The Scholarly Mamas Society

Before marriage and motherhood, my inner circle was academic in nature, populated with all sorts of interesting, scholarly types. I love being a mother, but lately I've been missing my intellectual life an awful lot. So I inquired about a book club meeting at the library, asking whether or not my 13-month-old son would be welcome. The response was positive, as long he didn't disturb anyone.

Well, as the mother of a toddler, I'm always "disturbed," so to speak, and I know that my very active son won't play quietly in a corner whilst I participate in a lively discussion of Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera. So it occurred to me to seek out other mothers with scholarly interests and form The Scholarly Mamas Society (TSMS). To that end, on Friday afternoon I'll be meeting with a librarian from Denton Public Library's North Branch to discuss TSMS.

If you're a fellow Scholarly Mama, stay tuned for more info, and let me know if you're interested in TSMS!

THE SCHOLARLY MAMAS SOCIETY

Who We Are

We are scholars. We are creators and cultivators. We are thinkers of original thoughts. We are Mothers.

Our Purpose

To provide an opportunity for mothers of children of all ages to meet in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a common interest in literature and other forms of culture.

At monthly meetings, members discuss literary and cultural texts of interest while we change diapers, chase after our kiddos, etc.

Our children are always welcome at our gatherings.

A Birthday Wish List

A birthday wish list for my precious son, who is one-year-old today: health, happiness, love, and wholeness.

I love you, baby boy. Happy first birthday!

Cavemama off to nurse her yearling.

"Where did you come from, baby dear?"

"Baby" is a lovely little poem by George Macdonald. I happened upon it while pregnant with my son, whose first birthday is tomorrow.

I can barely remember life before my son came into being, before I knew he was growing inside of my womb. I feel he has been with me always, and I love him with my entire being. On this, the eve of his first birthday, I find my mood both elated and melancholy. What joy my son brings to my life! What sadness I feel for every moment I did not fully appreciate during this past year...

Read Macdonald's poem. It will tug at your heart.

My son's eyes are not blue, and his forehead is not "smooth and high," but I marvel at him just the same. And I often wonder, "Where did you come from, baby dear?" Now, I know all about the birds and the bees. What I mean is that I wonder about the essence of my son-- his personality, his character, his soul.

He amazes me, and I wonder how he came to be and how he came to be ours: "But how did you come to us, you dear? God thought about you, and so I am here."

I don't think there's much more that I could possibly add to that.

Cavemama off to dry her eyes and love on her baby boy.