B is for Balance #atozchallenge

Almost exactly seven years ago I opened this blog with a post titled the same.  Balance.  I was then at the beginning of a wonderful journey.  I was just starting to explore photography, what html meant, and how to put myself out there and meet other bloggers.  I was recently contacted by a grad student at USC who wanted me to participate in a study he was doing on what compels people to share of their lives online.  Though I did not engage his request, I have thought back on my original motivations.  It makes me smile to think about the wonderful community of friends that has resulted from my writing in this little space.  Some who may always be 'virtual' ones like the best of pen pals, others who I have met in 'real life'.

I have also learned a bit about balance.  It is something that we all strive for, but what I have realized over time is that balance is not a static state.  You do not just find it and freeze frame.  You have to actively engage balance.  Do your most perfect yoga tree pose, then catch whatever life throws at you, teeter and regain that center.  Balance may only happen in fleeting instances, but those treasured moments inspire movement forward.  It is ok not to be balanced all of the time, a little risk taking simply enhances the path you are on.  Sometimes for the good, other times may be somewhat less, but learning is growth and strength, two of my building blocks to finding balance.

A Day Away

 Today I had a fantastic and tiring day with Charles' class on a field trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum.  The kids are in the midst of their Africa Unit, an amazing experience that I'm proud to have my second (second grade) child participate in.  It was also strangely relaxing to be unplugged and away from the disturbing events happening here.  The kiddos had a blast and amazed me with their knowledge of all things Africa.  They soaked in the museum like a sponge on crack.  They moved so fast and absorbed so much that it was hard to keep up.  Yet, they get it.  We are lucky enough to have a butterfly habitat at the museum where the kids can go in and see chrysalis' hatch, and walk among hundreds of butterflies who flitter, flutter and ultimately land on them.  A day that does the heart good in heavy times.  I am proud of our kids and their amazing, patient, inventive teachers who so beautifully expand their minds.  I hope that in depth programs like these will be available to kids who come after mine and will continue to enrich my children. 

I will have to talk about this fantastic sweater that I got from The Painted Daisy in my new found etsy habit, thanks Beth for addicting me!