Dead Poet's Society

Last night we watched Dead Poet's Society. It is about a group of boys at an all boys school who all have problems, some of these problems worse than others. They all deal with them in a different way. One boy loves acting but his father wouldn't allow him to do any plays and is forcing him into medical school. Because he was so sad and angry, he ended up committing suicide. His father was trying to find someone to blame. The father wanted to blame the boy's English teacher. One of the boys stood up to the dad and headmaster and was expelled.

The boy who committed suicide helped no one with this act even if he did end his own pain. He hurt himself, his dad, his mom, his friends, and he got one of his friends and his English teacher expelled.

Lilly continues

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TTmAi0cjj7HQzyTMZe1ybr_FkpwHXpPTfjHAodkW3VM/edit?pli=1

Chapter 5 (2/13/12)
Caroline knew she would not let her mother get her. Caroline would be forced to get away from this woman. So, she snarfed down her hardy breakfast, put Lilly in her backpack, and stepped outside. It was a gloomy looking day. Grey clouds filled the sky and a light mist was falling. Then Lilly began baaaaing. She did not like the rain, that was for sure.

Chapter 6 (2/16/12)

Caroline got to work immediately. She found that there were ample palm leaves. So she gathered six wide palm leaves. Next, she got out the roll of string. She then started poking holes in the leaves. Then, she took Lilly out of the bag. In 5 minutes, she had a rain coat for Lilly.


They walked on.

To be continued...

Grace

Placer County Museum

Yesterday our family went to the Placer County Museum. It had real gold, old fashioned telephones, telegraphs, a video about route 40 becoming interstate 80, old shoes of young school boys, old pedicure sets, hand painted dinner plates, etc.

One of my favorite exhibits was the old fashion communication: holding a telegraph and an old fashioned telephone. They worked and had translations. Also, you were allowed to use it. We had lots of fun sending messages on it.

I recommend that museum.

Sophia

Skiing (continued)

Eli and I had an excellent ski day on Tuesday at Squaw Valley--we went "bell to bell" all over the mountain on about 8" of new snow.  It feels good to be a bit sore today.  I love skiing.  The things that make it less desirable--the packing and unpacking, herding the kids, the expense, the long travel times--are significantly minimized this year.  Costs are way down with the early-season purchase of passes, the kids are able to take care of themselves for the most part, and using the Stewyurt as home base really simplifies the travel and packing.  Those of you who like to ski, winter is finally arriving (albeit in fits and spurts).  They are calling for some more snow this week.  Come join the fun! 

I'm so inspired that I was able to negotiate a compromise in the final hour for our ski team logo (image below).  Shirts will be on their way for ski team members and fans.  If you want one, let me know ASAP.

Joey

When does fierce become sassy?

I'm home again!

Saw fields of wild mustard flower and white plum blooms busting out, a couple rainbows, and bright sun through dark clouds driving back. Got almost 50 MPG. I'm getting better driving efficiently? I kind of like the drive, I have to say.

I had opportunity to observe an interaction that's got me thinking. Our unsupervised goats got to dancing on the hood of our car during forage time, and Joe insisted one of our daughters return them to their fenced pasture. Out-time needs to be supervised now, with the advent of this new caprine trick. Said daughter was frustrated at the perceived loss of goat and girl freedom, and spoke for this forcefully, and dramatically, without backing down. At some point I started to become uncomfortable. I appreciate hearing my daughters speaking up for themselves, what they believe is right, and for others. We coach them on this, and celebrate it most times. We've tried to be thoughtful about encouraging our children's original ideas.

But when does fierce become sassy, or become sassing your parents, as folks say down South?

I thank Joey for one particular development in my character. He speaks with confidence and certainty about what he needs and wants. I have learned to do that more myself, to have my needs (and certainly ideas and dreams) heard. I was more meek before I met and loved him. Have I also also become sassy?

What do others say about modeling assertiveness?

Creative Writing Updates and More

To make reading easier, we have put our creative writing projects into single documents.  We will provide a link here in the blog when there are updates (like now).

Grace's creative writing project, "Lilly", has been updated:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TTmAi0cjj7HQzyTMZe1ybr_FkpwHXpPTfjHAodkW3VM/edit

As has Sophia's, "The Talking Power":
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_ZFNL_SZAuJvO9TzKLfvbVFc4oIQ488v6NN85PVvEHg/edit

In other news updates, we have decided not to print "Stewyurt Ski Team" shirts as we could not agree on a design that we all considered shirt-worthy.  If there are readers out there who would like a shirt, let us know and perhaps we can get enough to make an order.  We will be skiing tomorrow in some new snow; looks like less than we hoped for though.   It has been the driest year at Donner Summit EVER to date (Average: over 220" have fallen to date, 89" on the ground.  This year: 69" fallen, 12" on ground).

The kids on top of Sugar Bowl during a recent ski (and school) day

Eli's has purchased his new BB gun (with his own money), but it will not be available for use for a while.  He will use the next month(s) or so as a waiting period: opportunity to actively demonstrate that he is ready for the responsibility of possession.  I am hopeful that he will use the time to be thoughtful about his judgement and actions and that once/if he earns possession of the gun, he will rise to the occasion with a new level of maturity.

My melancholy has mostly passed and I appreciate those of you who checked in about it.

Joey

Melancholy Reflections

When I was in high school, I'll admit that there were two albums I bought almost exclusively for the jacket art: Madonna's Like a Virgin and Whitney Houston (self-titled, pictured).  It was nice to see last weekend that Madonna is still rockin' out.  But today Whitney Houston died.  Her life was troubled, but my lasting impression of her is from my youth: she was beautiful and her voice was incredible.  Listening and watching her sing "The Greatest Love of All" is candy for the eyes and ears.  It is hard to know that she had such a difficult life (especially when it all seemed so promising) and more troubling to learn that she is dead; life is so fleeting and impermanent.

My feeling of sorrow about Whitney adds to some other feelings I have been harboring recently.  Usually when I report in these bytes, I am fairly positive.  I like to think that is generally my nature and certainly this year has given me ample opportunity for positive experience.  But even when everything is great--a year-long vacation, time with the kids, being away from it all--there are low points.   Yesterday I was feeling a low.  It was a good day: we skied in the morning, had dinner together, and went to services for Tu B'Shvat (the Jewish new year for trees).  But Eli was frustrated by his day on the snow because he was snowboarding for the first time and it wasn't easy;  Juliana was feeling down about her work; Sophia and Grace were tired; the kids scored lower on a math assessment than they would have liked. 

When things don't go right and you are the "events organizer" and teacher, you feel--and often are--responsible.  Sometimes you are blamed directly.  I am always concerned about everyone's fun and academic progress.  I want it to be right and am thoughtful and intentional about making it so.  But yesterday it suddenly was wrong and I was to blame:  How could I have taken them away from their schools and friends?  And I'm not teaching math right!

I want my family to experience enjoyment and enrichment.  It is hard when those experiences aren't appreciated; it feels thankless sometimes.  Yesterday was an example of that.  When things go wrong and it isn't about me, it still often ends up feeling that way.

The good news is, today Anne and Adam came to visit.  We were honored that they made the trip here with their three young ones.  What is more, they were able to settle in for the afternoon and we all had a nice time.  I know I felt better for the visit.

This year has been so special on so many levels (even when there is melancholy) as we have come to better know and experience this place and each other.  But I miss the support, love, fun, perspective and normalcy of regular proximity to our people in the Bay Area.

Joey

Why it is Okay for Me to Get a BB Gun

Some people think I shouldn't get a better BB gun, but I disagree.

First of all, though some people may think it is more dangerous that the one I have now, I don't think that is true. The gun I am getting is very accurate and has a scope making it less likely to hit something I don't want to. Also, even though it shoots about twice as fast as the one I have now, people who have the gun say it doesn't shoot fast enough to badly hurt even a small animal.

Others are worried about the danger of me or them losing an eye. Though the danger does exist, we have a set of rules that will be taped to on to the stock of my gun. One is "never shoot towards something man made or living." Another is "always wear safety goggles when shooting."

In the past, I have shown bad judgement regarding my BB gun (shooting a glass table). But that was 3 years ago. That was a long time ago and I can show better judgment.

Even though some people disagree, I think getting a BB gun would be fine.

Eli

garden day

new shoots on what look like dead sticks

I sometimes miss my own bed.

Medieval hair.

Naomi with oak leaves.

We let Rosie sleep inside last night. She's been seeming sad lately, seeming to miss us. I don't forgive her chicken killing, but I still feel responsible for treating her as a member of the family. I might have accepted her limitations.

5% of the time, she is overcome by her impulses and gets herself in trouble. That may be true of me too.

She hasn't written me off these months I've rejected her, and continues to make significant eye contact, continues to seek my company and approval. I appreciate that.

Today I am home alone, and enjoying it. A moment of quiet before back to work this weekend. I can't quite get enough of this place. I'm looking forward to our next projects: a green house and Spring honeybee swarms. I bought a hive with a gorgeous copper roof. Now to assemble it all.

I read the book Honeybee Democracy recently. The author investigated how bees make the decision to swarm, and how they agree on a location for a new hive. The science was super elegant. It inspired me to try baiting for some feral swarms this spring using optimal cavity volume, entrance size and orientation etc.. Should be exciting!

The goats have been making spicy wild delicious milk. They are released to forage most days. They eat pine needles and oak leaves right off the tree, dancing on their back hooves to reach.

At a point though, they've eaten their fill and then get up to mischief. I looked up the hill yesterday to see Frida standing on the hood of our car. By the time we got up there, her kids had joined her.

I've felt held hostage by work this week. Eight months ago management abruptly changed my schedule for the worse. I've been making it work with the help of my colleagues, making switches to consolidate my work nights, to minimize the long drives and time away. Managers have decided not to grant my switches anymore. So I'll be driving more, and being away more.

Feeling frustrated by my inability to make this feel fair, and right. Feeling a lack of regard and respect and compassion. Trying to decide if it's a deal breaker.

This at a time when I've really been relishing my work and colleagues.

I've been escaping into George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones book series. I like it, though it's brutal and violent and scary. Main characters keep getting killed off. Best not to get attached. But there are also zombies and mythical wolves and prophesies. I like that.

I've been enjoying dirt-under-your-fingernails, body-ache inducing weeding. We planted the raspberries, grapes and strawberries this week, and I check regularly for signs of Spring-- new shoots on what look like dead sticks.

What signs of Spring are you observing? What books do you recommend? What is worrying you? And what renews your spirit?

Juliana

BB Gun: No no

I don't think Eli should get his BB gun because:

#1. He might shoot the animals.

#2. He might shoot someone's eye out.

The only reason I helped pay for this weapon/toy was because otherwise he said he would get a faster and stronger one [Editor's note: he would not have been allowed to get a faster and stronger one].

Grace

Bar Mitzvah Bike Ride for the Milo Foundation

As you know, my Bar Mitzvah is coming up. My Bar Mitzvah is important to me because it has been an important tradition for thousands of years and will be a good way for me to connect with my past.

As one of my Bar Mitzvah challenges, in March I am taking a 3-day bike ride with my dad from Auburn to San Rafael (about 180 miles). To make this ride more meaningful, I am raising money for the Milo Foundation. The Milo Foundation is based in San Rafael and helps abandoned dogs and cats find new homes. Our dog Rosie was actually a Milo rescue dog.

I am hoping you will help sponsor this ride in the form of donations to Milo. You can donate money per mile or just a set amount. Donations can be made in the following ways:

1) Donate online at http://www.milofoundation.org

Click "DONATE" and complete required information. In the Additional Notes box, please type "Eli's Bar Mitzvah".

OR...

2) You can send checks made out to "The Milo Foundation" to me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Eli

Why Eli should not get a BB gun

This entry is dedicated to why Eli should return his BB gun. I have a few reasons, I will share 3 of them.

#1, he may regret ordering this foul object because it could cause hurt to our animals. We let the goats out regularly and the gun can cause wounds to small animals such as kids (baby goats). Also, sometimes he goes into the animal pastures and what if he was shooting a tree trunk and a chicken ran over to the tree and got shot?

Second, Eli might regret not sending this gun back this second because it is hazardous to him. If he was shooting a hard, close, flat, surface, the BB might bounce back into his eye and hurt him or his friends. And, sometimes he shoots straight up. The BB might fall on him and harm him.

Lastly, it will cause conflict. When Grace contributed $20, she made a rule that she can confiscate the gun at any given moment. That definitely will cause conflict. End this discussion.

This gun will cause hurt animals, conflict, and hurting to you, Eli. So turn around and return that gun this second... now.

Sophia

Hatchet

I recently read a book about a boy who is in a plane crash and is stranded in the woods with nothing but a hatchet. Brian survived 57 days using nothing but his hatchet and the materials around him. He showed ingenuity in many ways.

First of all, Brian was very creative. He made a shelter, fishing spear, a bow, and figured out how to make fire by striking his hatchet against rocks.

Brian also used his intelligence to survive. He was able to find berries by following birds. He learned to spear fish by aiming below them to avoid missing them because of the refracting light.

In the end, Brian was rescued. But he survived for 2 months in the wild using his creativity, ingenuity and intelligence.

Eli

Making Balm

Today Mama, Grace, and I made balm (salve).  We decided to make it when the boys were out because they didn't seem interested.  The reason we wated to make our own was because we are traveling to high altitude and it gets mighty dry up there.  Also, it feels good on your face to be greasy.  And the essential oils in there have healing powers.

I will start by telling you about essential oils.  First of all, I will tell you how you get the oils out of the plants/fruits.  There is expressing (pressing them out).  There is distilling (warm in water, oil turns into gas and is cooled to oil).  I won't tell you everything but to make a long story short: etc.

Now I'll give away our "secret" (not really) recipie.

1 spoon of Stewbee honey
orange peels
lemon peels
2 cups olive oil/soybean oil
2 squirts lanolin
chunk coco butter
lanvender
lemon balm
calendula
sage
rosemary
6 t. Stewbee's wax
9 drops essential oil

The balm turned out great and come visit the yurt and you can try it.

By author,
Sophia S.
[with spelling edits by Papa]

Thoughts on Jaunary and Our Ski Team. Your input requested!

I've been noticing this "semester" that homeschooling had taken on more ease for me--and I think for all of us.  There are a lot of reasons for this: we are more distant from the routine of traditional school (its been since June), our traveling and other daily activities have been naturally full of learning, the kids and I are all more used to homeschooling and what to expect from and do each day, we aren't doing a lot of other "activities".  For these and other reasons, it has been a good month.

One of those "other reasons" is that we've finally been able to do some skiing!  Yay!  Today Eli and I went to Squaw Valley and it was great.  They had received just a few inches of new snow overnight (and it snowed most of the day), and it made a difference. Eli is skiing very well and is a capable and fun ski partner.  Sophia and Grace are improving as well and it is a pleasure to spend days with them on the slopes.

As a final note, we are debating about names and logos for our family ski team to emblazon on team shirts and speak of in our family lore.  Please leave a comment if you'd like to give any input.  We are also accepting designs from blog readers, so send them in if you want to be considered.  We will let you know what we decide.  Once a logo and name are chosen, shirts will be available at cost so let me know if you are interested in having one.

Joey

P.S. To those of you who receive updates of this blog via email: sorry about so many new entries in one day!

Design 1

 

Design 2

Design 3

Last-minute ideas???

Design 4

Please leave a comment as to which you suggest we use.

Water Coloring

This last month or so, I have been doing a lot of water-coloring. So I thought I should blog about it. Throughout the blog, photos of my art will be shown.

Some of my paintings, like the ones called Buddy, Ginger, Honey, Proud Rooster, are paintings of animals I know.

 Honey

 

 Ginger

  

Buddy

 

 Proud Rooster

Others were from books or a computer.

 Snow Leopard

 Rocky Racoon

 Doe a Deer a Female Deer

 Hen

 Curious Duck

 Mallard

Grace

Hello again

This morning it is a drippy grey.

Someone is playing her piano upstairs and Joey and Eli are driving up to Squaw for a ski.

I've been enjoying working in the garden. Relocating some artichokes and beets to the sunnier, well drained end of the garden. Weeding. Transplanting some lavender and citrus whose feet were too wet. Have been contemplating building a greenhouse, and seed starting. Tomorrow we will purchase wine grapes, more raspberries and 100 strawberry starts for planting in the orchard. Joey has a huge load of soil in the back of the truck, waiting.

Lettuces, cabbages, broccoli and garlic are the only edibles growing at the moment. The chickens and ducks produced 60 eggs while we were away, so our meals have been egg and goat milk focused.

Sophia and Grace and I will make lotion today. We saw a lot of borax mining in Death Valley, and I was reminded of one of its uses in cosmetics. We've saved some of our bees wax too, and can add some comfrey, calendula and lavender flowers. Its a fun easy project, a little like making mayo in the blender.

I've enjoyed my work lately more. I've been doing more labor and delivery, which is rewarding, and exciting. I've enjoyed staying at Gretchen's house between shifts. Her coffee is tops, and her baby Ruby is sweet. Mike carries my bag down to the guest room and seems not to mind my intrusion on his weekends home from an intense trial he's working on now. Our new car got 48 MPG on the drive.

I think about next year some. How I might hold on to this place, the garden and animals, and the sweetness of the way we've opted to do things. I'm going to try to be more present in this time instead. There are options for grad school, or job change, but none of that needs deciding now.

Juliana

More of Juliana's favorite photos from southwest trip

Juliana's favorite trip photos

Death Valley

We jogged 2 miles up a hiking trail at dusk to find this oasis in the desert. 49 Palms.

Cactus skeleton

Joshua Tree

Grace at Getty