Creativity

After watching a lecture on creativity from ted.com, Chris wrote . . .

He nears him, stalking, snarling,

His victim filled with glee,

His smile betrays his purpose

His prey can clearly see.

Still his mark, off balance,

Standing shakily,

Squeals, while tumbling rearward,

Hoping yet to flee.

Engrossed in giddy laughter

The chased scans tenderly

His pursuer’s features

Flushed with charity.

For the boy this dalliance

May slip from memory,

But, speaking as the father,

I’m glad that man is me.

This video shows the game they play.

And other vids of Chris and Cam's fun here.

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! | Video on TED.com

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! | Video on TED.com

The Goon

Last week Chris and I were able to chaperone for the DaVinci Academy kids going to Physics Day at Lagoon. Chris has never been there and I had not been for a LONG time. It was fun. Chris gets pretty barfy on rides so he sat out with Cam. I went on one ride, Wicked. It was exhilarating! We actually enjoyed a lot more of the old people version of Lagoon that I hardly knew existed, hello Pioneer Village! We looked at some animals. We loved the old dental office. We were cracking up reading about the actual holding cell that was used up until 1919 for drunkards and rowdy folks disturbing Lagoon go-ers. It was creepy in there.

Can't you feel the creepiness? Eew.

These were REAL JAIL CELLS!

And yes, it is true. They let an 8 month old on the Sky Coaster. :)

Camden was fine.

Except that he has been shaking things lately, so he wanted to grab this bar and shake it. Chris was getting pretty nervous, trying to hold onto him tight but not tight enough that Camden would freak out.

Safely off the Sky Coaster.

We were watching the animals and Cam kept grabbing the fence, as seen here. It was hard for Chris to keep him on his shoulders, so he kind of got out from under Camden, but Camden didn't let go of the fence. Chris thought it be interesting to see if he could hold himself up. The next picture explains what happened next. We were laughing so hard. Camden only cried for a few seconds.
Fun day.

Progress

Recently I've reflected more and more what it means to be happy, to be fulfilled, to discover meaning.

What is progress?

Is it accumulating assets, advancing technology, or acquiring more leisure time?

If we gain those things but are not any happier, have we truly progressed?

Sometimes I feel like those societies, peoples and epochs bereft of such "progress" are or were happier than we are now.

Why is that?

We have all of the goodness of present and none of the hardships of the past and yet can we say we are actually happier?

We may be more comfortable, perhaps healthier in some ways, but what have we sacrificed for advancements of science and technology?

Shouldn't there be less war, less hunger, less poverty, less strife?

Shouldn't we be more cooperative collectively, more independent personally, and more in touch with our true selves?

Shouldn't violence, crime, discrimination, greed, hatred and indifference be more widely eradicated?

Are we progressing?

Are we happy?

I don't mean "do we have more fun?" or "is my life more pleasurable than my ancestors'?" or "am I successful financially or socially?"

I mean "do we have meaning, passion, peace and joy?"

If not, what is all this progress worth?

A Tribute to Our Mothers

To our mothers, who are the best thing a grandson could ask to sleep on.

We love you both.

Mum's the word

Chris does not believe in showing appreciation through gifts, but if he did I think he would get me these for Mum's Day.

Love in Spoonfuls

Dr. Sears Nibble Tray

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If you give Camden a toy, he's going to put it in his mouth.

When he puts it in his mouth, he'll probably ingest many of the germs that are on it.

When they have worked their way into his body, they'll make him sick.

Then he'll have a runny nose and a cough. After having a runny nose for 2 weeks, he will probably develop an ear infection.

When he has had an ear infection for a few days, he will wake up multiple times at night and not go back to sleep.

After a few night's of not sleeping, both his parents will be at their wits end. This will motivate his mother to call the doctor.

When you go to the doctor, he will check Camden's ears and confirm your suspicions. The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic and you'll start the two week regimen that day.

While on this antibiotic Camden may have a weird diaper rash or yeast infection. His mother may be slow to react in a preventive way and a full blown yeast infection may ensue.

Camden's yeast infection may spread to his mouth.

If it spreads to his mouth, it will likely spread to his mother. She will experience excruciating, stabbing, searing pain and open wounds and want to cry when feeding him.

Eating may remind Camden that he is feeling good, and wants to play.

And chances are if he wants to play, he'll put a toy in his mouth.