Monthly Archives: January 2009

Buddha statues

by Leslie Abbott on January 31, 2009 in Blog and Music. 1 Comment

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I’m attracted to statues of the Buddha and over the past few years have bought three. They evoke an emotional gateway to a place inside. Of course the image is of an ideal. The first one I got, the Buddha is sitting in lotus position and represents to me peaceful surrender. I got it at a stressful time. I obtained the big bellied laughing Buddha when everything felt too intense.The smiling Buddha is historicallyconnected with prosperity and wealth but that is not my attraction. For me it’s “Lighten up Leslie!”.… Continue reading ‘Buddha statues’

Fun with a ceiling fan and balloons

by Luke Abbott on January 27, 2009 in Blog. 2 Comments

We just got our first ceiling fan installed in the “jam room” downstairs. This reminded me of something I discovered a few years ago. Watch this footage from a Halloween/birthday party at a friend’s house in 2005:

A funny thing happens when you turn on a ceiling fan around some helium-filled balloons (in this case, birthday balloons). The fan blades knock the balloons to the side at high speed. Then, they’re gently pulled back in by the air that’s flowing in to replace the air being pushed down by the fan blades. (In other words, the low-pressure area above the downward-blowing fan blades.) Physics in action!

Day of Bad Judgement

by Kyle Abbott on January 22, 2009 in Blog and Music. 7 Comments

There were some signs that I shouldn’t go to Karate training today. [Meaning, a year ago, when this post was written. —Luke] Starting from the morning on…

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We were doing our traditional sunny morning exercise at the beach. After Yoga, the family did Tai Chi. I, on the other hand, decided to try full front flips.

I did many successful ones, but the thing with doing flips is you have to be 100% committed and sure that you can do it. Any shred of fear will probably land you on your head. a few times I’d start running to build up speed but just at the moment of launch… Continue reading ‘Day of Bad Judgement’

Family Life

by carl on January 18, 2009 in Blog. 9 Comments

chimps7The reactions Trading Spouses evokes is fascinating, especially how intensely it pushes some people’s buttons. There is something awfully threatening about bare feet and a close knit family. I think I know why.

First, look at this CBS video clip of an American family (after a moment of advertising). Take note of the final comments, i.e., “Giving your kids what they need is always harder than giving them what they want. Only when your older can you appreciate those fences”. Decide whether this story shows the American family way ‘evolved’, or just the opposite. If you approve of this approach to family and child rearing, I predict you will have difficulty understanding, let alone appreciating, our family way. Even so, I’ll make the case.

… Continue reading ‘Family Life’

Peaceful Waters

by Leslie Abbott on January 14, 2009 in Blog. 1 Comment

Going to the ocean is attractive to most people, I think. I feel I’m returning to the “the mother” or before her, eternity. I go as often as we live a 5 minute bike or 15 minute walk ride away.

I especially like to walk along the shore when there aren’t many people there. I think about things but also attempt no to think and just take in my surroundings. Each breaking wave is unique but the rhythm is constant which is assuring.

Doing Tai Chi gives me a … Continue reading ‘Peaceful Waters’