Who Mocked My Firepit Parenting Idea?

So, a couple of weeks ago I revealed a picture of our new backyard, grass-stripped and re-designed with drought-tolerant and California native plants. I also described my intent to keep my teenage boys at home with their friends as opposed to carousing the streets of the big shitty in low-rider cars, smoking pot and drinking beer. Last night, there were friends, marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham crackers and carols 'round the fire-pit.

Just kidding on the carols.

In other news, my friend Allison Ray Benavides of Pediatric Cannabis Support has written a remarkable post about caregiving, epilepsy and what she calls both Chronic Horrific-Trauma Integration Experience and just fucking bullshit. She describes some very interesting resources, too, including Neurogenic Yoga and Trauma Releasing Exercises. Check it out.


I'm laying low these days as we transition to two households. I won't be writing about that sort of thing, but please know that we'll all be okay. This morning was the first that the children set out with their father for breakfast in different parts. I thought I might want to drive myself around the big shitty in my sexy white Mazda, smoking pot, drinking vodka and listening to Van Morrison, but instead I'm feeling quite peaceful here in my beautiful, quiet house.

Julian of Norwich said, All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.

Sneak Peak on Xeriscaping Project

We've ripped up our front and back yards and replaced the grass with planting beds, California native plants and mulch. It's been four weeks of work, and it's starting to come together and look really great. I bought a small fire pit and some funky chairs for that back right corner and hope that The Brothers will invite their friends over to roast marshmallows, toast weiners and drink lemonade rather than cavort around the big shitty in low-riders, eating pot brownies and drinking beer. Maybe I'll put in a chocolate fountain to ensure they prefer the pleasures of home to carousing.

A mother can dream.

The front yard is just a big pile of dirt and manure right now with millions of small bugs buzzing around, so I won't take a photo until it's all done.

Now, we're going to hunker down and wait for the big rains that are due to come in January. I suppose I could have left the grass and hoped for revival for at least another year before the drought begins again, but now I'm thinking I have a number of swimming pools should we be flooded with water.