The kids decided we should all learn some songs so we can play together. This in itself makes me extraordinarily happy. They wrote a list on the kitchen blackboard and over the last few days we’ve all been practising the very cheery 1935 tune “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter.” And they always like a challenge so were doing it in A flat.
Tag: kids
Happiness as Anarchy #320: Movie on the couch
I bought my couch when my second child was born because I needed to be able to read a book to my two year old while feeding the new baby. Nearly thirteen years later the three of us still fit on that couch. It’s a bit cosier, but there is still room. Snuggled in between my two teenagers watching a movie, I realised just how nice it is to be couch potatoes together.
Happiness as Anarchy #308: Surprise Delivery
I’m in the middle of peeing this afternoon when the doorbell rings. By the time I’ve pulled my pants up and opened the door, there’s nobody there, but a lovely box on the doorstep. It’s a delicious box of cheese and nibbles from Vegas & Rose, a birthday present from my lovely friend Karen. The kids and I sat under the back veranda chatting and nibbling on it for ages. Just the nicest thing ever!
Happiness as Anarchy #268: When my kids like my songs
Possibly the best things I could hear:
~ “Hey Mama, I went to listen to that song on youtube because I really like it, but then I realised it’s not there because it’s one of your songs.”
~ “Hey Mama, can you play your songs while I’m going to sleep?”
~ Waking up on a Sunday morning to the sound of my daughter picking out one of my songs on her banjo.
Happiness as Anarchy #253: Going out with my small people
It’s the second day of 38 degrees and everyone is tired from the first week back at school. Hot, sweaty and tired, we tootled off to a delightful gig lead by one of my favourite musicians, Melbourne guitarist Jon Delaney. Gypsy jazz and jazzy Beach Boys played beautifully in a wonderful room. The small people enjoyed it more than I thought and we’ve all come home inspired and with full hearts. There is so much joy in sharing music together.
Here’s a tune they played tonight – Le valse des niglos (The Waltz of the Hedgehogs)
Happiness as Anarchy #248: Beach weekend
Sunshine, sand and smiles.
Fish & Chips and icecream.
Reading, eating, wandering.
Kids, friends and seagulls.
Sand, surf and sleeping in.
Happiness as Anarchy #209: Growing small humans
There are two small humans that the universe has entrusted to me. Often I don’t feel grown up enough to be a parent, but they seem to be turning out just fine. The youngest finished primary school this week and won the school citizenship award for being a caring, respectful and inspiring human. I’m very proud of this big-hearted young woman.
Happiness as Anarchy #49: The 1st Child
This small person turned 14 today. He’s pretty special and brings me much joy. We’ve spent the last three days hanging out together in the car taking him to mandolin workshops. He’s always been an old soul, a thinker and an observer. He’s cheeky, curious, funny, intelligent, creative and equally stubborn as his mother. We’ve been testing out this parent-child thing for a while and seem to be making it work without too many disasters. It’s hard to believe he’ll be an adult in four years, but I’m loving watching him grow up into a remarkable big human.
Happiness as Anarchy #46: The 2nd Child
This small person turned 12 today. She’s pretty special and ticks all the boxes. I’m constantly amazed that I had a hand in creating this creative, active, musical, foodie, big-hearted creature. She must be tough to survive this long with me! I’m looking forward to watching her grow into a big person in the next decade.
