Chrysallis

With the return of chilly weather, we have enveloped ourselves in the comforts of our cozy life while we dream of carnivals, camps, vacation, and days at the park.

We have spent a lot of time gaming lately - on the computer, on the Wii, on the DS's, on the whiteboards and with board games. These games seem to be co-operative or collaborative efforts as frequently as they are solitary or competitive endeavors. The boys love to share new games they find, ask for help on difficult levels, and watch each other play. Often I am the most desirable partner in these games, but sometimes recently they have even preferred each other's company to mine.

One day recently, we played team chess, two on a side, in which each person took turns, and the others helped determine strategy or allowable moves. I loved that we (the boys!) found a way for all of us to participate, even when not everyone was sure of the rules.

Then there are the ever-present imaginitive games that the boys play between themselves, which bring them to vivid imaginary worlds. OccasionaIly they draw me into these worlds which I otherwise have a difficult time reaching.

Remy has showed amazing persistence playing Rollercoaster Tycoon, trying over and over to win a particular scenario. In fact, the persistence of all three of the boys continually amazes me, especially when it comes to video games. Why will they play the same games over and over again, even -or especially- when they fail time and again?

A ski trip a long time ago comes to mind, when I was balking at the top of a long, steep mogul run, afraid of falling. My friend told me, "if you don't fall, you're not learning anything." Indeed.

I sense a philosophical debate brewing here.
Does one need to take risks, to learn? Does the push from our public education system to demonstrate mastery discourage risk-taking? What kind of environment is most conducive to taking risks? For now I'll leave the questions, and let them stir up my thinking a bit more before engaging the discussion in this space.

The days slip past, and we are mostly happy, mostly peaceful. But even mostly happy, I still struggle with feeling like "we are not doing anything". Is this A problem, or is it MY problem?

My plan of attack (both to comfort myself and to ensure we are having fun) is twofold - blog more and do more.

This post is now more than a week in gestation, and had best be posted now before it isn't at all. Still practicing short, sweet, and more regular posting.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile