sign language | Tuesdays with Laurie

Our neighbor across the street drives a school bus. Each weekday morning we hear a deep rumble as she starts the bus engine, rev’s it up, and then goes back inside to enjoy a cup of coffee while it idles to warm. Her route consists of elementary aged children she transports to and from school so they can learn reading, writing, arithmetic, and numerous social skills.

I would venture to guess that most of the people reading my blog no longer ride a school bus, but we do continue to learn. Whether it’s for our job, a hobby we enjoy, or out of necessity like troubleshooting an issue on our computer or mobil device, the lifelong practice of learning benefits us in so many ways—it broadens our horizons and makes us much more interesting to be around.

Several years ago Len and I attended the Center of Deafness in Northbrook, Illinois where we learned American Sign Language (ASL). We soon discovered, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Since my right leg has been in a cast, I’ve refreshed my knowledge of the alphabet and I’m re-learning a new word each day.

What’s your most recent learning?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

The Book — Discovering the Seven Selves
The Experience — Life Harmony

Find me on Twitter @HolEssence

Earplugs can help to create the delicious sound of silence

When I pulled the soft, yellow foam earplugs out of my ears I heard a noise like an alarm in the distance. I knew it wasn’t the alarm clock; we’re up early naturally, so we never set it. After a little investigation, I discovered that it was my camera letting me know I’d forgotten to recharge the battery.

There are certain noises I don’t want to hear—snoring is one of them—that’s why I wear earplugs to bed (yellow).

A few years ago when Len and I attended The Center on Deafness in Deerfield, Illinois we instituted one “deaf” day a week where we wore three-flange earplugs (blue) all day and only spoke in sign language—whether we were at home, or not. It was during that window of time that I really learned the pleasure of immersing myself in the delicious sound of silence.

When we ride our bikes, I wear “wind” plugs (flesh color). I can still hear (because of a small hole down the center), but wind can’t get in. That becomes increasingly important as the weather gets colder. If I need to convert them to earplugs (no sound), all I have to do is insert the little cylinders into the holes and, Voilà!

It’s rare that I put something in my ears for the purpose of hearing. Many people enjoy music through ear-buds attached to their iPod, or computer. I prefer listening to music in more of a surround-sound style, with my ears unencumbered. If I’m watching a DVD on my laptop that Len’s not interested in, I wear soft, over-the-ear headphones.

I’m incredibly grateful for my hearing, but I’m also glad that I have the option of blocking out certain noises. When was the last time you wore earplugs—what noise were you blocking?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: sign language

The Delicious Sound of Silence