Life is made of little moments.
A good life is made of moments seen and appreciated.
SandraDodd.com/moment
photo by Karen James
Every choice you make should be made consciously, thoughtfully, for real and good reasons.
SandraDodd.com/decisions
photo by Chrissy Florence
If something goes wrong—car breaks down, electric bill isn't paid, yard flooded... What can be changed to help prevent it in the future?
One needs the ability to calmly look back and see what (if anything) they contributed to the failure.
I could say "Fords always break down; the power company SUCKS; my yard is stupid." But it's better to think "I should check the oil more often; paying the bill early is better than waiting til the last minute; I need to clear that drain so the water can flow out."
Spiritual/Existential Intelligence chat transcript
photo by Sandra Dodd
"A big part of natural learning is absorbing ideas and letting them swirl around in the background. They clarify. They form connections. If the subject comes up again in a few months, you may be surprised how differently you're looking at what you were wondering about." —Joyce Fetteroll
Sometimes natural and unnatural things combine in surprising ways, and that can be a fun part of the swirl.
SandraDodd.com/readalittle
Christmas cactus art and photo by Janine Davies
Many things have lots of layers.
"In-depth knowledge" is about knowing more than just the surface of an idea.
SandraDodd.com/becoming
photo by Sandra Dodd (up above the front door of my house, one day)
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Unschooling is not as easy as some people think it is. It can be fun, and simple, and life changing, if it is done deeply and thoroughly.
SandraDodd.com/video/doright
photo by Cátia Maciel
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My children discuss behavior and social interactions as easily as they discuss Nintendo or their own cats and dogs. When I was their age, psychology, comparative religion and anthropology were far in my future. My kids might not have much formal terminology, but they're extremely conversant and certainly can think in those areas without knowing they're too young (by the book) to do so. They understand well that there are many versions of historical events. They understand that there are different ways to act in different situations, and with people who have particular beliefs and preferences. Some adults could use knowing that.
SandraDodd.com/zeneverything
photo by Holly Dodd
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"Time passes, they grow and they change and they move on in their interests and abilities."
SandraDodd.com/bonding
photo by Julie D
Some paths are solid and man-made. This one has beautiful tile on the step risers, but few people ever see it.
Some paths are worn into the dirt by animals, like cow trails. Sometimes kids can follow them where adults don't fit.
Other paths are proverbial, mental or imaginary. They lead from one thing to another, and on out of sight.
SandraDodd.com/awareness
photo by Sandra Dodd
Sink-Like-a-Stone Method: Instead of skimming the surface of a subject or interest, drop anchor there for a while. If someone is interested in chess, mess with chess. Not just the game, but the structure and history of tournaments. How do chess clocks work? What is the history of the names and shapes of the playing pieces? What other board games are also traditional and which are older than chess? If you're near a games shop or a fancy gift shop, wander by and look at different chess sets on display. It will be like a teeny chess museum. The interest will either increase or burn out—don't push it past the child's interest.
When someone understands the depth and breadth of one subject, he will know that any other subject has breadth and depth.
SandraDodd.com/checklists
photo by Sandra Dodd
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Time out.
It's December, and I live at a high elevation at 35 degrees latitude. It's freezing.
I like this butterfly photo from Chrissy, though. And it's good to remember that Just Add Light and Stir has readers near the equator, in India and Hawaii; in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa; in Alaska, Canada, Scotland. Maybe it's winter, maybe it's summer, maybe the days are long, or short.
We can all share this butterfly and blue sky today.
SandraDodd.com/geography
photo by Chrissy Florence
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