Educating preschool children about violence and nature and spiriuality

How did you deal with questions of violence (as in animals attacking other animals) and meat coming from animals, etc.

We eat so little meat in our house (maybe once a week - poultry or fish). Several months ago my husband took our now 3 1/2 year old son to the famous La Brea tar pits where there is a museum full of fossils of animals that have been stuck in the tar ... prehistoric animals among others. He saw a still shot he saw as part of a movie in the La Brea Tar Pits of a saber tooth tiger attacking a horse that got stuck in the mud? We've been trying to answer his questions with simplicity and yet sensitively about these subjects but they're really looping in his mind.

In nature violent things happen and it directly contradicts all that we tell him about violence at home. A few weeks ago on our annual family trip to Yosemite National Park, he saw a diarama of an Native American carrying a deer kill over his shoulders and our son has been OBSESSING about it. Moreover, he doesn't know about death so when we explained that the 'indian' (his words from school.... sigh) ate the deer he was repelled and then he had all kinds of questions about the if the deer was "sad when they were biting on him?" and where was the deers mommy and daddy? Ethan then asked.... are you ready for this one.... WHY ARE THE INDIANS BAD TO THE EARTH????

And so mommy on the spot improvises a parable about how the Native American people lived in a place where they could grow food in the summer and gather herbs and fruit but when winter time came there was no more food so they asked Mother Earth to send them some food to feed their children. Mother Earth sent them the deer and they were so grateful to have food for their whole village with this one deer that they wasted nothing... they used the fur for clothes, the antlers for flutes, the hooves for cups, etc.

He asked again if the deer was sad when they were 'biting on him' which I realized later was a response also to having seen the saber tooth tiger on the horse's back in the tar pit... finally I told him that the deer went to a deep sleep so that it wouldn't hurt and he was happy to know that he could feed the children. He's now back to the wild cat and since he doesn't understand extinct (though we've tried to explain past and present) he's confused.

I don't have clear answers but I am aware that I'm trying to give him the simplicity of very difficult concepts that many people never come to peacefully. For hundreds and hundreds of years humankind has considered these issues and tried to make themselves comfortable with these concepts let alone put them into bite sized concepts for a small mind.

Obama's lack of baggage may help him sail through security

The following letter to the editor was written by my good friend and colleague Stan Froelich.

Inexperience may be advantage for Obama From Stan Froelich

(Regarding John Fortier’s column, “The secret Obama meeting,” Feb. 28.)

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007
THE HILL

Hey, John, be careful what you think you want;
you may get it.
The inexperienced Obama is truly inexperienced.
JFK, who was also woefully inexperienced, represented a hunger
against the generation of Eisenhower/Nixon and the 1950s to a
new generation of politics that Nixon underestimated
badly. That was Nixon’s election to win, fairly easily — then television
killed him politically.

Republicans want to face Clinton with
all her baggage, but Obama represents an
enigma wrapped in a puzzle they can’t
figure out. Other than his inexperience,
there’s nothing on him. No record, no
nothing. If this country elected Bush with
no international experience and certainly
no real interest beyond Texas, then
Obama may become the Republican
nominee’s worse nightmare. A whole
year is a long time in American politics
and America will get tired of Clinton, and
Rudy, too. And Obama is new and fresh,
and a year or two won’t make him old
news as the world finds out about him.
Something else that’s very important,
too: Republican evangelicals will be destroyed
politically if Rudy gets the nomination.
Then Rudy won’t need them and
they will become irrelevant to a man
whose social values they don’t share.
Rudy is his own man. That’s what most
people hated about him when he was
mayor. It’s also what makes him an attractive
presidential candidate.
As president, Rudy could appoint as
many [judicial] conservatives as he
wants, but they will be more like Justice
Kennedy or Justice Souter. If Rudy gets
elected there’s a good chance that evangelicals
will be in the political wilderness
for eight years.
Again: Watch out, evangelical conservatives;
be careful of what you think is conservative.
Rudy will discard you like an
old shoe.
- New York City

Original article can be found here

I'm training for the June 3rd San Diego marathon and in the spirit of today's LA Marathon I'm putting it out there that I'm on the path. . . literally.

This past weekend we trained up some nasty hills in Simi Valley -- miles 2-4 were straight up hill. . . we had a mile to catch our breath and then sent us up another hill. . . it was a butt burner to say the least...

More than that it started a conversation with myself, an epiphany and then a decision... it goes something like this, "I have done harder things than this. Of course, those were bigger risks in my head not my body. My body is more than just a life support system for my head/ my brain." It was then that I decided that I owed it to myself and my family to stop letting my brain put limits on the capacity of my body. Then an image of someone passing me on this hill in a wheelchair. I can do this, I just decided it. I decided that I owe myself, my loving husband and my beautiful son a long life, an active life and the kind of spirit that knows I can clear that hill. And with that, I got my ass to the top of the hill and ran down and around til I made it to the finish -- 8 miles!

Please consider supporting me:
Here's my page: http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/AliSimard

DING DONG THE WITCHES ARE DEAD!

Hooray!
I have been quiet and sad and frankly stunned since the Kerry stolen election ALL THAT TIME AGO! I sincerely believed the GOP would steal it again.

In one day to see the end of Donald Rumsfeld. The end of Conrad Burns. The end of a Republican reign in Pennsylvania! There IS hope in the American people. A woman speaker! And did anyone hear Bush's comment that he told Pelosi he could recommend a Republican interior decorator to help her choose drapes for her office???? Is that the most he can say about a woman in the position?!!!

There is MOTIVATION in the American people. There IS a chance for my 3 year old little boy to grow up in this world. I'm still shopping for a hybrid car and I am still saving so to not bank on Social Security but, at least, I don't have to worry so much about a woman's right to choose --

• In Ohio, pro-choice Rep. Sherrod Brown defeated anti-choice Sen. Mike DeWine, who is one of the Senate's most anti-choice members.
• In Missouri, pro-choice Claire McCaskill beat incumbent Sen. Jim Talent, who supports overturning Roe v. Wade.
• In AZ-08, pro-choice Gabrielle Giffords defeated virulently anti-choice Randy Graf.
• In PA-07, pro-choice retired Admiral Joe Sestak defeated adamantly anti-choice Rep. Curt Weldon.
• South Dakotans struck down the draconian abortion ban imposed by anti-choice politicians by a 10-point margin.
• Californians struck down Proposition 85, which would have changed the state constitution to impose government-mandated parental notification for young women seeking abortion care, even if it jeopardized their safety.
• Oregonians struck down Measure 43, which would have established mandatory parental notification with no exceptions for victims of rape or incest.

What will we do about habeus corpus? In two years can the new Secy of Defense manage to bring anything to the triage of Iraq -- especially under Bush's hand for 2 more years?

Oh please Americans. Don't ever forget how scary this time has been. The feeling in your central nervous system that put chills in your spine and got your legs moving to get you to the polls -- please remember that feeling because all that we believe in this country that makes it work can be reversed (EVERYTHING meaning democracy, privacy, rights) can be taken away quickly.

For we are all the keepers of the flames with the press of an ink-a-vote, or the flip of a switch, or a hole in a ballot or a letter to your congressman. Remember that feeling and don't let us backslide like that again... we can each do something small in our community each day. Me? I'm going to give blood today. What are you going to do?

Keith Olbermann's Comment on Sept 11th

Crooks and Liars has the video and the transcript:

Keith Olbermann's Special Comment on Bush Who Has Left This Hole In the Ground -- We have not forgotten, Mr President, you have. May this country forgive you

Goosing Your Muse by JoAnn Braheny

My wonderful friend and original muse gooser, JoAnn Braheny, has a wonderful blog for all of us creative types. Can't get started with a new song, story, idea, looking to get the creative juices flowing? Go here: Goosing Your Muse by JoAnn Braheny

South Dakota Legislature Passes Criminal Ban on Abortion

The reality of Roe v. Wade is in quite a shaky state. A few years ago I saw a poll that showed that most college girls take Roe vs. Wade for granted as 'choice' has always been an option for them. The irony of how little emotional and financial support the U.S. has for single mothers and working mothers is most inhumane when one sees how countries like France do it.

The recent S. Dakota votes on abortion are really well discussed here in a very real way here on the blog of a friend of my friend -- The Queen and her royal family: Sad Days Ahead .

Ok, mad yet? What are you going to do about it? If you feel like clearly my voice and view is supported why are my rights flying out the window? Take a positive action. Go log on to http://naral.org and donate some money and sign a petition and call your representative/ senators.

Molly Murphy - Artist

My wonderful, talented friend is showcasing her beautiful beadwork. Enjoy by clicking here: Molly Murphy - Artist

Personal mission statements

The corporate structures of this country that have come to dominate this planet are huge ships that turn very slowly. The reality is that we are not going to take over the world by boycotting Snapple just because Rush Limbaugh plugs it. An old reference, I know, how bout stop eating at McDonalds to protest the destruction of the Brazillian rainforest?

The tower of lies at the top of the government and corporate structures are starting to be exposed but they are hardly starting to tumble. Its funny how the sense of ethics in this country is now about abiding by whether its our team or theirs. I love the bumper sticker -- When Clinton Lied No One Died. But how much newstime is A Million Little Pieces going to take up when the daily messages change on Pennsylvania Avenue and met with only shrugs. There is protest in the papers that the average Joe ain't reading. People are angry at Enron and Tyco? Why? They lost their pensions. This is not an emotional shift but a uniformed sigh -- ah, more liars -- they will always be among the rich and powerful.

Unfortunately, the fissure between rich and poor is becoming quite a canyon and I'm hoping that when the housing bubble breaks, some of the apathy out there will break too not unlike the New Orleans levees. The hopelessness of the American public about futility in changing the rich infrastructure of this country is a sad state.

In business, companies use mission statements to help them to make their toughest choices -- if their mission statement is to do what's best for customer, then they dont do things that will jeopardize the customer down the road. What about a personal mission statement? Where do I want to go? What kind of person do I want to be? How do I plan to get there? Once that is in place -- the questions about ethics are not so difficult. I don't steal becuase I want to give back to my community. OF COURSE, I don't steal because that's not who I am but the same thing goes for lying -- I don't lie because to keep my truths simple is an easier way to live and relate to people. The mission of the Republicans and of the heads of companies like Tyco, Adelphia, Enron? Get rich. Get rich quickly. Get rich by any means necessary. That is the sensibility that our country is reinforcing as the key to happiness. When the WTC was hit... our leadership said "Go shopping, it'll make you feel better" Money will save America. Having money is fine but if that is one's personal mission statement for life, but the pursuit of happiness for me can not rest in finanical pursuits. I have to get more happiness from family, relationships, a good book, and most importantly, a clear conscience. Otherwise I can't enjoy any of it.

Of course, I've had enough money in my life to know its not the solution to all my problems. Tell that to the people who lost their homes in Katrina. Reality television is extremely popular because its full of devices to convince people that their souls, their credibility their integrity can be bought -- because once the check is delivered, the Hummer is bought, their problems will be solved.

I volunteer in political non-profits where I can, I give blood when I can. Its not perfect, its not daily and its not enough but at least its part of a personal mission statement to take the next right action as a member of the global community. While I was working on my degree I was certain I would find an artistic way to 'stick it to the man' but found that I can be much more influential by working from the inside out. You'd be amazed by how many of us liberals work on Wall Street and in the financial sector. Everyone's hands are dirty but at least I'm starting to take one little action at a time.

Alito opposition goes a long way!

This moderate act that everyone knows and sees through simply by Bush appointment is just the beginning. We have a debate going on our side of the aisle about who do we think we can get if we oppose them all ...Al Franken? Thurgood Marshall back from his long winter's nap. . . Ah that he could? Its not like Bush will tire and appoint Al Franken because we knocked down all of his conservative choices. But here's the thing -- this fight is so important that we just have to keep knocking them down. All of our choices suck. But with a history of classism, racism and sexism so pointed an agenda in his past, we have to demand that he doesn't get by just because Americans are getting tired of watching the proceedings.

MoveOn has a great ad going. Watch it and then call your Senator and say I Oppose Alito! Then do it for every racist, classist, right-winged agenda toadie they march down until... until... until....

Here's the ad:
https://political.moveon.org/donate/alito-QT.html

A rock star is two!

My two year old boy is in love with music. We gave him this guitar for his 2nd birthday and he started strumming immediately. Soon enough he'll be singing about the injustice of my generation and how lame we are and how he's not one for the rules -- wait he's already doing that at 2! He's so my boy! And his Grandma's boy! A generational revolution is on the rise -- We Shall Overcome! This Land is Your Land! The Kids Are Alright! Heck he's already thrown his guitar down the stairs! I wish I could say I cheered... I did inside.

Give blood

I have been struck by how many opportunities there are for spending money and it is unfortunate that it takes a disaster for people to reach deep in their pockets to pay for their compassion because the number of people falling below the poverty level in America has increased 17% since Clinton left office. As one Nicholas Kristof's Sept 6 NY Times op-ed, "The Larger Shame" showed that more infants died last year in Washington DC due to poverty than in China's capital.

No one is discussing blood. In some ways it is more valuable than money.

My husband and I went to give in our local Red Cross and learned that the LA
blood bank is critically low already and is so most of the year. In case of
an earthquake, we would be in dire states due to blood levels alone. On this anniversary of 9/11 when many of our fellow New Yorkers (my hometown) ran out to donate blood (I remember my mother talking about the line around the block at the Red Cross on 10th avenue) but many have never donated their blood since then. There are a lot of reasons people don't give:

• Most people don't think about the fact that blood is the only commodity to human beings that can not be bought or created(like medicine or food).

• Some people go to donate and they are turned away and never try again. Last time my husband went to give blood they turned him away since he had spent more than 6 months in Europe. But now it's a total of 5 years in Europe and he happily donated blood with me last week.

• For those who can not give blood there are other ways to assist, like volunteer to give out juice and cookies at the center. One of our friends has a blood disease that keeps her from giving, but she went with us and watched our son so we were both free to do so. For those who don't think they have the time, you can go to http://www.givelife.org/ and find a local blood drive or set up an appointment. I e-mailed a contact from the site and they called me back in a matter of minutes. Since we had an appointment it took less than an hour to go, give, drink our juice and cookies and go.

• Some think it doesn't help that much. I've been told that one pint of blood can save as many as three lives.

Vagabond Scholar

My friend, neighbor, and highschool classmate, has begun a blog to address many of the political (and otherwise) missteps that I, too, get crazy about. So, drop on by and enjoy: Vagabond Scholar

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Ethan River is a toddler!

Yes, it's true. I'm still trying to fathom how I became the mother of a toddler while I was still becoming familiar with the idea of mothering a newborn. I have a cousin who marvelled at how there are so few efforts we put into learning as when we learn to walk. There are guaranteed scrapes, bonks, and bruises but we get up and try, try, again. Imagine if we had to learn math that way, or a new language. Many of us never become fluent in our own language (let alone how to figure 15% when dining out) and there are no bruises to bear.

Anyway, he took his first steps on April 4th and by April 6th he was walking far enough that his Grandpa proclaimed that it was time for a proper pair of shoes. Today he is toddling as the wind blows him and it is as if someone just hit the fast-forward button on him and, therefore, me (physically chasing him and emotionally as I am in awe of how fast he's progressing).

We're here!

We're here and ready to blog!