Sunday, January 20, 2008

Everyday Life 30 :: 14

William entertains Maria, making clever Lego creations from the pieces she hands to him.

Have you ever suddenly noticed things around your house that you see everyday, and yet never see? I get that a lot. Maybe because we have a lot of stuff, which one might expect considering there are 6 creative and curious residents here. Perhaps I don't notice some things, because my mind is so preoccupied with managing this full house, listening to 5 voices and my own, looking for the lost cat, trying to keep life in balance.


So this was a fun variation on the Everyday theme... looking at objects illuminated, separated from their mantles, bookshelves, dusty corners. I like how funny I feel realizing that I have seen this little pumpkin everyday since October, and yet I hadn't seriously reflected on what it meant, what it signifies... suddenly, in late January, a pumpkin seems strangely out of context, and yet recalling the happy way I felt bringing it home is good. I remember anticipating Thanksgiving, hoping to conjure up the warmth and connectedness of an imagined harvest.


Three tiny chairs sit on a shelf by our front door, so I definitely see these everyday. And what do they recall? My childhood, keeping tiny things, pottery and dolls, things from Mexico, Olvera Street, Guatemala. Tiny things that I could easily pack and carry away. And I am reminded, by the sight of these chairs, that someday I want to make a house... maybe only a doll house, one that I fill with sentimental objects and pretty things.


Legos. I certainly see a lot of Legos. These clever little bricks and gears are the tools and media that foster creativity, ingenuity, perseverance, industry, cooperation, diligence, planning, design, engineering and pleasure in our children. This is the 4th prototype of a dragon that Alex has been working on, off and on, for about 3 years. It walks. Its mouth opens and closes, with a flicking tongue. The motor is in the tail. This is not from a kit, or a tutorial, and he did not consult NASA or M.I.T. It is one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen.


My new angle on Everyday Life, is thanks in part to "Sallad Says..." and the lightbox I made.


I am seeing things in a whole new light.

5 comments:

judy in ky said...

Hi Natalie,
I am a first time reader. I enjoyed seeing things in a whole new light, through your eyes. I also enjoy having things around that remind me of pleasant memories.

Tracy said...

Your light shines so brightly to all of us out here...just wonderful. We are blessed to bask in your glow :o) Happy week to you & yours ((HUGS))

nikkipolani said...

About the Lego builder - he's a genius! I'm so impressed with his impromptu creations (as well as the long-term projects).

village mama said...

Love the chair photo!

Dallas said...

Hey, your photos turned out great. I love the shot of the cat looking into the light. I had a hard time when I put my dog into my lightbox too. :)