• Got ADHD?

    theresa


    Theresa Lode or, simply “T”, had her world turned upside down and inside out when her son was diagnosed with ADHD and a few other goodies. Her choice- follow the doctor's orders....or trust her heart and delve into the world of Free Range Education. She chose the latter...

    Curious? Want to know more? Read on ...

  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 191 other followers

  • Your email is safe with me. No exceptions!

  • Blog Stats

    • 37,396 hits

  • Meta

The tyranny of tomorrow

Posted on September 1, 2010 by therealmotherlode

Tick! Tock! Tick! Time keeps on slipping....

I tried a daring experiment yesterday.  I wasn’t sure if I could do it but somehow, I managed to pull if off for almost the entire day.

I went without wearing my watch.

So big deal, you say.  Yeah,  it does sound pretty insignificant in comparison to splitting an atom or getting through Wal-Mart on Saturday with a colicky baby.

But for a person who is wired like I am, always cognizant of time, this was no small thing. I am frequently driven by the words of that sage, Steve Miller, “Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future!”  Because of this,  I suspect part of the stress and anxiety I deal with (especially given our present circumstances) deals with time. Tomorrow, to be exact. Tick-tock-tick, ya know.

So when my friend Debbie Forte posted this link this morning on Facebook, I found it, well, timely.  (Har.)

I’m learning to live in the moment; that’s where the grace is found.  Jesus himself said “Take no thought for tomorrow.”  But yet we fret away moments dreading tomorrow’s “What if’s” or in my case right now…my physical therapy appointment in less than hour.  (Yeah, that doubles the fun when you spend half the morning dreading it.  That makes sense.)

I find this guy’s observations in regards to school especially fascinating.  Go ahead…take the time and watch this.  (OMG. I am just killing myself today.)

Filed under: education, Misc, Musings, Personal development, Special Needs' Kids, The Mother Lode Project | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

A thought from Wendell Berry

Posted on May 25, 2010 by therealmotherlode
“If the Golden Rule were generally observed among us, the economy would not last a week. We have made our false economy a false god, and it has made blasphemy of the truth. So I have met the economy in the road, and am expected to yield it right of way. But I will not get over. My reason is that I am a man, and have a better right to the ground than the economy. The economy is no god for me, for I have had too close a look at its wheels. I have seen it at work in the strip mines and coal camps of Kentucky, and I know that it has no moral limits. It has emptied the country of the independent and the proud, and has crowded the cities with the dependent and the abject. It has always sacrificed the small to the large, the personal to the impersonal, the good to the cheap. It has ridden questionable triumphs over the bodies of small farmers and tradesmen and craftsmen. I see it, still, driving my neighbors off their farms into the factories. I see it teaching my students to give themselves a price before they can give themselves a value. Its principle is to waste and destroy the living substance of the world and the birthright of posterity for a monetary profit that is the most flimsy and useless of human artifacts.”

My friend Kent posted this on Facebook and it blew me away with the insight.  When I watch the multitudes in traffic jams, unhappy looks on their face (I’ll include mine in that when I have to sit through 4 green lights because the traffic is so backed up,) fighting their way to sit in cubicles for 8-10 hours, I think about this sort of stuff.

I think about this stuff when I watched parents pull up in their financed SUV’s  to the local ball field while their uniformed 3-year-olds pile out to play organized sports.

And I think about this as I watch out culture honor dishonor, truth is relative, (“I did not have s*x with that woman”) and the quest for an independent/ self reliant life is regarded as an aberrant behavior.

Mr. Berry says it much better than I. And I’m comforted to know that others share these sentiments.

Filed under: Individuality, Labels are for Soup Cans, Misc, Personal development, Stress and worry | 9 Comments »

Sea Fever Sunday

Posted on March 14, 2010 by therealmotherlode

“Sea-Fever”

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

By John Masefield (1878-1967).
(English Poet Laureate, 1930-1967.)

And another thought on this rainy Sunday:

“Who wants a life imprisoned in safety?” Line from character Amelia in the the movie by the same name, and a nod to Wayne Jacobsen for posting that little gem on Facebook.

Filed under: Just for fun, Misc, Personal development | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Why I don’t read your blog

Posted on January 27, 2010 by therealmotherlode

(Or why you may not be reading my blog.)

We bloggers can be a sensitive lot.  We bear our hearts to the world and wonder if anyone’s listening.  We like comments and feel insecure when there are none.  (Am I alone in feeling this way?)

I’ve been studying blogs of those I read regularly and asking myself “Why do I keep coming back?”  Sometimes those qualities are intangible—I simply like the blog.

I am,however, quite in tune with why I don’t read some blogs.   Here’s a few of those reasons.

Sloppy writing.  If you want me to spend my time…it’s important that you spend your time on improving your writing.  Sentences that are sloppy and bloated are agony to read.  I urge you to purchase “On Writing Well” by Williams Zinser.  It’s brilliant and will make you a better writer if you pay heed to his teaching.

Unfocused message. I read Seth Godin because I know he’s the marketing guru.  I read Dan’s blog because he has his finger on the pulse of industry.  I read Wayne Jacobsen because he encourages me in my spiritual journey.  I read some of my friends’ blogs because they’re my friends and I enjoy hearing about their lives.

I can be guilty of being unfocused.  My mission is simple: Humorous straight talk on learning differences and family life. My audience will forgive a few bunny trails (like this commentary on blogging,) but if I’m constantly straying off topic, my point is lost and I become another unrecognizable tinkling chime in the wind.

It’s too long.  This fits hand in glove with sloppy writing.  Make your point and move along.  Or I’ll move along first.  I see that hand…you have a lot to say, you say?  You’re probably not focused enough.  Remember, this is a blog, not a treatise on health care reform.

Sending me off to read someone else’s stuff. Please.  It’s your blog.  Don’t send me off to someone else’s blog.  Distill what you read on the other blog and tell me what the nuggets were.  Sure, post the link.  But don’t tell me you’ve got something to say and then let someone else say it.

They forget the What’s in it For Me principal.  I’m sorry life is hard right now.  Sorry your back hurts.  Sorry Aunt Martha was miffed that you didn’t enjoy the fruitcake she gave you last Christmas.  And I’m sorry….but I’m not going to read your blog anymore.

First and foremost a blogger must consider the reader.  They are the reason we write. If you’re going to tell me about Aunt Martha- make me laugh or inspire me with how it resolved happily.

Lighten my load today. Inspire me.  Invite me into your kitchen for a cozy cup of coffee. Give me a tip that will help me with my computer glitches.  Help me with my weight loss goals.

Compel me to keep reading…

What about you?  Why brings you back to a particular blog?


Filed under: 48Days, Misc | Tagged: , , | 11 Comments »

Making the world a better place…

Posted on October 12, 2009 by therealmotherlode

….one cupcake at a time.

Earlier this month, on Jay’s birthday we stopped in at “Naticakes” in downtown Franklin.  We had been in there for coffee before and enjoyed the environment….but a cupcake?  I don’t think so.  If I’m going to have indulgent calories, a cupcake isn’t even on my list.

But hey….this was his birthday so we thought we’d indulge.  I braced myself for the first bite.  There is nothing more disgusting to my palate than frosting made with shortening and crystallized sugar.  And this cupcake had some serious frosting swirled and piled high.  I took a cautious nibble.

Oh. My. Goodness!

If you’re in Franklin….Nashville….Montana….it’s worth the trip to check it out.

We chatted with the owner, a beautiful energetic young woman named Nicole.  She started Naticakes in memory of her niece who died when she was a toddler.  A portion of of their proceeds  go to a The Natalie Wynn Foundation in order to help children in Nati’s memory.

theresa_sig

Filed under: Just for fun, Misc | Leave a Comment »

Where’s a sharpie and a step ladder when you need it?

Posted on May 2, 2009 by therealmotherlode

I had to go get my blood work the other day for part of my physical (amazingly enough…my cholesterol was absolutely normal after our Michigan trip.)  It’s a good thing they weren’t measuring my blood pressure as I was quite distressed to pull into the parking lot of their shiny new  multi-million dollar facility and read this sign affixed to the brick:

OUTPATIENTS PARKING

Not since  “The Jewelry Lady’s” sign appear on a prominent thoroughfare  in Helena, Montana have I been this upset

By golly, my children might be a little weak in their ancient history but they WILL understand the importance of our often misused and frequently omitted little friend, the apostrophe.

Fellow grammar geeks ARISE!

Filed under: homeschooling, humor, Misc | 2 Comments »

Do YOU have issues that need escalating?

Posted on April 3, 2009 by therealmotherlode

The following is the actual transcript of a conversation I had with a computer back up service.  To me it illustrates how quickly a company can drive away new business.  The language toward the end of it was hilarious, me thinks. (I put in in bold.)

Oh–I did write to the customer service department.  The promptly sent me a reply telling me how important my email was and that (usually) they respond within 24 hours.  Perhaps they need a speedier escalator?

And btw- It was I who terminated the session after over 2 minutes of no response from Ramon.  I did not subscribe.  Why on earth would I engage in a business transaction that immediately kicks off with “an issue”? This sort of pettiness drives me away quicker than congress goes through money.

Session Started with Agent (Ramon)
04/02/2009 08:49:41AM System: “Hello and thank you for using Customer Support Live Chat! How may I assist you today?”
04/02/2009 08:49:56AM Theresa: “Hey there— I just have a question.”
04/02/2009 08:50:08AM Agent (Ramon): “Hello Theresa”
04/02/2009 08:50:35AM Theresa: “Hey Ramon- In the email I received to subscribe it offered me a rate of 49.95 but in filling out the online form, it is saying 54.95….why the difference?”
04/02/2009 08:51:40AM Agent (Ramon): “Carbonite Subscription rates has been revised from 3/15/2009.”
04/02/2009 08:51:57AM Theresa: “But the email I received was from a day or two ago…”
04/02/2009 08:53:47AM Agent (Ramon): “The offer code email was sent to customers which was valid from 3/15/2009 till 3/31/2009.”
04/02/2009 08:54:48AM Agent (Ramon): “Could you please check the date stated on the email you received ?”
04/02/2009 08:55:32AM Theresa: “That was not specified in the email….(I am looking at it right now.) It is dated March 31 and says I have three days to extend with the rate of 49.95.”
04/02/2009 08:56:50AM Agent (Ramon): “Is there any offer code mentioned in the email ?”
04/02/2009 08:57:14AM Theresa: “None whatsoever….trust me….I am a bargain hunter and would have spotted that immediately. :) “
04/02/2009 08:59:43AM Theresa: “Would you like me to cut and paste the text here?”
04/02/2009 09:00:23AM Agent (Ramon): “Okay. I recommend you to purchase Carbonite Subscription using the instructions stated in the email. Once you have made the purchase, please forward us the email you received. I will escalate your issue to our accounts department.”
04/02/2009 09:02:01AM Theresa: “Can’t you just give me a promo code for the discount? ” Escalating my issue to the accounts department” sounds rather ominous and slow. Also—I see on the order form it is “automatic renewal” which I do not want but there is no other option.”
04/02/2009 09:04:16AM Session Ended

Filed under: Misc, Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

I Shall Not Pass This Way Again

Posted on March 27, 2009 by therealmotherlode

I’m a bit under the weather (laryngitis and cough) so I thought I’d let someone else do the talking for me today. :)

This poem reminds me to aware of opportunities to bless my fellow man….and also makes me grateful for the friends and families who have been so kind to me through the years.

I SHALL NOT PASS THIS WAY AGAIN

I shall not pass this way again—
Although it bordered be with flowers,
Although I rest in fragrant bowers,
And hear the singing
Of song-birds winging
To highest heaven their gladsome flight;
Though moons are full and stars are bright,
And winds and waves are softly sighing,
While leafy trees make low replying;
Though voices clear in joyous strain
Repeat a jubilant refrain;
Though rising suns their radiance throw
On summer’s green and winter’s snow,
In such rare splendor that my heart
Would ache from scenes like these to part;
Though beauties heighten,
And life-lights brighten,
And joys proceed from every pain—
I shall not pass this way again.

Then let me pluck the flowers that blow,
And let me listen as I go
To music rare
That fills the air;
And let hereafter
Songs and laughter
Fill every pause along the way;
And to my spirit let me say:
“O soul, be happy; soon ’tis trod,
The path made thus for thee by God.
Be happy, thou, and bless His name
By whom such marvellous beauty came.”
And let no chance by me be lost
To kindness show at any cost.
I shall not pass this way again;
Then let me now relieve some pain,
Remove some barrier from the road,
Or brighten someone’s heavy load;
A helping hand to this one lend,
Then turn some other to befriend.

O God, forgive
That I now live
As if I might, sometime, return
To bless the weary ones that yearn
For help and comfort every day,—
For there be such along the way.
O God, forgive that I have seen
The beauty only, have not been
Awake to sorrow such as this;
That I have drunk the cup of bliss
Remembering not that those there be
Who drink the dregs of misery.

I love the beauty of the scene,
Would roam again o’er fields so green;
But since I may not, let me spend
My strength for others to the end,—
For those who tread on rock and stone,
And bear their burdens all alone,
Who loiter not in leafy bowers,
Nor hear the birds nor pluck the flowers.
A larger kindness give to me,
A deeper love and sympathy;
Then, O, one day
May someone say—
Remembering a lessened pain—
“Would she could pass this way again.”

by Eva Rose York

Filed under: Misc | Leave a Comment »

Same kind of different as me

Posted on March 1, 2009 by therealmotherlode

51ykzeopdfl__bo2204203200_pisitb-sticker-arrow-clicktopright35-76_aa240_sh20_ou01_1Okay…full disclosure….being a book fiend, I heartily recommend many books.  “You simply MUST read this!” I’ll tell my friends. 

And then a book like this comes along and makes me really that perhaps my frequent use of “must read” detracts from the value of my description when I say, “You really, REALLY MUST READ this!”

Rarely have a I read a book that so deeply touched me.  And I can’t remember the last book that unleashed the tears from deep within  like this one did. 

It is powerful stuff.  I won’t describe the story….mosey over to Amazon and check it out.

theresa_sig

Filed under: Misc | Tagged: | 3 Comments »

Giving Thanks

Posted on November 25, 2008 by therealmotherlode

Well if the newspaper headlines are any indications, the world should stop spinning any moment right now.  So, it’s been nice knowing ya.  Enjoy your final meal.

Not so quick!!!

Yes, these are difficult times and that is precisely why it is more important than ever to give thanks…even for the things you’re not necessarily thankful for.  Here’s a few things I choose to give thanks for.

Money is tight.  But no matter how tight, we’ve never missed a meal.

I’m grateful that we discovered the van needs a significant repair….before we took it on the road to Michigan.

For headaches and backaches…it means I’m still alive.  And we live in the Age of Ibuprofen.  (Can you imagine the amount of pain folks lived with 100 years ago?)

I am grateful that God doesn’t promise to eliminate all that ails me but rather that he promises to be in the midst of whatever difficulty I find myself in.

And right now (she said with gritted teeth) I am grateful that Caleb is playing a recording of “Wipeout” over and over again.  And over again. This means that…..oh wait a minute.   I might be getting a little carried away with this giving thanks stuff.

But you get the idea.  Learning to look at difficulties and challenges through a thankful lens takes a little practice at first but soon you’ll find a wellspring of life-giving gratitude.

Now I have a little matter to attend to….

Filed under: Misc, Personal development | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Next Page »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 191 other followers