Low on the Hog

This has been the scene around here:

Tessa has been sick for more than a week — first the fatigue, then the high fever, now the hacking cough and snotty nose, with plenty of uncooperative-patient thrown in — and Ari was the next to go.  Calder has a cough for sure, but he’s hanging in there, and me… well, it’s not an option for me to get sick right now.

Between pouring gallons of juice, tea, and medicine down their throats and trying to make them all cough into their elbows, I’ve been listing ideas for my new column on Examiner.com.  I’m now the Portland Motherhood Examiner, and I’m planning profiles of people, events, books, and films related to motherhood, as well as features on issues concerning mothers.

Check out my profile of the fabulous Stephanie Haztenbuehler, of Letter’s Edge and Lula Photography fame.  Steph seriously rocks, and I’m counting the hours till her second solo exhibit opens tonight.

I’ve added a handy little badge so you can pop over to my Examiner.com page whenever you please.  In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll be making a wee bit of money from these pieces – how much depends on my page views, subscription numbers, session length, etc. – and I’d love your support.

I’d also love your ideas.  What’s on your mama mind these days?  What would you like to see examined by this humble Motherhood Examiner?

7 Responses to “Low on the Hog”

1. Erica says:

   November 6, 2009 at 2:40 pm

   Dear Kathleen,
   You have been busy! Congratulations on the new gig! I’m so happy for you. I’m loving reading your articles. I have been thinking a lot about how to spread the word in Portland about Richard Louv’s book “Last Child In the Woods”. I want to develop a community of parents who trust that our kids are going to be OK when they play outdoors… I want to cultivate a community of watchful parents so that kids, when a bit older than ours, can ride their bikes around the neighborhood, play hide and seek across several yards of homes, etc. etc.

   I think your column would be PERFECT for getting the conversation started. Maybe we should have a coffee date to discuss this.

   
   Erica
2. Stephanie says:

   November 6, 2009 at 3:14 pm

   It’s simple. You’re the best
3. MaryLea says:

   November 6, 2009 at 4:17 pm

   Congrats on your new writing gig!! That is super-dooper exciting! : )

   I’m sorry you’ve been playing Florence Nightingale for your sick crew — we battled H1N1 with Em but no one else in the house (weird!) last week. Keep washing those hands and I hope you’re getting some sleep.

   I would love to see more moms who are willing to do arts and crafts at home with their kids. I’m always sad when I hear about parents who won’t allow paint or play-doh in their homes because it’s too “messy” Childhood is messy and kids are supposed to make messes and explore. It’s the process not the final product. I think kids should get to experiment with paint at home not just in a preschool classroom.

   I also would like to see more mothers exposing their young (starting in preschool) children to fine arts and early art history/art appreciation lessons. Would love to collaborate on an article with you or provide some examples if you’re interested.

   Fondly,
   MaryLea (pink and green mama)
4. Christina says:

   November 6, 2009 at 5:50 pm

   Hi Kathleen,
   Congrats on the new writing projects!

   Would love to have you delve into the subjects of playground politics or mother versus mother competition. l am quickly learning the dynamics of mothering today – the rules of engagement seem different than I remember as a kid.

   There’s so much playground questioning now – who did what to whom…whose “to blame” when a toddler pushes another toddler…when I was a kid, both little kids were considered “guilty” and both were told, if you don’t play nice, we’re leaving! I am so tired of trying to figure out who did what to whom and why…as far as I’m concerned all toddlers are little cavemen!

   The playground stress today is unbelievable!
5. Amy says:

   November 6, 2009 at 11:27 pm

   For sick kids they sure are adorable!

   Count me among your loyal subscribers and followers.

   Here’s wishing for speedy recoveries for all.

   xo
6. Amy says:

   November 7, 2009 at 9:30 pm

   Here’s something on this mama’s mind: how do you discipline young children?
7. Stephanie says:

   November 16, 2009 at 8:10 pm

   Hey,
   What’s up with the link to examiner? I tried to click on it from your blog and it says it doesn’t exist. Probably just down for the day…or something?
   Needing my kathleen fix.