Michael and Alex were both born in the 20th century, but you could argue that they are some what both misplaced in time. Michael uses computers, but likes to work with paper, whereas Alex prefers to manipulate electrons using buttons and peripherals, but is capable of using paper. Neither would dream of using a typewriter, the staple of the last century.
This divide is a little clearer when you examine their recent interactions with the fairer sex; when I was young, one might call a girl on the phone. Instead, Michael actually goes to the door of the young lady that he sort of, kind of has his an interest in, such as a gentleman of the 19th century would. Alex, on the other hand, is fully a denizen of the 21st; a young lady, whom he does not like and certainly not in that way, setup an appointment to meet Alex in a pizza parlor on Club Penguin a social networking website for the youth.
RAP(10.31.2008)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Look Mom, No Braces
In 2007 Alex had the foresight to ensure that his braces would come off on October 28th 2008, just days before trick or treat. That appointment has passed, and now he is ready to gorge himself on the treats that he has had to deprive himself over the past year.
However, he lacked the vision to realize that getting them off would be most unpleasant. I would venture, that in the middle of the removal, he was ready to keep them on and forgo the treasures of beggar's night. Alas, he made it through and now brandishes a smile that showcases his newly straight teeth all the time. Well, all except those moments when you remind him that he will have to go through once more in a few years.
RAP (10.30.2008)
RAP (10.30.2008)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Brother Started It
Some people are notable in that they are tall, strong or fast. Alex's exceptional aspect seems to be in the way he works with people. At the end of the school day they release the students in reverse age order, and Alex goes to greet his brother each day.
He did this on Friday, but he also decided to instigate the "O-H" "I-O" cheer; one person yells "O-H" and everyone responds "I-O." Alex ending up whipping the entire school into a frenzy as they marched out. He had fifth graders not only following his lead, but coming over to give him fist bumps as the school exuded an electric atmosphere that will not be soon forgotten. Michael's gifts are different, but he recognizes his brother's talents, and even bragged to a kid, Colin, who was in awe, "My brother started it."
RAP (10.28.2008)
He did this on Friday, but he also decided to instigate the "O-H" "I-O" cheer; one person yells "O-H" and everyone responds "I-O." Alex ending up whipping the entire school into a frenzy as they marched out. He had fifth graders not only following his lead, but coming over to give him fist bumps as the school exuded an electric atmosphere that will not be soon forgotten. Michael's gifts are different, but he recognizes his brother's talents, and even bragged to a kid, Colin, who was in awe, "My brother started it."
RAP (10.28.2008)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
He Coudn't Charm His Way Through This
I try to ensure that the boys are well rounded, but it is apparent that Alex has not been introduced to the Greek tragedies that focus on hubris; only one young, brash and unaware of the tales of Bellerophon, Icarus and Oedipus would tempt fate by saying, "I can charm anyone, if I want to."
Alex soon learned he couldn't charm a big, fast, outside linebacker that made him look like a timid, unsure matador. Part of the reason his charm works is that he is bold and fully commits to it. He is not doing that on the field of play. Alex needs to learn is that it is OK to fail, if you do so at full speed. He won't win every battle against a superior opponent, but if throws himself into it he will win some of them, if he wants to.
RAP (10.22.2008)
Alex soon learned he couldn't charm a big, fast, outside linebacker that made him look like a timid, unsure matador. Part of the reason his charm works is that he is bold and fully commits to it. He is not doing that on the field of play. Alex needs to learn is that it is OK to fail, if you do so at full speed. He won't win every battle against a superior opponent, but if throws himself into it he will win some of them, if he wants to.
RAP (10.22.2008)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
When Will I See you Again?
On October 17th 1997 at 3:30 p.m. in the Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte North Carolina Michael Alexander Patton was born. The day we entered the hospital Summer reigned, but by the time we departed it had given way to Autumn.
I returned home on his 11th birthday around 4:00 p.m. and spied him at the end of the street talking with Suzanne. She is a 6th grader whom he gets along very well with. It is not quite a romance; it is more of a proto-romance, a friendship with warm feelings. They played together until 6:30 p.m. when she was expected to be home. Bill, Wendy, Jake and Ellie arrived around 6:00 p.m., but I let Michael continue to focus on her because it is a good thing to have a fetching girl want to be with you. Like I said, it is not a romance, but I can think of worse ways to start out your 12th year than with a girl asking "when will I see you again?
RAP (10.21.2008)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Even in a Bar of Chocolate
Michael overflowed with excitement as he unwrapped his first present last eve; He was so exuberant that it was a big Hershey's candy bar! A 20 dollar bill was also attached to it, but you would have never known that if you had witnessed his enthusiasm. In fact, the party goers had to point out that there was a bill with President Jackson's visage taped to one side.
Later, one of the children was vehemently opposed to watching any form of animation, for he was much too sophisticated in his mind's eye to take joy from anything so infantile. I was pleased when the other kids overruled him, and I was also happy that this child was not mine. I love that my Michael is still the toddler that greeted me at first light with bright eyes and a broad smile, standing in his crib patiently, happy and content; a person who does not cast away simple joys as new ones enter his life, one that finds delight anywhere, even in a bar of chocolate.
RAP (10.20.2008)
Later, one of the children was vehemently opposed to watching any form of animation, for he was much too sophisticated in his mind's eye to take joy from anything so infantile. I was pleased when the other kids overruled him, and I was also happy that this child was not mine. I love that my Michael is still the toddler that greeted me at first light with bright eyes and a broad smile, standing in his crib patiently, happy and content; a person who does not cast away simple joys as new ones enter his life, one that finds delight anywhere, even in a bar of chocolate.
RAP (10.20.2008)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Last of the Mohicans
Take a good, long look at Alex in that picture, because changes are coming soon. Not only will his tan continue to wane as the days grow shorter, but on October 28th his braces come off and you will see his pearly whites once more. Yes, Alex, ever sly, made certain that they would be removed in time to enjoy his haul this Halloween.
Overall, braces were not a traumatic experience for him, especially compared to glasses. In fact, another child in his class, Christopher O., decided he wanted braces because Alex has them. Soon Chris's wish will be granted, but I do wonder if he will want them off on October 29th?
RAP (10.16.2008)
Overall, braces were not a traumatic experience for him, especially compared to glasses. In fact, another child in his class, Christopher O., decided he wanted braces because Alex has them. Soon Chris's wish will be granted, but I do wonder if he will want them off on October 29th?
RAP (10.16.2008)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
From Comics to Prose
An interesting evolution is underway; Michael has long been a story teller, and his preferred medium for his tales were in the illustrated pages of comics. However, for his latest endeavor he was taken a new path, weaving his plot and characters in the more traditional prose format.
When he first divined his new story ideas he created illustrated artifacts, such as renderings of the cast, equipment and maps. It seemed that a new comic series was eminent, but at some point he decided to sit down and craft it on the laptop, letter by letter. He chose this path on his own; we did not suggest, hint or prompt it at all. Now, he is always asking for the laptop, and wants to work on his story all the time. So far, it is a solid tale told "in media res," a somewhat advanced technique, which makes we wonder what his next metamorphosis will be as an author.
RAP(10.15.2008)
When he first divined his new story ideas he created illustrated artifacts, such as renderings of the cast, equipment and maps. It seemed that a new comic series was eminent, but at some point he decided to sit down and craft it on the laptop, letter by letter. He chose this path on his own; we did not suggest, hint or prompt it at all. Now, he is always asking for the laptop, and wants to work on his story all the time. So far, it is a solid tale told "in media res," a somewhat advanced technique, which makes we wonder what his next metamorphosis will be as an author.
RAP(10.15.2008)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thank You Sir, May We Have Another
Last year Michael lacked the altitude, and for a year he waited; Saturday eve his moment arrived, and this year he did posses the height that allowed him to fly across the farmland, speeding along a zip cord with a youthful exuberance that Peter Pan would be pressed to exceed.
Alex never thought twice about the riding the zip cord after last year's festival; he prefers to remain grounded. With the slightest encouragement, he remained in line with his brother and watched his friends make their trips unscathed. Right up to the final moment his trepidation was palpable, but with a fateful step he overruled his fears and surrendered himself to a faith that everything will be alright. At the end of his journey, Alex may not be ready to enlist in the Lost Boys, but his smile made me wanted to fly.
RAP (10.9.2008)
Alex never thought twice about the riding the zip cord after last year's festival; he prefers to remain grounded. With the slightest encouragement, he remained in line with his brother and watched his friends make their trips unscathed. Right up to the final moment his trepidation was palpable, but with a fateful step he overruled his fears and surrendered himself to a faith that everything will be alright. At the end of his journey, Alex may not be ready to enlist in the Lost Boys, but his smile made me wanted to fly.
RAP (10.9.2008)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Power of Advertising
Monday afternoon Michael, Alex & Jenny spied a white car pulled over with its hood up, smoke pouring out of the engine with its owner surveying the situation. Michael proclaimed, "I sure hope that guy has Nationwide, because Nationwide is on your side." Michael is a bit innocent and trusting, and things that others might be skeptical of he accepts, so for a moment his intentions were unclear to his mother. However, they were never mysterious to his partner in crime, Alex, who quick as ever, responded, "I agree. Plus Nationwide gives you $500 cash back. Mom, do we have Nationwide?" Smirking in response to the surreal conversation she informed them, "No, we have Allstate. We're in good hands with Allstate." To which Michael mischeiviously queried "You mean State Farm?" It may not be "who's on first," but it amused everyone and is illustrated a more sophisticated side of Michael that should please the Mad Men everywhere.
RAP (10.8.2008)
RAP (10.8.2008)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Food Comes from the Land
Saturday we made our annual pilgrimage to the apple orchards and pumpkin patches of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Pataskala. There are similar places closer to our house, but we have so much history that it has a hold over us. Michael so heavily associates it with October. It will be quite a moment the autumn that we do not return. Alex has just as much fun, but he is not a child of October like his brother.
We picked up hay, jam, candy sticks, kettle corn and a variety of things. However, it is always the pumpkins and apples that matter in the end; they ensure the boys understand that food comes from the land and not from aisles of concrete and linoleum of the market.
RAP (10.7.2008)
We picked up hay, jam, candy sticks, kettle corn and a variety of things. However, it is always the pumpkins and apples that matter in the end; they ensure the boys understand that food comes from the land and not from aisles of concrete and linoleum of the market.
RAP (10.7.2008)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Denied or Spared
Due to Michael's allergies, Alex has been, depending on your point of view, denied or spared the fast food that is a staple of the modern diet. However, on Saturday mornings when his practice finishes before his brother's we indulge him with cini-minis from Burger King.
Alex is a someone who likes to do things with style and an ordinary snack for team would not do; he promised his teammates that he would bring them cini-minis for his snack. His game is after the hours they are sold, so we were a bit incredulous. However, we agreed that if he could get them to do it, we would do it.
Yesterday he went to the establishment on Sawmill Road and talked to the manager, Missy. She said that they couldn't do it, but after explained his story and flashed her his baby browns. She dialed the regional manager and relayed the story and age. Alex carried the day once more, and his team will not be denied or spared his largess.
RAP(10.6.2008)
Alex is a someone who likes to do things with style and an ordinary snack for team would not do; he promised his teammates that he would bring them cini-minis for his snack. His game is after the hours they are sold, so we were a bit incredulous. However, we agreed that if he could get them to do it, we would do it.
Yesterday he went to the establishment on Sawmill Road and talked to the manager, Missy. She said that they couldn't do it, but after explained his story and flashed her his baby browns. She dialed the regional manager and relayed the story and age. Alex carried the day once more, and his team will not be denied or spared his largess.
RAP(10.6.2008)
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Days are Cooler, Darker and the Colors are Richer
The days are cooler, darker (making us play in the velvet of twilight) and the colors are richer: autumn is arriving. This weekend we will embrace the season fully as we expect to go the pumpkin patch, gather apples in an orchard and partake of a hay ride in two.
An integral part of our autumns is the boys' birthdays; at the moment our biggest activity is planning the celebration for Michael's eleventh. He has asserted control over it this year, and I am glad he has decided to return it to our house. I've always thought that those were the best parties and had the most character, plus I can't wait to break out the dark lights and dry ice. Michael's best friend Jon moved to Louisiana and that has been hard on him; it is my hope that his party can be a tonic and help him connect with others as well as he did with Jon. Aiding him socially is one of the biggest reasons I have always put so much into their parties, and for the most part I think it has worked. With some good fortune perhaps this party will help autumn's days be bright and warm for Michael.
An integral part of our autumns is the boys' birthdays; at the moment our biggest activity is planning the celebration for Michael's eleventh. He has asserted control over it this year, and I am glad he has decided to return it to our house. I've always thought that those were the best parties and had the most character, plus I can't wait to break out the dark lights and dry ice. Michael's best friend Jon moved to Louisiana and that has been hard on him; it is my hope that his party can be a tonic and help him connect with others as well as he did with Jon. Aiding him socially is one of the biggest reasons I have always put so much into their parties, and for the most part I think it has worked. With some good fortune perhaps this party will help autumn's days be bright and warm for Michael.
RAP(10.3.2008)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Just Two Boys and Ball
Things are very busy for the boys; football, piles of homework and never ending demands all eating into their ever important playtime. Sunday night while I was baking cookies, the boys were horsing around in the backyard, allowing me to capture a few photos between batches.
Nothing special really, just two boys and ball playing a keep away chase me game like boys have always done. On the other hand, maybe that makes it really special; in this era of pixels, bytes and high speed internet boys still choose to spend their ever dwindling free time running around playing made up games that require no electrons.
RAP(10.1.2008)
Nothing special really, just two boys and ball playing a keep away chase me game like boys have always done. On the other hand, maybe that makes it really special; in this era of pixels, bytes and high speed internet boys still choose to spend their ever dwindling free time running around playing made up games that require no electrons.
RAP(10.1.2008)
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