Calgon, Take Me Away!

In this "grotesque" weather...I dream of retreating to the warm grottos where these amazing works of art were discovered. 

What a day! Even before shoveling my sidewalk on this wintry snowy/rainy/sleety morning, even before my first cup of coffee, the top of my day began with a formidable leak in my freshly painted kitchen ceiling (the roof above this room was repaired just 4 months ago). This was followed by the discovery of a hole in my daughter's snow boots (pointed out only after we had trekked 3 blocks in the snow, forcing a return home) and upon returning home, encountered an ominous manhole explosion and subsequent fire just outside our house, which resulted in the loss of power (a rare event in NYC).

Once we got to school, late and wet, I overheard another parent, also struggling (seemingly) to make sense of the crummy morning, say to her child "why don't we think about everything for which we are thankful."  At first I thought she was talking to me!  Nonetheless, while not directed toward me, it was sound advice, a quiet reminder to keep everything in perspective. Especially for us parents!

After school drop-off, I took a moment to think of how I would use my time most wisely, given all the items that needed attention. In an uncharacteristic yet true "Calgon" moment (for those of us old enough to know what that means)  what I came up with is completely and utterly impractical -- I decided to spend the morning cyber-oogling!

My go-to cyber-oogle -- checking in to see what my favorite designer, Steven Gambrel, is up to these days...

...lots of tufting on those sofas, nice!

It's just wonderful to see designers who aren't afraid of color. The use of color is a running theme in many of my posts, but what makes Steven Gambrel's hues different is that he successfully melds them into being both modern and traditional, and produces spaces that are homey, yet tactile.  Just the way I like it:

A colorful bed design that I did a few years ago -- hues of burnished metals are always warm and welcoming. Speaking of metals,  I am in awe of this artist -- El Anatsui:

His sculptures appear at first glance like opulent mosaics of Byzantine origin. But, upon further inspection, their repurposed, plastic, and commercial roots (actually comprised of bottle caps, milk tin lids, and wood strips) reveal the artwork's true intentions  -- layered commentary on culture and consumerism. It's stunning and important work. 


Ah, that's better! Looking at beautiful images always makes me feel enriched.  Now I am ready to deal with the water dripping into my kitchen, drenching my stove that crucially needs to be in solid working order for tonight's dinner. 

In case your day is less than chipper, I'll leave you with these wonderfully colorful grotesqueries...

Children of same-sex parents

Same-Sex Parent Study


While there is still a good deal more research to be done on the health and well-being of children of same-gender parents, it is encouraging to read that the preliminary research (see link below) is indicating that these children are as well-adjusted, or perhaps even more so, than children of straight couples.  Having now observed multiple same-gender families, aside from my own, these results are not surprising.

The hypothesis presented is that the distribution of tasks tends to be more equitable in same sex families, resulting in more cohesion. I agree, and would go further to say that even in more traditional same-gender families, where one is the breadwinner and one is a stay-at-home parent, the workload tends to be dictated by choice rather than by society.

It is important to note that this Australian study has a larger number of two mom families represented. Fortunately, there are many two dad families coming down the pike to be observed. In time, as research continues, we will have more data to discuss.

What is not being discussed in the study below is that most same gender couples have had to truly commit to the process of having a child.  It often takes years to adopt or surrogate.  Every step is fully planned and thought-out.  As such, most same-gender parents tend to be responsible. They are also a bit older, have (or have had) solid careers and are relatively financially stable (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/06/gay-people-more-financially-secure_n_2249677.html).  These are trademarks of a stable family -- gay, straight, single-parent, etc.

This study should hopefully quiet some of the naysayers...
...at least for a day or two!


http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/07/children-of-same-sex-couples-are-happier-and-healthier-than-peers-research-shows/

I am sure this is going to be a spirited topic. Feel free to comment!