This boy has boundless energy. Yesterday, a full day of school. Came home and played soccer in the backyard, then we WENT to soccer practice where he played his heart out and ran to me afterwards with a smile on his face and sweat on his brow, and then woke up this morning to play MORE soccer before school. Seriously, how can we harness 7-year old’s energy to power the world?
Some weekend reading…
This was a really insightful read on how well-intentioned white families can unknowingly perpetuate racism. “This idea that your own child is the most important thing—that’s something we could try to rethink. When affluent white parents are making these decisions about parenting, they could consider in some way at least how their decisions will affect not only their kid, but other kids.” It goes way deeper than just that, but that quote stuck out to me.
This would be a great fall and winter staple. I want it in black.
How about a cozy spot in NYC as this week’s Airbnb?
My current book. I’m not tearing through it (yet) but it’s also been a really busy two weeks. I am going to forge ahead!
I’m certain this is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Anytime you need to just take a breather, put this song on.
Steve and I have been talking about September 11th a lot this week, the conversations heavy and, strangely, as 17 years have gone passed, I find myself at times in disbelief that it actually happened. I’ve gone down a rabbit hole of stories the other day, and he’s pulled up various clips and things on Youtube, and I found this one moving (as U2 always is). Watch from 4:00 on. Also, this, when Bush threw the first pitch only 7 weeks later at Yankee Stadium. God, the love in that stadium is palpable. Just try to watch it without crying like a baby. Do you do anything in particular on 9/11? I can’t think of how to say what I’m feeling without it sounding trite, but goodness what a day that was. The unity that this country felt afterwards was truly astounding. I miss that. I wish we could find a way back without such a tragic event taking place.
Just started this book with the boys. I’m trying to have them in bed earlier these days, so that we can have more time to read. It’s my favorite way to end the day with them.
I’m planning on making this salad soon. It seems more like a summer meal, but I’m craving it.
Beautycounter just introduced this quick skincare quiz to help you find the right skincare for you. I sort of love it as a basis to get your foot in the door. (Please always feel free to email me or DM me on my wellness account. I love getting messages about specific concerns from melasma to hormonal acne, and trying to figure out the right regimen for you.)
It’s nearly time for my favorite pumpkin bread recipe!
See you next week!
The first link that caught my eye? The pumpkin bread recipe! There’s a huge typhoon coming in Hong Kong – equivalent to a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane – so I’ll definitely be in this weekend, and baking will help me pass the time.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I saw that!! Stay safe, Charmaine!
love your links! That sweater looks soooo cozy! have a great weekend.
The Miraculous Adventure of Edward Tulane is so good! I hope the boys enjoy it.
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris is also a good read. It might be a bit too complex of a story for your boys’ ages, but one to tuck away for the future. It’s a little series too (Once, Twice, Thrice… in the titles) so if they like the first, it could be a hit! 🙂
Keep going with Little Fires Everywhere! I found myself relating so much with each of the mothers for different reasons, and the story was so gripping in a totally different way than the other novels I typically read
I 100% agree with this comment!
Thanks for the article you shared about racism – this issue is so on my mind as I’m parenting. Have you read the book, I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown? It raises some similar points about the church context, and it has really shaken up my thinking in the best possible way. So grateful for the voices in our culture who are willing to challenge those of us who are sheltered by privilege and remind us that racism is still a very present reality in our society.
I haven’t read it yet, but thank you!
“This idea that your own child is the most important thing—that’s something we could try to rethink. When affluent white parents are making these decisions about parenting, they could consider in some way at least how their decisions will affect not only their kid, but other kids.”
I did click through and read the article in its entirety but this still seems completely backwards to me. Isn’t it our job as parents to have our own child be the most important thing to us? It seems like if every parent everywhere made their own child the most important thing to them it would solve many problems, not create them. If every single child in America had a parent behind him or her who was just doing everything they possibly could to give that child a leg up wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing and elevate us all? I grew up in pretty humble circumstances, my parents just didn’t have much money and I certainly did not attend the best schools, but my parents tried to do everything they could to give my siblings and I whatever opportunities they could give. They took us to the library a ton and taught us to love reading. And loving to read is a high predictor of educational success among children and teens. I guess I can see her point about not voting in legislation that will help your child but hurt other children, but how often does that really happen? Otherwise I’m unconvinced. And unconvinced that this has that much to do with racism. I do believe that every parent out there- their children should be the most important thing to them, and they should be doing everything on their power to give that kid as much love, time, attention, opportunities etc. as they in their own personal circumstances can do. I think things would be better if this happened- not worse. I do believe that we all need to look for racism, not just assume it doesn’t exist (especially if we have privilege) look for how you may be involved and question yourself and try to make changes. It’s the only way things will improve. But not doing your best for your own child? Not having them be the most important thing to you? I don’t know, seems that may be taking it one step too far. I think the world would be a better place if every parent did exactly that. And while they are at it help another child as well! But your own kid should be the most important thing to you, no?
Since “it takes a village to raise a child”, I guess I just don’t think those options are mutually exclusive. I can want what’s best for my child and what’s best for your child too (and that may require some sacrifices on my part). And in all sorts of ways, what is best for all is best for mine. After all, we’re trying to raise kids who think about other’s and what’s in their best interest as well. In the end, I think our tribalism, sectarianism, nationalism (etc.) may very well be our undoing.
I’m only thirty seconds into the SportsCenter video, but I already have a hunch that it’s going to be very good.
Thank you for sharing the first pitch video…..man, it feels good to see an image of our country united. Things feel so very divided these days.
Tell me about it.
A little late here but that article on white families and racism – wow, amazing. It is so good and I want to email it to everyone I know.