Today was Fete Francaise, the yearly French Block Party that serves as the major fundraising event for scholarships for our kids’ school. Each year, all the kids perform at Fete.
Remember how the last time Will performed at school, he exceeded his previous stage-related penchants of yawning and nose-picking in favor of giving out wet-willies to other kids? Right. Well.
I’ll show you how it went. Let me set the stage, so to speak.
There’s a lot of people there.
And the kids are all lined up on stage with parents crowded in as close as possible.
Cameras are everywhere. All kinds of Serious. Cameras.
And it’s Fete, the most important day of the year for the school, so folks are really into it.
The kids are lined up on stage, ready to sing all sorts of deep philosophical things about Sartre and Voltaire. All in French, of course, which is important because, as Fancy Nancy says, “everything in French sounds Fancy.”
So sweet.
Wait. Except. What? That kid on the end?
Right, that one.
Yes, that’s the same one. Good. I’m glad he can be seen from all sides, then. Just so everyone can experience it. Who is he, anyway?
Oh, WILL. Good thing he has that notebook so clearly marked. Just so EVERYONE can know EXACTLY who he is. No question, then.
Okay. So, what’s that kid, Will… what is he DOING?
What is he doing indeed.
Okay. Click on the video below. Sound recommended. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
That kid on the end of the school performance. from Cold Spaghetti on Vimeo.
Still, I’ll take this over wet-willies. I’m calling it a success.
Kelly | 21-Mar-10 at 6:53 am | Permalink
Priceless. Wow.
Emmy | 21-Mar-10 at 8:54 am | Permalink
Will is the effin’ coolest!
Lady M | 21-Mar-10 at 11:30 pm | Permalink
What a star!
head lima bean | 22-Mar-10 at 9:59 am | Permalink
i’m sitting here with my leg propped up…it’s rest time…and your video just made my day. thanks will! i can’t wait until we have concerts in these parts to attend!
Lucy | 22-Mar-10 at 1:47 pm | Permalink
He is very, very special!!!
I just loved it!
julie | 22-Mar-10 at 3:42 pm | Permalink
please give that kid a big ol’ bisou right on top of his rock star head. xoxo j
Barb | 23-Mar-10 at 12:19 pm | Permalink
I think Will’s moves are very much in the best French tradition — as in “oooh la la”!
Imperatrix | 24-Mar-10 at 1:14 pm | Permalink
That is one fantastique set of photos! Great move-bustin’, indeed. Just a warning, though: those crotch holding ones will be grounds for teen angst in a few years…
christine | 25-Mar-10 at 10:59 am | Permalink
The French tradition, barb, is not to let kids playing the “star”, and their mother encouraging them: this will give the most unruly kid and youg man you can wish. Good luck!
Amy | 25-Mar-10 at 11:36 am | Permalink
Oh Christine, I don’t know what French you have been hanging out with, but being creative, animated and confident definitely is within the French tradition. One thing that isn’t, however, is rude people who think that criticizing a young child for being a child and taking down his mama while she’s at it. Nope, not a French thing. That’s a douche bag thing. Just saying…
Holly, you are an absolutely fabulous mother is so many ways. I especially appreciate the fact that you know children are children only once and that they should be allowed to act as such, without letting our adult hang ups on what people will transfer onto your children.
Emmy | 25-Mar-10 at 12:15 pm | Permalink
Au contraire, Christine. I’m fairly certain that the French are all about love…and not shame.
Nor are they cowards. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t link your comment to where we could engage you directly.
Christoph | 25-Mar-10 at 12:52 pm | Permalink
Joakim Noah and Thierry Henry must not be French, then.
By all means, do not encourage your child to express themselves with confidence. Instead, repress their spirit and encourage them to be timid and unsure of themselves. Ca marche.
chrissieroux | 25-Mar-10 at 1:03 pm | Permalink
Get a life, Christine! Obviously you have never met this FANTASTIC child and his AMAZING mother; if you had you would know better than to post this kind of ridiculous drivel.
Holly, I just love this. I just love Will.
violet elder | 25-Mar-10 at 5:34 pm | Permalink
Aw, poor Christoph, obviously a victim of prior educational abuse. We don’t do it this way anymore, sweetie. We teach the discpline with rewards; the result is vibrant, happy, intelligent children. Hugs to you.
Violet
violet elder | 25-Mar-10 at 6:53 pm | Permalink
I meant Christine, not Christoph–sorry–recovering from a medical procedure and too much Vicodin. As a parent of two very different-drummer-marchers, who acted out a lot but still managed to turn into two very awesome adults, I say Paul and Holly should stay the course.
E Rooney | 25-Mar-10 at 9:45 pm | Permalink
Holly, I was just reflecting on the fact that I rarely read Cold Spaghetti, but I did read this well-written piece the other day. It was a delight to see, having missed the actual performance. I love and appreciate (as will your kids) how you succinctly capture/chronicle the essence of their childhood experiences. What a gift to them (and to us).
I then read through the comments and saw a comment from Christine and found it so odd that a stranger (she must be a stranger because it would be impossible to know you or your family) could presume to know someone else’s intentions/ motivations. Then I realized – she must really live a boring and mediocre life to postulate on your fabulous life. So, take her rudeness as a compliment to your great life, excellent parenting, and fabulous kids.