The Voice of Childhood

 
With Sage's language, vocabulary and dialogue developing by the day, lately I've been pondering how to best capture these ordinary, everyday 'conversations' and preserve them for reflection in the days and years to come. Whilst she was at her art table just recently, I reverted back to my almost daily practise as an early childhood teacher, and simply wrote as she spoke. I messily scribbled down her words and actions as she chatted freely, and without hesitation, in a way that only an egocentric, expressive two year old can.

Although by her side, I tried to keep my presence as unobtrusive as possible. Without interruption or interference, Sage is more likely to drift away to an inner world of thought, imagination and wonder, yet be comforted in the knowing that I am present. At times, admittedly, this can be difficult. With her endless questions and developing abilities, it is so easy to fall into an information-giving/"I'll show you the 'right' way" mindset. Consciously, I try to hold back from imposing myself and my ideas on her explorations in order for her to increase her understandings and knowledge through self-initiated experimentation.

Although much of Sage's current talk is simply an audible stream of consciousness or a verbal description of what she is doing at any given time, I love that it gives me an otherwise overlooked insight into her mind and how she is processing the world around her. I created the simple template above, later that evening, in order to document the photographs and words from our typical encounter during that day {and will use the same format when recording future moments - hopefully weekly}. However, I am still mulling over how to store these pages in order for them to become a valued component of her childhood story. A photo book perhaps?

I'd love to hear your ideas...


{Side note - Just recently, when visiting my parent's house, Sage found an old cassette entitled 'KIDS' beside their 35 year old stereo system. She, my mum and myself gathered around, watching with wonderment as the tape began to turn and then listened with delight as the voices of a seven year old me and my three year old brother came resounding through the speakers. (Un)melodic renditions of 'twinkle, twinkle' and 'hey diddle diddle' sung to the strums of my father's guitar filled the room, as did mini interviews encapsulating our ages, school life and our (then) current favourites. This voice recording brought with it the deepest sense of nostalgia and has inspired me to also record the voices of our children, so that one day they may sit in our rumpus room and feel the same way I did that very afternoon, listening as innocence filled the air.}

How do you go about documenting your child's story?

13 for 13: Herbs & Spices

Our herbs and spices have been stored in disarray ever since we renovated our kitchen a few months years ago {my goodness, has it really been that long?!}. Between then and now, I became distracted by the growing, birthing and raising of Sage and so only recently, when I listed my 13 for 2013, did the motivation finally strike to change our chaotic, uninviting 'system'.

 

Jars were purchased, as were some sweet pantry labels, and our earthy-toned condiments had a new home in no time at all...

 

Despite taking up a lot more space in the cupboard, I adored the ease of access and couldn't help but smile at the complimentary hues all lined up, side-by-side on the shelf. In fact, I was so taken by the fresh, clean aesthetic that I decided then and there to completely overhaul our entire pantry, in hopes that one day, it may look remotely similar to those I so long for. With husband and child in tow, op shops and discount stores were busily scoured until our car boot was brimming with glass canisters of all different shapes and sizes.

 

At home, we set to work; pouring and sifting, labelling and placing. Along the way, we scrutinised 'used by' dates as well as our food choices; endeavouring to be more mindful of our wholefood journey. Supplies were positioned to ensure the healthiest options were always within view and most easily accessible, with the less wholesome options placed out of sight, in hard-to-reach locations.

 

We still have a long road ahead in the quest for filling our bodies with the less processed and less refined, but surely having a pretty, organised pantry is a good motivator, right?!

 

Tell me, which herb or spice do you use most regularly? For us, coriander is our staple - especially during the warm, summer months. We put it, fresh from the garden, in pretty much everything. Also, Si adores a sprinkling of oregano on top of tomatoey, home made pizzas.

 

Delish!