Backlog

I've got a backlog of posts occupying space in my mind, and the weight of them actually keeps me from writing. History has taught me that while I would love a grand post to get back into writing, which I thoroughly enjoy, sometimes you need a simple topic with some easy words.

Roland is a really hardy guy. He's not run a fever since he was a baby, so when he had a couple coughs on Friday morning we didn't think much of it, and he gave us no reason too. Saturday morning he was diagnosed with strep and the flu. 

24 hours of serious medications later I watched him laugh with Brian and it occurred to me just how much I had missed his voice. Spending an entire day with the scary-sick-zombie version of him made us extremely aware of how much we enjoy...everything about him. Roland didn't do anything for 24 hours. No stories, no forts, no trains, no art and most definitely, no laugh. Monday afternoon he finally came to me and said he wanted to draw and I knew he was definitely on the mend. Monday night he got in an argument with Aria - definitely well enough to go to school.

Speaking of drawing, Roland draws probably about three (or more) hours a day. First of the morning, at school, before and after dinner, in the car, all day if he could. He can draw for a five hour car ride. Partner this activity with his modeling - sculpting pieces together with tape - and he's creating some pretty impressive works lately. Thursday he told me he was going to draw, "Live on the Green." as I dropped him off in his class at school. When I picked him up, I was blown away! And so were the teachers. They asked him if they could keep it, but he said no, it was for me.

What's funny is Roland wasn't a big fan of tape a couple years ago and now it's his go-to tool. You can see some of his other drawings and tape creations on the wall behind him, and I save each and every one. (Looks like I am going to take up book binding...)

I love the band: keyboards, drums, lead guitar...and all the fans in the grass dancing. He constantly surprises me with his art, and I love that this one is based off of so many great memories of being their live. It also shows me how he experienced it. That being said, we've just discovered Angry Birds as a family (I'm the last hold-out) and this weekend he created angry bird obstacle courses out of blocks and cars and then tonight on the drive home was drawing his own angry bird scenes. Angry Birds, Live on the Green...whatever, as long as he's happy and continues to enjoy art!

There, first post of the year!