I have been pondering...a theme bouncing around in my head about authenticity- related to Blogging actually.
Why am I blogging? I had a very clear reason for that when I started. I love to write on my own terms, I wanted to promote a lifestyle I truly believe in, and as a closet scrapbook-er (Hello!) to scrapbook the cool way!
I didn't anticipate how much Blogging helps pull me along my own path, that it would help unite me with like minds, explore differences, & expand all the edges of my tiny world. I find ideas that are beautiful I would not have found in my own head. I found old ideas I have used reborn. The collaboration is amazing the possibilities endless. I like blogging & I like reading Blogs....something I had never done before I started blogging myself.
But as I see other styles of life and living I'm not tempted to slip inside them for anything longer than reading a post or seeing a great craft idea move from the blogosphere to my art table. I am always me. I can be a better me but only as long as I'm not trying to be a Not Me.
The other important point is I am not here to sale you something. Don't worry I am not weighing in on a debate about advertise or not I have nothing against it or for it, even considered it but it is not for me, each their own. All I am saying is this is real stuff, a real life, with real chickens running through it, and behind it all is just me being honest with what is in my mind & my heart.
I might say things or view things left of your center and you of mine but isn't that what it is all about?
We live this life some of it is flattering & some of it is not & some of it is not for public consumption. If something isn't for sharing it isn't for sharing.
Authenticity is sort like 'if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all'. If you can't be authentic... please, don't be. I know I have the ability to whitewash anything for any reason or for none at all and the day I choose to do that will the last day I Blog.
mlb
PS If you like my blog, you read it, and you aren't already a follower please join. I would love to know you are here with us.
I have always loved history. Beach and history, not such a great match. 
The solution is here inside the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum. Four floors of history on display in long packed glass cases. Photography is not allowed inside the museum because of the damaging effects on the fabrics on display. No big loss, you would want to see it for yourself if you haven't before. 
I learned a long time ago Beach may not care for the people and events of the past but she sure finds their STUFF interesting. I let the objects do the teaching. Beach points to a dentist tool, a coin, an article of clothing and we make it make sense. A little story as to why, how, or who, a question or two directed to Beach regarding the materials or methods used in its creation, and a little more contextualization for mom. Most of all she likes the rocks, the Native American artifacts, & the Restored Horse Draw Steam Pump Fire Engine.
We left with some more information regarding pioneer life, these 2 chocolate bees, a pioneer doll pattern, and wooden pick up sticks. 
We had a plan today. Then the Alex-es showed up. Alex & Alex met in Orchestra at Skyline High School. We call them A-squared or Boy Alex and Girl Alex. Girl Alex is ours, Boy Alex is borrowed unless their little romance is one of those old fashion tales of High School sweet hearts living happily ever after...you never know. 
I think my life should be held in the best hands 
Okay with the creation of the Low Tea Book Club, the wonderful addition of what I'm calling The Protection of Childhood Swap Day 1 x a week (I will try to explain that later), the renovation of the 2x a week Home School swap w/ Joyful Liberation, Gymnastics 3-4x a week, patch time, contacts, school work, & Alta calling we have decided to let swim team go.
I haven't loved having an activity every night and as it turns out neither did Beach. Actually when I re-read that line, to be honest, at first I did. It was nice to have something but we have added other somethings since. Other somethings (previously listed) I don't want us to do without, other somethings that occur during the day while her Dad is gone to work. 
So I sent Willow back to her lovely family with this little bug and asked her to ID it for us :) I am a good home schooling mom. I even assign homework! 
I have gone a little game crazy. Don't worry I'm not blowing the family grocery money on educational games- all of these are Thrift Store finds! 
I have been pondering...a theme bouncing around in my head about authenticity- related to Blogging actually. 
But as I see other styles of life and living I'm not tempted to slip inside them for anything longer than reading a post or seeing a great craft idea move from the blogosphere to my art table. I am always me. I can be a better me but only as long as I'm not trying to be a Not Me. 
I might say things or view things left of your center and you of mine but isn't that what it is all about? 
For my next trick I will pull a rabbit out of a hat...no wait something more complicated than magic I will pull off Date Night!
What hasn't gone wrong already: Well for starters the In-Laws didn't go to the GYM to pick up Beach on a night she doesn't have GYM because her mom went crazy and thought she had GYM and told them to pick her up there. Luckily her mom figured it out and called them back and said never mind the 15 minute explanation of where and how to get her from GYM. I will bring her to you. For seconds, thank Darwin, the event picked from the No More Bored Kids Calendar isn't actually for kids. Dodged a potential embarrassing moment on the floor of the sandy library fighting for graham crackers and the blue teddy bear.
But Steve Law is a genius, Journalist turned River Guide we may quit our day jobs to follow him around! He is doing a full show in Midway in about 2 weeks it would be worth getting a sitter and going. Colby was laughing so hard he was crying! 
