Aikido

I thought I'd write about something Ceres does besides play video games. It's called Aikido, a Japanese martial art that focuses on redirecting the force of an attack to defend oneself while avoiding injury to yourself and the attacker. I think Ceres actually enjoys this hour away from his games (I'm as shocked as you). I keep wondering when the spell will break. But for now, I am enjoying these two hour (including drive time), twice a week, sitting through class, not doing housework, being a good mom, excursions to East Mesa.

Ceres' instructor, Darrell D'Antonli, explaining a technique...

...and performing it

Students learn to practice techniques with all kinds of partners, big and small. Here, the tallest and shortest students in class are grappling. Too funny.

For more information on Aikido, visit here.

Lost with the Wolves

Have you ever wondered how a child perceives you?

Ceres and I were finishing up a project for school this morning. Basically, he had to choose an experience that has happened to him or may happen to him in the future and make a movie poster about it complete with synopsis and cast of characters. Ceres chose to make up a story about a trip to Alaska where he gets lost in the forest and has to fight to survive in wolf country. Part of his adventure involves a "mysterious old man" who may or may not be a friend to our young hero.

As we are putting the finishing touches on the poster, I notice Ceres has listed his cast of characters. Naturally, he has used names from real life (this is supposed to be his experience). He is the lost teenager, I am his mother, and Dave his father. And the mysterious old man?

Brett.

"Brett." I say. "As in your uncle, Brett?"
"Yep, that's the one." Ceres replies.

I burst out laughing. How Ceres came to that casting conclusion I'm not sure. And I didn't have time to ask because we were down to the wire - it was time to go. But I thought it was a pretty funny call and one that I'm sure Brett would get a kick out of.

So, Brett, how 'bout it? Are you up for a little acting gig? We already know you're an old man, but do you think you could channel your "mysterious" side?

Here it is, in writing.

P.S. I just noticed this. For all you El Charro fans: if you click on the poster picture you will notice under "Coming Soon" Ceres sneaked in a little joke. It says, "After Labor Day ? ? ?" Haha, funny kid.

Spring Waters

Sometime last week I was watching this video on youtube and thought I would try to post it to my blog. And while youtube said everything was fine and it would post, nothing happened. I figured there was some technicality I was missing and dismissed the attempt. Now, several days later, it shows up. Go figure.

Anyway, I love this pas de deux. And I've never seen any dancers perform it better than these two. Their energy and joy come right through the video. Their dancing is at the same time bold and technically precise. I never tire of watching it. Hope you enjoy it too.

Sockology

I'm knitting my first sock and I couldn't be more excited!





I'm taking a class over at the Fiber Factory. Lori is the instructor (I'll post a picture of her later) and already she has taught me some neat tricks. Like how to find the end of the yarn that resides inside the skein without pulling out all "the guts", as I like to call it. And how to work with 5 double-pointed needles without feeling or looking like Edward Scissorhands. And, I'm forming some Christmas gift ideas. Oops, I shouldn't have mentioned that.

My yarn is Cleckheaton Country in this gorgeous lavender color with brown specks.
The cuff.
Bitty can smell a photo op a mile away.

On Saturday, I'll learn how to do the heel turn. And wait until you see the color I chose for the heel. It's bold, but I'm loving it.