Anita VP

I prayed that my orchid flowers would be beautiful for home showings.   And they were.   Oh, they were completely wonderful.   I had one plant that had over thirty flowers.   Truly something that sings to my soul. I recently happily took on the role of orchid babysitter for my girlfriend who took a long trip.   Upon discussing her flowers and their state, I explained that, “orchids go through natural bloom cycles and it may be a while until they bloom again.” Very first thing this morning, I noticed that the first flower had fallen from my recently uber productive plant.   Today also marks one week out from our move to Washington. Perhaps my buddies, the orchids, just knew that they needed to show off their best for lots of prospective buyers – and that now again it is the time for change.   Naturally occurring symbolism in the everyday around me is one of my favorite things.   Well played, orchids.   Well played. #AnitaVP #orchids #wellplayed #symboli

Presently, I reside in packing purgatory.   With our move date scheduled out about ten days from now, my house is dismantled, without a lick of décor, and far too many plastic totes everywhere. For some time, I’ve considered myself to be a “closeted minimalist.”   Not my actual closets; think of this as being a reflection on my dabbling in the world of minimalism without full public commitment.   Nonetheless, whether I suppose we have less than some and more than others, the fact remains that I do not miss much of what I’ve had packed for months. Now that we’re getting down to brass tacks, I’ll just ponder packing what truly matters. This is the most important box of what we have – ketchupy faces and all.   (All the other stuff is just stuff.) #AnitaVP #packing #moving #washington #colorado #whatmatters #parenting #Human#1 #Human#2 #minimalism

For fun, let's do something different today: A tribute to Eric Carle and my favorite hangry person The Very Hangry Caterpillar In the light of the moon, an egg of a head lay on a pillow. On Saturday morning, the hot unwelcome sun came peeking out too soon – pop! – and out of the bed rolled a large and very hangry dad. He started to look for some food. First, he ate through one banana. But he was still hungry. Next, he ate through two slices of toast. But he was still hungry. Then, he ate through three eggs. But he was still hungry. After that, he ate through four measly berries. He was, of course, still hungry… and hangry. Following that, he tore ravenously through five clementines. But daddy dearest was still hangry. That Saturday, sweet mama fixed him all the food she could find and he ate one blueberry muffin, one Snickers ice cream bar, one bag of beef jerky, one huge hunk of white cheddar, one heaping portion of s

The old expression of “when it rains it pours” undoubtedly is still in wide usage because of its relatability.   This is the Americanized version, thanks to Morton Salt , of the older English phrase , “it never rains, but it pours.”   Nonetheless, the sentiment that undesirable news and events come in distinct waves is understandable and universal. At present, in Colorado, we’re having late May snowstorms, yielding in clumps of heavy wet snow on fully leaved and blooming trees.   Perhaps some of the greatest impact is felt by the most mature trees.   The largest trees, with the thickest trunks and tallest branches, which in turn provide the most shade, experience the most breakage.   Dense chunks of snow and sleet cling to the fresh, full spring green leaves and SNAP off huge limbs.   The distinct sound of our trees breaking woke me several times in the night.   Six o’clock in the morning was thus characterized for me by the dragging of eleven-foot branches through slu

The article entitled Toddlers Want to Help and We Should Let Them is a thoughtful look at why and how to involve our best little helpers in daily work. As a parent, it can be so easy to miss a child’s genuine desire to be involved and even easier to want to be wholly “in control” of a task.   Peter Gray Ph.D. also reminds parents to assume positive intent and avoid cajoling or bargaining for help.   Beyond that, I’ll let the article speak for itself and tell you to just go read it. Human #1 is an exceedingly good helper with laundry (as well as with many other things).   Makes me wonder in what other areas should I be relinquishing control and increasing my patience!   (Human #2 better get ready – I’ll be calling his number soon!) #AnitaVP #parenting #littlehelpers #toddlers #psychology #letitgo

Largely in part, houses are just domiciliary buildings and it’s the people with whom you live that make it into a home.   But it perhaps withstands to say that for someone who has resided in the same house for a significant enough time, certain unique features of a house may be missed after a move.   Of all the things, I think I may miss my kitchen sink. That’s right.   I may miss my kitchen sink.   (Queue cliché phrase of “we’re taking everything but the kitchen sink.”)   It’s a dark colored composite sink.   I like that it seems to keep clean easier than some sinks and the faucet is nice, but that’s not really what it’s about.   I’ve heard it said that a sink filled with dirty dishes represents happy mouths having been fed.   It couldn’t be more true.   Countless used dishes in my sink here have been used by people I love, with food that I gladly prepared.   Thus in turn, my empty sink has symbolized full circle accomplishment.   But don’t limit this sink – we’ve clea

BEARS IN THE NIGHT has been a longstanding favorite in our house – you know one of those ones where your kid asks you to read it over and over again.   Out of the shelf, onto the chair, into the hands.   Yet, there’s something magical about BEARS IN THE NIGHT that allows us to willingly read this one as many times as requested.   Next to the kid, out of my mouth, into the air.   Arguably, this book thus embodies many qualities of the perfect picture book. Last week, we happily indulged.   And to our blissful surprise, upon hearing it for the first time ever, the baby laughed and giggled and grinned ear to ear.   He couldn’t get enough of it!   Sweet chuckles and smiles.   Babies laughing has to be the best sound ever. Hats off to you, Stan, Jan, and nighttime Bears.   We’ll be reading this one to both our bears for many moons. #AnitaVP #berensteinbears #bears #kidlit #picturebooks #Human#2 #baby #babygiggles #parenting #overandover #bedtimestory

Not long ago in Barnes & Noble, I saw the most fantastic alphabet book I have ever seen: P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever .   The title really says it all and I’d hate to give away any surprises, but this one is cute and fun! I can’t help but laugh, because right now in my house we are drilling phonics hard core to get Human #1 ramped up for reading.   That alphabet book would really be The Worst – haha!   As such, I’ll be saving this gem for another time in her life. Since we’re deep engrossed in Phonicsland, I also can’t help but wonder if many of the common word and picture references for letter names/sounds are out-of-date.   They’re either out-of-date or boring or something.   Just sayin’. My kid legitimately does not use the phrase “necktie” – nor do we.   She also thought that a little picture of the walnut (parading as “nut”) looked like a loaf of bread.   Another common “alphabet word”, just specific to N, that’s not on her radar is nights

We decided last minute (read this Wednesday) to come to Taos this weekend.   Checking New Mexico off of our bucket list simultaneously provided a much-needed escape.   I adore spontaneous adventure and exploration, so this just tickles me with delight. Taos, set in the northern high desert of New Mexico, is known for its community of artists – and it is so pleasantly apparent upon arrival!   The beautiful adobe buildings contrasted with the turquoise trim, no less in glorious spring, are clearly the inspiration for many talented folks! While I think that my talents probably lie mostly in the realm of words, my repressed Inner Bohemian just couldn’t get enough of all of the art, textiles, pottery, etc. etc.   I’m feeling so fortunate to be able to take home a little gem from Taos home with me. There’s something to be said for buying goods actually from where ever it is that you’re visiting.   I find myself dismayed whenever shops purport something as “being l