"Calpurnia appeared in the front door and yelled, "Lemonade time! You all get in outa that hot sun 'fore you fry alive!" Lemonade in the middle of the morning was a summertime ritual. Calpurnia set a pitcher and three glasses on the porch, then went about her business. Being out of Jem's good graces did not worry me especially. Lemonade would restore his good humor."

---To Kill A Mockingbird


It sounds like Cal really had a nice routine going. My Grandmother raised her six children with the help of a German girl. Every morning she would come over and work with my Grandmother on the laundry, cleaning and child care. I remember asking her how she managed the expense of domestic help, living off of my Grandfather's military pay. Her response was this: "Every southern woman has money in her budget for good help."

Summer Reading

..."Thereafter the summer passed in routine contentment. Routine contentment was: improving our treehouse that rested between giant twin chinaberry trees in the back yard, fussing, running through our list of dramas...Thus we came to know Dill as a pocket Merlin, whose head teemed with eccentric plans, strange longings, and quaint fancies.

But by the end of August our repetoire was vapid from countless reproductions, and it was then that Dill gave us the idea of making Boo Radley come out."

---from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee


Every summer, in the heat of July or August, I read this book. I wait until the weather mimics the never ending Alabama heat that is present throughout most of the story. When there was no AC to cut the humidity, and when the screened in porches were used for sleeping. There is something so magical about transforming one's state of mind through surrending to a story.

During the pregnancy of my third child, I announced that if the baby was a girl, she would be named Jean Louise, though refered to as 'Scout'. Oh, the protests that my other kids gave:

"Mom, that's a dog's name! And besides, when are we getting a dog?"

"You can't name the baby Scout! That's too confusing--the Jean Louise thing."

Needless to say, we had a boy. I could have pressed for Atticus, though it sounds better suited for a middle name. Jem, as well as Dill, were never considered.

Every year I notice a new layer of the book. There are 31 chapters, though they are really more like vignettes or observations lasting from three to five pages long. Seen in that way, it makes writing a book appear more managable. What elements make this book a classic? What are the classic books being written today?

Creative Work by Julie Goldstein

New Adventures

Long time no blog. Last week was the 4th of July. I was at the beach with my family in-laws, creating great memories. Every year we gather at their family home on the shores of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The festivities culminate with an annual block party thrown by the neighboring families. A tented dance floor is set up for a band that plays three sets! Fliers and tee-shirts are designed by the owner of the graphic arts firm at www.freemandesign.biz. The street is taken over by kids on bicycles and scooters, along side games of paddle ball and frisbee. It is the perfect kind of wildness and play.

What is it about the ocean that makes you forget about every little thing besides the next wave that is coming towards you? Just when you think that you've had enough of being tossed around like a stringy clump of seaweed, you are ready for another underwater tumble. The water was soooo cold--the coldest I had ever swam in during the summer. It was numbing at first,and then numbing some more, and yes, still cold even while swimming around. I'd take it again though, any day over jellyfish, strong undertow or riptides.

We arrived home to a living room filled with water. Apparently the washing machine malfunctioned. It may take up to a week for the wooden floors to dry out. We'll see if the floors, along with our sanity, can be preserved! The house is turned upside down, with five industrial de-humidifiers set on full blast. We are staying at my parents'--it has been a fun adventure.

Back from vacation, we headed straight into another kind of vacation. There are new things to enjoy here too, while the days go by. My parents live in a neighborhood, and the kids think the sidewalks are simply amazing. Last night we walked to the park. We didn't have to pack up and drive. It really wasn't a big production. Oh, and everywhere I drive takes like, ten minutes less to get there. I could get used to this kind of life.

Friday Night Routine

Friday is the day of the week that feels the most like summer. This is the day when I try to take it easy; you won't see me washing windows or tackling some domestic project. The mornings are left open for backyard play. In the afternoon, we go swimming at the pool and have pizza delivered there for dinner. I let the kids get popsicles from the snack bar. We go home all fed and tired out from swimming, get changed and then watch a movie. I take some time for myself at the kitchen table, sort the mail and write out the week's bills. I make a cup of tea and read a magazine. There's no rush or bedtime hurry. By nine o'clock the movie is over and the kids have brushed their teeth. I wonder, can every night be this simple?

But really, this smooth sense of mothering is no easy task. Did I fail to mention that our youngest child cried for nearly half an hour because he didn't want to go to bed? He has been staying up so late, sometimes until eleven, and the child rarely naps! It can be exhaustive, dealing with his amped up behavior. I understand him, I do, as I too am energized by the cool night air. I have become an expert at the ten minute power nap. I wonder, what would life be like, living fully rested?