Saturday, April 09, 2016

More Rain :: Ninety Nine

Every day that it rains here feels like another prayer answered. The world smells better, my thoughts shift and ease, and not just because we need the water. The change in the weather is like fresh sheets on the bed, opening a window to a new view, clearing out a junk drawer, finding cash in an old coat pocket... It inspires, refreshes, and feels good. 

Picture a Day with Infinity More Monkeys.

(Still working on my dead Mac issue. Did you know there was an Apple hard drive recall? Yeah, me neither...)

Friday, April 08, 2016

Five Loads of Laundry, Oh My :: Ninety Eight

Almost as scary as lions and tigers and bears, all the clean clothes that needed folding and hanging. I announced, laundry party, then popped in a good movie. Maria and I got it all done by the time Dorothy and friends reached the Emerald City.  Maria deserves a medal for courage... she was all heart, pairing heaps of socks. It was raining, too, which made our Laundry Party even cozier. 

Picture a Day with Infinity More Monkeys.

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Facing T Rex :: Ninety Seven

Maria invited Leo over so they could step into the Rift. Virtual reality... it's pretty freaking cool. After using the Oculus, they played (real world) chess, and even I am wondering... how about stepping onto the board, to play and move pieces? The effect of this tool is remarkable, and fun to share. I loved standing in Lost, which, more than anything, made me homesick for a redwood, fern canyon I love. And I am certain that this device and the media created for it could do a lot of good to help people recover and heal from any number of struggles and conditions. The world is full of wonders!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Guayabas :: Noventaiseis

We wish we had noventaiseis guayabas. One of William, Alex, Max, and Maria's favorite fruits are guavas. Fortunadamente, our little tree gives us more and more every year.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Tuesday, April 05, 2016

Some Colors :: Ninety Five

Some colors are alluring. Some colors make me content, wistful, optimistic. Some colors are favorites. And sometimes it's to do with light, with shapes and textures, and the patina. There are stories, here, and I'd love to hear some of them.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Monday, April 04, 2016

Shine Brighter












Not far from home, up the coast a bit, we went to see about a school for Max; he has a decision to make, from some really good choices. (That's my "humble brag" for a young man who has worked diligently, exceptionally, and deserves tremendous recognition for his efforts.) We decided to make an occasion of our visit, and spent the night before in a hotel. Maria swam in a nice pool, we walked all over Balboa Island, had dinner out, explored neighborhoods, and points of interest... like a game and comic store. While Max and I went to an official reception, and Q & A seminars, Geoff and Maria walk around campus, touring. For the record: Maria likes both UCSD and UCI. She would like to be at 'a quiet school where she can study programming and art.' I love her foresight and calm reflection. Max, too, has been calmly reflecting, as he weighs his options, with foresight and reason; I trust he will make a good choice.

{In another, anonymous, perhaps private blog... I'd confess my own insecurities and self-doubts, because while I am keenly aware that this phase, this transition, is about Max, his future, his life, I cannot help but feel twinges, growing pangs, of my own. And I wonder: Why don't we have showers, ceremonies, for parents who have made it through colic, first steps, all the unexpected paths and detours, dirty socks, love, traditions, bonding, adolescence, college apps? Parents should gather around a campfire, or beneath the full moon, or both. We should howl and cry and laugh, and praise each other for what has been achieved, and to ponder what lies ahead. Tips, referrals, hugs, and commiseration would be much appreciated. I wouldn't ask my child to be there... to see me teary and immodestly recanting all the hurdles, late nights, successes, fears, doubts, joys, the moments I am loath to see slip away. I love being a mother, I love the children we have, who they are, and who they are becoming, and nothing about this "phase" has me hastening an end, a finish line. So... maybe I am going to need a nudge, a gentle, compassionate way to move into the changes we are facing, to let go a little more. Yes, all of this could be safely shared on a private blog, where my sentimental, proud, a bit anxious and over-thinking musings could be discreetly pondered, contemplated. Otherwise, it's all bit too much.}

Every bit of parenting has been a joy for me... yes, even the hard bits, because they put me in awe of what is possible, of the power of love to carry us forward. In each of our children's lives I have been witness to stories unfolding, developing, and each new chapter has me enthralled. No two stories the same, but each compelling and dear to me. I am honored to be connected to these people, to know them, to love them, and be loved by them. It does go quickly... if you have toddlers, or a baby, I am sure plenty of people have warned you. Well, it's true. Suddenly, all of my hopes and time, and theories are applied, tested, and I have an individual standing before me, and it's time to release him, to step back and see him shine brighter, on his own... maybe a bit more on his own. {I am the one taking baby steps, now~}

Playing Around :: Ninety Four

"You can smell the iron," Maria announced. She loved her first time riding a merry-go-round... the good old kind, unpadded, with a piercing squeak, worn paint, physics in play.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Sunday, April 03, 2016

Carla Bruni Rose :: Ninety Three

We have our very own Cecile Brunner rose! Only Geoff always remembers it as Carla Bruni. The singer. Have you heard seen her?? Both are beautiful. I love our Carla Bruni Rose.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.