For a few years now I have dreamed of living in a Cohousing community. Bryan and I attended an informational meeting about it once, not really knowing what to expect, but quickly realizing that we would love to raise our children in this sort of environment. Now if only we could gather 20-30 of our favorite people, talk them into this harebrained idea, raise some money, find a location, have the homes built, and find someone qualified enough to organize it all....
(taken form www.cohousing.org)
What Is Cohousing?
Cohousing is a type of collaborative housing in which residents actively participate in the design and operation of their own neighborhoods.
Cohousing residents are consciously committed to living as a community. The physical design encourages both social contact and individual space. Private homes contain all the features of conventional homes, but residents also have access to extensive common facilities such as open space, courtyards, a playground and a common house.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Slacker Mom
When Penny was younger, she only ate homemade, organic baby food. I "wore" her everyday as an infant, and even now, when she needs extra snuggles, I strap her to my chest to keep her close. I researched vaccines, gentle disciplining, and safer toys. We have made an attempt to go green and keep her safe from harsh chemicals. All these things came naturally. It was not a sacrifice to give my daughter the very best.
But Mother of the Year, I most definitely am not. I suck at playing. I lack motivation to find new & fun things to do to help fill her days. Bryan will get down on the ground with her, making forts out of over sized pillows & fluffy blankets, and I wonder why I couldn't think to do that. This is one part of parenting that does not come easily for me.
As the weather is cooling, I have decided to make a serious effort to get us out of the house to play. We've been walking to the park this week in the mornings, before the day gets too warm, and it has been wonderful for both of us. Penny has discovered that the best thing about the playground is not the slides & swings, but the giant sticks that litter the ground. She enjoys the walk to and from, watching the crows fly overhead and waving bye-bye to every passing car.
These outings need to become a regular part of our routine. Penny needs it and most definitely deserves the little bit of effort it requires of me. I can do this for her. I hope I don't forget too quickly how the little things make such a difference.
But Mother of the Year, I most definitely am not. I suck at playing. I lack motivation to find new & fun things to do to help fill her days. Bryan will get down on the ground with her, making forts out of over sized pillows & fluffy blankets, and I wonder why I couldn't think to do that. This is one part of parenting that does not come easily for me.
As the weather is cooling, I have decided to make a serious effort to get us out of the house to play. We've been walking to the park this week in the mornings, before the day gets too warm, and it has been wonderful for both of us. Penny has discovered that the best thing about the playground is not the slides & swings, but the giant sticks that litter the ground. She enjoys the walk to and from, watching the crows fly overhead and waving bye-bye to every passing car.
These outings need to become a regular part of our routine. Penny needs it and most definitely deserves the little bit of effort it requires of me. I can do this for her. I hope I don't forget too quickly how the little things make such a difference.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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