The Moose's Speech

The King's Speech ranks among my favorite movies of all times.  Colin Firth's portrayal of King George VI's struggle with to overcome a lifelong speech impediment is singularly sympathetic, humorous, touching, and regal.

The final scenes see the King preparing for, and then making, a live radio address following the declaration of World War II in 1939. 

We see him practicing with his elocution coach, Lionel Logue (played wonderfully by Geoffrey Rush) 

" 'I send to every household of my . . .' You see, P is always difficult, even when I am singing."

"Bounce onto it.  A-peoples," Logue advises him.

The technique works, and the King's speech is a success.

It seems that the Moose has been taking Logue's advice, despite never having seen the film - to my knowledge.

Moose was whining Saturday night (not unexpected after spending Friday and Saturday convalescing).  He had gotten up from the dinner table and then come back to hover at my feet. 

"Blap," said Moose.


"What is he asking for?" Daddy Moose asked.


I couldn't help but laugh as I explained, "He wants my 'lap' but still has trouble with some words starting with a soft 'L'." 

"He's bouncing on to it."

Some Monday Light Reading

It's Monday.  The Moose spent half the weekend sick, before joyfully bouncing back - and passing it on to me.  So no Tot School post today, and no recipe, either.

However, if you're looking for some good reads about subjects that are not related to last night's Big Game, the Halftime Show, or the commercials, may I recommend the following:

My Moose is as spirited as they come.  I found great comfort (and some good ideas) in this wonderful post on Loving a Wild One over at (in)Courage.

I shamelessly indulge in any bit of trivia about Queen Elizabeth.  Thankfully, there seems like there will be plenty to be had in this, her Diamond Jubilee Year.  These glimpses into her  upbringing, personality and "real" life are a delight if you are similarly inclined.

Speaking of delightful English things, if you've been looking for a way to explain Downton Abbey to your male friends, this should help (thank you, SNL, for this great public service).

And if you're in the mood to spend a few minutes in the kitchen, these recent recipes were a hit (before I was struck down by the Moose's latest daycare ick)!

• Sarah's Brown Rice and Avocado Salad with Vietnamese Dressing.
• Gina's Skinny Green Monster Smoothie.

(And if you do want a little something from last night's festivities - I shan't name the event, lest I be struck down by the NFL - here's my favorite ad; I might be from a GM and Ford family, but these days, my Motor City pride swells to the tune of Chrysler's ads.)


Photo Credit

Soul-Searching and Self-Doubt

I read this article recently about Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Maids of Honour, and I found myself hung up on this quote from Lady Rosemary Muir (who was, at the time of the coronation, Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill):

Soul-searching and self-doubt is such a modern thing . . .

These words came back to my mind today, as I drove to the office, agonizing over yet another screaming-crying goodbye with the Moose when I left him at daycare.  

What am I doing wrong that he cries like that when I leave?  And why now - this has been our routine since he was a baby?

If Lady Rosemary's words are, indeed, a correct sociological observation, I might have be spared such thoughts, such guilt, were I born to a different time.

Then again, perhaps soul-searching and self-doubt are indicative of the evolution of human understanding and human connection, and I am better off with sadness (and a few tears of my own) if it leads to a better response to my son's emotional needs.

Or is he just going through a phase?

Or maybe I just need some more coffee?

What do you think? Is soul-searching (and, yes, self-doubt) better for us in the long run?  Or is ignorance bliss?