Sunday, July 29, 2012

Articulation

A perpetual concept on my mind is the power of language to shape and alter the way a person thinks.  If language can affect how I think, then it can certainly have influence on the person I become.  Simply having words to name things in the world affects how I perceive them.  Having vocabulary to describe the things I feel and experience allows me to reflect on them, as well as share my thoughts with others.  So, can speaking more than one language affect who a person becomes in a significant way?  Can growing up in a place with a particular dialect or accent (perhaps one that's different than that of the parents) change things in the personality or character of someone?  The language one uses--and hence the thoughts one has--affects the physiology of the brain.  So what are the ramifications of the choices we make regarding the language we teach our children?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Busy Nap Times

Now that Sebbie has settled into daily 2-hour naps, I have this little window of time during which I can try to accomplish things.  Many days this ends up being simply food prep for dinner: sauce making, garlic crushing, and lots of washing and chopping of vegetables.  Occasionally, it also becomes my nap time, if i really need it.  And I'll sometimes relish the bit of quiet time for reading.  But now that this is happening with such reliable predictability, I can't ignore the sense that I should be using this time for truly productive work.  Researching.  Reflecting.  Writing.  There are a few passion projects that have for too long been on back burners. Perhaps I ought to move them forward and get cooking.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Back on your horse, girl!

Oh, so sad that I fell off the wagon with this writing habit.  Time alone is a rare and precious thing.  And such time is essential for me.  I spent one hour on my own in Chinatown on a recent evening.  It was lovely.  I had an Americano and a coconut tart from Wonder Bakery (love that place) and people-watched in the Old Chinatown Central Plaza as families wandered amid the new art studios and old import/souvenir shops.  I took a stroll down Hill and reminded myself how I love catching a view of downtown at night.  Even after so many years here, this city holds many secrets and adventures to explore and discover.