Home Girl Blog

About that time I didn't have my iPhone

I ran across this Washington Post article yesterday on Facebook: Parents, can we put down our cameras?  In it, a parent writes about watching her child's big moment though a camera preview screen. Saturday, my iPhone conspired with the universe to force me to be present and experience a pretty epic day with my son in person, with no digital proof of the experience on social media. Just memories and stories to share with others. And we survived. 

We won tickets to a SuperLeague Minecraft event from LiveMom. Understatement: My son loves Minecraft. He only gets to play during his Saturday screen time, and when his behavior at school goes left, he loses the privilege and has to earn it back. Last week, he needed a stellar weekly progress report in order to play Minecraft and he got one. When I revealed to him on Saturday morning that I was taking him someplace to play Minecraft (he screamed)...with about fifty other kids (he ran and screamed)...on his laptop inside a movie theater on the movie screen, his gleeful screaming and running in circles came to a abrupt stop right in front of where I was sitting. He looked at me stone-faced and said, "Catch me." Then he turned around and pretended to faint on me. I was so happy for him. The night before, I made sure to charge my iPhone, because I was going to get some great pictures for Facebook and Instagram. 

After I saw the email that we had won the tickets, I checked my calendar and realized that Zack's first piano recital was scheduled at the same time as the Minecraft event. Fortunately, the piano teacher was cool with penciling Zack in on the already printed program for a later afternoon spot. It was going to make us late for one of his favorite friends' birthday party. Worth it. 

Enter The Universe and her conspiracy with my iPhone to force me backwards twenty technology years.

MyMusicRx YOU WHO Rock Show For Kids SXSW 2015

Austin loves families! Especially families who want to get out and into the mix with the cool kids during big festivals and events like ACL and SXSW. There's no shortage of family-frienldy activities during those events and we take advantage of them every time. 

This year we were invited out to the MyMusicRx YOU WHO Rock Show For Kids at Fader Fort again. Just like last year, we laissez le bon temps rouler'ed and rode the Capital Metro Rail downtown from the burbs much to my son's pleasure. His favorite part of the event last time was getting to see Aloe Blacc live. The highlight for me last time was finding out Aloe Blacc was black. True story...

 

Also, nobody told me @AloeBlacc was black! totally feels a little different singing along about being older and wiser with the radio now. And by different I mean way cooler! lol #biased @mymusicrx #sxsw @do512family

A photo posted by @homegirlblog on Mar 13, 2014 at 12:12pm PDT

 

This year was a bit different since I was the one enjoying the bands and he mostly enjoyed two hours of beachball soccer pick-up games outside the tent. True story...

 

Because what's a kids rock concert without a little beachball soccer? #mymusicrx #sxsw

A photo posted by @homegirlblog on Mar 19, 2015 at 1:03pm PDT

 

When The Zombies came out and became my living and breathing soft rock easy listening car radio station in front of me, inside, I flicked a lighter, held it high and sang along at the top of my lungs with my head back and eyes closed whilst swaying from side to side. In reality I sang along way under my breath and smiled until my cheeks hurt whilst doing a subtle sway-bounce from side to side as if to convey to anyone who might glance my way-- hey, I recognize those songs--cool--nothing major. 

I totally enjoyed Edward Sharpe, who I hadn't heard of until just about every parent I chatted with said they couldn't wait to see him. He turned out to be a BUNCH of good-looking guys playing cool instruments. It was so cool of them to play family friendly songs for a great cause. I googled them after the concert, and totally get the fandom. 

My son dropped everything on the makeshift beachball soccer field and made a beeline for the kid mosh pit when Koo Koo Kangaroo hit the stage. He can't resist a hip hop beat and normally he pop-locks almost involuntarily. When that happens, as a parent, I feel like I have done at least one thing right. This time he just stood there and watched a bit entranced. After their performance he found me towards the back of the crowd and very seriously asked, "What's a fanny pack?" Then I knew I had clearly failed as a parent on at least one front. Parents, if you've never heard of Koo Koo Kangaroo, check out their video for "Fanny Pack" and it might leave you a bit entranced as well. 

After the show, we walked back down to the Plaza Saltillo train stop en route to the park and ride in the suburbs. To my credit...my...credit...my son doesn't roll without something to read. While I continued my reading of the Game of Thrones series, my son got into James Patterson's latest, Public School Superhero. True story...

 

Way better than driving back out to the suburbs. Riding #CapMetro rail home from #mymusicrx #sxsw kids rock concert at #FaderFort #Austin. Just went hashtag crazy. Reading James Patterson's latest, Public School Superhero-- about a black boy who plays chess and whose superhero "friend" is named Stainlezz Steele. @jamespattersonbooks is a master of getting kids turning and dog-earing pages. @weneeddiversebooks.

A photo posted by @homegirlblog on Mar 19, 2015 at 1:19pm PDT

This was the third year for the MyMusicRx: YOU WHO Rock Show For Kids at Fader Fort during SXSW. If you missed it this time, or have never been, don't make the same mistake next year. I know some people skip it because of the ticket cost, but consider that one hundred percent of the ticket proceeds benefit an insanely amazing cause based on the healing power of music. 

MyMusicRx is a Portland-based program that provides bedside and online music programs to kids facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

About MyMusicRx (from their website)

MyMusicRx.org is a "music medicine" site for kids and teens facing cancer and other serious illnesses. We invite kids to feel the music and feel better, by exploring our exclusive artist greetings, concerts, music lessons, digital instruments, and games. MyMusicRx is a program of the Children's Cancer Association. We believe that joys matters and music heals. For two decades, CCA has delivered innovative, free-of-charge programming to hospitalized kids, teens and their family members. MyMusicRx.org extends our bedside music program to an online platform, enabling seriously ill kids and teens access to the healing power of music anytime, anywhere. See our music programs in action here. 

If you didn't donate to MyMusicRx by buying tickets to the SXSW event, you can donate 24/7 online here. #MusicHeals

Do Good. 

Austin Steam Train

I followed my son and his friend around the Austin Steam Train today. They had loads of fun and no electronics were involved! Well, for them anyway. But I had to document this! It was old school fun on a very old train. 

For more details, dates and to buy tickets, visit Austin Steam Train online, here. 

Laguna Gloria Action Pack Adventures

Yesterday, Zack and I were invited to try out the Action Pack experience at Laguna Gloria. Laguna Gloria is an absoultely enchanting place, and now that the blue Action Packs are in the mix, kids who visit the grounds are in for an enriching adventure. I go into detail about our experience on the Do512Family blog here. Since you're here, enjoy our photos.

The villa.

I Heart Children's Theatre

One of the things I love about children's theatre is the learning opportunities it presents. I took Zack to see Stories of Frog & Toad at Scottish Rite Theatre Sunday. On the drive home from the show, my son had so many questions about frogs and toads, and so many guesses about ways they might be different and ways they might be alike. Taking him to the show was not only entertainng (we heart live theatre), but was a great springboard for our homeschool science lesson this week! I'm also going to sneakily move our copy of a collection of stories of frog and toad to the top of his bedroom book pile and coincidentally notice that 'hey, we just saw this play the other day--wouldn't it be fun to read some of these?' I bought the book years ago, and maybe finally he'll show interest in reading one of my favorite classic storybooks.

Continue reading for my review of the show...

National Geographic Kids Snow Day

Austin's week basking in the spotlight as National Geographic Kids' Weird But True Town of 2013 is over, but we will always have the memories. Also, Austinites, don't forget to enter my Giveaway of a year subscription to National Geographic Kids Magazine.

The highlight of the week was North Pole in the South Snow Day. It was a giant patch of ice on the Rise School of Austin parking lot and the kids came, they saw, the conquered. I caught a few stray snow balls in the back of my right rib cage, but I took it like a mom. 

Pink Snowsuit! My author friend, Yolanda King of Curlilocks fame, wins for cutest pink thing ever! 

Brohams.

He totally hit me with one of those when I turned around. 

See?! Cutest pink thing ever! 

Get into the National Geographics Kids Weird But True world of books, magazines and apps on their website HERE. 

Sponsored: The Grinch's Small Heart Grew Three Sizes That Day

In my past life, the whole Christmas season thing was something that I dreaded and couldn't wait to see behind me. Christmas was a time to go to church way more than usual (which in my house growing up might have seemed impossible) and to master a nonchalant demeanor when I returned to school after the break and had to answer (all day it seemed like) that I didn't get anything for Christmas, but it's not a big deal. Back then, my parents could only afford to make a really big meal and wish Jesus a happy birthday and that's it. I didn't have the kind of parents who would go into debt for the sake of a happy holiday. So by adulthood, it wasn't an act. I really didn't care about Christmas. I'd listen to friends and coworkers go on about black Friday and fuss over buying gifts for cousins and siblings and nephews, parents, pets and neighbors, and I couldn't sympathize because it wasn't that serious--it's Jesus' birthday, not yours. Then unto me a child was born. Unto me a gift was given, and his name was Zachary and he brought with him the joy of Christmas.

I remember when it happened--not the exact date, but the moment it happened. I was driving into a shopping center here in town with my 21 month old son riding in the back seat. The radio station we listen to had started playing Christmas songs 24/7 beginning the day after Thanksgiving. I had left it on that station only because I hadn't searched to find another station that played the perfect mix of music from yesterday and today and would get to it later. Jingle Bell Rock came on and about 2.5 seconds after I heard my baby son sing, in the sweetest toddler monotone , "jee gabell jee gabell jee gabell WOCK!", I literally felt a breathy tightness in my chest as my grinchy heart grew three sizes that day and I knew that I was about to be all jamming to Christmas songs on the radio every day from Black Friday until New Years Eve and Santa hat family photos and hanging lights on the tree and wrapping presents on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning home videos for the next 16 years.

Also in my future would be Christmasy events around town every year like The Domain's Lighting of the Great Tree event here in Austin, TX. This free, annual event which culminates outside of Macy's and is punctuated with fireworks at the end of the night is happening this year on Saturday, November 23 beginning at noon. In it's seventh year, the Lighting of the Great Tree will feature holiday performances by acclaimed singer and songwriter Phil Vassar, the Outside Voices youth choir and a 40-foot tree, featuring more than 6,000 twinkling lights and 400 Grinch-heart-morphing ornaments. 

Headlining the event, Phil Vassar made his debut on the country music scene in the late 1990s, co-writing singles for several country artists, including Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye and Alan Jackson. The Virginia native has received two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, been recognized as Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, released eight albums and countless hits as a singer and songwriter and has even launched his own Rodeowave Entertainment label.

The holiday celebration will also feature a special performance by Outside Voices, a vocal performance group founded in 2009. Outside Voices is open to all Austin and surrounding area youth with performers ranging in age from K-12th grades. The group is dedicated to carrying the message of grace and love through their performances and service work.

In addition to The Lighting of The Great Tree at 6 pm, free holiday entertainment will kick-off at noon with family-friendly activities including children’s holiday music, face painting, caricature drawings, balloon twisting and holiday crafts near iPic Theaters. Many stores will also be offering special in-store events and offers throughout the day. Following the tree lighting, attendees are invited to enjoy marshmallow roasting in The Park. 

The Domain Lighting of The Great Tree is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call (512) 873-8099, or visit www.TheDomainInAustin.com. Area shoppers looking for the latest deals, contests and event information can also visit www.facebook.com/TheDomainAustin, www.twitter.com/TheDomainAustin or www.instagram.com/TheDomainAustin. 

Are you a reformed Scrooge, like me? Or were you a baby Elf who still wears your peppermint striped tights underneath your grown-up clothes until holiday season every year? 

Inner Space Cavern Homeschool Tour Day

I'm loving all the daytime homeschool activities that Austin area companies host. We try to take advantage of as many of them as possible--Zack makes a special friend every time. So far, fortunately, their moms are cool too, so we can hang. I'm a really picky introvert so the hangability of the mom of kids drawn to Zack and vice versa matters. So far so good. Don't judge me. 

More photos of the cave are on my Facebook Album. 

HOPE Outdoor Gallery Austin

We ventured over to HOPE Outdoor Gallery a couple of weekends ago because we arrived two hours early for a play we were going to see at the Long Center. We didn't want to drive all the way back out to the suburbs to bide our time, so we hit up the Barton Springs P. Terry's for lunch then headed over to the gallery. The art is amazing. Naturally, since morons have access to this very public place, although it's a private project, there were some pieces that were racist or may be seen as offensive by some. It's an abandoned construction site, so there is broken glass all around and there are exposed pieces of metal framing jutting up from the half-walls, so be warned. Also, much to my son's liking there is a plethora of rocks to be enjoyed by rock enthusiasts. I've been conditioned by the number of rocks found in my washing machine to check his many cargo pants pockets before washing them. If you visit the gallery and are brave and agile, you might enjoy scaling the very steep hill to get the top for a different view of the gallery and Austin's downtown skyline.

Here are a few of my favorite pics from our trip there:

Doesn't he look like he's skateboarding here? I love this one.

 

I love the place because it literally never gets old. Artists are always painting over existing works of art with more amazing work, so there's always a reason to go back.

The gallery is part of a socially conscious movement to support global good and to support the arts.

Here's a quote from their website:

"Launched in December of 2006 with the support of contemporary artist Shepard Fairey, HOPE was founded as a way to raise awareness about the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. Initial projects leveraged contributors’ creative talent and national recognition to bring this crisis to the forefront of the media. Since then, thousands of individuals and organizations have joined the movement. Inspired by this positive response, HOPE is growing and actively enrolling new talent and partners. Any contributions support future HOPE projects, allowing artists and musicians the ongoing opportunity to share their talent."

For more information on HOPE Outdoor Gallery Austin and to learn more about the HOPE campaign, like them on Facebook. 

If you're in town, you're in luck becasue there is always a place to appreciate art for free in the heart of Austin. 

The first photo was taken with an iPhone 4s, the others were taken with a Cannon Rebel T2i. 

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2013

Two outta three ain't bad. Weekend two of the ACL Festival ended one day ahead of time due to flooding at Zilker Park and surrounding area. It kinda sucked for us because after day 1, we decided we'd save our kid-free night for the final night and get close enough to the stage, for once, and at least get a decent photo of Lionel Richie performing. But it rained. On the bright side, we're getting a third of the ticket price refunded--not bad--and we had a great time for two days at the festival again with Zack. 

Five Highlights of Two/Thirds of Weekend Two At ACL Fest 2013 (in no particular order):

1. Kendrick Lamar wins for most cell phone lights (over 20K) in the air at a concert ever. When I googled for a pic--because ours sucks--I decided that deaf people win for coming to a music festival, and this ASL sign-language interpreter wins for signing Kendrick Lamar's "P&P" with feeling. FYI, if you follow that link, one of the P's in that title is definitely the p-word. 
2. Leaving the car at a Capital City Metro Park & Ride in the suburbs and taking the Metro Rail downtown to catch the free shuttle to the festival? Totally a great idea. We were in constant motion until we made it through the gates of Austin Kiddie Limits. The lines kept moving because the shuttles kept moving--it was awesome. For once, I made it into downtown Austin without wishing that we lived closer to all the fun. I mean, I do wish that, but I usually say it out loud while sitting in traffic on the highway. Anyway...
3. Seeing Fun. live was awesomesauce for all of us, as you'll see in the pics and video below. When lead singer, Nate Ruess, hit the stage my son was all smiles. One time we were driving to Dallas and he asked me to play just "Some Nights" in a repeat loop all the way there. After a while, he decided we should add "We Are Young", and that's what we listened to the whole drive. When I asked him what was his favorite part of ACL that day, he said, "I really liked that Fun guy's golden microphone. It was so awesome." I told him I agreed the gold mic was kinda dope. And all I needed in life this weekend was to sing along to "Carry On" at the top of my voice in a crowd of other Fun. fans at a live concert. Amen. 
   

   Image Source: www.austinchronicle.com
4. The Verve Pipe at Austin Kiddie Limits was pretty cool. You gotta love a rock band that starts singing kid-rock when they become dads. Kinda like how Eddie Murphy and Ice Cube went kid-friendly with their careers when they became dads. I bet when Verve Pipe was singing "Freshmen", for the life of them, they never thought they'd be singing about the awesomeness of Cereal. Kid-rock seems like a great second-wind career move for them. They are awesome musicians and rocked the Kiddie Limits stage. 
5. Wild Belle. Easily the coolest brother-sister band on the planet. When I was minding my business eating my lunch, I wasn't ready to see them when I followed the soulful voice over a reggae beat (a Google search later told me they were singing "It's Too Late"). I'd tell you why, but you'd probably judge me for it, plus look at the picture and use context clues.

Image Source: thekey.xpn.org

I didn't know they existed before ACL Fest, now I can't get over how their music and videos are like nothing else--that I can compare them to anyway. 

Since there are only so many photos you can take of an ACL Fest stage so far away to see the artist that it just looks like an empty stage, I'm sharing pics from everything we could see close-up and personal, which happened mostly in Austin Kiddie Limits.

All the following pics and video were captured with our fancy iPhones. 

DJ Zack with Half of The Q Brothers! Easily the highlight of his ACL Fest experience this year.

Yep. We brought our big kid to the festival in a stroller. Everybody who looked at me crazy can kick rocks.

Downtime in between fun and shows was easy-peasy thanks to our BOB stroller. The hubs took this pic from his crash spot, face up on our blanket.

Jamming to Fun.

Group selfie! Waiting for Fun. to come on. I just want to be clear--my face is closest to the camera, therefore looks significantly larger than the other adult in the picture. In real life, I do not have a giant face. 

Rock Star Hair Color by Avant Salon and Spa

When he saw his after pic, he slowly looked away from the mirror and the shy finger took it's place in between his teeth.

School of Rock tent was entirely too much awesomeness.

What good is a day at the park without Hot Wheels in the sand pit? Long after Kiddie Limits closed, there was still fun to be had and right next to Lady Bird stage!

I heart Austin City Limits Music Festival for making it possible for parents to enjoy a kick-ass music festival, not stress about babysitting and still feel like one of the cool kids.  

If you went to ACL Fest this year, with our without kids, what was the highlight of the weekend for you?

Austin City Limits Festival Parent Survival Guide

If you are a parent, and you scored tickets to the Austin City Limits Festival, be cool and take your kids. It's free for kids 10 and under and, with Austin Kiddie Limits tucked away in the corner, it really is a separate little festival just for them. Festival organizers have gone out of their way to make this festival fun for families, so take advantage of it! 

When it comes to whole family enjoyment at the festival, here is our breakdown of how to share the time. A 3-day pass translates into one morning/afternoon at Austin Kiddie Limits, one whole day split between Austin Kiddie Limits and the ACL stages, and one afternoon/evening for adults only. That way the whole family gets a fair amount of fun and entertainment as well as a fresh crop of crowd pleasing stories to tell around the water-cooler or on the playground about that one time at ACL fest... 

A successful ACL Festival weekend with kids is impossible without serious planning. My tips are proven effective whether yours are factory model kids or kids tricked out with few bonus features including a kinetically charged engine, slow response breaks and a highly sensitive anti-food system. The festival has done it's part by being as family friendly as possible. Here are a few awesome tips to help you do your part by having a kick-ass time. 

What To Pack 

1. Empty reusable plastic water bottles (or two factory sealed ones). Free water refilling stations are all around the park. Let your kids hold the bottle while volunteers fill 'em up--never a dull, dehydrated moment at ACL. I have seen young people with camel-backs on, but would bet money that it wasn't water they were sipping through those wrap-around straws.
2. MomGyver (or DadGyver) Travel-size Kit.
   Stuff the following items into a gallon-sized zip lock bag and you're ready for anything:
   - Chewing gum
   - First Aid kit
   - Sunscreen
   - Antibacterial wipes
   - Insect repellant wipes
   - Cortizone
   - Kleenex
   - DIY porta potty for boys (see #10) 
3. Your kid's favorite book. What? Yep. The paper kind. Mainly if you plan to split your time between Kiddie Limits and the main stages. All the sights, sounds and smells at the festival can be overwhelming to a normal adult human. By the time we're adults, we learn how to cope with all the stimulation overload by smoking, drinking, becoming bitchy, or taking ourselves home. Kids, on the other hand will either go to sleep or straight-up melt down and make everyone miserable. Books calm their brains in ways Angry Birds does not. I carry an illustrated book of Hot Wheels with feature descriptions with me everywhere. Comic books and graphic novels are awesome choices as well.
4. Small camera and extra memory card just in case. Cameras with detachable lenses are banned, so leave your fancy DSLR at home. You don't want to depend on your cell phone because you don't want to run out of charge. Use cells for Instagram, but not for all your photos. I learned first hand that event volunteers are very nice young people who are happy to let you use their cell phone to call your husband to work out logistics within the park, but don't put yourself in that position.
5. Handheld mister fan. ACL Festival happens in October, which is still summertime-hot in Austin. Mister fans are great for a bit of distracting amusement for the kiddos and for keeping cool.
6. Festival bag. Limit your load to one small backpack (large backpacks are prohibited) or cross-body bag big enough to hold all the items listed above with room leftover for any items you might pick up at the festival. 
7. Sun hats. There is no shortage of tented areas in Austin Kiddie Limits, but if you plan to make the rounds to the stages with your kids, sun hats are just a good idea.
8. Stroller. If you have a kid under the age of 7, consider a stroller. You know your kid. If you're one of those lucky parents who has a child who generally goes with the flow and never complains, you might survive without a stroller. If your 5 year old is anything like mine and has mastered the fine art of whining and trying to convince you that his legs are about to fall off and that he is parched beyond re-hydration and seconds away from melting from the direct sunlight,  you might be glad you have a stroller to banish him to. Our BOB stroller holds kids up to 70lbs, is narrow enough to navigate crowds and, with the top cover down, is an ideal place for a quick nap. One time we stayed at the festival until night to see Stevie Wonder's closing performance and we were all glad I brought that stroller. 
9. A blanket. Use it to sit on. Have a picnic. Use it to cover the stroller at nap time. Use it for time-out. You might even use it as a pee tent (see #10). A blanket at a festival is never a bad idea. 
10. DIY porta potty. For parents of big boys. Stuff a gallon-sized zip lock bag full of Bounty paper towels. Put the stuffed zip lock bag into a plastic grocery bag. Bounty paper towels are the most absorbent and when you get stuck outside of Austin Kiddie Limits and are too far away from the porta potties, you'll be glad you have your own. Find an off-the-path spot, use the blanket and yourself as a privacy screen while he does his business in the bag. Zip the bag, tie it up in the grocery bag and find the nearest trash can to discard it. If anyone gives you a bad eye, screw them. One time...well two times...last year, the only thing that saved my son from wetting himself in line outside The Louvre in Paris and in the middle of The Prado in Madrid was an empty water bottle. The first time we had fortunate proximity to litter. The second time, we had unlucky proximity to the public restrooms. Both times, we did not have a blanket, and I didn't give rat booty if anybody had a problem with it. At ACL festival, you want your empty water bottles for actual water, so trust me on the DIY porta potty. You're welcome.

Bonus Things--If your kid has allergies: Letter from doctor, list of allergies, prescription (bonus if on EpiPen box), Benadryl and snacks. At ACL, outside food is prohibited, but event staff aren't heartless. You've spent at least $225 to attend ACL and they get that you're not trying to scam them to bring $10 worth of snacks in for your kid. ACL Festival provides a great list of food vendors and their event menus for the weekend, so study the offerings so you have an idea of what you can actually buy there. It helps to minimize how much food you have to bring yourself, particularly if you plan to be there through a couple of mealtimes.

Want to see pics from our first time at the festival in 2001? Click HERE.

There you have it. Are any of your must-haves missing from the list?

Enjoy the festival! 

 

Airport Travel Tip for Busy Kids: Luggage Forts!

Luggage Forts win! Boys love forts. No secret there. I was desperate for a solution where one or both of us would not end up in tears getting his crazy behavior in check at the airports on our way home from our vacation. If there is one thing that can wrangle a sleep-deprived, over stimulated boy during international travel, it's a fort. These kept my crazy kid out of everyone's including Harm's way and off the luggage carousel during all the airports during our vacation traveling. One day he'll grow up and behave like the rest of the public, even when he's tired and full of food preservatives--kid's gotta eat abroad. Until then, Luggage Forts!

Playful Parenting really is more fun for everone involved.  

Fela! On Broadway And On My Book List

"If you wan to go wash...If you wan cook soup...If your head dey hot...If your child dey grow...na water you go use. If water kill your child...na water you go use. Nothing without water. Water, him no get enemy! If you fight am, unless you wan die. I dey talk of Black Man Power."

This is a summary of lyrics from "Water No Get Enemy" by Fela Kuti.

I woke up this morning thinking about this song which I first heard at the biographical musical, Fela!, about the Nigerian musician and human rights activist. I went to see it twice--once in Houston and the following year in Dallas. It is a compelling bit of African history about a man who was inspired by the Black Power and Civil Rights movements in the U.S. to stand up to Nigeria's corrupt, oppressive government in the seventies.

His message "Water Get No Enemy" is so powerful in this song where he alludes to the work oppressed people must do to win fair treatment and justice. If water kills your child, you will drink it, cook with it and bathe with it the same day. Water makes no enemy. Nobody rejects water because it is too useful. Anyone who challenges water risks looking like a fool or death. Water is undeniably powerful. Relentless. Essential. Indispensable. 

Here is the performance video of the song from the musical:

The second time I went to see Fela! I was with my best friend. She's a brainy academic and on our way back to the car, she was all I wanna research and read more about him and his story. I want to know more. At the time I was enriched by what I had learned about him from the shows and happy to leave it at that. Still, months after the second show, I listen to his music and watch youtube videos and remember the details from the musical and they stay with me. Now, like my bestie, I want to know more too.

Aside: I actually look forward to reading the autobiographies of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and an interesting biography of Jesus. I'm intrigued by people who were so bold during times when boldness was life-threatening. I digress.

Of course Wikipedia is the natural way to read a snapshot biography, so that's done. I also found this neat archive of programs and artiles on NPR related to Fela Kuti and Afrobeat music. I havent perused it yet, but plan to return to the link when I have time. Finally, here is a short list of books that I hope will satisfy my curiosity about Fela Kuti. Hopefully you will find them useful too:

Wake Up Your Weird in Austin @ Scottish Rite Theatre

*This post and photos appeared originally on my other spot, Do512family.com.*

Wake Up Your Weird is not just a puppet show, it is a puppet experience. Emmy Award Nominated "Sesame Street" Performer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph brings a powerful show that addressed bullying and self-esteem to Scottish Rite Theatre for several shows during May 10-12. Click here to buy your ticket and use Discount Code: WUYW2 to get $2 off.

The star of this show is a unique, imaginative sock puppet who is blissfully pleased with herself and her doll-making abilities until she is "finally" invited to a doll party with her perfect girl neighbor and told that she and her doll are all wrong. The beauty of the show is everything that happens next.

Through various forms of puppetry, and with live and recorded music and even some video, the audience is treated to a colorful internal battle of a child who knows in her blissful heart that she is awesome, although her brain, poisoned by hurtful words, struggles to allow her to continue to believe it. This show teaches a great lesson about how to maintain pride in ones self and how to understand and appreciate differences in others--even bullies. For a kids puppet show, I was surprised that there are some extremely poignant and heartfelt moments in this show. Also, there is no shortage of weirdness. Ever seen a brain in a puppet show? No? After the show, the veil is lifted literally and figuratively and kids get to ask questions about the production and get to see the people behind the lights and puppets and music. Wake Up Your Weird is a completely awesome theatrical experience.

As usual at Scottish Rite Theatre, kids get to sit together on the floor, front center, and react and interact with the show together with their peers. Parents take in the show from theatre seats behind them and are in for a fun time as well--some jokes fly over the kids heads and hit us spot on. Listen, if you have a kid who sho'nuff marches to their own personal marching band (I know I do), bring them to see this show. I was fortunate enough to see this show once, and will return this weekend to share this experience with my son.

Here is a youtube video to show you a bit of what you can expect:

Get your tickets--don't forget to use the discount code WUYW2. Then get to the Scottish Rite Theatre this weekend! When your friends tell you about it, you'll wish you were there.

Hey, Spring! Hey, Summer Camp Sloop!

Spring done sprung, which means most Summer Camp schedules are up online and filling up fast. It's never too early to get those summer camps locked in, folks. Especially in Austin.

After a stint in wait-list purgatory, a lucky contest win and hearing a tip from a good friend, I got Zack into three awesome camps last summer (Austin Children's Museum (Dino-Mania), Zach Scott Theater (Story Drama) and The Ivy School (Spanish immersion). I watched their websites like a hawk this year as soon as the weather warmed up because I did not want my boy left out in the cold. I could leave him enrolled in his school over the summer, but every kid needs a break. Yes, I am a stay-at-home mom, so my son doesn't NEED summer camps, per se, but I love the ongoing enrichment that these experiences add to his life. Whether or not I have my own selfish reasons for  having him otherwise occupied during the summer days is neither here nor there. *ahem*

Most folks don't have reminders in their phones to check websites for summer camps, and even if they did, keeping track of the over 1200...over 1200... Austin area summer camps in impossible--for a mere parent. But the Rebeccas of Camp Sloop have got you covered. 

Two Rebeccas, both Austin moms and business women, have created a NEW and FREE online database that helps families find the right Texas camp for their kids. These ladies are well-versed about Austin family-friendly activities and the Texas camp landscape.

Visit Camp Sloop for information about:

• Choosing the right camp for your child’s developmental and special needs
• Navigating the exhaustive camp search
• Finding the best camp option for your children, considering geographic location, price, activities, track record and where their friends are going
• Determining which camp is/is not a match for your child
• Reasons to start planning NOW!

About the Rebbecas:

Rebecca D’Amico is president and co-creator of Camp Sloop. D’Amico is always trying to make things go smoother, faster, and easier for parents. She started her first business when she was just 8 years old, and she now runs Nannies from the Heart, which helps parents find suitable nannies.  She lives in Austin with her husband/business partner, Rob, and their two children.

Rebecca Cole is vice-president and co-creator of Camp Sloop. Cole founded Nurture My Child in 2008 to help families with their childcare search and founded Nurture Training in 2009 to partner with child educators and parents.  She lives in Austin with her husband, Mike, and their two children. 

These Austin mamas know their stuff and have made your job so much easier. And did I mention this service is free? Get over to Camp Sloop and get to gettin'. Happy Summer Camp Hunting! 

Am I alone? Are you an early summer camp spot grabber too? 

Austin Zilker Park Kite Festival 2013: Bubbles and Dirt Won

    Kite Festival. I couldn't get the kite up. I deserve a cookie for trying though. Knowing good and well I don't know nothin' 'bout flyin' no kites! But we made lots of bubbles. And Zack found a dirt hill to become one with. So it was fun. Also, I'm sure I killed my clutch when I got stuck on a hill and there was a truck behind me and I tried that hand-break thing I've seen my husband do a few times. I have managed to avoid hills all 11 years I've driven a stick, which is a feat in Austin, but I know where they are and I avoid them. Except that one time.

    One time, I parked on a hill and came out to see my car sandwiched in between two cars. I called my husband, who was at work at the top of the hill, but he was going into a meeting. He tried to talk me through the hand-break thing, which only got me closer to the front bumper of the car behind me. I was this close to asking a table of people who were eating outside the restaurant I was parked next to if anyone drove a stick and could move my car for me, when the owner of the car behind me came out with their food and left. I digress.

    Yesterday, I was trying to avoid traffic exiting the festival and got stuck on a hill. Something definitely burned. Zack stated the obvious, and summed up the whole day "We really need dad here." So first order of business when my husband is back in town--make-up kite flying with our son. Second, assess the damage I did to my car. Something is definitely not right.

    I took a few pictures with my iPhone 4s. Take a look after the jump. 

Farfalle (Butterflies) @ The Scottish Rite Theatre Austin

On Valentine's Day,  I let my son a skip school for a day downtown at the theatre.

It was a first-time experience for us both. What it actually is, is difficult to put into words, but since this is a blog, I will try...

The performers use dance along with interactive visual and audio technology to allow the journey from egg to butterfly to unfold. The two female dancers are like fairies! They dance over and quietly pluck participants from the audience to interact with the "stage" and seamlessly move the story right along. My son got to jump and dance along with caterpillar spots that moved with him on the floor and I...yes, I...got to become moving streaks of color and light, creating the color that would be the butterfly's wings. My friend who went with me told me I became an eight year old again dancing around using my wrists to move streaks of color along the floor and walls. It was awesome.

I highly recommend this show. Be prepared to take off your shoes and to be entertained in a way that I'm sure you've never imagined. It's a techy daydream.

Here are some pics and a bit of video I took with my iPhone 4S to give you an idea of what to expect:

Pictures, video, showtimes & ticket info after the jump...

Kiddie Acres Amusement Park, Austin, TX

My guy is having the best Spring Break Ever. After story time at Book People this morning, I tagged along with a friend of mine to Kiddie Acres. I hadn't heard of the place before then. At first sight, it looks like a traveling kid-sized carnival. Lucky for us, they're not traveling--they've been in Austin over thirty years and aren't going anywhere anytime soon. It's small, which is perfect for kids and parents looking for an amusement park experience minus the park maps and long lines. The rides are perfectly old and simple. There's a train that circles the park, mini- golf and pony rides! Zack rode a pony twice today, and I have yet to ride one. His life is already exponentially more fun than mine was at the age of four. But isn't that how it's supposed to be?

What kind of Spring Break fun are you and your kiddos getting into?

On Being Young-Old & (totally unrelated) Not Having Haters

I went to a dance last night with my husband and a few friends. It was a scholarship fundraiser hosted by  the sorority Delta Sigma Theta. My husband and I were the first of our group to arrive. When we walked in, I was pleased to hear something from the seventies (Earth, Wind & Fire maybe) blasting from the speakers by the DJ booth, to smell some type of party meat (turned out to be wings and meatballs) because we hadn't had dinner and were starving, and to see so many older people out to have a good time. While we waited for our friends to show up, I traded text messages with some of them, mostly telling them about the vibe of the event. We traded a few "old folk" jokes since we were among the youngest ones there. As they showed up two by two, we continued with the "old folk" one-liners. We danced to funk and r&b from way-way back in the day, and some hip-hop from the birth of hip-hop the whole time, taking breaks for food and water and to talk with friends. I have been known to dance all night to Gaga and Rhianna and Pitbull, etc., but I have not had more fun than two-stepping and doing dances from before I was in high school with my husband and friends. About mid-way through the event, we were having drinks, and one of us said something else about how much fun it was two-stepping and doing [insert any of several awesome old and new popular black line-dances here] with the old heads. That's when the youngest one in our group who is still a twenty-something was like, "What y'all have failed to realize is that this is y'all's music. Y'all are the 'old heads' now." That hurt. For like half-a minute. Then, on my way back out to the dance floor, in true old head form,  I was like, "Well old heads can sho'nuff show the young'ns a thing or two about how to have a good time." 

I am SO not an old head. Technically...technically...I'm not even in my mid-thirties yet. Still, I hadn't realized that while I'm talkin' about old heads, I am indeed becoming one of 'em. The greyest head there, was obviously still young at heart, and I can dig that. What I cannot dig is how some of the older women there were bringing it to some of us thirtysomethings. I left that party with a new determination to re-evaluate my fitness lifestyle and my beauty regimen. Eye cream, H2O and a little sweat ain't never hurt nobody...except haters.

Sidebar: I really like inserting "haters" into my everyday speech, whenever I can. I'm sure I don't have any haters. Nobody wants to be me, or wants what I have, or if they do (but nobody does), they don't hate on me for it, because, honestly, I'm a really nice person. I'm not one of those people who wnts to have haters so bad that I create them in my head. Still, saying "haters" whenever it's remotely appropriate makes me giggle. And speaking of people who create haters in their heads... 

 

February Foto-A-Day! Day 5: 10 A.M.

As I mentioned before, I am posting all the photos from Fat Mum Slim's February Photo A Day Challenge on Tumblr. I could not resist sharing this one here. 

I took my son out for brunch at Magnolia Cafe South. I thought I had gone wrong as a parent, somehow, when he sat across from me still playing the game he had started while we were waiting to be seated. 

I was relieved when the waiter brought paper and crayons to our tablem,  and my son turned the Touch off and handed it to me saying, "Mom, I'm all done with Angry Birds now, I want to color."