Structure & Rhythm...

This has been a good week. On Sunday, I was alone in our apartment for the first time since we brought Stella home - it was so fucking awesome I can't even describe it! I mean, I knew I'd enjoy some time alone, but I didn't realize it would make me downright giddy. Mmmm - good times. Ehhhh-xcellent times.

I sent out an e-mail to all friends and family (or rather, most friends and family) regarding the anti-abortion madness going on, directing them toward the Planned Parenthood SaveRoe.com website. I wasn't sure how they'd all react, but I received some encouraging responses. If I offended anyone, they've kept quiet about it. My sister-in-law, Greer, who is quite awesome, sent a particularly astute letter to the governor of Mississippi explaining the various ways anti-choice legislation will only worsen their already-hurting economy. I'm also encouraged by the position taken by Cecelia Fire Thunder, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe: (Oglala Sioux Tribe/Planned Parenthood).

As an immediate reaction to the Problematic Legislation, I've converted one of my shirts into a pro-choice garment. I've decided to make a series of garments that have clear, easy-to-understand pro-choice statements written on them and wear at least one publicly each week. My goal is to get some garments that are of reasonably good quality, to illustrate the value of the statement. I want to reflect that my convictions are valuable enough to extend beyond just writing them on ratty t-shirts that I'd just as soon throw away. Uh-oh... I sense a "Piece" coming on - the beginnings of my Feminist Artist Response...

What else? I had lunch my dear friend Natalie before she left town - I haven't seen her in months, and Kitty, whom I haven't seen since SINCE MY FREAKING WEDDING! Too long! Also in attendance were Stella, Rabbit, Kitty's guy Mario, Natalie's brother (who's name I've forgotten), and his friend (who's name I never learned). Anyway, we had delicious Ethiopian food (the Assa Tibs was SO GOOD ), and Stella had another successful high-chair experience. Here's a pic (note my shoulder):



Afterwards, we went to True Nature natural foods grocery to pick up desert-type snacks. I had a delicious organic ginger, oatmeal, something else cookie. And a cherry flavored ginger beer.

Things are good today. I don't even mind that it's not sunny. Baby's napping at the moment, we've had a calm morning. Yesterday was a bit out-of-the-ordinary, 'cause I had an interview after physical therapy, which started late, plus Emily and Audrey came over to babysit, and everything just seemed to be happening at once. Today, we're back into our rhythm. I've been trying to create more structure and general predicatability for Stella and myself (aka 'rhythms,' as they say in the magical land of Waldorf), and I'm figuring some things out. Like, I don't use artificial lights in the morning if I don't have to - that way Stella can experience the natural changes of light. I want her to be connected to nature in as many ways as I can make room for. I think this makes it easier for her to regulate her body, which will help her resting, growth and immunity.

Anyway, I have to get back into home stuff - laundry to be sorted, you know. Everyone have a good Friday, and a great weekend.

Love,

Atena


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Comments

[Amanda]

sometimes, reading your blog, i wish i could look in on the lovliness of your parenting life, maybe in one of those glass paperweights with the blooming flowers in them? do you know those? i love drinking in your sunshine thoughts and observances, always warm and glowing with insight and passion. so glad to know you, even if it's been a long time since actual contact. xo, *a.