Saturday, June 04, 2016

"Because I Want The Experience " :: One Hundred Fifty Five

Do you ever wait to try something? I mean deliberately postpone something, set it aside, so that it can happen at the right time, sort of leaving it to fate, for an organic experience? I take pleasure in the experience of letting some things happen in their own time, in their own way. So, even though I am a chicken blogger, even though Lauren Scheuer and I are FB friends, and I adore every post, each whimsical and endearing illustration on her blog, I waited a long time before picking up her book. Once Upon a Flock arrived this week. I hugged it to my chest, and sighed, knowing I was in for a treat.

Rice pudding. A beach chair at the entry, where a strong ocean breeze finds it's way to our home, Chango circling, affectionately grazing my pant leg... and a good book. It makes a pretty picture.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

By page sixteen, I was utterly smitten. Lauren Scheuer made something clear to me. "Because I want the experience." Not since my school days have I felt so compelled to bookmark, tag, Post-it, or take notes in a book, but when I read Lauren's reply to her husband Danny's question, "Why do you want chickens?" I was audibly awestruck (a funny sound.) In all the years I have been wanting, then actually keeping chickens, this very question has been posed to me many, many times, and I have never had an answer that satisfied me.

Why do you want chickens??

And I feel felt sheepish, confused, uncertain, or silly, at best, and I would reply, only half convinced,

Because...

They're funny.

Eggs.

Because I'm crazy.

I don't know.
(But something in me did know; what was it?)

None of those answers was complete, and I must acknowledge that I have often felt a bit apologetic about this chicken business. Which is why I enjoyed such a wave of relief, of connection, empathy, even self understanding, when I read Lauren Scheuer's words... "Because I want the experience." Isn't it brilliant? I felt a lightness of being, a warm sensation of being alright in the world. It's simple, honest, sincere... both Lauren's answer, and her story. And it's realigned my thinking and perception about life. Why do we read, or cook, or walk, why do we bring home a kitten, or share stories, make new friends, go new places? For the experience, otherwise what is a life for? I really am delighted to be thinking on this whole idea, to be feeling the liberty and gentle wisdom of it. I don't have to be right, there doesn't have to be a perfect time, or an optimal outcome, and I don't have to justify my choices, and let's assume I am within reason, laws, and my budget (close?)... if a chance comes along, if an opportunity is within reach, I can do it, go there, have that, or sing along, because I want the experience.

Lauren, I am loving your story. It's well told, honestly expressed, and an inspired treat. I cannot wait to read the rest, but I know I'll be sorry when it's done.


Chango. Chango, why are you spying my rice pud? Are you looking for an experience?

Friday, June 03, 2016

Imagine :: One Hundred Fifty Four

Grades 3 through 6 sang to us this morning, at their school, on the Farm, and if you can Imagine a wonderful music teacher, and sweet children with clear voices, percussion, guitars, and even a professional saxophonist, all coming together... it was a very special experience. Another, in a series of memorable occasions, when we enjoy the blessings of living here with friends, in a generous community, above us only sky... Aha-ah

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

(Not) Sneaky :: One Hundred Fifty Two

Walking into school, and Maria was giggling, saying, "You can totally see him. You're not going to fool anyone."

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Pink and Gray May :: One Hundred Fifty One

The weather is divine. Gray, drizzling, cool, and calm. I am contentedly absorbing the seasonal pleasures of our overcast May, with some pink yarn, my sweetheart, a little tea, and a lot of slow, deep breaths as we brace ourselves for a busy June.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Kitten Carrier :: One Hundred Fifty

Still small enough to slip into the pocket of my apron, still without a name. It's kind of fun though, because people are sharing their suggestions.

Couscous... Sadie thinks he looks good enough to nibble!

My mom wasn't the first one to suggest Thor. Sometimes small and cute inspires big, strong names.

My nephew, Riddick, says, Figaro, and I agree. He's exactly like Geppetto's kitty.

From Hans, we have Catty McCatface.

Both Becky and Liz suggest we play with his Tuxedo markings... Tuxy?

There are more, like Oliver, Theodore, Oblio, FooLight, Lawrence, Father Christmas, and Joshua Falken.

Sooner or later, something will stick, one name, and a handful of nicknames, too. We're having a good time testing them out, waiting to see.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Miyazaki at FanimeCon :: One Hundred Forty Nine

We love every new picture and update Grant shares from Fanime, where he's the Laputa robot from Castle In The Sky, a Miyazaki creation, like Kaonashi... the No Face spirit.

"I can't express how thankful and proud I am to wear this phenomenal costume made with love by a crew of terrific people. William, Geoff, Clark, Alex, and everyone else involved: you have made my dreams come true. The Laputan robot lives!"
~Grant

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

You've just gotta see how this was made! Please, follow this link, and get some behind the scenes moments from building Version II of the Laputan Robot.