Friday, September 14, 2007

Brought to you by the letter P

My friend cs has tagged me with this little meme. It seems simple enough...write about seven words that begin with the letter P. All I have to do is choose seven words and start writing.

Yeah, I know. Seven words that begin with P. I was tempted. What a list of P words that came to mind! P words in the bathroom. P words in the bedroom. Body parts and body functions. All starting with P.

But that would be too easy. Besides, if you read the words chosen by cs, you'll see that she set the bar a little bit higher than the words that first raced around in my brain.

So I've chosen different words to explore - all beginning with the letter P.

Parent. I've got three kids between 13 and 20 years of age. And one of our kids has multiple special needs. So for the past twenty years, one of the most significant aspects of my life has been parenting. And I feel good about my parenting. I'm not great at it but I take it very seriously. I'm not always conventional or predictable. But I have a great time with my kids. And no matter how old they get, I'll always have the pleasure of being their parent.

Partner. There are so many ways to describe my relationship with my wife. Spouses. Lovers. Best friends. Soul mates. Some terms seem more romantic, some seem more practical. And they all imply different aspects of our relationship. And 'partner' is certainly one aspect that is very important. We share in having fun and also in making tough decisions. We share in the challenges of raising a family and making a home. We support each other when money is tight and we celebrate together when things are going well. We are partners - side by side, sharing in all aspects of life.

Pagan. Just a couple of weeks ago, I participated in the Joys & Trials meme. In the comments, a couple of folks asked questions about just what spiritual path I followed. I grew up in a conservative Southern Baptist family. Upon reaching adulthood and moving away from home, I stopped attending church and didn't really even think about religion for many years. When I finally returned to a church, I chose Unitarian Universalism, a church that has no specific doctrine, giving me the opportunity to explore based on my own interests and feelings. And that exploration has led me through a much more liberal perspective on Christianity, some Buddhist study, a lot of reading on Quantum Theology, and paganism. I'll admit, I don't practice any pathway as much as I think I should. But I do seem to have settled into a belief system that is sort of a blending of a few of my original beliefs combined with some of the quantum theories and a lot of paganism. I've sometimes referred to myself as a solitary autodidactic eclectic. Just a fancy way of saying I sort of make it up as I go along. But for me, it has to be that way. There are aspects of different spiritual pathways that are meaningful to me and I incorporate those into my beliefs. But I probably pull the most from paganism. I love the connection to nature, the feelings of mystery, the historical connections to old Celtic practices. The more I really pay attention to my body, the more aware I am of just how much I am influenced by the changing of the seasons and by spending time outdoors. And pagan spirituality reinforces that for me on many levels. I used to think I had to pick a path and stick with it. Sort of the "finding the right way" attitude. Now I know that, for me at least, it will always be a learning process, growing as I grow.

Play. I love to play. I enjoy board games and card games. I love to just be silly. I'm sure everyone in my family would tell you that I rarely act my age. But who says old guys have to act serious? My daughter just told me this week that one of her friends told her that she really liked me and wished her dad was more fun. You just can't beat that kind of review!

Pets. Animals have been a huge part of our family. At the moment, we only have five - one dog, two turtles, and two rabbits. But we've had as many as twenty at a time including dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and fish. Some of our animals have been entered into the local fairs. We've even had a couple of Grand Champions! And just in case all those animals weren't enough, we've also been a foster family for raising guide dog puppies a couple of times. All those extra paws and claws and fins certainly make our house a fun place to be.

Present. Nope, not like a birthday present (though you can send me a present any time you want!) I'm talking about being present. In the moment. This is my personal challenge - to really be present in the moment. It is so easy to be sitting in the sun or floating in the lake while my brain reviews things I need to do at work. I can go out to dinner with my family and find myself planning things I need to get done on the weekend. And I'm trying to stop that. To learn to really be present in the moment. To embrace each activity as it happens. There will be plenty of time for work when I get to work. Plenty of time for chores and paying bills. My kids are growing up fast and I want to really live in every minute.

Word seven. But cs established a pattern (oh look, another P word!). She chose to only write about six words. That seems perfect (there's another one). So I'm going parrot her lead and do the same (okay, am I trying too hard now?).

But I do need pass this P meme along to another blogger. And to do that, I'm going to the Pole. The North Pole. Well, nearly that far. I'm passing it along to Kati in Alaska. Have fun, Kati! I'm eager to see what you do with the P's!

23 comments:

SzélsőFa said...

Well done, Em.
I LOVED this list.

(Most of them could have been easily written by me as well.)

Unknown said...

what board games do you like?

whimsical brainpan said...

Beautiful answers Em!

Kati said...

LOL Great list, Em!!!! I'll play, but I don't know if I can do it justice as you did. I'll try.

Jocelyn said...

Let's add "p"rofound, for the thoughtful and deliberate way you've dealth with this challenge.

With every word you write, you become more and more likeable.

A said...

OK, I'm hooked on your blog. Before I was just checking on a regular basis, Now- I think you're stuck with me.

I especially appreciated the present one. I am terrible at being present, and should take that challenge too!

A

Jenster said...

Great list!! Every time I visit your blog I like you and your family more and more!

I especially loved what you said about parenting and partners.

Yeah. We'd get along in the real world just great!

Big Brother said...

"Having fun with my kids, no matter what age they get." I think that pretty much sums up good parenting. Good for you Em.

Charlotta-love said...

I 'think' I found you from Oh The Joys when she said she admired some different men who blogged (wrote) highly of their wives. Whatever blog I found you through, this post proved again that you think highly of your wife and family. The world needs more of your kind. Nice post!

Voyager said...

em, you hooked me at your description of "partner".
V.

DirkStar said...

Superb answers.

I think I learned more about you in this post than any other.

Very well done...

Andrea Frazer said...

You never cease to amaze me with your lovely soul. Thank you. To use a p word, your writing pleases me.

Angel said...

.."right now we ONLY have 5..."

I love that! I would be lost without my dogs and pets ahve always been a part of my life. My husband hates them. It's a big bone of contention in our house....but I always win! ;)

loved your list

Jazz said...

I love your list Em.

choochoo said...

Cool list. Peanuts. That's what I want...

Unknown said...

Just five pets? HOW DO YOU LIVE, MAN?????

I just noted that nobody in your comments mentioned the word "penis." I'm impressed. You clearly have thoughtful, intelligent readers.

Anonymous said...

I like your ideas on religion. I feel that any one doctrine is too absolute...they all think that THEY are the right one.

I have always been curious about Universalists...when my kids were small I used to take them to a play group that was held at a Universalist church and from looking around I could see that they are a very accepting group. Very human. I like that.

SzélsőFa said...

Hello Em, it's me again.
The What's this contest #5 is over, winner is announced. Contest #6 has just begun.
if ouy happen to have time to come over, you are kindly asked to have a little fun with my photos.

Gretchen said...

Present: I need to focus on that one, too. It's so easy for me to multitask and yell up or down the stairs, rather than to sit down, look eye to eye, and be present.

I loved the transparency of your answers; we "see" who you are, and what's not to like? Sounds like you bless others and know how blessed you are, as well.

OhTheJoys said...

I like the way you did this one, Em.

FENICLE said...

I am VERY impressed that you avoided many of the letter "P" words that I would have been tempted to use!!!

Anonymous said...

The amalgam of your answers tells so much about you. I especially like your description and thinking on spiritual development under Pagan. Your past and path are so very similar to my own.

cialis said...

Hello, I do not agree with the previous commentator - not so simple