To pause is a good thing. Horses are most appreciative when we pause because it takes time to process what it is we are asking them to do. For example, saying head up and then yanking on the rope fails to give them time to translate our language into theirs.

Same with people. English speakers don’t pause much. We leave no space in between what we are saying and what the person we are speaking to is saying. If we left pauses between statements, the responses will of course be more thoughtful and less reactive.

We are all in such a hurry; this is reflective of our desire to bombard others with ideas. I think we should all slow down and enjoy the pauses. The world would definitely be a better place because there would be fewer misunderstandings.

I do not know where to go from here. I pause. Answers then make themselves apparent.

I have a plan. I am going to propose to the Summer in the Park(s) staff that we put together a document detailing what we’ve done this summer. The rain has put a damper (pun intended) on our program. Today we had four children and one adult show up. This seemed to have an effect on morale, which was rather low.

We got the shelter up and set up basecamp in just minutes. Two regulars came to see what was going on – they are obviously very comfortable in our presence. Kora read them a children’s book about Philippe Petit’s high wire crossing between the world trade towers, and then we had them play with plastic cups, balancing them on one another. After, they did the obstacle course.

Were the children making connections between all these activities? I think so. It has been too carefully thought out to think otherwise.

I may be able to boast morale by our collectively working on my proposed document.

For example, today it was a wise idea, using the remaining time that we had on hand, to work on the curriculum. But it would be a waste to let all that we’ve produced and could be used by others, just go into the stratosphere.

So I am going to suggest to staff that we put together this document in the next few weeks. We can share this with funders and those who show an interest in our program. It could be a jumping off point for next summer’s project.

Me, I do not know what my next summer’s role is going to be. Maybe this document might be a guide for others wanting to work on this, and other like programs. Hmm, maybe there is funding out there, for the production and dissemination of this document.

Next summer, also have everyone keep a journal. No ideas but in things.

Next: 197. 7/21/26: Weather Obsessive