Parenting Via the Web...
With the family in Shetland, my interaction with my wife and kids is limited to phone calls every few days. Not nearly good enough. Where to turn for more about them? Why, the internet of course!
So, it's via blog that I get a first look at where my kids are going to school, on Girl Cat Snoozing.
It's via blog that I keep track of what Gudrun's up to, on The Shetland Trader.
It's via other people's blogs that I hear tributes to her work: Mary Jane, Midge & Mink. (Includes both her and her mother's work. Very kind.)
And it's via YouTube that I get to see my kids casually navigating Shetland's gusty landscape...
Kinda weird, but ah, well, it's better than nothing. And I do have the Akarans to keep me company. That's something...
So, it's via blog that I get a first look at where my kids are going to school, on Girl Cat Snoozing.
It's via blog that I keep track of what Gudrun's up to, on The Shetland Trader.It's via other people's blogs that I hear tributes to her work: Mary Jane, Midge & Mink. (Includes both her and her mother's work. Very kind.)
And it's via YouTube that I get to see my kids casually navigating Shetland's gusty landscape...
Kinda weird, but ah, well, it's better than nothing. And I do have the Akarans to keep me company. That's something...
Labels: Family Stuff
posted by David Anthony Durham at
11:26 AM
9 Comments:
Well, great knitwear does seem to make more sense in Shetland than in Fresno...
And stunning landscape. Reminds me of time spent on the coast of Ireland (which is my favourite landscape in the world - I've been lots of beautiful places, but nothing quite like that).
The Web does have some advantages, doesn't it? Best of luck with everything.
Bryan Russell
When I was working in Iceland, one of the writers got webcams for himself and his family. They'd use skype to talk in the evenings and sometimes just leave the window open. He said it was like they were in the virtual living room while he was working in his office.
Once, the kids had run out of the room for a second and the family dog started to reach for a slice of pizza. My friend saw the dog, yelled "No!" and the dog, with a look of terrible guilt, dropped back to the ground.
He also used to take his kids on "tours" of the studio by walking the laptop around with the camera on so they could see what was happening and "meet" his co-workers.
It was pretty cool.
Thanks, Bryan.
Mary, yes, we did Skype a couple of times. Thing was I think the connection on their side wasn't the best. The images didn't come through in time with the words. BUT I'm glad you mentioned it because when we tried it when they were using my father in law's desktop. Now Gudrun has her laptop up and running on the wireless, and maybe that would be quicker - with the built in camera etc. We'll have to give it another go. Thanks for the reminder!
Still, it'll qualify as "Parenting via the Web"...
-David.
Oh man, Skype kept my relationship alive while my girlfriend studied in Brussels.
I have my 10-year high school reunion coming up, and the internet's making it moot.
I did have that skype convo this morning. Ah, the joy... And I made the kids laugh. Had a blond wig and a big velvet red hat on when they first saw me. Gudrun was worried, but I "convinced" them I was still sane.
Awwwwwww. How long before you're all back together again?
Hopefully not long...
Stephe,
I'm going over for Christmas. I'll have about three weeks over there, and then I'll need to leave for a residency in Maine for five days. After that I'll head back to Fresno and, phew, the family will join me! It's a strange few months, but I know it's a memorable time for Gudrun and the kids. It's worth it.
Judging by that YouTube footage either Maya and Sage suddenly have very short arms or Gudrun has her measurements all wrong....
We bought those jumpers over a year ago, quite a bit too big. But the kids love them. If all goes well, we'll get about six years worth of wear out of them. See? Thinking ahead, like.
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