Emerson wrote, "Adopt the pace of
nature. Her secret is patience"
Ah. Deep breath. Seems I must
continually learn how to adopt this
pace; how to carry nature's patience
with me each and every day.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Fishing?
I don't fish.
I don't eat fish.
I don't like the smell of fish.
But my guys do.
My husband and son share a love of fishing.
It's one of their guy things,
And I love that they have it.
This campsite, only accessible by boat, is on the Prineville Resevoir in Oregon.
We love it there!
I get up real early for my morning coffee, the sunrise, some photos and quiet time.
The guys get up early to fish!
I love these photos of "my guys" together on the water in the quiet of the morning.
Some of my all time favorites of the two of them!
I don't eat fish.
I don't like the smell of fish.
But my guys do.
My husband and son share a love of fishing.
It's one of their guy things,
And I love that they have it.
This campsite, only accessible by boat, is on the Prineville Resevoir in Oregon.
We love it there!
I get up real early for my morning coffee, the sunrise, some photos and quiet time.
The guys get up early to fish!
I love these photos of "my guys" together on the water in the quiet of the morning.
Some of my all time favorites of the two of them!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A wish for all who stop by ~
“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace,
love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things.”
~ Maya Angelou
love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things.”
~ Maya Angelou
And what says joy more than a car full of
balloons
on the way to a party?!!
balloons
on the way to a party?!!
If you're reading this,
I'm wishing you joy!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, Sunday....
This Sunday was a get-a-lot-done-day!
Started with some quiet, alone time &
Some blog reading and writing...
Once I'd had some coffee, the crafting began!
In between the craft projects...
some cleaning and laundry did get done...Some.
Even found time for a fresh coat of polish!
I really am a homebody ~
And when you grow up thinking that something's
not ok to be,
it takes a long time to realize that's really who you are!!
Started with some quiet, alone time &
Some blog reading and writing...
Once I'd had some coffee, the crafting began!
some cleaning and laundry did get done...Some.
Even found time for a fresh coat of polish!
I really am a homebody ~
And when you grow up thinking that something's
not ok to be,
it takes a long time to realize that's really who you are!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Then You Become a Mother!
"You think that true love
is the only thing that can crush your heart....
The thing that will take your life
and light it up...
Or destroy it.
Then you become a mother."
Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy
These days my heart is stirring. Whirring and stirring. Pondering the passing of time, the passing of a torch. I'm willing myself to focus on the joys and the celebration and the wonderful beginnings in my little girl's life. There's such joy in knowing she has chosen, and been chosen right back.
We are preparing to celebrate in fine fashion with our new family.
And her life long dream of her own little family is beginning to come true.
In my quiet, alone moments, I have to admit that the selfish, "want my kids to be mine forever" side of my heart is breaking a bit. It's such a whirring and a stirring ~ who could have imagined being so fiercely happy and proud and, yet, a little bit broken hearted all at the same time?!
It's crazy.
So, thanks for listening to that little bit of sad mommy eeking out.
Back to the joy!
I mean, look at her happiness!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Aisle
The aisle will soon be steps
away. Not months away, not days
away. Mere steps away. Grandparents will
step gingerly, proudly. Linking our heritage
to our hopes. Parents will follow,
one step celebrates, the next remembers...
Her hero's steps are certain. Strong.
With his band of brothers he
marches forward, eager for new beginnings.
Sweet friends step softly, slowly preparing
her path, as they've prepared her
for this day. Then one bears
a ring, and small, innocent fingers
toss pretty petals. All for her.
As her steps keep pace with
the carefully chosen music, her heart
leaps, rushes, dances ahead. He's there.
Beaming. Waiting. Dad steadies her, as
always, until the aisle so long
awaited stretches out behind the bride.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Showered {with love}
"Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be just fine if you only will
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will"
James Taylor
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be just fine if you only will
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will"
James Taylor
Yesterday family and friends showered my daughter
{and her husband-to-be}
with lots and lots of love.
Mama's feeling very grateful to our
gracious hosts,
an incredible matron of honor,
all the beautiful bridesmaids....
and a sea of very helpful flower girls!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Preserving Connections
Photo collections from days long gone.
Choosing paper, writing stories, filling albums.
My joy? Connecting the past to
the present and yesterday to today.
Photo collections from days just past.
Choosing paper, recording anecdotes, filling albums.
My hope? To keep my family
to come forever connected to me!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
To New Moms....
These days I only give "advice" in the form of "this is what has helped me." Plenty of experts out there to tell us all what to do. I try and just share, since my research data only covers my experience with two subjects...cute subjects, it's true. But let's be real, my "data" comes from a really small sample!
I was a "new mom" in 1987...
And again in 1990...
So, I guess that makes me an old mom now! All the things they say about time flying by are true...but if you're a mom and reading this and keeping a blog, you're already doing the important job of storing up treasured photos and memories as your family grows and changes. So I don't have to suggest you do that!
I just have two thoughts.
First of all ~ As a young mom, I made one vow. And by vow, I mean the "before God" kind of vow. I promised that I would never let my kids embarrass me. To me, the job of being a parent was never about how I measured up as a parent or how my kids measured up against other kids. All of our children will hit rough patches and do some troubling things. Our job, it seems to me, is about getting them through these times without adding to their load any pressure to make us look good.
Along with that ~ Let's try to give all the support and kindness we can to each other as parents. Maybe we wouldn't be so troubled about what others think about our parenting, if we only ever said nice things about each other's children. It's sad to me how often I hear moms talking badly about other kids. And how easy it is to slip into that pattern. No wonder we're all stressed. We're quick to point out what little Johnny down the street needs help with and how his parents aren't paying enough attention to him. etc. etc. etc. Well, I'm here totell you share, that after 26 years of parenting....I cherish more than anything my friendships with people who I know love my kids for who they are and have, through their support and kindness, helped me along my parenting journey.
Here's to all the moms (old and new!) who've taken a moment to read this...I hope you LOVE your journey as much as I TREASURE mine!
I was a "new mom" in 1987...
And again in 1990...
So, I guess that makes me an old mom now! All the things they say about time flying by are true...but if you're a mom and reading this and keeping a blog, you're already doing the important job of storing up treasured photos and memories as your family grows and changes. So I don't have to suggest you do that!
I just have two thoughts.
First of all ~ As a young mom, I made one vow. And by vow, I mean the "before God" kind of vow. I promised that I would never let my kids embarrass me. To me, the job of being a parent was never about how I measured up as a parent or how my kids measured up against other kids. All of our children will hit rough patches and do some troubling things. Our job, it seems to me, is about getting them through these times without adding to their load any pressure to make us look good.
Along with that ~ Let's try to give all the support and kindness we can to each other as parents. Maybe we wouldn't be so troubled about what others think about our parenting, if we only ever said nice things about each other's children. It's sad to me how often I hear moms talking badly about other kids. And how easy it is to slip into that pattern. No wonder we're all stressed. We're quick to point out what little Johnny down the street needs help with and how his parents aren't paying enough attention to him. etc. etc. etc. Well, I'm here to
Here's to all the moms (old and new!) who've taken a moment to read this...I hope you LOVE your journey as much as I TREASURE mine!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wistful, Wishful Wednesday ~
Today's wish is for this family.
They are friends.
They inspire me to live more fully and chase my dreams.
They are preparing to chase a new dream of theirs
all the way across the county!
From east coast to west coast!!
Today's wish is for the fun they get to have before they leave,
and for the details of this big move to go smoothly,
and for all they will discover in their new home.
Today's wish is for their continued happiness!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I LOVE Tuesdays!
On Tuesdays friends come, lunch is prepared, and the basement fills up with croppers! Laughter and life stories (current and long past) are shared as we fill our albums with photos and memories. Occasionally there are a few tears. Tensions of the week melt away as we {ahem} complain a bit, raise child raising questions and fill each other in on everything from sales and decorating to good books, celebrity gossip and the current goings on with our families.
Sometimes we call it scrapbooking.
Sometimes we call it therapy!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Free to Remember
"Let freedom reign...the sun never set on so glorious a human
achievement."
Nelson Mandela
Chicken on the grill as the sun set off our back deck on Saturday.
The day was spent baking cookies,
running errands,
playing with a sweet baby,
watching a college soccer game,
celebrating a four year old's birthday
and sitting quietly with my husband for the evening.
The flags were at half-mast
in the town centers
and over the soccer field.
Because we do remember.
Because we choose to remember.
Because we are free to remember.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Move Away?
Stay inside. Lock the doors. One
gunman caught, two at large. No
cars allowed on our street. Real
live SWAT guys and the FBI.
That was Tuesday. In my neighborhood.
A failed jewelry store robbery, a
wounded officer...uneasiness fills the air.
If I could move away, would
I? And if violence is often
random, then there's no where to
run to, right? This is home.
And fear is not invited in.
Even if it knocks loudly or
permeates the cracks of my foundation.
I'll choose faith over fear as
I move through each extraordinary day.
gunman caught, two at large. No
cars allowed on our street. Real
live SWAT guys and the FBI.
That was Tuesday. In my neighborhood.
A failed jewelry store robbery, a
wounded officer...uneasiness fills the air.
If I could move away, would
I? And if violence is often
random, then there's no where to
run to, right? This is home.
And fear is not invited in.
Even if it knocks loudly or
permeates the cracks of my foundation.
I'll choose faith over fear as
I move through each extraordinary day.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
9/11/01...
We wern't tweeting.
Had no social network sites to check.
And there wasn't an app for it.
it was just a normal day for me.
I was in the car with my husband, heading to a meeting.
Just a normal Tuesday.
Then there was breaking news on the radio.
First confusing. Then alarming. Then terrifying.
I quickly connected with a friend -both her kids lived near the towers.
They were safe.
The group we were meeting with gathered in the hotel lobby
and crowded around the tv sets in the bar.
Waiting. Watching.
We called parents, family.
Schools weren't sending kids home.
More watching. More waiting.
The group finally withdrew to a conference room.
And prayed.
There would be no meeting.
We headed home, to our den.
With several close friends we watched.
And waited for our kids to get home from school
so we could hug them.
And listen to what they had been told.
And fill them in. And pray.
Then we watched all together.
Do you remember all the watching?
We were blessed. And safe.
I remember stories, and faces.
But knew no one who died that day.
I remember the music. And the poems.
And that profound sense that nothing would
ever be the same.
And that profound sense that we hoped this
horror would be a
catalyst for change.
Here we are ten years later.
I'm not sure, as a whole, we'll like the answers if we
ask the tough questions.
About us.
About change.
At the very least, one thing is different.
There are apps for it....
There are apps for it....
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
At our house...
...there lives a bride to be.
And there lived a college student.
He packed up and moved out this weekend.
He didn't take his Legos.
And her Barbie days are past.
For some reason, this past weekend,
the emotion of these life transitions
hit me hard.
Childhood's over.
Time to let them be grown up.
I wish I was good at this.
With all the happiness that comes
from watching them flourish,
comes nostalgia.
I will focus on the good.
And wish, wish, wish
to be good at this!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Beautiful ~
For beautiful eyes,
look for the good in others;
for beautiful lips,
speak only words of kindness;
and for poise,
walk with the knowledge
that you are never alone.
Audrey Hepburn
Friday, September 2, 2011
I Wonder
When did I exchange wonder for
wisdom? I thought I'd made a
good deal. It felt good to
feel certain and to offer answers.
Today, I want to trade back.
Today, I think that one question
{and the willingness to ask it}
might be worth more than many
answers. Full of wonder is wonderful.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
They Scared Me!
It's too dark in here.
I wish everyone would come to bed. Mom and Aunt Brooke said, "Finish the movie, and then go to bed."
And then they went out for drinks.
No one's in here but me. John wouldn't listen to me and come to bed like we were supposed to.
Guess the cousins are cooler.
I don't like being alone. I wish everyone would come to bed. Or maybe mom will be home soon.
That dumb movie was too scary.
I wish everyone would come to bed. Mom and Aunt Brooke said, "Finish the movie, and then go to bed."
And then they went out for drinks.
No one's in here but me. John wouldn't listen to me and come to bed like we were supposed to.
Guess the cousins are cooler.
I don't like being alone. I wish everyone would come to bed. Or maybe mom will be home soon.
That dumb movie was too scary.
We shouldn't have watched this awful movie when we were all alone. What can I think about? I know, I'll think about Kimmy boogie boarding today. He's funny. And not scared of it at all!
He goes so fast. And falls, and doesn't care!
It's so quiet. Wonder what everyone is doing.
Oh, here comes someone, I think.
Door creaks....a little light....wait!
Who is this?? I can't see.
"I am the Phantom of the Opera!"
WHAT? WHO IS THIS??
"I am the Phantom of the Opera!"
Should I say something? I don't understand? What is going on??
"I AM THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!"
Giggles.
Wait, who is giggling? It's John. He's behind the Phantom.
I'm so confused.
Oh.
Hahahahaha....now every one's laughing but me.
Why did they have to scare me? I was already scared. Very funny.
Wet toilet paper on his face and arms....gross.
GET OUT!
More laughter. At least they're leaving. I hate being alone.
I hate being scared.
Where are the parents. I hate being alone.
OK. Think about tomorrow. More beach. Daylight.
More fun. More waves.
Think about tomorrow. I HATE the Phantom of the Opera. And my cousins. And my brother.
I want to fall asleep. Think about tomorrow, think about tomorrow....
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