Last week, I took a class on Skillshare. I've written about Skillshare before. For $10 a month, I get access to free classes taught on many subjects, some by some very famous people like Seth Godin. In fact, if you are interested in trying it, please email me here and I will forward you an offer for 3 months at  $0.99.  

Anyway, this particular class, led by Andrew Knapp, is titled Photograph Your Muse: One Subject, Endless Possibilities. Andrew's dog, Momo is his muse. That dog might also be an early iteration of the 23rd century's Dalai Lama, as he is the most peaceful, friendly creature and allows himself to be posed in ridiculously adorable compositions. Go here to follow Andrew and Momo. 

This class is part of my ongoing effort to improve my Instagram game. Andrew gives lots of practical advice on lighting, composition, and even lets us watch him edit. Most of the students in the class chose their pets as their muse. I chose my puppets. (You can read more about my finger puppets here.)

So every week or so, I will photograph my puppets doing the things that their real life counterparts are doing. These pics will act as a visual prompt for me to write about humorous aspects of family life -- my favorite blog subject! If you would like to see the pics on Instagram, follow me here. I'll be posting them on the blog too.  

This week's post documents son #4 learning how to drive. Please note that my finger puppet is covering her eyes. Because she has taught four boys to drive but it never gets easier.

Admittedly according to my kids, I am not the preferred parent in the passenger seat. I go from calm to eye-bulging screams in much less time than my better half. Son #3 once complained that I "decided" to be freaked out. Like there was a rational decision involved. Like when he nearly plowed into a street worker, I chose to shriek "Watch that man!" instead of gently suggesting that perhaps it would be in everyone's best interest if at some point he could guide the car away from the nice construction worker WHO IS A LIVING BREATHING HUMAN BEING WITH A FAMILY AND A DESIRE TO LIVE. That decision. 

My better half is not entirely immune. He remembers thinking carefully about the best 'safe place' for son #1's first behind-the-wheel. They drove to the elementary school on a Sunday morning, empty except for a couple of kids on the monkey bars, yards away on the playground. Moments later, our son promptly drove off the concrete onto the grass, heading towards said playground. Either he was unaware that turning the steering wheel actually turned the car or he wanted to play.

My husband came home shaken and pale. I smirked into my cup of tea. 

But with all four drivers we have maintained a facade of optimism that all will work out. And it will. Even son #1 eventually got his driver's license -- third time's the charm! A few weeks after the state of Wisconsin deemed him competent, he sauntered into our bedroom, chuckling, and said, "I've got the funniest story! Remember last week when I backed into that tree? Well I did it again. The exact same tree!" 

You can imagine our rip-roaring laughter. 

If you recognize yourself in my puppets, then we should hang out together! Subscribe below for a Friday morning email. I won't let any of my goofy sons near your email address.