Wordless Wednesday

Sloth

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What color is Tuesday?

This was something I wrote a couple years back for a different (now dead) blog I tried. It still applies to my family today.

Boo asked that not too long ago. And, you know, it was a cute question I was getting ready to enjoy. But Roo, the literal older brother said, “Tuesday is not a color.” He said it with so much authority that of course Boo just said, “Oh.” That sad little “Oh.” that people say when they get the wind knocked out of their sails.

Now Roo got a healthy dose of tolerance when it came to his wild and childish ideas and inventions during his wee years, so I don’t know why he doesn’t want to extend that grace to his younger brother very often. Could be that first child syndrome. Could be he takes after his legalistic mother who had to work very hard to say, “Wow! Look at the purple trees. Of course your trees can be purple. They can be any color you want.” So I was quick to come to Boo’s rescue and say, “Well, gee, maybe Tuesday can have a color. What color do you think Tuesday is?”

I have found out that Boo associates senses with objects and facts in a way that I don’t and it only shows me that he is a creative child whose drummer is totally out of step with mine. He challenges me to think differently. He doesn’t think outside the box, he doesn’t come from a different planet, he thinks in a whole ‘nother space time continuum.

Chris Rice is a popular Christian musician/singer/composer. He sings the song Smell the Color 9. Somewhere toward the end of the lyrics it asks how can you smell a color, and by the way, nine isn’t a color… The first time Roo heard this song he was frustrated all the way through. “Mom!!!! Nine is not a color. You can’t smell colors!!!” He said this repeatedly with increasing frustration until the end of the song where the lyrics say “Nine’s not a color...and even if it was you can’t smell a color, no…That’s my point exactly!” “Mom!!! I don’t get it!!!”

Now Chris Rice is talking about understanding God. Something we all deal with in our own way. But he really thinks and writes so uniquely. This got me wondering…Do other people besides this singer and my son live their lives in this way. Apparently so.

Synesthesia. Joined senses.

syn-es-the-sia also syn-aes-the-sia n. 1) A condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as when the hearing of a sound produces the visualization of a color. 2) A sensation felt in one part of the body as a result of stimulus applied to another, as in referred pain. 3) The description of one kind of sense impression by using words that normally describe another.

I was surprised to learn this is a real condition (I know probably everyone else knows about it, but it was news to me!). It involves assigning one or more of the senses to numbers, letters, days of the week, shapes, sounds—the list goes on. I don’t know if Chris Rice has this, if he does, that’s cool. But what is most important to me is that from something he wrote and then something my child said, something clicked in me and made me dig a little deeper and find a facet of my ds that I didn’t know about.

I think this might be just as important for me to know about him as what “type” of learner he is, whether or not he is a morning or night person—all of those things that make our children unique. Those things we try to know to have a way to custom tailor their education to them. What am I doing with this information? I guess not a whole lot now, but every now and then when I get particularly frustrated with Boo’s gaze into another world while we are supposed to be doing something, hopefully I will check myself. When he says something somewhat off the wall hopefully I will remember not to doubt him, laugh at him or correct him to my vision, but support him. The boys have proven more than once they notice things I don’t. They are still fresh and don’t tune out all the cool stuff in the back yard. They see fun stuff when we drive and all I see is the traffic to get through. They see each day as a new frontier when I see a to do list.

From what little I have learned it is not really that unusual in children. But they can over time unlearn it or perhaps they just learn to not share it or ignore it. I truly hope that Boo continues to experience things with as many senses as possible. I would hate to see this gift wasted. I would really hate to be the cause of this gift wasted.

Postscript: Several months after I wrote this, I shared the thought with my husband. Never assume you know everything about your spouse. He looked at me and said, "Well, yeah...I've always thought that way too." Oh. See how little I know. This has become somewhat of a "game" for my family when we are driving. Roo and I have to work at it. My husband and Boo don't even pause at the questions.


Interestingly, I found this little quiz a few days back and that is what reminded me of this post. Just for fun:

50%

Technorati tags: synesthesia, thinking styles, momblogs,

Children's Book Monday--Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Moon Shadow is eight or nine—depending on if you calculate the Demon way or the Middle Kingdom way. He has never seen his father, but knows him through his mother’s memories and the kites he left behind. Moon Shadow’s father is across the ocean in the land of the Golden Mountain.

When Uncle Clap shows up Moon Shadow has the opportunity to change his life forever and go to his father. Across the ocean and to a new land, a new language, a new life with his father. Moon Shadow exhibits amazing courage and incredible insight.

This Newberry Honor winning book is fantastic historical fiction. The story is told by a young Chinese boy who leaves China and goes to San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century. Humanly told, these characters are richly woven, believable and easy to become attached to.

Laurence Yep is a prolific writer and we will be exploring more of his works. Dragonwings is his second book and part of a series called the Golden Mountain Chronicles.

Lots of opportunity to explore another culture and definitely opportunity to have some serious discussions. A recommended read.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight to find other participants for Children's Book Monday. Elise is in the process of moving, so I don't know if she will be having a Linky this week, but visit her earlier posts. I'm so soothed at her bloggy-home.

Grains of Gratitude

Grains of Gratitude seemed like a most appropriate way to close Easter Sunday. The world somehow seems new again after the weight of last week.

I am first, foremost and always grateful for our Savior. For the Son of the Living God who was crushed and humbled, who died and overcame death. Alleluia!! He is risen! He is risen indeed!!

Emotions were very high this week and culminated in a most blessed Easter Vigil service where my children celebrated Baptism, Confirmation and participated in the Eucharist. It was beyond words awesome. And the church almost caught on fire. Well…not quite, but there were some exciting moments. And the Red Sea was parted… ummmmm…the detritus water and fire pot cleaned away and the music began. I am so thankful for those who share their talents and help us worship the LORD in Scripture and in song.

And my husband is very nice to me. Even when I am the least deserving of wives. Have I mentioned this good man before? I am blessed.

My aunt and uncle traveled a fair distance to come and be godparents for my children. They took a few detours, but made it. I am so grateful. My children got to show off for a very appreciative audience. They were WOUND UP about the whole experience.

My sons were nervous and fidgeting and wiggling and WOUND UP, did I mention WOUND UP? But I was so grateful for the reverence that they displayed, the sheer joy for the Sacrements they received. They were so, so handsome and sweet. I am a blessed mommy.

Our pastor, Father J, is such a gift and I am grateful to him and the whole staff who blessed us these last few weeks.

But again…It is our Savior who gave us the free gift of salvation, that we need to focus on. This has truly been the best Easter of my life.
Glory to God!

Grains of Gratitude is home at the wonderful home of Christine at Brady’s Bunch. I am thankful for her great idea!

I missed you all.

The Joy Comes in the Morning

Arise My Love



May the joy of the Resurrection of Christ be yours today and every day.

Sin is Expensive

(This is not something my children are ready for. You might want to watch it later if your children are with you.)

Good Friday

The joy comes in the morning, and that is true.

But I never want to forget:




What salvation cost.

The price Love paid.

The gift is free with no strings.

Faith Lift Friday

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Traditional Gaelic Blessing

On the road this weekend. Visit Sheryl at Taking the Challenge for more uplifting thoughts for your weekend.

Thursday Thirteen--Flowers

A long time ago I had a beau who thought it very proper to send red roses. For every thing. Every. Thing. Let me tell you...it IS possible to get bored with red roses.

So with Valentine's Day is drawing near there are other flowers that exist and are possible to send. If you send something other than a rose, what are you saying with the flowers you send?

Thirteen flowers and their symbolism:

1. Gardenia--joy (a favorite sentiment here!)

2. Black-Eyed--Susan encouragement

3. Daisy--innocence

4. Lilac--first love

5. Sunflower--adoration

6. Carnation--pink gratitude

7. White Chrysanthemum--truth

8. Hydrangea--perseverance

9. Orchid--delicate beauty

10. Baby's Breath--festivity

11. Lavender--distrust

12. Statice--success

13. Ivy--fidelity

Say that you've decided roses are a must for sending--what does the color you are sending say?

1. Red Rose--deep love, romance and passion

2. Light Pink Rose--admiration, joy and sweetness

3. Dark Pink Rose--gratitude or appreciation

4. Yellow Rose--happiness and warmth

5. Lavender Rose--love at first sight

6. White Rose--purity and innocence

7. Orange Rose--enthusiasm and energy

8. Coral Rose--desire, passion

9. Cream roses--richness, perfection

10. Peach Rose--friendship or admiration

11. Burgundy roses--Unconscious Beauty

12. Red and White roses sent together--Unity

And then there's the Finale Bouquet:

13. Dead Roses--well...this kind of speaks for itself...When you care enough...to say it's through.

Here's hoping your flowers are well received or that you receive well...


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Ash Wednesday

Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19

And saying, The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel). Mark 1:15 (AMP)

Repent, and believe in the good news. Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? Joel 2:12-14

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1 (KJV)

Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said,

The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you. 1 Peter 22-25 (The Message)

Wordless Wednesday

Statue at Notre Dame de Montreal, taken over 25 years ago. Someplace I would love to see again.

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