BlogSchmog | We live as if the world were as it should be, to show it what it can be.

Carter has worked recently on Stuntology, a book on pranks, tricks and astounding acts of daring.

This afternoon he nudged Kevin out of the way so he could show him a trick- he then ran as fast as he could through all the junk in our living room, around the pantry and out the back door, across the backyard and then jumped on our swingset—all while screaming unintelligible yet exciting sounds.

Carter, budding stuntman

Our neighbor was watching. He was less than impressed, and Carter was forced to up the ante. Searching for that stunt that would truly catch the attention of the neighborhood, Carter spent the rest of the afternoon hurling himself at the swing, face first.

After several attempts, he got the result he wanted—he missed the swing with his body, grabbing it instead with his neck, flipping himself backward onto the ground like a hapless victim of the Foot Fist Way. It was one of those accidents that gives every parent nightmares about head and neck injuries. From across the yard he looked like a tangled up Woody doll, arms and legs askew over crushed torso and head. If I had just a smidge more energy I would have raced across the yard to rescue him.

Carter: (standing a bit unsteadily, grinning) I’m OK!

Carter holds his hands out to calm the crowds.

Me: Really? That looked painful.

Carter: No! I’m great. It was fun.

Me: Carter, it looked like it really hurt. It was loud and your neck got caught.

Carter: No! That was possibly the best moment of my entire life!

Could be worse.