I am not so sure the rejection was really about the knives per say, so much as the fear that I would be overcome by the power of such amazing new knives and they would inspire me to take on some other extravagantly huge project, like wedding catering, in my already busy life. For those of you who didn't know me when I did a season of this once, not by any intention of mine at all.I had a full time faculty position at a college teaching, but Ii would get these imploring phone calls- how to say no?(Let me caveat- People accuse me of not being able to say no- this is not true I am actually good at saying no,I can go to a home based business jewelry-kitchen tool-make-up- muklti-level marketing party and walk out empty handed, but when it comes to something creative, or a new challenge that's where I have a problem) In fact it got to the point that my husband would answer the phone and tell people who called inquiring that I was really a college instructor and I was not catering anymore!). Really I think it was a case of them being too afraid to add one more thing to my life, even though it was only kitchen tools.
My parents have been know to sometimes skip steps in terms of the logic of their explanations, like the time I was in high school and getting something out of the hall closet and the popcorn popper fell down. It started my dad on a seriously concerned discussion that maybe I shouldn't drive yet because I had not sufficiently developed the ability to foresee and prevent accidents (this story lives on in infamy in our family lore).
"Do you really think you can care for the said knives in a manner necessary?"
I like to think so. While I am a firm believer in letting my dishwasher reach the full measure of it's creation. The power of these knives to cut anything as though it were butter does engender a deep respect and as well as proper care and handling. I could rinse and dry a knife, I think...
"How do you respond to the statement about your children and the knives?"
I do not take this as a slight to my parenting. Those of you who know my crew know I do have a very independent 3 year old who has helped himself to sharp knives, by way of kitchen stools, on numerous occasions in attempts to cut cheese and fruit for himself. Although we know dull knives can actually be more dangerous, the calphalon katana knives could easily sever limbs in a single action. I actually like to think of myself as very attentive mother. I spend most of my day playing with and facilitating wholesome activities for my children, who have little to no TV time (the result of way too many hours of lectures on child development). While I may take my eyes of my children for brief moments like a 30 second bathroom room- 1x a day- Ii have perfected the camel's art. I can accept that in those scarce moments glasses can be flushed down toilets, cake servings procured by way of a lacrosse stick and other such unfortunate events.
Maybe this fear is simply explained by the fact that I have 3 energetic and creative boys whereas I was one of two well mannered little girls which we know create very different domestic animals.
"What did your parents do to make up for this?"
They requested picking up the tab from my recent bedroom redux as an alternative gift. After all sleep is something they can support wholeheartedly for me. In fact they implore me quite regularly to get more sleep. Maybe there was a moral component to it, buying something that might encourage my creative habits would be like supporting the diamond trade.
"How did you parents feel about this post?"
They have yet to know it is posted.
I told my mother as I wrote the post. She laughed then whacked me on the shoulder (insert strong laughter here if you know my mother) and threatened me that Ii should not post such slander about her on the Internet. She said she would rebut with comments saying I did not tell the full story. I reminded her I had full comment delete power.
My father, I told him about my intentions to post as we were buying him a pair of charcoal Perry Ellis wrinkle- release pants at Macy's. He immediately defended himself saying he had been bidding for them for me on ebay but without success (remember I come from thrifty practical stock). He also said he was looking into other knives that required less maintenance that he thought would be fitting for my life. I told him in earnest I desired the knives and he said he'd check his stash in the closet because he had some extras (Whhaattt??) and he might give me, ONE!
my mother just threatened that she would not help me wean my baby if I dared to post my story- can you believe the emotionally controlling behaviors? she accused me of being opportunistic and exploiting the situation in the name of good blogging...me, never!
1. parents who help with the kids 2. creamsicle smoothies 3. playing football in shirtsleeves
(11 days in Utah and Nevada)... 
Penguins inspired by the book Hello, Cupcake. (although they didn't not turn out right due to a change in frosting and the eyes being delivered 2 hrs to late by UPS!)
The owl idea is courtesy of an awesome book Hello, Cupcake! (but slightly modified)
