but I carry on and throw out the garbage, putting toys aside to put away later. Now I've made it to the bed. I start by pulling off the pillowcase and notice more doll clothes and pajamas beneath the pillow. No big deal, I toss the doll clothes into their proper pile and pull at the comforter. Oh my. Why did I start this? First of all, the comforter was all ripped underneath. Stuffing is showing and I'm wondering if it ripped because she's had it awhile or if this was part of her cutting activities. In either case, I didn't think it wise to put a torn comforter into the wash, so I set it aside and start sorting through the objects on top of her bed. Contents of the top of the bed (a partial list): -candy wrappers -Polly Pocket dolls -many stuffed animals -a large sheepdog puppet -lots of doll clothes and accessories in various shapes and sizes -two Barbies (undressed) -two sticker books -two knights -many horses -a baby doll -a felt board -at least 20 books, hardcover and paperback -a tin of Pepperidge Farm Pirouette cookies (I was wondering what happened to that) -two Santa caps -a writing tablet -two flashlights At this point I just want the bedsheet so I can wash it, so I yank it off and shake anything that might be left onto the floor. At some point I also dug out stuff between the bed and the wall, including crumpled drawings, a princess puppet, more dolls, and--anyone? anyone?--you guessed it, candy wrappers! I'm beginning to understand why she has such difficulty getting to sleep at night. And with all those books, I'm starting to wonder if she reads better than she claims. |
Dec. 31, 2008
Home Alone, Mom Style
Posted in Stream of Thought
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Did you miss me? It's been busy around here. I also managed to use up the last of my vellum Bristol paper, so I apologize for the lack of comics. Right now, the house is quiet. My husband took the kids to visit his family for a few days. You may wonder why I'm not with them. Many reasons, most especially the lack of a pet sitter. With the number of cats increased to five, I feel it would be an imposition to ask someone to keep an eye on them. We also haven't figured out which one of them hates a dirty litter box so much they "protest" if it's full. This is probably the first time all year I've had the house to myself. I'm trying to control the urge to put on some old time rock and roll and dance around. Particularly because I don't want to kill myself tripping over stuff. I'm using some of my down time to reorganize the children's rooms. I usually leave their rooms alone, but I figure there are a few layers of toys and clothes left over from the toddler era that could be excavated so they can actually put away their Christmas presents. And Chase, if you're reading this, I promise I haven't thrown out any of the boxes you insist you need. (It's hard living with a cardboard sculpture artist.) I've also done a ton of laundry. OK, I've done two loads, but that was everything in the laundry basket and all of the linens and comforter off of Chase's bed. I've been a little nervous waiting to hear that they reached their destination safely. It's a five hour drive and it's been snowing all day. They called from the halfway point and now I'm waiting for they're arrival call. Maybe I should start a third load of wash. Or mop the floor. Or alphabetize the bookshelves. Come on. You can't tell me you've never dreamed of cleaning the house and having it stay that way for more than five seconds. And don't worry, I'm keeping my priorities straight. I plan to sit down and at least script some new comic strips, buy some more paper and take an extra long yoga class. I may even blog the rest of the week! |
Dec. 23, 2008
How to Enjoy Christmas like a Cat
Posted in Stream of Thought
Our tree is up. Sierra gets credit for doing most of the decorating this year. I think she did a great job. We had to make sure the angel was very secure. You might remember the antics of a certain kitten last year. Well, he still thinks the tree is the most awesome cat toy ever. And since he is now the largest of our cats, the tree topper has been clamped to the tree with large clips.  This year, Merlin has also decided to be an ornament.  Some may wonder at us allowing our cats in the tree. They would be the readers who don't have cats. (I'm kidding!) My husband notes that at least with this tree, we don't have to climb up after them! The truth is, I do get frustrated from time to time. Things get broken or lost in the excitement of having that tree. It's not unlike having a toddler in the house. In fact, I think we lost more ornaments to enthusiastic young children than to cats. We keep the breakable ornaments securely tied at the top of the tree and I try to make sure I don't leave any food unattended, lest it get knocked over or nibbled. I really do enjoy watching our feline friends run through the house. They bring laughter and cuddles when we most need it. A house that is beautifully decorated might look nice in the pages of a magazine, but decorations are just things. Replaceable things, at that. Children and pets show what is truly important this time of year: the restless joy of the season and the love of family and friends. |
Oct. 28, 2008
No Electioneering Beyond This Point
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Admit it. You are all getting sick and tired of politics, politics, politics. You are getting bombarded with news, polls, commercials, junk mail and promises. So I'm declaring my blog a Campaign-Free zone. If you don't know who you are voting for a week before the elections, I can't help you. I can provide a bit of humor, some words of wisdom, and maybe a puzzle or two. Consider it my little brain spa. Grab a towel, your favorite hot drink, sit back, and put your feet up. But don't block the screen. For starters, how about a picture? Dusty posed for this one. I'm not sure if she realized that the "Think less. Play more." sticker was behind her, but she kept laying under it:  Speaking of poses, Take a look at these handsome faces. My father and uncle posed for Sierra recently:  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hasten to laugh at everything, for fear of being obliged to weep. ~ Pierre Auguste Caron de Beaumarchais the most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~ e e cummings The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. ~ Mark Twain I am the laughter of the new-born child /On whose soft-breathing sleep an angel smiled. ~ Richard Watson Gilder Laugh at yourself first before anyone else can. ~ Elsa Maxwell ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From A Case of Red Herrings "A woman put on a heavy coat and left home for the rest of the day. It was neither raining nor cold outside. Why would she do this?" (Leave your questions in the comments. I'll answer Yes or No.) For more puzzles, check out Brain Bashers. Consider this your brain massage. I hope you've enjoyed my mini-mind-spa. May you leave this blog refreshed and ready to greet the day! |
Oct. 7, 2008
In Memoriam- Ramσn
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My dad has five brothers. I knew four of them as Tío Cheo, Tío Sami, Tío German, and Tío Heri. But only one was ever simply called Tío. That was Ramón. For the longest time, I thought his name was actually Tío, and I remember my surprise when I learned that Tío was also the Spanish word for uncle! Tío always greeted me with a "¿Como 'stas? Dame un besito." Give me a little kiss. Always sharply dressed, a smile spread across his face, there was no way you could refuse. Tío was technically my father's uncle. My grandmother raised him with her own children after their parents died. She was very much his mother. And he was very much a big brother to my father. My Tío. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be at Tío's funeral. I don't know if it has sunk in yet that I won't see him anymore. He's kind of like a Cheshire Cat. His smile lingers on. I can see it in the faces of my family.  picture by Lisa Te amo, Tío. Muchos besitos para ti. |
Sep. 16, 2008
Another Thousand Miles, Another First Step
Posted in Stream of Thought
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Homeschooling is off to slow start this September. I usually start the last week of August so that I can ease us into a routine, but the children were sick the last week of August. (It's my fault. I let them socialize.) Then I got sick for the first week of September. Most of you know that that was also when both my computer and my car broke down. Marina, not wanting to "fall behind" in her studies, started working on some of her subjects independently, while Chase and Sierra spent most of the week building Lego creations, drawing, and making creatures on Spore. My car came back last week, just in time for all of their activities to start. After a week of driving to Tae Kwon Do, ballet, nature center, and religious education, I'm left wondering if I'm ever going to get back into a routine. This is usually the scenario for mid-February, not mid-September. But I also see some effort. Chase is up later than usual, but he has his breakfast and reads science or history with Sierra and does his work. Sierra is progressing with reading and is teaching herself addition and subtraction (take-aways and pluses). I don't think anything could stop Marina from learning. And so I feel the tug toward unschooling again. I still can't put away the subject lists, but I feel the reins slipping. The usual fears--NY regulations, testing--keep me from letting go completely. However far I travel in my life journey, I still feel like I am taking the first step. |
Sep. 10, 2008
If the Shoe Fits, It's Talent
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Have you ever thought about the concept of talent? It's an interesting idea. According to the dictionary, talent is a natural ability to do something well. But how often have you heard someone downplay their talent? Or consider themselves untalented? Observing my children, I can see how that talent becomes a curse for them. When Marina was younger, she would become distressed because her artwork didn't match the vision in her imagination. Sierra has been known to crumple work that doesn't meet her standards. I still can't get Chase to agree to sing in public, even though he has a beautiful voice and a good ear. I can hear my mother yelling at her computer "They're just like you!" Yes, I admit I have trouble even looking at my older comics because the perfectionist in me wants to fix them. But I'm not alone. Lynn Johnston has started redrawing her old comics. George Lucas touched up scenes in his original Star Wars trilogy when CGI technology improved. And talent isn't even limited to the arts. Consider Michael Phelps, who was born for swimming. My father has a talent for figuring out cars. Last week he got my car into gear even though the gear shift had disconnected, saving us the expense of a tow truck. My aunt speaks the arcane and ever changing language of income tax (she's a tax preparer). I have a friend who has a gift for organizing homeschooling activities. We all have natural abilities, but because they do come so easily to us, we often take them for granted. So what is talent, really? I believe it is the perception of others looking in. When I watch someone who is talented, I feel inspired. I want to do what they do, not out of any jealous urge, but because they make me feel the rapport they have with their ability. Their talents are comfortable, they fit well, like a perfect pair of shoes. I just want to try them on, to see if they would fit me as well. |
Jul. 5, 2008
On Enjoying Life
Posted in Stream of Thought
Every now and then I like to explore a quotation collection. It's a weakness. Today I explored quotations under the subject of life at the World of Quotes site. Some of my favorites:Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead.I know not everyone will agree with my perception of life, but I'm glad I could find some quotations that speak to me. I wish I could help everyone to understand my perspective. I think the "Life is suffering" crowd tend to get more coverage because they are "serious" and I am "not serious." It's funny how wanting to enjoy life labels you as someone who is shallow and irreverent. As an artist, I revel in Creation. I love the natural world and appreciate what I have been blessed with. There is such beauty and happiness in life, how can I avoid enjoying it? I believe it is there for us to marvel at, not to fear. I try to stay present minded that I might enjoy the now, instead of mourning the past or worrying over the future. In my life I have gone through periods of depression and I know how easy it is to focus on the negative and become buried in sadness. But it is just as easy to lift yourself with the simple joys that surround you. A flower in bloom, a fledgling bird following its parents, a firefly lighting up in darkness, all these small things bring a smile to my heart. Laughter recharges a weary soul. I want to share that happiness with others. |
Jun. 21, 2008
I Put Down My Weed Whacker, And You Put Down Your Thorns...
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I truly admire weeds. I think God made weeds to show us how to be strong in the face of adversity. Think about it. Have you ever tried to pull out a weed? They have many ways of proving they are mightier than you. Some weeds have deep roots. Plants like dandelions and Queen Anne's lace have thick carrot-like taproots, while vines like bittersweet and poison ivy boast stringy roots that spread in every direction. If you don't pull the whole root out, the weed simply grows back. And laughs at you. Some weeds protect themselves. Aside from the itchy oils of poison ivy, some plants protect themselves with various sizes of thorns and barbs. Stinging nettle will not even tolerate a stirred leaf. Its tiny barbs really do sting. The brambles and wild roses sport various sizes of thorns. Some weeds are prolific. I know, I know, pull them out before they go to seed. The trick is knowing when that is. Every year the garlic mustards shoot up and become seedy before I even notice them. And some seeds disguise themselves as a toy. How many pounds of dandelion fluff have been blown across my yard by a happy child? The seeds themselves are ingenious. They can be buried for years in layers of dirt and mulch and happily sprout when I inadvertently expose them to light. (This usually happens when I dig a hole for a sad shrub that will weepily wilt for a year before it decides whether it wants to live under my care.) Please don't point out the shelves of weed killers. They deplete the soil, they are hard to isolate from the plants I like and anything with "-cide" in its name is not something I want to use where my children are wont to roll around. Besides, I am a noble gardener. I respect the strength of will in my foliaged foe. If I need to kill a weed, I will use my bare hands, as God intended. Sportsmanlike. |
Jun. 12, 2008
Worm Out of This One
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I'm the first to admit to being weird. I like weeding. I can't walk into my yard without yanking something out of the ground. I find it therapeutic, especially when I manage to get roots and all with one pull. I'm easy to please. One of the effects of my weeding is worms. I'm not sure they like it. I must disturb their tunnels, or they think an earthquake is coming, because any time I yank at a weed, one or two worms rise out of the small pock I create. They crawl accordion-like along the ground for a moment and then begin burrowing back into the dirt. I'm certain they were sleeping because I recognize that dazed, disoriented gait from my own early mornings before the coffee is brewed. Perhaps they surface to ask me to be a little more gentle with the earth. Worms are very sensitive about this issue. They are nature's little composting machines, after all. They tunnel through organic matter and dirt and recycle it into worm castings, a rich dark soil that is perfect for the garden. I've found they especially love the coffee grounds I put into our compost pile. I understand this. We are kindred caffeinated spirits, the worms and I. And it is nice to know that all of those weeds I pull will eventually be chewed back into nourishing dirt for my berries, vegetables, and flowers. Another lesson for You can learn a lot from watching animals:  Something good always comes out of weeding. |
Jun. 2, 2008
The Two R's: Rest and Recreation
Posted in Stream of Thought
relaxThere comes a time when we must set aside our routines and enjoy doing nothing. Life has been a bit overwhelming of late. I don't think I stopped moving once in May. When I feel this reflecting in my writing I figure it's time for a little rest and recreation. Recreation is a beautiful word. It means refreshment of one's mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates; play. I am re-creating myself when I play! Isn't that wonderful? Yesterday's recreation included some juggling with hubby, including some seven club passing, and I started working on a project. I won't say more right now, but it involves wood. Today we are planning a trip to the zoo. We all do nothing in our own way. |
May. 27, 2008
No Home Schools for Subway
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Originally posted at my other blog. Update is for today.) I received an email today on our local homeschooling e-loop that I thought might be of interest. The Subway chain is holding a writing contest. Below are details from their contest rules. I've bolded the most interesting rule: "Contest is open only to legal US residents, over the age of 18 with children in either elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted." Contest details at: http://www.subwayfr To comment: http://subway. It almost makes me wish we patronized Subway so that I could boycott it. I wonder about the reason behind this rule. Have homeschoolers offended Subway in some way? Is it assumed that any homeschooled student entering the contest will have their parents do the writing? Did Scholastic insist on including this rule? After all, they have a large stake in public education. Is Subway providing food to public schools and catering to the whim of the Board of Education? So many questions... Here is a copy of the comment I sent: I was disappointed to hear that your student story contest specifically excludes homeschooled children from participation. It is a rather unenlightened and discriminatory decision. I would be interested in understanding the reason behind your choice for the benefit of my homeschooling peers.Update: My good friend Vicki has sent a link to an article from the American Thinker. Subway Bans Homeschooled Kids from Essay Contest. Enjoy! |
May. 13, 2008
Playing in my Garden...
Posted in Stream of Thought
It's nice when you can take a step back from all of the weeding, mowing, trimming, raking, sweeping and just look at what you accomplished in your garden. Since I do almost all of the gardening myself (except for the composting--thanks honey), I don't always notice what the overall picture looks like. Call it "not seeing the garden for the flowers." I tend to hyper-focus on all the little details. I forget to look at the big picture, which shows all of the devotion.  Some days I even forget to play, which is what all the hard work is about. If I do not enjoy what I do, why do it?
 Homeschooling can be like that too. Some days we work hard, we have struggles, I doubt my own ability to teach, and I wonder if I am doing the right thing. But if I step back, I see my family happy and thriving, my children engrossed in their activities, and I remind myself to enjoy it. I remind myself to play. Life must be lived as play. ~Plato |
Apr. 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Dad!
Posted in Stream of Thought
My dad is having a birthday today. The kids call him Buelo (Abuelo). He is a special man whose heart is forever young. He is everyone's buelo. I invite everyone to join me in wishing him a Happy Birthday! |
Apr. 17, 2008
Those Frenchies!
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I have a day of rest. No obligations, no need to jump in the car. I can just be at home today. Weird. I actually need the rest. I've been sneezing my head off. Today is the first time in two days I haven't felt like someone was trying to squeeze my face in. So rest is good. I managed to finish Baroness Orczy's The Elusive Pimpernel, a sequel to The Scarlet Pimpernel. I loved it very much. Percy and Marguerite in love. Chauvelin out for revenge. Romance and intrigue. What more would you want? Speaking of France, I read an interesting article today. "French aghast at new English incursion to their language." The gist of it is that the French government is upset that their entrant in Eurovision will be singing in English. Eurovision is like American Idol, only older and international. This year's contest has performers representing 43 countries. My favorite line from this article was the idea that French is a "threatened" language. I imagine a protected habitat where where French rolls off the tongue freely and gabbles in pastures that inspired the French impressionists. Linguistically speaking, a global economy threatens all language. When people interact with other cultures, their languages intermingle. I remember watching a series called the Story of English. It showed how English evolved and adapted to each situation where it confronted another language. Through war, occupation, migration and immigration English has changed. The only way to avoid change is to become secluded and avoid interaction with the world. But if you avoid interaction, I believe you are threatened with a greater loss than language. We humans need contact and interaction with others. That's why language developed in the first place. Ha! I'm a homeschooler talking about socialization! |