DaddyLove Hubsand – Ice Skating Edition

Monday, February 6th 2017

DLove surprised us after school today by suddenly taking us ICE SKATING.

I am struck by the contrast to the man I was married to a few years back who was reeling from chemo and whose equilibrium was so off balance he was absolutely disinterested in ice skating.  Indeed we didn’t know if or how well he would recover from the cancer, how long it would take, if his leg would ever return to near-normal function or if/how/when he would work again.

So to have my hubsand just idly COME HOME FROM WORK and TAKE US SKATING is… well perhaps something I can’t put into words?

And that almost never happens.

2017-02-06 HUBSAND SKATE EDITION [1:18]:

 

 

 

 

Posted in childhood, comedy, domestic life, faith, family, health, love, marriage, parenthood, patience, work-life balance | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Trump Loses, Patriots Win – 6 Videos

Monday, February 6th 2017

handprint-flag

pa·tri·ot

ˈpātrēət/
noun
1. a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
 2. a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government.

This historic weekend was kicked off by our horrific excuse for a “president” picking fights with Australia and other allies, as so exquisitely trolled by the incomparable, inestimable, invaluable Saturday Night Live:


A) SNL on TODDLER TRUMP & PRESIDENT BANNON

2017-02-04 SNL Cold Open – Oval Office with Trump & Steve Bannon [6:33]:

 


B) SNL on MUSLIM TRAVEL BAN

Fortunately the stupid insane MUSLIM TRAVEL BAN (which we were protesting last weekend) was overruled by a federal judge.  Here is SNL’s awesome sendup of the ban.

2017-02-04 Trump Travel Ban Ad [2:15]:

 


C) SNL on SEAN SPICER:

While we’re at it, WOW, Melissa McCarthy as Trump’s Press Secretary Sean Spicer is an absolute MUST SEE.  It is THE best, and if you don’t agree she -he- may have to punch you in the FACE.  What an purely indomitable goddess she is.

2017-02-04 Sean Spicer Press Conference – SNL [8:06]: 

 


THEN, after cooking and cleaning all day and having friends over (okay, hubby did all the cooking of course – sadly no photos of his incredible spread), Superbowl Sunday offered what is apparently the most historic game in all of football.  The indefatigable Patriots even fashioned themselves into legit underdogs for the first three quarters, falling behind an astounding 28-3, only to come back and tie it up for the first Superbowl O.T. in history, and then WINNING.   Now that right there may be all I’ll ever write about football; that’s how amazing this game was, it even made *ME* care for a little while.

 


But even if you don’t care about football, there are the COMMERCIALS, of which there were some true winners this year.  Such as this beautiful and courageous reminder of our history from Anheuser-Busch:

1 of 3) THIS BUD’S FOR YOU

Budweiser 2017 Super Bowl Commercial “Born The Hard Way” [1:01]:

 

I don’t like their beer or even consider theirs to be actual real beer, but I intend to vote for them with some of my dollars anyway.


2 of 3) WALL OF OPPORTUNITY

Next up, the biggest surprise from the (heretofore unknown by me) 84 Lumber Company, which is reportedly pro-Trump (and presumably pro-Wall)… but the amazing piece they made here is a MUST SEE:

84 Lumber Super Bowl Commercial 2017 – The Full Journey [5:44]:

 


3 of 3) WHAT MAKES AMERICA BEAUTIFUL

Lastly, from arguably the most successful advertising giant on the planet, this simply beautiful message from Coca-Cola.

 

Coca-Cola – It’s Beautiful [1:00]:

 


 

FINAL THOUGHT:

Final thought from the weekend, a retweet from my aforementioned comedian friend Dana Jay Bein:

Screen Shot 2017-02-06 at 10.46.19 AM.jpg

“Eat a dick.  Orange Dracula.” 

 

Although I am personally no longer anti-electoral college, and I am not in favor of negativity, but I do fully endorse the importance of comedy, and I love DJB’s fierceness in simply saying,

Eat a dick. Orange Dracula.

I mean, I don’t know if I could ever say that, but I’m glad somebody did, is all I’m saying.

 

 

Posted in comedy, education, faith, politics | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rules of Resistance

February 2017

Some Wise Advice Circulating (from the interweb):

1. Don’t use his name;
2. Remember this is a regime and he’s not acting alone;
3. Do not argue with those who support him–it doesn’t work;
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state;
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;
7. Support artists and the arts;
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;
9. Take care of yourselves; and
10. Resist!


Keep demonstrations peaceful. In the words of John Lennon, “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”
When you post or talk about him, don’t assign his actions to him, assign them to “The Republican Administration,” or “The Republicans.” This will have several effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don’t like; he will not get the focus of attention he craves; Republican representatives will become very concerned about their re-elections.

(Copy to paste to your wall – wider than sharing)

 

Posted in education, faith, fight, making art, patience, politics, spirituality, work | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What We’re Fighting the War For

Friday, February 3rd 2017

Tobin Montessori Winter Concert 2017 

Featuring:  Gavin and Miles in 3rd Grade and introducing ClaraJane in Kindergarten!

2017-02-03-08-08-452017-02-03-08-13-40

 

2017-02-03 09.51.45.jpgwhat-were-fighting-for

 


2017-02-03 Tobin Winter Concert [5:28]: 

(And yes, I include our Tobin Pledge Song here in its entirety.)


2017-02-03-09-52-09

 

And here are some of the wonderful lyrics.


TOBIN PLEDGE:

I pledge to be peaceful, kind and caring  

To respect myself and others

To strive for excellence in all I do and be the best that I can be!

 


OVER MY HEAD: 

Over my head I hear music head yes over my head... there MUST be joy somewhere.

In my feet there is dancing in the street, yes in my feet... there MUST be joy somewhere

In heart there's a plane about to start, yes in my heart... there MUST be joy somewhere

In my eyes there's a rainbow of surprise, yes in my eyes... there MUST be joy somewhere

CHE CHE KOOLAY:

Che che koolay

Che che kofisa

Kofisa longa

Ka kashi longa

A le le

I SEE THE MOON:

I see the moon it's shining from far away beckoning with every beam 
And though all the stars above cast down their light 
Still the moon is all that I see...


OUR SONG OF PEACE:

Let there be peace on earth let there be peace on earth

And let peace begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth, let there be peace on earth

Dona nobis pa cem, grant us peace

Why do we fight when we can be friends 

Listen to your heart, listen to our song, our song of peace...

LO YISA GOY:

Lyrics:
The stage is set, the bets are in 
The world is waiting for the show to begin
We keep the peace with arms of steel
We're building bombs instead of bridges of healing

Lo yisa goy el goy cherev
V'lo Yil'm'du od milchamah
Lo yisa goy el goy cherev
V'lo Yil'm'du od milchamah

We sell our souls, we seize the day
As if our future is so far away
Who's gonna fall in the balance of power
The stakes get higher with every hour

Lo yisa goy el goy cherev...

Sim shalom tovah uv'rachah
Cheyn va'chesed v'rachamim
Aleynu v'al kol Yisrael
Al kol Yisrael amecha - See more at: http://www.jewishlearningmatters.com/AC-Lo-Yisa-Goy-by-Sam-Glaser-1092.aspx#sthash.F0nHhWEF.dpuf

Translation: "Don't walk in-front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend, and together we will walk in the path of HaShem".

IN THIS WORLD TOGETHER:

we-are-in-this-world-together-lyrics

  • See… thrust hands out and down, open eyes wide
  • Touch… thrust hands straight out, palms out
  • Hear… left hand beside left ear, fingers wide and out
  • Hear… same, but on right
  • We… cross both hands on heart

  • …together… join hands or clasp own hands


We have the funding and implementation of the incomparable Kodaly Music program in our school to thank for such diverse and complex melodies, lyrics, rounds, descants and harmonies.  The skill of the student body has been steadily increasing since the onset of this program in our schools 4 years ago, and it’s a joy and wonder to see and hear!


♥♥♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in art, childhood, domestic life, education, family, love, making art, school, spirituality | 2 Comments

Gavin Go To Bed

February 2nd 2017

aka: Mommy & Gavin working on a bit of comic timing.

2017-02-02 GAVIN TO GO BED [14 seconds]:


♥♥

Posted in childhood, comedy, domestic life, family, fight, forgiveness, love, parenthood | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fun in Fascist Times

Thursday, February 2nd 2017

Einstein & Wiesel

 

Although I have lost patience with people who still only talk -and post- exclusively about THEMSELVES, for the sake of mental health we all still need to have a little fun sometimes.  To that end I am sharing this cute little quiz I found (pre-filled out) online.


“Come on….someone do this with me. Let’s have some fun, take a break from negativity and learn about each other.

1. Who are you named after?
There is a literally fascist administration in office in the United States.

2. Last time you cried?
Resist it, unfailingly, with all your strength.

3. Soda or water?
A five year old was detained for hours at Dulles and reportedly handcuffed, and the White House press secretary defended this. Defended this.

4. What is your favorite lunch meat?
Iraqis who assisted American troops at great risk to themselves and their families, and who are the most vetted refugees, were turned away from their flights they’ve waited years for, and detained at airports like criminals.

5. Longest relationship?
Donate to the ACLU and other organizations who will defend our civil liberties.

6. Do you still have your tonsils?
Soon, we won’t have the courts to depend on, either.

7. Would you bungee jump?
Get your news from anywhere but social media and cable talk shows; the BBC and The Guardian do good work, as do the LA Times, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

8. How many years at current job?
Stand up for minorities and women’s health and freedom of the press.

9. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Make sure to take care of your mental health in this tumultuous and stressful time.

10. Roller coasters?
Punching unapologetic actual Nazis is illegal and you definitely should do it every chance you get.

11. Favorite ice cream?
Many of the Democrats are folding. Keep the heat on them, keep writing and calling them.

12. Favorite thing to do?
This is not normal. Don’t act like it is. You can’t ignore this.

13. Football or baseball?
Steve Bannon has said himself he is a Leninist who wants to destroy and remake society, and he is manipulating the POTUS to sow chaos as a pretext for crushing civil liberties and seizing permanent power.

14. Leggings or Jeans?
Install the Signal app to make sure your messages are end-to-end encrypted and stop using FB messenger, Google Voice/Hangouts, and texting, which are easy to spy on. It’s incredibly easy to install and setup, and you won’t even notice it once you’re done. Remember that unless both parties are using it, it won’t be secure.

15. What are you listening to?
Keep up with everything going on, do not let up.

16. Favorite Color?
Prepare for the increased repression of American citizens. It is coming.

17. Tattoos?
Keep in mind that he is constantly lying to us. Do not believe anything he says. If he says the sky is blue, look up and check it yourself, or save time and assume that he’s lying.

18. Married?
They still haven’t fixed the pipes in Flint, Michigan.

19. Hair color?
Stop being complicit.

20. Eye color?
Stop being obedient.

21. Favorite to eat?
Stop fooling yourself that you won’t have to fight somehow.

22. Scary movies or happy endings?
Stop being scared. Stand up for what you believe in.

23. Android or iPhone?
America is a country of immigrants. We are better because of our diversity.

24. Chevy, Ford or Buick?
We will not re-center the white working class at the expense of minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ in the hopes of poaching voters. Elevate people less privileged than you who are being actively repressed.

25. Favorite holiday?
It will get worse. You are stronger than you think, and you can take it.

26. Beer or wine?
You have to. We don’t have any other options.

27. Night owl or morning?
Your children and grandchildren will remember you by what you did during these years.

28. Favorite day of the week?
Dissent is American. *All* enemies, foreign *and domestic.*

(I can’t take credit for this, even this part. I cut and pasted it all because I love it so much.)


the-broken-world-waits
fire dance.jpg
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Dragon Gavin What Time is It?

Wednesday, February 1st 2017

2017-01-30 17.15.03.jpg

Gavin helping ClaraJane practice the axe kick at home

 

Because we had a schedule conflict with Gavin’s Taekwondo class today, we had the idea to ask if he could serve as an assistant teacher in ClaraJane’s class.  The teachers said yes!

2017-02-01 DRAGON GAVIN [1:12]:

 

Well done Gavin!

 

Silly Ninja Monkeys

Posted in childhood, family, health, love | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Muslim Travel Ban Protest – BOSTON CHANTS & SIGNS

Sunday, January 29th 2017

screen-shot-2017-01-29-at-5-08-47-pm

After last night’s incredible protests at international airports all over the country in response to the unconscionable detainments of citizens from these new arbitrarily “banned” countries, a judge “stayed” that executive order, and today is a celebration of Muslim-solidarity.

Here’s Gavin working the megaphone with chants, which I generally find inspiring, uplifting, energizing, celebratory, fun and encouraging.

2017-01-29 MUSLIM TRAVEL BAN – BOSTON PROTEST CHANTS [3:23]:

(Need I say proud of my Boy?)


2017-01-29 MUSLIM SOLIDARITY RALLY BOSTON SIGNS [3:21]: 


CHANTS:

BAN BANNON!  DUMP TRUMP!

NO HATE! NO FEAR!  REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE!

NO WALL!  NO BAN!

IMMIGRATION BUILT OUR NATION!

1!  WE ARE THE PEOPLE!  2!  WE ARE UNITED!  3! WE WANT JUSTICE 4 THE WHOLE WORLD…1!

SHOW ME WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!  THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!

NO TRUMP! NO KKK!  NO FASCIST USA!

EDUCATION NOT DEPORTATION!

HEY HEY!  HO HO!  DONALD TRUMP HAS GOT TO GO!

SHOW ME WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE!  THIS IS WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE!

NO BAN!  NO WALL!

RISE!  RESIST!  PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY!

THE WHITE HOUSE RESIDENT IS NOT OUR PRESIDENT!

LOVE TRUMPS HATE!

NO BAN!  NO WALL!  SANCTUARY FOR ALL!

WE THE POEPLE MUST RESIST!  TRUMP IS THE TERRORIST!

YOU’RE ORANGE! YOU’RE GROSS!  YOU LOST THE POPULAR VOTE!

I SAID MOVE TRUMP! GET OUT TH’WAY!  GET OUT TH’ WAY TRUMP GET OUT TH’ WAY!

WE DANCE FOR FREEDOM!

WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT!

UNITED!

WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT UNITED!

♥♥♥♥♥

Posted in Bernie Sanders, childhood, education, faith, family, fight, love, mental health, parenthood, politics, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

First They Came for the Muslims

 

… and we said, “NOT ON OUR F*CKING WATCH!”

NO BAN.jpg


Saturday, January 28th 2017

So this is already happening.  On Friday (1/27/17) F*cking Chumpity-Dumbass Dumphead literally ordered a ban on Muslims from entering the country!

See:  http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/trump-order-170129030842119.html

Trump signed the executive order on Friday  that effectively denies entry to people from seven Muslim-majority countries, including those with green cards, who otherwise have permanent residence in the US.
Signing the order at the Pentagon, Trump said the move would help protect Americans from “terrorist” attacks.

That motherfucker is just perpetuating fear and division for personal gain.  Muslim refugees aren’t coming here to bomb us, even as we are actively bombing SEVEN countries worldwide.  Apparently he doesn’t know we are far more likely to get killed by that ever present danger; ARMED TODDLERS.

Number of Americans Killed.jpg

 


My friend & comrade DJB sums it best:

screen-shot-2017-01-29-at-8-13-00-am


Within one day (Saturday 1/28), travelers trying to enter the country (with valid passports and visas!) started getting handcuffed and detained at our international airports.

screen-shot-2017-01-29-at-8-11-48-am


How did good citizens respond?

That’s right: 

resist


LOOK!

JFK Airport No Muslim Ban [59:46]:

These thousands of people chanting are MUSIC TO MY EARS and I could listen to it for a long time.  (I can hardly wait for a recording artist to release a resistance song using this as rhythm and percussion.)

#FUCK THE WALL WE’LL TEAR IT DOWN!

#LET THEM IN!

#NO BAN!  NO REGISTRY!  FUCK WHITE SUPREMACY! 

#I DON’T SEE NO RIOT HERE!  WHY ARE YOU IN RIOT GEAR?

#NO HATE! NO FEAR!  REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE! 

#WHOSE STREETS? OUR STREETS?

#WHAT DO WE WANT? JUSTICE! WHEN DO WE WANT IT?  NOW!

#IF WE DON’T GET IT? SHUT IT DOWN!  IF WE DON’T GET IT?  SHUT IT DOWN!

#IF. WE. DON’T. GET. IT. SHUT. IT. DOWN


And here is our kickass take-no-prisoners Senator Elizabeth Warren roaring like the relentlessly compassionate lion she is.  Elizabeth Warren Protests Muslim Ban at Logan Airport [2:12]:

 

Here is our Boston Mayor -Marty Walsh- joining in solidarity with protesters at Logan Airport.  Marty Walsh No Muslim Ban Logan Airport [2:20]: 

 

And here is a another example of GREAT leadership from the Governor of Washington State.  The Governor of Washington just declared Donald Trump and enemy of the United States.This is powerful [5:48]:

 


Personally, I am amazed at how quickly and radically people mobilized at airports all around the country.  What incredible rapid flexibility, with NO NOTICE.  I am still processing the Women’s March from last weekend, and WOW.  It really worked.  It really was a KICKOFF PARTY of historical proportions.  It was a practice run for what we will apparently need EVERY DAMN DAY of this asshole’s “presidency.”


#When We Fight We Win.  AND WE WON!!

US judge blocks deportations under Trump’s Muslim ban

Ruling temporarily ends detention of travellers with valid visas and prohibits their removal from the US.


When We Fight We Win! 

Boston Logan Airport Protest of Trump Muslim Immigrant & Refugee Ban [2:12]:


Here are some of the important, inspiring, courageous CHANTS:

  • FASCISTS OUT!  REFUGEES IN!
  • NO COOPERATION WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION!
  • FILIBUSTER NOW!
  • FUCK THE WALL WE’LL TEAR IT DOWN
  • LET THEM IN!  LET THEM IN!
  • REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE!
  • I DON’T SEE NO RIOT HERE!  WHY ARE YOU IN RIOT GEAR?
  • NO BAN!  NO REGISTRY!  FUCK WHITE SUPREMACY!
  • NO HATE! NO FEAR!  REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE!
  • WHAT DO WE WANT? JUSTICE! WHEN DO WE WANT IT?  NOW!
  • IF WE DON’T GET IT? SHUT IT DOWN!  IF WE DON’T GET IT?  SHUT IT DOWN!
  • IF. WE. DON’T. GET. IT. SHUT. IT. DOWN
  • WHEN MUSLIMS* ARE UNDER ATTACK, WHAT DO WE DO?  STAND UP FIGHT BACK!
  • SHOW ME WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!  THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!
  • THE PEOPLE! UNITED! WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED
  • WHEN WE FIGHT WE WIN!

 


Some of these might come in handy this afternoon when we stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters at the demonstration in downtown Boston TODAY!

Screen Shot 2017-01-29 at 8.19.47 AM.jpg

 

If I have time to make a sign today it will say;  “NOT ON MY WATCH!

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When Cousin Clayton Comes to Town

Wednesday, January 25th 2017

Yippee!  Cousin Clayton was in town for his yob, and graced us with his company for an evening filled with the type of sweet magic you experience in his presence.

2017-01-25 When Cousin Clayton Comes to Town [1:37]:

 

ClaraJane -outgoing but prone to shyness and not having an actual memory of him, stood before him for a moment, holding back but full of anticipation.  He bent over smiling at her and asked, “Do you want a hug?”  And it was all over.  Into his arms she leapt and there he remained the hero for the rest of the day.   He even delivered her favorite stuffed animal to her just before her eyes fluttered closed for the night.

2017-01-25 20.15.53.jpg

ClaraJane and her newest favorite cousin

 

Gavin on the other hand ambled back out of bed to get in on the music. (Wise choice.)

2017-01-25 22.05.11.jpg

Rumor has it he’ll be coming back soon indeed and we can hardly wait.

Love you Clayton!

 

 

Posted in family, music | 1 Comment