Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Noticing

Things are changing here in this life with boys
recently I've noticed it
My teenager is becoming more teenagerish 
I can even see it here in these photos
Kuba, hamming it up like always - playful, goofy, silly, just like a ten year old
Anders on the other hand, who is now thirteen
not so much
looking at these pictures I see his resistance or indifference or exhaustion? 
But I see it and I feel it and I remember it and I can almost name it
But not quite
the exiting of childhood?  
AH.  It's a sad thing to type
 I have always been invested in being playful 
(but perhaps I wasn't as a teenager)
So to see this slight change is a tweeny bit emotional for me.
I think I feel a little grief about it

It seems as if the nature of play changes when you are leaving childhood
or does it?
Imaginary games, believing in the unknown, unseen, imagined
the feeling that everything is yours...not off limits
and then the self-consciousness of play sets in
or what is seen as child's play
It feels like it could diminish some of the joy and freedom of life
and it's something I am thinking about right now as I see my teenager
who is less playful
more removed?
more something...that's for sure
And as he embarks on his thirteen year around the sun
I, his mother, am going to be there to remind
nudge
invite
entice
and model for him 
 the joy of playing and investing in life
as much as I can 

But maybe he doesn't need me
He has Kuba
 




Wednesday, February 21, 2018

T H I R T E E N




Anders has been working on a destroyed ipad mini for about a year.  We finally decided to update and give him one without a thousand cracks in the screen. Our real goal is to get a dog.
What a year 13 will be! 

Happy 13th Birthday Anders! 

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Birthday Eve

It all started with a simple waffle


And then it turned into
.
.
.

the

WAFFLE 

BIRTHDAY

P A R T Y



Anders and his friends ate tons of waffles
(see above for the individualized waffles)


 and then wrestled around on the floor
before heading out to see...



the BLACK PANTHER 


T'Challa: "We must find a way to look after each other, as if we were one single tribe"


You only turn 13 once.  

Thursday, February 15, 2018

It Was Valentine's Day Yesterday

But I was so busy working, and sharing valentines, and celebrating, and having dinner with friends that I didn't get a chance to share my feelings - about LOVE.

It's now Thursday, the day after my favorite holiday and really - my heart is bursting.
Bursting with LOVE and gratitude. 
I am so lucky to have many people in my life that bring me to my knees simply because my heart is sworn to them forever and ever and ever.  
Lucky because I can feel so deeply vulnerable in this love.
Lucky because LOVE is huge and spreads and welcomes and offers refuge and safety and space to anyone who wants it.   If you are willing to give and take.
Lucky to know I am completely willing.
Lucky because the older I get, the more sure I am about how I feel about giving.  
Lucky because I know the reason for being here on this planet
-in this lifetime
-with these people.
Lucky because I know we only get one lifetime.
Lucky because I know it's important to love and to love big.
Like a bonfire, burning up completely, leaving no trace of myself.  

Monday, February 12, 2018

Family Olympics



The Event:
The fastest run down the sledding hill.
Using the most modern technology - iPhones.
The Thelemarck Family diligently and adamantly 
timed the runs of all Olympians from the starting line
to the finish line.  Each contender took 2 runs down the
hill, and counted the best out of the two.    
It was mighty competitive.   


The Medals:
Making the Medals 



                          Gold                  Silver                 Bronze 





The Olympians:

  
                         Peter                   Kuba               Anders


                Dave                       Jen                       Anna 


   
           Vikki                        Lea                    Hannah 

             
                     Judy                            Claes 


The Closing Ceremonies:







Thelemarck Winter Gathering & Anna's 50th Celebration