Baby Steps

Mountain Living

2012-02-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

I drove to my writing class last night under crystal blue skies. It was 5:50 PM. I had 10 minutes to make the 10 minute circle around the backside of town. I am overwhelmed by the majestic beauty that surrounds me. It is stunning. Sometimes, I simply stare out our kitchen window, captivated by the mountains. As I slowly wound up the curvy road, I saw movement to the right. Ahhhh...the wintering elk were against the road. ELK! We see them so often but again, I don't want to become jaded and take them for granted. Sad the day will be when I don't even stop to watch them or worse, grumble at them. "Freaking elk...hurry UP! I'm late."

It is gloriously simple to live here. I thought I might be bored coming from the big city but we have managed to find ample activities, indeed far more than we can enjoy. There is a great gymnastics academy, Sun Valley ballet, ice skating, Childrens' Theater, amazing art and music classes and pottery painting. The Childrens' Library alone has an activity or event almost daily as does the YMCA. The plethora of family friendly activities combined with richness of the Big Wood Valley makes this paradise for us.

As for me, I smile at the irony that I found a writing class here. Or that the class found me. f course there are TONS of writing classes in Seattle. I've been talking about taking a class at the Hugo House or at UW Extension for 2 years. It took leaving a city full of writing programs to finally find one. Maybe I needed no distractions. Maybe the timing was just right. Whatever the reason, I am loving it. The talent in the room is intimidating. We storytellers gather together and walk down the path of the unknown led by our fearless guide, Tony.

We have restaurants, movies, music and even theater. "God of Carnage" starts next week performed by the Company of Fools, the local community theater. There is always parking downtown too and usually not much traffic. Besides our family and good friends, everything we need is abundant and at our fingertips. "It is so easy here." a fellow preschool mom said to me. Indeed, and easy feels really good right now.

Photos!

2012-02-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

I did it! I swapped out the card and downloaded all the NEW photos using my point and shoot camera! Here you go folks!!!

Elk herd heading back up the snowy hill. We spotted them resting in the snow behind the barn.

Sunrise against the Boulder Mountains!

A new week

2012-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Or shall I say, anyone??? Anyone?? Bueller?? ANYone......
OK, I know I've been teasing you with mention of my big new fancy pants camera that Santa brought but SADLY (so sadly) I need to upgrade my computer (read: buy a new one) in order to install the software and thus download the photos. DYING...I might try to get crafty and use my old point and shoot and try to confuse my apparently obsolete MAC and somehow, magically, the new AMAZING photos will appear. Before our eyes. IF I get the new photos up, will you read me? PLEASE??? Deal.

For now, more stories, more words. We had a delightful weekend. How could we not after the kickoff of all kickoffs on BONFIRE Thursday??! Friday brought continued glorious sunshine. How is it that 20 degrees can feel warmer than 50 in the damp, grey? Friday afternoon we took Winnie skiing at Dollar. Well, I went boarding while Winnie and Honey worked the magic carpet. What a deal! Winter has a private lesson with Daddy and I basically have a private mountain. Dollar Mountain is the smaller of the two mountains here and is ideal for beginners. The slopes are gradual and wide. The steepest run on Dollar is an intermediate called Otto's Run. It is a small mountain (oxymoron??) so you can take the chair and descend in about 10 minutes or less. I have never waited for a chair and I have never shared. Solitude. Every time I'm out, I think to myself, "This must be paradise." The Boulder Mountains stand proudly to the north and command my respect. They are breathtaking. We are so fortunate to have views of the Boulders from our house. Glorious!

3 AM, Saturday morning, we heard Winter crying and coughing. It was a strange cough: dry hacking but then congested and nasty. We calmed her down and she fell back asleep with us. Saturday morning she was bright eyed and bushy tailed - no sign of illness whatsoever. We chalked it up to dry mountain air and pressed on with our Saturday: STORYTIME at the library, Donut Day, sledding in the afternoon. Woohoo!!!! Simple yet beautiful activities. Saturday night, Honey and I went to the Banff Mountain FilmFest. We were awestruck by Sketchy Andy and his slack lining stunts (He was in Madonna's halftime show yesterday during the Superbowl!!!) as well as many of the other climbers and skiers. Our favorite was All I Can. We had already seen the trailer - so so good! Banff Mountain Film World Tour showcased Nine Winters Old after it nabbed best Mountain Culture Film at the Banff Festival in 2006. Good folks!

Winnie's cough had returned while we were out. Our sitter had calmed her down and gotten her back to sleep, thankfully. We snuggled in with her and she slept well. 7 AM Sunday morning, I'm slowly emerging out of a dream that is about fire. Heat. As I waking up, I realize that it is Winnie. She is burning up. Fever. Cough. Couch. All. Day. Poor little angel was a trooper and drank all the juice and water I kept supplying. Honey and I switched off with books, videos (she actually looks forward to getting sick to watch videos!) and keeping her cozy. She is on the mend today. No fever but she stayed home from school to ensure a full recovery.

Full Moon tomorrow!!!

Dancing on the Snow

2012-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Winnie climbed up the barstool to announce "I love my school." My heart nearly burst with happiness. My eyes watered and I smiled at her. I am so happy that she is happy in her new school. Each day when I pick her up she recounts the most memorable events of the day. "Mommy, today, Bryce flushed a fork down the toilet!!! And that's not OK because we don't hurt things at school. He hurt the toilet and the fork." She has asked for a few lessons (orange juicing, banana slicing, sand paper letters, weaving...) but mostly, according to her teacher, she observes.

We had a lovely playdate with our new friends from school on Wednesday. Having one gal pal makes a big difference in my life! Her daughter is in Winnie's class and they are very compatible.

Yesterday, 3:30 pm Thursday afternoon. Another glorious sunny day at our disposal. We had already torn up the sledding hill a number of times. We decided to head into town (a 5 minute drive) to listen to music at a hip wine bar. Oh wait..Did I mention that it is Starbucks? TRUE!!

The downtown Ketchum Starbucks is out of this world. It was formerly the visitor center (and before that, a bank) but the space was much too large for their needs. In a beautiful marriage of interests, the visitor center and Starbucks joined forces to create Ketchum's new living room. Imagine a funky 50s art deco type building, A Frame style with floor to ceiling windows. Funky logs adorn the interior. Enter Starbucks to give this place an overhaul. The funky logs now support 10 flat screen LEDs showing Ketchum news and ski films. The place is aglow with twinkly white Christmas lights and metallic 12" snowflakes dangle from the ceiling. The leather chairs and couches are incredibly comfortable and inviting. The bar of creamers, sugars and spoons is made out of a gorgeous piece of reclaimed wood. Best of all, this Starbucks has live music on Thursdays and wine and beer! Heaven! The visitor center area is on one side of the building; their representative is on the ready to impart local tips on skiing, hiking and dining/events.

I settled into one of the Club chairs in the area where the kids' toys are located. Of course they have amazing toys - wooden blocks, Magnatiles, puzzles, books. Winnie is more than challenged and occupied. I curled up with my glass of Malbec, a delicious departure from my usual Cabernet. Honey was in the chair adjacent to me and the band was directly behind us. It was a duo of acoustic jazz guitar and drums. Incredible, lovely music. We stayed and enjoyed for an hour or so. Winter nibbling on the dinner I had packed for her. As we left, I still felt hungry for a bit more action. Earlier in the day I had seen the beginnings of a party scene. First the stage was set up. Ah ha--- A band! Then I saw the logs and I knew IMMEDIATELY: bonfire. Oh yes....bonfire and a stage for dancing to a great band and even a contest. A snowshoe dancing contest! I didn't realize that a bunch of sprint races would also be taking place on the field as part of Nordic Fest.

I asked Honey to swing by and see if there was still music playing. Was there music playing???? COME ON! The band was ROCKING, the place was packed and going off! Honey immediately parked and we hopped out, eager to join the party. Winter wanted to "boogie with Daddy" so I ran off to procure hot cocoa. I was delighted to see that they were selling it virgin or with Baileys. I opted to stick with red wine and I gingerly walked back to the dance floor of snow, carrying my libations. Have you ever danced on snow under the stars, watching the groomers at twilight? It was magical. The band was Tim Snider and Sound Society. It was upbeat, fun dance music. Kids were everywhere dancing and laughing. We bumped into lots of Winnie's friends, some of whom were sporting Snowshoes to participate in the Snowshoe Dance Contest! Just your typical Thursday in this little slice of paradise.

Today is another epic day. Winnie had school and worked on arranging flowers in vases. How adorable! She is having some quiet time now while Honey is hiking in our backyard and snowboarding down to the SnowBunny. It is picture perfect afternoon and Winnie is eager to hit the slopes too. We will take her skiing this afternoon at Dollar Mountain. They are also hosting a snowboard competition so we might get to check out some cool tricks and hucks later today as well.

Zumba

2012-01-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

Folks, I decided to try a Zumba class. I needed a different energy than my standard yoga. I checked the schedule - right on! A 9:30 AM class. I can Zumba away while Honey and Winnie enjoy their Saturday morning ritual: DONUT DAY! (Well, this has actually turned into croissant day but without the alliteration it just doesn't sound as good. Can you believe there is NOT a donut shop or a cupcake shop here in Sun Valley.)

I packed my clothes for a post workout shower. I even remembered my brush! And we 3 whisked away. We have to be more conscientious of schedules now that we share one vehicle. So far so good. They kindly dropped me off at the Y. Have I raved about this place yet? This is the most amazing YMCA I have ever encountered. The pool area alone rivals most waterparks - incredible water slides, splash pool, hot tubs, shallow areas, a 6 lane lap pool which will be converted to saline next week. It is INSANE! Add 3 or 4 yoga/pilates/aerobics studios, 2 HUGE climbing walls, couches, fireplaces, community rooms, computers....you could basically spend the whole day there.

As I tromped into the amazing Y, I realized I had forgotten to pack sneakers in my otherwise stocked backpack. Since I'm usually going to yoga, I never need shoes! So what was a girl to do?? First I scanned the schedule for a Sat morning yoga class. Nada. Hmmm.....I didn't have my bathing suit to hit the pool. Well....when in Rome???? Sort of.....I just went to Zumba.. Yes, I did a Zumba class in my snowboots. It was very challenging and a bit squeaky but it worked. My feet have never been warmer!! Luckily my yoga pants covered all but the outline of the boot. Thank GOD I had on the boot cut style today.

And so it goes...a gal can Zumba with snowboots on. Good to know. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

After the storm

2012-01-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

The two snowstorms have subsided bringing over 2 feet of new snow. Today the sun is shining on the glorious Boulder Mountains. Outside our windows they are calling us, begging us, to come hike, ski, explore. I have been playing with my new camera and as soon as my computer arrives, I will post some photos. It takes about an hour for the sunshine to crest the foothills where we are living. The furthest NW peak gets the first tinge of purple and pink and it slowly spreads east. In a 20 minute span, the entire range is bathed in a gorgeous, pastel color. You can see how the Impressionists were inspired by Nature.

Snow Day!!

2012-01-19T20:17:00.001-08:00

Day 3 in Sun Valley and the snow is falling! It started snowing lightly yesterday and throughout the night. Today it snowed heavily.

After a delicious pancake breakfast (courtesy of Honey!) and dropping Winter at school, we went on a gorgeous hike through Adams Gulch. It is short and sweet - the perfect length for Zoe and Winter. Or the perfect length for a powder day morning warm-up. We pulled in to the lot, only the second car. We heard that there was a moose sighting on a nearby nordic trail. I'm obsessed! I've only seen one moose in my life, in Grand Teton National Park. He was enormous and captivating. I kept scanning the horizon although visibility was limited. I am determined to see that moose! No luck today. We did see elk tracks.

This afternoon, Winter and I played in the snow. We had to dust off Snow Bunny because she was quickly turning into the Abominable Snowman. We went sledding down on small hill in the yard and into the driveway. We played with Zoe. Just tromping around in the snow was hard work. It called for a hot cocoa fix. How am I to get my kiddo off the hot cocoa??? She associates it with skiing, sledding, snow, indeed - the cold air. I am going to try to lure her over to the kinder, gentler side of tea. Wish me luck. Cocoa vs. tea....yeah....RIGHT!

Wintertime

2012-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of our Winter reprieve in Sun Valley, Idaho. We were here for Christmas and New Years and enjoyed it so much that we decided to come back for the bulk of the winter. YAY!

We found a lovely Montessori preschool for Winter. We toured before the holidays and literally fell in LOVE. Today was her first day of school. There were a few tears but Teacher Jeanne reported that Winter had a great time. Phew. Those were 2 very long hours for me, anxiously awaiting a call to pick her up and wondering how she was faring with all of those new faces and in a new environment. I figured that the class guinea pig, Apple, would be a source of pleasure. Two other classes have pet bunnies hopping around free range. Oh the LUCK!

Temperature today when we awoke: -5! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. A major cold front arrived yesterday afternoon. I was on a brief hike which was exceptionally cold and windy. Needed more layers than I had worn. The sunshine had me fooled. Oh yes... the delicious sunshine and cornflower blue skies. Clear as a bell. No signs of snow today.

On today's afternoon agenda: cooking some delicious chili. Playing in the snow with Winnie, staying warm and hopefully receiving and learning about my NEW CAMERA from Santa. It is en route and I cannot wait.

A few photos!

Winnie patiently waits for the dress rehearsal of Nutcracker on Ice at the Sun Valley Lodge. It was worth the WAIT! The costumes, the skating, the music - phenomenal. And best of all, since we had been tipped off to attend the dress rehearsal on Dec. 23, we had the best seats in the house: RINK SIDE (if that is a word..). We were high fiving the mice and other characters. Magical!

On our first morning in the house, Honey noticed something out the window of the bathroom. It was a herd of elk. We didn't get a total count but at least 25-30 elk surrounded the house, grazing on the still visible sagebrush. He took some great videos too.

This was our first annual Christmas Day hike at Adams Gulch. AMAZING! It was warm and sunny and best of all, Winnie hiked herself about 3 miles.

Snow Bunny

2012-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Snow Bunny, our house mascot. During the week between Christmas and New Years, the weather was really odd. It was a bit warmer and we even had a few days of RAIN which made snowman and snowball making possible. The snow is normally too dry and it just crumbles as you try to pack it. I know...it is SUCH a problem to have crystal dry champagne powder. You can hate me.

When it was RAINING, Winter and I embarked on a snow man. We were inspired by her new book from Auntie Podie and Uncle Sean, The Biggest Snowman Ever! (very cute book!) Naturally, I had forgotten how much work it is to build a snowman or I probably would have opted for sitting by the fire. Not to mention, Winter's version of helping is to climb atop my base mound and stomp on it and/or slide down. Awesome! I kept trying to make a round base but when I was finally so wet and cold that I had to retreat to the fire, all I had was basically a snow pyramid. The temperatures dropped and our "snowman" body was a frozen ice pyramid. Enter Doug of Doug and Kayko. Currently ranked as TOP HOUSEGUESTS (don't worry - they have been our only houseguests so far), Doug decided to win Winter's heart for once and for all. He decided to make a SNOWBUNNY out of our mass of ice. First he fashioned together ear molds out of foil. He froze the ears overnight. Then he gathered shovels and picks and various tools out of the garage to chip away at the ice mound. Working ever diligently while Winnie was in quiet time, SNOWBUNNY emerged. In the meantime, Kayko was making homemade pasta. SERIOUSLY! I'm not kidding. Did I mention that they are TOP HOUSEGUESTS?? When Winnie emerged from quiet time and saw her new SNOWBUNNY, her face was priceless. This happened to be on New Years Eve so we adorned SNOWBUNNY with a pink New Years crown and for a while, a sash. She is the house mascot. Sorry Zoe!

Autumn

2011-10-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Fall is here. The leaves are turning and falling. Even the Farmer's Market ended last week. Luckily Winter and I attended - for one last slice of summer and pizza from our favorite wood fired trailer.

We had spent the day in the yard, planting two giant urns with gorgeous perennials. It was partly to mask the barren landscape of the front yard and partly to satisfy my longing to garden. I wanted to sweat, to work, to get my hands dirty and to feel the soil. It is so beautiful to create something and watch it grow. We worked really hard to empty the huge urns (huge as in it took 5 cubic feet of potting soil to fill each one!!) of the root bound-carcasses that had been long forgotten. Another wonderful day with Winnie.

This weekend we had a fire in the new fire pit that Honey bought last week. We made s'mores and enjoyed the smell of the campfire. She also moved into a BIG GIRL BED, just yesterday. What a milestone! Out of her crib and into a Queen bed. No toddler bed for this little girl. Lots of room for one of us to curl up with her if she needs us. They grow up so fast. I felt a bit melancholy to disassemble the crib. It symbolized so much. And although she was eager for her big girl bed, tonight she confessed that she misses her crib too. I think it was her little safe den, keeping her tightly nestled. Now she has miles of real estate, so vast and unknown. We are helping her through it. Little angel.

Planting a seed

2011-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

If I dig my hands down deep into the soil, will you take root? Will you survive the cold winter? Will you emerge a gorgeous flower come spring? Will you feel my love? My sorrow? As I dig and knead and sweat and cry with each bulb, I, too, grow.

Back to School

2011-09-13T19:52:00.001-07:00

Wait wait wait!! Hey summer, sloooow down. I am not done yet. You JUST got here, dammit!!! Seriously, many of you have been melting for months and likely wishing for a nip in the air. But not here. Last week was our first week of solid sunny, warm days. As I flipped through my calendar, I realized it was our last week before starting school. HURRY! Pack it IN! Cram a whole summer's worth of fun in the sun into ONE week. Can we do it???? Oh yeah.....I tried to ignore the fact that the sun was down by 7:30 pm. Who had time to worry when it was so beautiful outside? We frolicked at Madison Park beach for two days in a row! In Lake Washington. Sis and I also took the kiddos up to Alpental for an overnight. It was such an adventure and so much fun. We hiked up to the base looking for huckleberries (did not find), animals and animal prints. We saw lots of dogs and I gazed longingly at the Snow Lake trailhead as we scampered up to the base. We spent the afternoon in the pool. The kids were LOVING it. What a relief after the week of ambitious swimming lessons that had both Ryder and Winnie mostly in tears and clinging to us for dear life. We capped off the week with the first official BBQ of the summer (I KNOW...on Sept 11 in fact) at Grissom's. This just proves how crummy the weather has been. And by official I mean that Sar, Gar and Parker were there. FUN! The kids played so well together that the grown ups even played a few hands of cards. Seriously! Now that is what summer is supposed to be - A cooler full of cold beer, great friends, warm air, laughing kiddos. A Kodak moment...even with our beer pyramid of empties. Classy.

Winnie started her 3's class at preschool yesterday. I love our co-op preschool! This is our second year and we have many familiar faces. As a co-op, it is a parent-led preschool so we parents work one day per week in the classroom. I love the cooking station or the dramatic play station. Playing one on one with the kiddos is priceless. Watching Winnie is MARVELOUS. I have first hand info, who she enjoys, who she fears. I think it is going to be a great place for us again this year. A loving community for parents and their kiddos. I guess Back to School ain't so bad after all.

Good Morning Beautiful Sunshine

2011-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ah.....the kitchen is full of glorious sunshine. My heart is full of love. I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that has stuck with me. "What are you grateful for today?"
Oh yes, indeed! Where do I begin? In no particular order this is how my brain is flowing: Sunshine, health, family, Winnie, Honey, a home, freedom from violence (especially after watching the Bang Bang Club about apartheid in South Africa), the trees, animals. I guess I should narrow the list down. That might have been the point. Hmmm...

Another lovely idea I recently learned and planned to incorporate in my morning send-off with Honey. "How can I make your day great?"

Cappie and Big Poppie were here for a wonderful weekend visit. As always, it flew by. The weather was divine. I was giddy for forecast in the 80's and they were too since 80 degrees is cool to them! Funny! Photos to come soon.

Summertime has arrived..sort of

2011-08-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

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Hi friends! It has been ridiculously long since my last update. Here's why.....

We kicked off our "summer" (it has been dreadfully cool and wet here this summer) by moving into the Green Door House in mid June. Did you know we were remodeling a 1900's 4 square house on the other side of Queen Anne? It was about 10 months of actual construction and over a year in total with planning/permits etc. We are loving it so much. It feels so good to be in OUR home. I loved living the modern lifestyle too but I hadn't realized how much it felt like we were living in a hotel without any of our photos or furniture. After two long years, it feels wonderful to finally be settled. YAY! Alas the Green Door House as it was known pre-construction is now the Yellow Door House but that doesn't have quite the ring to it. Even Ryder still calls it the Green Door House and so do I.

We had a wonderful vacation over the Fourth of July in Connecticut. The weather was divine. No, that is NOT a typo. Can you believe it?? We had gorgeous hot sunny days and only one day of stifling humidity. We woke up each morning to a little bit of beach haze which kept its promise of burning off by 10 AM - post bike ride or run, thank you very much. From 10 AM on, we had sunny bluebird days with just a few cotton ball clouds drifting in the sky. We rented a great beach house about a 10 minute walk down to a quaint neighborhood beach and just minutes from our friends' home and beach. Perfect location. Winter loved running around the huge, grassy yard before her evening outdoor shower to rinse off the sand and salt after another amazing beach day.

Being on the Long Island Sound is absolutely perfect for kiddos. There is so much to explore! At low tide, the rocks are exposed making it a playground for little diggers. We found a giant blue crab and countless smaller green crabs and beach bugs. It was so relaxing and peaceful. Our phones barely worked so we were able to really unplug. We didn't turn on a TV for 2 solid weeks. Now that is a vacation!!! Lots of books, beers and great family time. We were so excited to see Dad and Irene and Jaelyn and Auntie Podie was also on the East Coast for the 4th so she came down too. It was wonderful to see everyone: Grammy, Great Grandma, Auntie Cheryl, the Combs, the Melvins. Thanks visitors!

Since returning from CT, we've unpacked a bit more with still a ways to go. We've been rearranging furniture, unpacking photos and large paintings and placing them where we think they might reside permanently. It is a process. A slow process actually. The walls are so pristine that we are loathe to make a mistake! But we are making some progress. The garage is in good shape and likely to actually contain a vehicle instead of boxes of STUFF if we continue to weed, whittle, donate or sell.

We are working on the yard and that is almost its own remodeling project. Taking out trees and shrubs and weeds. Loads of weeds - an overgrown forest. "Hey, you can finally see the house", our neighbor remarked! Yes sir! Until we fill it back in and let those roots grow as deep as the former owner, 20 yrs plus they lived here.

Moutain Biking

2011-06-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Uncle Jesse, for sharing Layla's bike (YES......LAYLA's bike!) with Winter. She is HOOKED!!!!!!!!!! Every morning she is asking to ride the dirt jumps.

Corbett Digest....

2011-05-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

I have not lived up to my goal of weekly posts with hilarious and timely nuggets for you. Failure!!! Here is my digest format to at least get you some of the latest and greatest adventures in our world.

We did go to Colorado! HOORAY! It was wonderful - on so many levels. It was great to see family and spend time with them. We met Harvey, Katie and Sean's puppy. He is adorable. Winter loved him and he really loved her. We ate well, drank just the right amount and had a ball. Sean and Rick took Friday off and we all went to the Denver Zoo. Winter loved the polar bears and the tiger cubs and....baby GIRAFFES! ADORABLE! I also was lucky enough to see a few great friends and re-connect. I had a date with a great gal pal in Boulder to meet her new baby. Buddy + Baby+ Boulder = Heaven.

Winnie and I returned from Colorado on Easter Eve but that did not fool the Easter Bunny. No siree! He had several bunny accomplices on the inside track who orchestrated a fabulous bunny party and Easter egg hunt. Winter received several NEW bunnies from our friends and family in Denver and they have integrated quite well with her existing posse. The actual Easter Bunny was quite impressed with her large bunny family (mildly dysfunctional but hey...who's isn't?) and thus was extra generous in the egg hunt finds.

I was determined to go to sunrise Easter service. This is a childhood tradition that I would like to integrate into our family traditions or at least my own annual traditions. Props to my parents for having the fortitude to make it happen with some reluctant parties. The sunrise service for Easter was at 7 AM. Civilized. Last year I went to sunrise service in Rancho at 6 AM but it was outside and they had coffee. Nice. The service was beautiful, the choir simply majestic and powerful. It was awesome. Literally. Awesome. I think I skipped home just in time to find Winter in her Easter dress tulle ready to go to brunch. Yay!!! Etta's down in the Market. The dreary rain didn't stop us from checking out the incredible tulips and listening to some banjo players.

From Easter we rolled right into a bevvy of bunnies. First we went to a fair that had bunnies, sheep and lambs, pigs and piglets and goats at an old farm. They were shearing the sheep and they had border collies herding them too which was actually quite terrifying. I detected the look of terror in the sheeps' eyes. The collies look hungry. Especially after all that running......

At this fair, Winter FINALLY....after waiting so patiently her WHOLE life, F-I-N-A-L-L-YYYYYYY met and pet a real life bunny. There were several bunnies and she kept rotating between them. She also brushed a horse. It was so cool for her. She deeply loves animals.

Second, our delightful nanny Jenny took Winter over to her house to introduce her to Alfred, their bunny. This is Winter HOLDING Alfred. Until meeting Alfred, I don't think she knew that bunnies could be pets. We could be in trouble.

Rocky Mountain High

2011-04-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

We are Colorado bound!!! Off to visit friends, family, mountains, dogs, new babies! Oh joy!!! Winter and I had planned to come in January but right before our trip, she came down with the chicken pox. I've had my fingers crossed that we will both stay healthy and our trip will FINALLY happen. We will be home in time for Easter and if the Seattle weather permits, maybe we will have an egg hunt!!

Space Needle

2011-04-13T20:42:00.001-07:00

Soggy Sunday

2011-04-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Winter is ill. She has had a fever on and off since last Wednesday afternoon. It is hovering around the 100.6 mark. Yesterday, Saturday, was her most lethargic and cranky day. Her eyes were at half mast and they spoke for her telling me how poorly she was feeling. She wanted to snuggle in tight and be held. But then she'd squirm away violently to sit by herself. She wanted books and her magazines but she would whimper a bit too. Last Thursday, when her fever had not gone away, she had to skip our afternoon pre-school class. I was heartbroken for her because she loves it so much AND it was a special day: picture day and a little friend's birthday. She didn't care too much about the photo but of course I did. I'm so sad that she won't be in the class photo. It just isn't right. She was mostly upset about missing her friends and especially aforementioned birthday CUPCAKES and singing Happy Birthday. Even more traumatizing, I had to go while she was home! (Daddy came home early to be with her!) I know...so UNFAIR to a 3 year old. It is a cooperative preschool so the parents "work" one day a week and drop off the other day. I could not find a substitute on such short notice. My heart was breaking for her as I walked the 4 blocks to the darling preschool hearing her sobs in my head. I tried so hard to be both the agent of disappointment (I know, sweetie, it is so hard. You can't go to school when you are sick. I hate it. I know you wish I had a different answer. Would you like a hug? What would make you feel better? Let's go to our happy place.") and her angel of comfort.

One source of pleasure is readily available when she is sick: VIDEOS, MOVIES, TV, WHAT-HAVE-YOU. Yes, there are times that we let her watch some videos. Airplanes and when she is sick. We started this out of sheer necessity in Sun Valley over Thanksgiving. She had a very similar virus/cold there. We were all nestled in the living room and all she wanted was to watch her Dora the Explorer videos, over and over. So we let her. Yesterday we upgraded her to Nine Winters Old, Rich's movie about Wintertime. Ah...something for everyone! We were curled up in the big bed watching it together. And she loved it. Having had a recent taste of skiing in Utah, she was much more interested. She even laughed a few times. And nothing could make a mama's heart a bit lighter than seeing a smile on her sick kiddo's face.

I have such appreciation and gratitude for her health and our overall good health. My heart goes out to those parents with ill children and special needs' children. I find parenting challenging enough.

I have just enjoyed about 10 minutes of solitude this soggy Sunday. Can you believe it? I'm the first one up today! Only Zoe accompanied me down the stairs. But Winnie is awake now. She is singing Frere Jacques from her room. Oh hooray!! I think she might be feeling better. I am hopeful for a happy, soggy Sunday. Cooking while watching the Masters ain't bad. It feels like a baking day actually so I believe some muffins are in our future.

Math Club

2011-04-04T18:46:00.001-07:00

Rich and Winnie are watching UConn v Butler while she finishes her last few bites of dinner. I thought I'd take a moment to share about my new volunteering gig! Today was my second week leading a before-school Math Club for elementary school kids. Our 10 week unit is on Measurement. Calculating area, perimeter, circumference. Measuring distances. Measuring objects. Toward the end of the unit, we will measure ourselves and make Mini Me models. Fun! I have Math Club twice a week: once with 8 third graders and the other day, I have 10 fourth and fifth graders. They are great kiddos! Some are attending Math Club to bolster their math skills. (Ahem....who?? ME????! Well, let's just say that I spent most of last weekend STUDYING/CRAMMING to get up to speed with 3/4/5 grade level math. Did you know they are learning METRIC and standard? Come on, people! What do you want from an Intl Affairs/French major?) Others are math wizards who want to do even MORE math. Fortunately I have enough content to keep them all challenged....at least for 45 minutes. And if not...there is always the candy. Last week on my first day, 8 eager faces started demanding, "Did you bring candy??" "Um, Ms. Corbett??? Where is our candy???" Um......didn't know about the candy. My first teaching failure. But wait....something logical came to mind. "My dear Mathematicians, it is only 8:20 AM. Do you really want candy????" spoken in my most disapproving yet friendly tone. "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" they screamed. I scrounged up some goldfish crackers as snacks. Don't worry - I made them count, divide and multiply them.

Honey helped me revive some long lost formulas last weekend before my first class. Yes, I took a cheat sheet tucked into my folder in case one of the Good Will Hunting's had asked. But it wasn't really necessary. We played a bunch of games, worked out the problems and discussed them. Why would you do that? What would you do next? They were so eager and so sweet. Luckily, my enthusiasm and organizational skills outshine any gaping holes in mathematical ability. There is something to be said for being a bit more vulnerable as we work out the problems together, learning side by side, as fellow learners. I think they dig their new teacher. Even without the candy.

Sunday evening post

2011-04-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Ah....my baby is tucked safely in bed dreaming under her mountain of blankets. I won't be long on this post because I have a rendez-vous with her in our dreams. Tonight we are meeting in the park, in our dreams. One of the last things I say to her before bed is "I'll meet you in my dreams." We then discuss what we want to dream about and where we will meet. We usually bring Daddy and Zoe too. I am in love with this ritual. It gives us something to focus on first thing in the morning too. "You were in my dream! We were at the park!" and whoa have those mornings been EARLY. DAMN girl.

I am winding down from a wonderful weekend ++ visit with Cappie. We had lovely meals, a lot of quality time with kiddos and some sweet, cozy nights just hanging out with Mom. Once the kiddos are tucked in, just like right now, we relax, and enjoy a glass of wine during a real conversation. I love our days with the kiddos but I look forward to the sacred adult evening time too.

We talked a lot about food and compared recipes, likes and dislikes. Mom has changed her eating habits dramatically and looks and feels AMAZING now. While we gabbed, we chopped, diced, sipped. Simple meals with whole foods and food has never tasted better. Sauteed kale, collards, swiss chard. Roasted cauliflower with prosciutto and dates (thanks PODE!)javascript:void(0), turkey burgers gourmet style (granny smith please). Mom introduced us to her favorite Zinfandel which we enjoyed while watching The Way We Were. Kelly had not seen it and I was up for a refresher so there we were Saturday night - all tucked in tight. We three ladies all underneath the big brown blanket in the very comfortable family bed at Kelly's. The rest of the world was watching UConn but we were watching Redford and loving every minute.

I'm off to meet my daughter in our dreams. Just a few more minutes of quiet time to myself, thankful for a great weekend.

Lost and Found

2011-04-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!! We lost our favorite Reusie sandwich bag on a run last week and today on a solo run I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!!!! It was covered in dirt and sand but no worse for the wear. I will just throw it into the sanitary load with our dishcloths. Yes, dishcloths. We are no longer a sponge household. I was desperate to combat the germs that have plagued us this season. So we have an orange dishcloth for the counters and a green dishcloth for the dishes. I wring them out and they dry lickety split being all fancy micro-fiber. And best of all, they get washed on HOT. We use a new one every day. I took this page out of our preschool's book. I figured if not one of those children ended up with Chicken Pox or my illnesses, they must be doing SOMETHING right!

Happy Spring!

2011-04-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

It is here. Maggie, my venerable Magnolia, is about to burst into pink brilliance. The apple and cherry blossoms sparkle like pom poms cheering the sun to give us a few golden rays. Winter and I go on daily flower scavenger hunts looking for new blooms. Is that a tulip??? Not yet, my little one. The tulips are still nestled in their green hoods but the daffodils, hyacinths, CROCUSES are standing proudly. Oh, the Camellias, the Rhodie's, the azaleas are all waking up too. Just like me, from my month+ writing hibernation. Between bronchitis and strep throat within a 2 week span, I lost my energy and words. We are all feeling much better after antibiotics, rest, a wonderful sunny ski trip to Utah. Yes, Winter tried skiing! I was boarding while she and Rich spent the morning together. When I came down to meet them, she was skiing!! Yes!! In a dress....Can you stand it? Happy to be back, my friends. I've challenged myself to a weekly post that isn't A)sanctimommius B)rant C) boring. I know..the bar is HIGH.

Canyon Kitty!

2011-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a fabulous vacation in Park City, Utah. Ah......snow, sun and FUN! We stayed at the Canyons which is a few miles from downtown Park City but it is ski in/ski out. We walked about 5 minutes (maybe 10) to the gondola and then had a HUGE mountain to explore. Bigger than we realized.

Winter tried skiing for the first time too! She LOVED it!!! We kept passing the ski school for Canyon Cats and Canyon Cougars. The minimum age was 4 so she wasn't old enough for the official ski school. Luckily, Daddy knows how to teach skiing so he made her his sole pupil as Canyon Kitty! Note the outfit: pajamas with a dress on top with the ski boots. LOVE IT!

The vacation was a huge success. Lots of laughs, great snowboarding and family time. We met up with friends and their kids so we had fun day and night with them. We stayed in the same enormous complex - it had 2 pools, a restaurant, a game room...basically everything except a kick ass lobby BAR. Fortunately there were bars in the village and we managed to go out in Park City for great dinners as well.

It had been a while since I had boarded but happily it still felt great and I didn't spend too much time on my ass! Groomers ALL THE WAY! I nearly freaked out when Honey tried to take me down a tree run with about 9" of fresh powder. Yep...don't remember how to do that!

February Birthdays!

2011-02-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

Layla is ONE!!!! One year ago today Layla decided to join the world! A bit earlier than anyone expected and what a year it has been. She is a determined, focused, energetic, and happy little baby. A very special little person indeed.

Here she is on her birthday, Feb. 9, which is also my cousin Janet's birthday and our late grandmother's birthday, Margaret.

And.....Ryder is THREE!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! They are growing up so fast, learning so much and keeping us on our toes.

7 habits of highly effective mommies

2011-02-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

I did not invent this concept. Want to get more done? Be more productive? Or in my case, have a little alone time? Exercise? Meditate? Write? Enjoy the quiet? Um...take a shower?? Simple. Get up an hour earlier every day. BUT....I'm so TIRED. BUT Winnie wakes up at 6:15. Am I really getting up at 5:15???? That's just not humane!! Excuses excuses....

It has all sort of come together in 2011. Winter has been sleeping until 7 AM. At least for the past few weeks although I'm eager to call it the new norm. And I started to exercise again. Barely but it helps. One day over the Christmas break, I was feeling a little stir crazy and had lots of energy so I told Honey I was going for a run. I haven't gone running in years because it was killing my knees. But this most recent run was HEAVEN. Oh the endorphins were flowing. The air felt so good. My legs felt strong. I felt on top of the world. Even the 4 days of post-run soreness felt good. I earned that PAIN!

All fired up from that epic run, I committed to adding more cardio to my yoga habit. I dusted off the lonely elliptical in the basement, added some new batteries to stop the incessant beeping and voila- a morning routine was launched!

Winter is doing very well. The pox are almost entirely gone. Phew. I am so happy that she had a mild case overall. And luckily we are past the window of contagion so we have been able to venture out of the house and actually interact with fellow humans. We were taking plenty of walks for fresh air during our quarantine but we were literally crossing the street to avoid contact with people.

Pox

2011-01-30T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today is DAY FIVE of chicken pox 2011. Our little angel is faring quite well. Rich and I both had chicken pox as kiddos and survived so we agreed to fore go the vaccine. Our general stance is to vaccinate although we have staggered them. Obviously chicken pox was WAY down on our list compared to the other more serious illnesses. POLIO, people. Pneumoccoccol...you can't even pronounce the various illnesses lurking out there.

The first spots appeared last Tuesday along with a significant fever. I took her to the pediatrician. He said her ear looked suspicious and prescribed some Amoxicillin. When I showed him the 3 red bumps, he said it was NOT chicken pox. Maybe it was too soon to make the call. However, the following morning she had about 20 red pox. Ever hopeful, I called Alexis to compare Jaelyn's recent allergic reaction to Amoxicillin to see if that was the culprit. And we trekked back to the doctor but this time it was a different scenario. They met us out in the alley and led us up a secret stairway into a safe room. Going stealth at Swedish. The Dr. met us after a few masked nurses had taken a peek. And indeed - he confirmed that it IS chicken pox. At least we could take her off the antibiotics and hunker down for a quarantine.

The kiddo has been a CHAMP! The fever retreated after 2 days and she has been very cooperative about not itching. We borrowed Dora's line, "Swiper NO swiping!!" and we say, "Winter NO itching!!" and she runs over for more Calamine lotion.

This might sound INSANE but the quarantine has actually been an opportunity for us to do cute little projects together and just BE together. No where to go. No agenda. No preschool. No playdates. Just us....two during the week and three during the weekend. And that has been truly wonderful.

Me n My Slinky

2011-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were missing some recent photos. Glad I took them because the pigtails NEVER last for more than 5 minutes. And yes that is ONE of our tiny fake brightly lit Christmas trees in the background. I just can't take it down yet. Sniff sniff....

2010-12-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Unfinished Business

2010-12-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

It happens all the time. I embark on a project, perhaps a phone call, a cup of coffee, a story, a thought, a task and inevitably the forces of nature/motherhood/life in the 21st century (technology!) come barging in and sabotage everything. My once strategic brain has been reduced to response system of tactical necessities: food, water, shelter, clothing. When will I have time to THINK?? You know, use my gray matter? Solve some problems beyond "what's for dinner?" When the time arrives, will my brain still work?? Scary. I know it is a muscle and judging by the state of the other now dormant muscles, the brain is going to need quite a workout regiment. Ughh....I don't want to be too hard on myself. I still read and I'm still learning to play piano but I feel like I should be doing MORE. Thinking more, contributing more....something.. Maybe this is the 3 yr mommy itch? Maybe this is the result of being cooped up most of the weekend when an ungodly amount of rain descended upon us. Pineapple Express from hell. I was literally going stir-crazy yesterday afternoon. We had already made muffins, made homemade marinara, played school, played grocery store, played Legos, played music, danced....oh my GOD...will this day ever END????? I finally decided I was going out - even in the monsoon. I didn't have to petition hard - everyone was game. And it was GREAT! We splashed in big and small puddles alike. We breathed in the warm, moist, delicious air. The rain actually subsided for our outing and it felt so good to stretch the legs. Zoe was delighted too!

Sooo...what was the point of all of this?? Basically I begin things and don't finish them because I get interrupted and/or my brain is not as sharp as it used to be/should/could be. You choose. On that note, let me update you on one very important issue: ZOE! The Doctor let us know that she is fine. Cancer-free thank GOD! We are so happy. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner.

And I'm working on an entry about the fabulous visit we had with our East Coast Family. I have so many great photos and thoughts about our visit that I will find the time to find the words to express how much fun we had with Dad, Irene, Jaelyn and SURPRISE::: ALEXIS!!! We took a sad ear infection found in the ear of Ms. Jaelyn and turned it into a PARTY! Let's see..can I come up with some kind of rap??

Came for the weekend, stayed for the week, Ear got worse, what do you think? Your mom came to see you, she was worried as hell, we all got to hang, it was super super swell.

Yo yo...check it

Birthdays

2010-12-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Winter is THREE today. WINTER is three today. Three today. Three today. Today...tonight. 11 PM three years ago, we met our little angel. And life changed forever. It is so profound, so significant, so huge. It is everything.....to usher in a new life, a new soul to this world. To be entrusted with her care, her guidance, her safety. A new mirror to my own imperfections, impatience, character deficiencies. A wake up call to be better, try harder, do the work which might mean don't do the work. Put down the broom, the sponge and sit with her. BE with her. Read the book, make Patty talk in a funny voice. Be here. Right now. Right this minute. This breath, this moment is all we have. And I don't want to waste a second of it. Winter is three today. And I guess it is a birthday for me too. It is my Mommy Birthday. I am a three year old Mommy....so much ahead of me in Mommy years and yet so much has already happened in three short years. Happy birthday (s)....

WHHHHHOOOOOSHHHHHH...there goes the candle! Eyes are closed and I am making a wish....

Giving Thanks

2010-11-26T08:03:00.001-08:00

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Friends - we pulled off one of the most spontaneous acts in Corbett history. Within a 4 day period, we decided to head for the Mountains for quiet, solitude, intimacy, reflection and rejuvenation. We needed it. Desperately. Last year I ventured East solo in order to attend my 20 yr high school reunion. I celebrated Thanksgiving 2009 with my BIG family in Boston which was wonderful yet I was lonely for Honey and Winter. So here we are! The three of us, nestled in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho. Enjoying the generosity of our friends who have a beautiful home here. We were blessed with over a foot of snow on our second night here. We have been playing in the Winter Wonderland including a sledding trip on Dollar Mountain. So MUCH FUN! The folks are friendly and welcoming. Santa is riding around downtown atop a fire engine waving to the crowds. We plan to go say hello to him when Winter wakes.

It has been a beautiful and special Thanksgiving. We slowed it all down so we could focus on our family and being together. Winter has been in heaven having us at her fingertips for reading books, drawing, playing in the snow or playing make believe. One of my favorite things to do is to take a seat and watch Honey and Winnie play. Heartwarming...heart melting? Whatever.

We decided to EAT ALL DAY on Thanksgiving. Apple pie for breakfast!! Macy's Day Parade too! FUN! Cinnamon rolls! Coffee!! How simple yet special. With the right attitude, anything can be amazing. Rich took over the apron springs and showed off his kitchen know-how with some killer stuffed mushrooms and cocktail meatballs. This was wonderful for me as I was able to concentrate on Winter who was battling a fever and runny nose. We completed our menu of very heavy appetizers with spinach stuffed bread. Delicious!! We planned to eat out for the actual Turkey Dinner but with Winnie feeling poorly, Rich picked up our meal "to go" and we ate at home instead. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry, pumpkin pie....YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

I am thankful for my husband. Life is so much richer when shared.

I am thankful for my daughter. It is a privilege to know her and be her mother.

I am thankful for my family - every single person and their unique perspective, personality, opinion, essence. You are all so dear to me.

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful for my freedom.

I am thankful for all of the opportunities afforded to me by the determination of those who preceded me and paved the way.

I am thankful for the mountains and this slice of heaven on Earth.

I am thankful for my past and what it has taught me and thankful for the future and all the hope and possibility contained therein.

I am thankful for the seasons.

I am thankful for Xtra Bold French Roast coffee.

I am thankful for being able to hold Winter last night as she cried, "Mama, I need you."

I am thankful for you, dear friend, for reading my notes and musings and listening to me.

Halloween

2010-10-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

From spooky spiders and carved Jack-o-lanterns, we were IN the Halloween spirit. Winter would not commit to a costume. I get it. A girl has to have options. For months, she was adamant about being Abby Cadabby and I was to be Abby Cadabby's mommy. Before I scouted out that ensemble (have you seen those shoes???), she changed her mind to a cupcake. Then an airplane like cousin Ryder. Then it was like a crazy stream of consciousness: I'll be a kitty. No - wait wait! A dog! yes, that's it! No- a spider! No....I've got it. Really MOMMY really. I will be a red crayon. Yes!!! Really? Yes! OK!!!!!!!

I jumped on this one and never let go. I ignored her ever changing costume desires long enough to hit the fabric store for black and white felt. My belief that she would be the cutest little red crayon in the world powered me through endless online searches for the perfect stencil font for CRAYON. I painstakingly cut out the felt letters. We glued them onto the black felt and fashioned a bib of sorts. Again - high stakes as she has never kept a bib on for more than 2 minutes. Would her costume meet the same fate?? I pressed on! A red hat! Oh yes!! And what about cute little red toppers for her shoes. She had a red sweatsuit which would be the costume base. I was giving myself some serious crafty mama pats on the back but alas when the day came to wear our costumes to Coop, she turned her darling little push-up nose up a notch higher and exclaimed, "Red crayon?? I don't want to be a red crayon!!!" Instead she grabbed a dingy pair of ladybug wings from the toy box and wore those on top of her "daytime" clothes for our Halloween party at coop. Naturally there were some decked out ladybugs at Coop complete with antennae and hand-stitched ladybug spots on red tutus. Oh well. Being outcostumed didn't phase my little ladybug in the least. I held on to a teeny tiny morsel of hope for the red crayon costume for the actual Halloween Day however she snubbed it again and chose yet another toy box resident: Dragon. Seriously?? I mistakenly called her a dinosaur all day. Ooops!

The Dragon has been a hit ever since. He has chased our little bunny around and brightened our evenings. He often even gives a piggyback ride up the stairs to books and bedtime. Who knew a pet Dragon could be so fun?

Tomorrow is my birthday. I am ALREADY excited for myself and to wear my DINOSAUR t-shirt (not a mistake) which says proudly, "I'm having a DIN-O-MITE birthday!!!"

Mom is in town to celebrate with me! YAY! She is a fellow Scorpio so we can celebrate both of our birthdays. And lucky me, a few days from now, Dad, Irene and Jaelyn will be coming out from Boston. A fun week ahead....

L.O.V.E.

2010-10-25T15:48:00.001-07:00

Feel the love

2010-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

So my Mac was out for a few days for repair. It needed a new optical drive (of all things...). I deduced this after Sarah burned a 2nd CD of the incredible photos she took a few months ago and it still would not load into my computer. And so...I finally post a few of those remarkable photos. Now I'm trying to figure out how exactly to print them on my Photosmart printer. Hmmm...one technological challenge at a time.

Last week, I was so proud of myself because I successfully filled my tires with air. I know...seriously. But I have a phobia of getting a flat tire or having a tire BLOW OUT while I'm driving high speed across 520. Nowhere to pull over. No shoulder...what to do?? Then I'm the pathetic GIRL who doesn't know how to change her own tire. A sitting duck basically begging for some sort of social deviant to come to my aid. Well 2 days later the pressure light came on again so I actually got down on the ground, mechanic style, because now I was so PRO at filling up the tires. I know to whip the cord around instead of getting tangled up in it like I used to. I know to step on it after I stretch it ALL THE WAY OUT so it can wind around the big rig and reach the back tires. Oh yeah baby, those need to be checked too because the light doesn't (yet) tell me WHICH tire has an issue. While I was underneath my car and checking out other important things (ummm..right.....) I saw it. The shiny metal screw staring me right in the face in the center tread. Since these tires were just purchased a month ago, the dealer fixed it for free. I was holding my breath driving across 520. I didn't see too many nefarious folks on their way to Microsoft or Cingular.

Halloween is coming!!

2010-10-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Halloween is coming. Our house is nearly encased in real spider webs let alone our decorative web. The pumpkins are stout orange sentries posted along our steps. Dada pointed out that our web actually looks like a witch's hair so I am inspired to somehow make a witch on our front door out of construction paper - possibly a Hefty garbage bag. I want it to look like she flew into the door but maybe it would be cuter to have her facing out. It is a bit alarming how depleted my creativity is. I'm trying to revive my mojo. I have a toddler!! It is practically a requirement! Fortunately, she has such a rich imagination that she can be my guide. This front door witch project can be something we do together, like just about everything else. This will bring me joy. As much joy as putting up the web turned blowing witch hair and hanging the happy little spider lights in our kitchen windows. Nesting. Or would that be webbing?

Winter has not decided upon a costume. For months she wanted to be Abby Cadabby but today she told me she wants to be a bear. This may have been a direct result of being at the zoo, awe struck by the two giant bears, Mike and Steve. (Not an embellishment. Those are their names!) She repeated it when she got home. But she is fickle, Miss Winnie. Yesterday afternoon, a cupcake was her decision yet yesterday morning it was an airplane. Hey - at least she is exploring the IDEA of dressing up. Progress.....

Autumn is so glorious. The rain and clouds have mostly been at bay so we still have lots of brilliantly colored trees dotting our gorgeous, shiny city. I love the change of season. Having lived in CA for 5 years, I am enjoying the connection to nature and the seasons again. Even if it means that the rain is imminent. I still feel the cleansing ritual of autumn. The shedding of the leaves like a shedding of old skin or old thoughts or old responses. Be gone with you. Let the the solitude of winter clarify things and come Spring, we will be ready for rebirth. Better than before. Stronger. Wiser.

Last Friday night I attended a good friend's wedding. Having been to a number of average weddings where everything looked good but nothing really FELT good, I was curious how this event would rank. Nothing could have prepared me for the depth and quality and down right frankness and forthrightness that this wedding offered. The ceremony was performed by a minister whose intimate knowledge of the couple and the two individuals was beautifully woven throughout the ceremony. The personal vows that they made to one another were equally as powerful and honest. I felt truly privileged to be a part of such a beautiful and real wedding.

I've been spending a lot of time writing. Blog entries that will forever be but drafts. Far too personal for public consumption. Journal entries. Poems. Outlines. Letters to be mailed, some to be burned. Writing is my catharsis. It helps me process events, feelings, thoughts. It helps me to question my thoughts. "Is it true?" Thoughts and feelings change so rapidly can we even trust our own thoughts? Writing keeps me balanced and steady. It clears my mind so I can trust my heart. Or even just hear my heart.

Zoe is under the weather. At her routine annual appointment last week, the vet noticed a lump on her front right paw where her dew claw had been removed as a puppy. He told us unequivocally it needed to be removed asap. I sought a second opinion on Monday and on Wednesday she had it removed. We are taking very good care of her during her recovery. In about 10 days we will know more. Send her good thoughts please. She is a wonderful spirit.

Happy weekend, friends. I'm off to have a cup of tea and sketch out my witch.

That's What Friends Are For...

2010-10-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

We laughed. We cried. Oh did we CRY. Two years of many events in both of our lives and it all came pouring it - into Kleenex. Through the tears, we certainly laughed and then cried more. What else is a best friend for but to just listen and be there for you when you need her? Thanks for coming, Michelle. Next time - let's go to Maui. xoxo

Today

2010-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

is the last day of the Queen Anne Farmer's Market. Of course we will attend and buy one last Bob-full of apples, tomatoes, potatoes, pears. We will eat one last slice of specialty pizza or a Maximus pork slider. Possibly a Parfait ice cream cone. And then we will wave goodbye to the farmers and chefs and neighbors. "So long, friends! See you next Spring." I am sad to see it end and sad that it signifies that summer is OVER and winter is coming.

Time marches on. Indeed. Autumn is here. The leaves are vibrantly singing their anthem to the season yet I'm holding on. No!! I don't want to "fall back". NOOOOO! As much as I derided the negative impact of Daylight Savings Time many months ago now I'd do anything for more daylight. Or more sunlight. I can't complain. This week has felt more like autumn in New England. We have been blessed with crisp SUNNY days. The kind of days that beg for flag football and apple picking, cider afterwards. It has been glorious.

One of my best friends, Michelle (also known in some parts as MEEEEE-SHELL), is coming to town tonight. I am very excited to see her. We just realized and were shocked that it has been TWO years since we last saw one another. Incredible....How can it be? Did we miscount?? No, it has actually been TWO years since I have been to Colorado. And that is just plain wrong. Two years since I've seen the Flatirons, hiked Royal Arch, smiled at my friend, Joe, walked Pearl Street, seen my sister's house or my parent's house, their animals, their world. It is so easy to get wrapped up in your own world.

And on that note, the world that wraps me up, just awoke! Winter is awake!

What brings you joy?

2010-10-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

A simple enough question yet I fumbled through an answer. Of course, Winter brings me joy. Absolutely. Without question. But beyond her, what activities, indulgences, people, places bring me joy? Cooking (when I have enough time and music playing and can sip a glass of Cab while I stir). Reading a book that practically swallows me whole. My latest amazing read: Three Junes. I did not want it to end. Traveling and seeing new people and cultures and places. Love. Trying new things...Piano! Expanding my horizons. Learning. Teaching. Talking with friends. Coffee. Yoga. Exercising. Dark Chocolate - specifically Fran's Dark Chocolate Gray Salt thins. Writing. Mountains. Nature. These things bring me joy.

Today, Winter and I decorated for Halloween! And it brought me tremendous JOY! Doing a project with my daughter, as eager as her silly mama, hanging, reaching, placing our mark on this house for THIS Halloween. making this ONE unique and special. Making a memory. Working with her little hands to pull the web tighter. Asking her to help hold it and asking her where she would like to put the green bugs. I could have cried. Such beauty in a simple event. Yes, this brings me joy. Making my home special and festive and cozy and unique. Pouring myself, my essence, my creativity into it, and seeing Winter's creative side emerge, brings me joy. I was practically giddy as we pressed the purple spiders in the web.

Free To Be

2010-09-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Winter and I have been singing the soundtrack of my childhood at the top of our lungs. We checked out the book/CD from the library last week and we've been bitten by the Marlo Thomas bug. What an amazing woman! The songs are still FABULOUS, the book is amazing and we are having a blast which is the whole point. I mean, it is so much more fun to sing than read another textbook about being good people. Let's just sing out a lesson: It's Alright to Cry, Parents Are People, William's Doll!!! The whole CD is a walking manual to life: tolerance, acceptance, of your self and others. Won't you sing with us???

There's a land that I see where the children are free
And I say it ain't far to this land from where we are
Take my hand, come with me, where the children are free
Come with me, take my hand, and we'll live

In a land where the river runs free
In a land through the green country
In a land to a shining sea
And you and me are free to be you and me

I see a land bright and clear, and the time's comin' near
When we'll live in this land, you and me, hand in hand
Take my hand, come along, lend your voice to my song
Come along, take my hand, sing a song

For a land where the river runs free
For a land through the green country
For a land to a shining sea
For a land where the horses run free
And you and me are free to be you and me

Every boy in this land grows to be his own man
In this land, every girl grows to be her own woman
Take my hand, come with me where the children are free
Come with me, take my hand, and we'll run

To a land where the river runs free
To a land through the green country
To a land to a shining sea
To a land where the horses run free
To a land where the children are free
And you and me are free to be
And you and me are free to be
And you and me are free to be you and me

Spider Love

2010-09-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

We have a house mascot. Besides Zoe, that is. She is a gorgeous spider who weaves intricate webs across our front porch. When she was testing our acceptance level, she chose discrete corners, safely out of head height. But as her confidence grew and possibly her appetite, her webs began to appear in more bold areas like smack dab between the planters. She stayed a safe distance from the front door which convinced me that she did not want to ensnare any human. I decided she was a friendly arachnid. Actually, she began to look a bit menacing as she grew, but my reticence was no match for my enchantment with her web(s). Like glorious snowflakes - so intricate, so detailed, truly beautiful. Such hard WORK too. I am appreciative of the focus, the dedication, the work ethic. Way to go, spidey, you deserve that meal, lady! Again, as long as it's not ME.

When the spider obsession began, I don't recall. Maybe through one of our favorite spider books, The Very Busy Spider (not my favorite), Charlotte's Web, Miss Spider's Tea Party. Perhaps the spider seed was planted with marathon songs of Incy Wincy (we have the British version) Spider. Spider hunting (just for looking), gazing at their incredible webs, best of all, watching them weave a web, has been a staple in our daily activities.

This time of year, the spiders are everywhere. Just in time for Halloween!! Our original house mascot has relocated. I believe she is now in the front garden where there are 5 individual webs! At the end of our driveway, the stakes are even higher. The spiders have grown so large that I'm tempted to clear them out lest I wander into a web on a compost dump run. Last night, I dreamed that I awoke to our entire house encased in one big spider web. Interpretations?? Is that merely my inner Martha Stewart talking? Begging me to dust off my decorating skills and make this house FESTIVE for Halloween??? Come on! Our rock yard already looks like a cemetery without the tombstones. Imagine how eerie it would look with dry ice smoke wafting out from under the blue fence! Or could it be my common sense telling me to take the rake and get these buggers out of here?? Hmmm..for now, they will stay in residence.

Winter is planning to be Abby Cadabby for Halloween. And she has requested that I dress up as Abby Cadabby's mother. I have not heard her final decision on Rich's costume 2010. Does Abby Cadabby have a father? Oh boy....In the next few weeks, we will begin costume shopping. I have very high hopes of her actually wearing a costume this year which will be a first. Why am I so confident?? Well, for starters, she chose her costume. A far cry from me trying to shove her into a purchased (how gauche!) giraffe costume. As IF! She was hysterical. I was the typical mother, "But you LOVE giraffes....." Even as the words came out of my mouth, I was aghast. Get a grip, lady. She was 1.5 yrs old, well - almost 2. The costume was thrown in the corner BUT that did not stop us from participating in the mayhem known as the trick-or-treating extravaganza on QA Ave. We saw some amazing costumes including an adult sized ELMO. Very memorable.. Soon thereafter she told me she was going to be ABBY CADABBY for Halloween next time. And lo and behold (EEks!!!! I mean where does the time go, people??), it is almost next time.

Autumn

2010-09-25T13:10:00.001-07:00

A glorious and mercifully warm autumn day greeted us today. We spent the gorgeous morning marveling at how yellow the trees have become, how many leaves have fallen and how perfect this city is when sunny. It just doesn't get any better than gazing out at either the Cascades or the Olympics, perfectly etched, against the blue sky, complete with their friends, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, both in full glory as well. I wish you could all be here today to enjoy it with us.

This is quite a departure from the rainy gray weather we endured last weekend when my good friend, Jodi and John (and their friends too!) were in town for the much anticipated Husky vs. Cornhusker game. The Nebraska contingent didn't seem to mind the downpour after trouncing the Huskies! I have known Jodi since I was 12 when we met at a YMCA horse riding camp in Omaha. We can even recall the names of our horses, Bid and Blaze. Her good friend Wendy sent her daughter to the very same horse camp. Full circle. I doubt that Bid and Blaze are there any longer but it made me so happy to think of another generation of kiddos participating in such a wonderful camp experience and hopefully, making friends for life.

We don't keep in touch often enough, but Jodi is one of those friends with whom the long silences vanish in a few hours. We can share the important things with a facial expression, a hug, a sigh, a tear, a smile. When you have known each other for so long and have been a part, even from afar, of major life milestones: weddings, babies, jobs, moves, new beginnings - communication becomes almost like osmosis. We just get each other. I am so lucky to have a handful of friends in this camp. No need to explain because they already KNOW. No background to fill in - they were there or they recall or they know me well enough to pencil in the fuzzy parts. And this is what makes life so special, having these people to make life even richer and more special, and to share in the ups and downs, the good and bad. To give you an encouraging hug when you hit a speed bump or to give you a bit of unsolicited advice, when necessary.

A raging fire engine racing by the open window just shook me out of my tangent on friendship. Is it my house on fire?? I think they are on this street! Oh my....All of this to say, I am filled with gratitude for so many wonderful friends in my life and for some reason I am overflowing with emotion. Did it start with the gratitude of a beautiful day? Possibly..but it is my goal to be grateful for all that life offers - sunshine or rain, good news or bad news, wanted and unwanted situations. It is all part of the journey....one step at a time.

Concentration

2010-09-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Winter and I had an impromptu lunch at the Cafe. We were all dressed up for our pal Van's 3rd birthday party. But when we arrived to an empty home, I realized I had screwed up the date. Close but yet so far. It was the following day. I am not one to let a cute outfit and make up and, ahem...are you ready?? washed and blown dry hair, go to waste, so we went OUT to lunch. Going out to eat with Winnie is one of our favorite family activities. She is an adventurous eater and a wonderful dinner companion. We have several favorite spots, Tutta Bella, 5 Spot, The Queen Anne Cafe (for waffles and whipped cream!), Orrapin, Chinoise, Sezoni - ok, I sound like an advertisement for Queen Anne Avenue but it is TRUE!

Anyway, at this lovely lunch, my renewed obsession with Avgolemono soup began. I have since made it three times and am craving another batch. Today would be a good day for soup. It is dumping rain and the sky is battleship gray. Summer did not last long enough or wait...was it ever really summer here this year?? The only time I felt warm was in Sun Valley. Ah....Idaho. Seems like a million years ago.

Here are a few photos from our lunch date. She was opening and closing the sugar container.

And this one was from breakfast at 5 Spot with Cappie and Big Poppie.

A change of season

2010-09-06T15:18:00.001-07:00

Ah....summer feels so distant. A few grey days and how quickly I forget that I was slathering on mineral based sunscreen (thanks Katherine!) and seeking the refuge of shade just last Friday. I was playing my first round of 18 holes of golf in over 3 years!! I know!!! THREE years... In fact I'm just guessing because I can't even recall my last 18 holes of golf. I think it was in 2007 right before we moved from Santa Monica, before I was pregnant. I remember playing the back nine at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Course on my due date, November 21, 2007. Insert pause to think about the image of an enormous, pregnant mama in the tee box. When I checked in at the pro shop, the pros were dubious. "Are you SURE you can golf? Are you sure you are ALLOWED to golf??" They exchanged some words in hushed tones but ultimately I played. They kept a close eye on us as I recall. Yet I played well that day!! Too much weight to pick my head up!! Who knew?? I could have golfed throughout my whole pregnancy. I've been missing the clink of the driver, the serenity of the course and the challenge of the game. It was time to return to my novice status. My golfing companion made the event even more special. I was with my second father, Rick. Rick is very patient, encouraging and non-judgmental. The PERFECT companion when it has been so long. I had some horrible shots but some good ones too for which he cheered very loudly. A little encouragement goes a long way. The whole day was very special. He and my mom came for Labor Day. To be with their girls and their girls' children too. We have had a lovely weekend.

Last Monday, was also sunny and summery! In fact, Winter and I had a photo shoot with our friend and talented photographer, Sarah. GREAT PHOTOS and we had a wonderful time. Here is the link to the slideshow. Sarah, please remember that we were your FIRST clients and always make room for us on your calendar!

Hmmm..the link isn't working so cut and paste, if you'd like:
http://sarahheitmanphotography.wordpress.com/

FOUND

2010-08-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The wallet has been found. Where oh where did the ever so tiny but jammed full of CRITICAL credit and coffee cards, identification (oh that??) and a meager $5, hide for 8 solid days? EIGHT. Where did this little microcosm of one's life - MY LIFE!, steal away on an EIGHT day vacation and resist even the most thorough CSI shakedown to hit Greenlake? Well, it was not nestled under the large living room armoire. Nope. It was in Kelly's purse. Yes. The purse turned black hole. The same purse that we BOTH searched at least twice. There she was today all black and dingy but to my eyes, a freaking diamond in the rough. HOOOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope WINS! In the nick of time because the cards were on the brink of cancellation. Phew......

Sun Valley is truly magical. We had a wonderful time!! THUMBS UP!!!!!! A little hiking, biking and even a smidge of culture. We saw Henry Paulson speak as part of the Sun Valley Writers Conference. He is on book tour for his new book about the near collapse of the world entitled On the Brink. I was expecting to be antsy, eyeing the no-host bar and in short, bored to tears but it was quite interesting. And under an hour. Good call, Paulson.

Mmmmm...does the sky EVER look this blue anywhere else?

Rich bagged Baldy and we met him at the top of the gondola. Yep, we hitched a ride and then all rode down together. Winter LOVED the gondola!

Running in the fabulous park by the Hemingway elementary school. They have a PEA PATCH just for kids. I know...how adorable.

Happy Girl! With yoga fingers, no less.

Still missing...

2010-08-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

I am a woman of hope. There has not been any suspicious activity on my credit card or my debit card. This fact assures me that my wallet is safely nestled behind a large piece of furniture at the Grissom's. Granted, someone could be busily opening up NEW credit cards in my name now that they have all of my personal info. Lovely but again, as a woman of HOPE, I will give it the weekend....the weekend (this weekend) which we will be enjoying in Sun Valley! We leave in a few hours. How I manage to find the time to write a post on the day we are traveling correlates directly to my lack of sleep the night prior to our trip. When did I become such a poor sleeper/traveler??? Hmmmm..........

We are so thrilled to explore Sun Valley and soak up the mountain air, the sunshine, the vibe, the everything....CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!! Coincidentally, the Sun Valley Writers Conference is this weekend. There are speakers, performers (John Lithgow!), presenters galore. Hopefully we will be able to attend an event or two.

Toodles!!!

APB

2010-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

The wallet. My wallet. My little (ok..perhaps TOO little) black wallet is missing. It was last seen on Sunday morning on Kelly's dining room table. This was after a lovely walk around Greenlake with the rest of Seattle and a purchased cup of coffee. We know it was in her house because she had it in her hot little hands. I realized I forgot it after I drove away and my gas light came on. Ooops. No wallet to buy fuel.

Our first manhunt was yesterday. The search continued last night. We may need to call in reinforcements, folks. Do you think Zoe and Derby could track its scent??? There wasn't much money. Probably under $20 but my license. Ohhh..yes...now this is critical especially because I still have a CA license and if I lose it, that spells big time nuisance. Either take the written test AND driving test (COME ON???!) here in WA or fly back to CA to spend a day at the DMV to get a replacement license.

I forget the patron saint for lost items?? Help, oh Catholic friends, is that St. Anthony? I'm going for it. No time for Google searches when I have a wallet on the loose. I don't even want to talk about my missing car key either. At least I had a spare. One spare. Now there is no spare.

President Obama is here today to fund raise for Senator Patty Murray. She is running for her fourth term as our US Senator. I chaired a table for her last campaign event and Hillary Clinton was the featured speaker. I have a photo of the three of us hanging in my office. I remember the day so clearly. I even recall exactly what I wore - down to the shoes!! and I remember Hillary complimenting me. What a day!!! If I had known that Obama was going to be here for Patty Murray this time around, I might have dusted off my very rusty campaigning skills in order to be a part of today's event.

An Ode to Thursday

2010-08-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

In an effort to teach Winnie the days of the week, we have started to associate events with the day of the week. For instance, the milkman comes on Monday. (Not to our house specifically but to our street. The truck is painted in cows. Quite a memorable sight!) Tuesday is GARBAGE and recycling day. That is a VERY big event. Winter is in charge of rolling down the yard waste/compost bin. It is the smallest of the 3 and she takes immense pride in its successful delivery to the curb. Then we watch with baited breath for the huge trucks to come and empty each container. Fascinating! I have not had to answer the inevitable question, "Where does it go?"

Thursday - QUEEN ANNE FARMERS MARKET. She barely remembers the farmers but she certainly remembers the Parfait ice cream truck. She is hooked! I gave it to her once (in my mind a one time treat. HA! That's hilarious.....) and ever since she has associated the Farmers Market with ice cream. And pizza. I've surrendered. Why fight the powerful force of yummy, tempting food and my two year old's intense desire to eat it?? When weather permits - like TODAY!!, we eat at the Farmers Market. Delicious wood fired pizza and ice cream and fresh berries galore.

Saturday is practically a national holiday: DONUT DAY. Daddy and Winnie head out early to one of their favorite coffee shops, Cafe Fiore, for very strong coffee and Mighty O donuts. YUM CITY!

I'm still trying, somewhat in vain, to take Sunday back. Mornings with coffee, NY Times followed by church and soup for lunch. Always soup on Sundays. If I'm organized, I can get it in my crockpot before leaving for church and home in time to eat it. If I'm not, I can pick up my favorite soup at Met Market: Tomato Basil. Then we can have a family dinner around 4 PM. Doesn't that just sound lovely? KPLU plays afternoon jazz on Sunday afternoons and it is the perfect kitchen companion while making the meal.

Speaking of music, my piano lesson was WONDERFUL! My teacher Nikki was great. Very patient and encouraging. Swan Lake is my first assignment.

Regression

2010-08-03T08:18:00.001-07:00

I am turning into a teenager again. Check it....

1) Retainers. Yes.

I couldn't ignore the evidence. After wearing braces for at least 1000 years (it seemed), my teeth were heading right back to their original posts especially without the proper retaining device: the dreaded retainers. I'm positive my orthodontist cautioned me to wear them at least at night for the rest of my life and I absolutely ignored her. Yeah, right...AS IF. These babies are PERFECT now. I am SET! Well, fast forward 10 years and my butt was right back in her office for new retainers. She frowned and fretted and uttered a few "Oh dear" "Oh my" "So did you LOSE your retainers?" all uttered in her annoyingly adorable British accent. Well, yes I did lose them but that was only after not wearing them for about 5 years. Then they vanished. Or maybe they ran away to a better retainer owner. I have no f***ing idea.

For those of you lucky enough to have perfectly straight teeth or lucky enough to not care about crowded teeth, let me explain. In order to make retainers, you first must surrender to the hell of IMPRESSIONS. Impressions? Isn't that some kind of online ad term?? I'm thinking Google here. Well, try to go back to the dark ages please for this exercise, young straight-toothed, Grasshopper. In the world of orthodontia, Impressions mean having a mold made out of your teeth. "Don't mind me", says the nervous technician. "Here is a big plastic tub of concrete for you to bite into! YUM YUM! Would you like berry or mint flavor? Now, remember to lean forward, drool out your mouth. Don't be embarrassed and just remember to breathe through your NOSE! That is the MOST important part", she says with a nervous laugh. Ummmm...you have to be kidding me? Hasn't someone invented the ability to take a photo of my teeth and build impressions? Nope. Honestly, it was the fact that I would need to have the Impressions done that kept me from getting new retainers back when I noticed front tooth Fred leaning a bit too closely into his neighbor. But denial never works for the long haul. At my most recent cleaning, my new and fabulous dentist told me that I REALLY couldn't wait any longer to get my teeth straightened out again. GOOD LORD. Can a girl get a break??? At least I didn't have a cavity. Phew....

I survived the concrete sandwich and yesterday went to pick up my very expensive torture implements. Not only were they $500 and caused July's most pronounced panic attack but they are downright ugly. Big clear plastic tubes, hard as hell, resulting in a dull throbbing headache. GOOD TIMES! On a positive note, Winter had a lot of fun at Dr. Teja's office. Not only is Dr. Teja named Zeeny which is fun to say repeatedly but she has all sorts of kitschy tooth-inspired art that her legions of young customers have created. Winter was mesmerized.

2) Piano Lessons. I have my first piano lesson at 3 PM!!! I am thrilled about this! Thanks to BFF Anna for the inspiration. Honey has really taken off on his guitar playing. We might just be a band after all.

3) I shower at night.

4) I have a new (bad) habit: {Tangent alert: Is a habit always BAD? Meaning, do we ever say that we have a new habit if it is a good thing? I have a new yoga habit? I have a new non-fiction habit? A new macrobiotic habit? Nope. Those would be lofty things like regiments, routines or oooh....wait for it: PHILOSOPHIES. Oh yes. Something I can be so proud of but habits are relegated to the world of vice. A habit. Like it must immediately be kicked. You must conquer this HABIT: smoking, drinking or my new HABIT: DIET (GASP!!!) Dr. Pepper. What in the WORLD? Where and why? I just cannot seem to kick it. In fact I don't even want to kick it. I LIKE IT. It is sick and wrong and disgusting but I am already craving one.

5) And if that weren't enough to send in the detox police, I have returned to Coors Light. Yes, the Silver Bullet. Bottles, please. That started in Boston when I was so hot and sticky that even at 9 PM, it was the ONLY thing in the fridge that could quench my thirst. When I am that overheated, it would take an entire bottle of Chardonnay to bring down my internal temperature and even I, a 38 year old wanna-be teenager, know better than THAT.

summertime

2010-08-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Good morning, friends! I have been working on several posts but nothing is complete. So while I let my message gel, I give you photos.....

Winter meets Chumley, the darling rodent errr....gerbil at the Reading, MA library. We still talk about our friend, Chumley, and have a postcard to send him. He is very literate!

Winter hiking at Discovery Park. Need I say more about this heavenly place???

Winter helping me make banana chocolate chip muffins for our visitors last weekend, Pam and Doug Kline from Denver!

Mountain high

2010-07-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

I had to go on a vacation to recuperate from our vacation. I went up to the Grissom's condo yesterday. Are you ready???? BY MYSELF. Yes, just me. Solo. All by my lonesome, not even Zoe accompanied me. And it was heavenly. Every minute of quiet and stillness infused my cells with the special rejuvenating elixir only available in the mountains. At least for me, that is. Mountains restore me. The air, the trees (THE TREES!!!!!!), the actual mountains, the views, the blue sky, the sweet smell - all of it is like a magic potion, a Witch's brew, for my soul. Here - drink me. You will feel so much better. And I do. It is amazing what 24 hours away from one's daily life can do for your spirit, your perspective. For me, the mountains in particular impart a sense of stability and security and force me to acknowledge that I'm just a tiny little speck on this great, big planet which is just a speck in the universe which might be a speck in some kind of larger network of galaxies and universes. Maybe somewhere out there on another planet (one that I don't even know about) there is another weary Mama feeding her soul under a starry sky. Hell, there may have been one right down the road from me at Snoqualmie. We are separate yet connected all at once. "I know", I whisper into the night, "I miss my family too". It is hard to be away but necessary at times.

I didn't get my hiking fix because I decided that I had seen one to many solo female hiker news clip that didn't end well. God, I'd just hate for that to happen to me. Of course the odds are low and the trails are popular and in general I think people are good. But there is just enough of a chance that I chose not to hike alone and I think I made the right call. I'm a mother now. I have someone who needs me to be more cautious than I might have been in the past and I don't resent it. The goal was relaxation so I did just that. I finished my book (fabulous, amazing, loved every page, every character: The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen) and was having so much fun READING (seriously...I am so easy to please. Right??!) that I read another one. I feel so accomplished in my relaxation. Besides the mountains and the ski resort and the plethora of hikes out the door, the condo has another delightful feature: an outdoor pool with KILLER views. Best of all, the pool is heated to 90 degrees. Yes 90 or possibly 95 - year round. Now that's what I'm talking about. No need to even hesitate - GET IN HERE! MMMM...am I in the Carribbean??? There was a key lime green raft poolside beckoning to me so I climbed aboard and enjoyed a cat nap of sorts while I lazily floated, half sleeping under the mountains and their gorgeous quilt of giant evergreens. Ahhhhhh.....serenity.

Sweet Angel

2010-07-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Just a typical morning around here....

Home Sweet Home

2010-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

After two wonderful weeks surrounded by friends and family, we are back home in Seattle. Our time in Madison, CT flew by with one activity after the next. It was very very busy. JoAnne's birthday! Fireworks!!! 4th of JULY! The parade!! A BBQ! A fabulous concert on the Town Green with the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra. We spent time with Grandma (Winnie's Great Grandma), Grammy and Auntie Cheryl too. Winter soaked up the sun and fun and mostly, the attention of all of her family and friends. With all the action, we are a bit sleep deprived but hopefully, we can catch up now that we are home in our own beds. Hopefully. We are on Day 2 of Winter waking at 4:30 AM. I know.....so much for the caffeine reduction plan. That flew out the window as fast as you can say Dunkin Donuts.

Winter absolutely adored Morgan, Pat and JoAnne's 6 yr old daughter. She followed her around like a little sister. She looked for her EVERYWHERE. And Morgan was so sweet and patient with Winnie. She shared all of her toys and books. Not to mention her ROOM. Morgan even gave Winter her little Beanie Baby, Mooch the monkey, as a parting gift. So sweet.

Morgan reads to Winter on the top bunk!

Winter on 4th of July with Grandma and Grammy and Auntie Cheryl.

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About 5 years ago, Pat and JoAnne began a small neighborhood parade for the kids on the 4th of July. In the initial year, they had about 7 people marching through the neighborhood streets banging a few pots and pans. Perhaps someone was waving a flag. Humble beginnings. Five years later, they have over 50 (I KNOW! FIFTY!) participants with gorgeously decorated bikes, scooters, strollers. Pat pulls a trailer behind his truck brimming with little Patriots throwing candy to the onlookers. We were so excited to march in their parade! Winter's first PARADE! Her float?? Daddy's shoulders!

As if we hadn't had enough adventure, Winter and I took the NE Regional train up the coastline from CT to Boston, MA. I looked into driving and frankly just didn't want to deal with the traffic. I had taken the train once before and knew we could catch it in Old Saybrook, right up the road from Madison. Don't you love it when you make a decision and it works out so well? I'm still patting myself on the back for making the call to take the train. We had TONS of room to roam around, a SNACK car which we visited at least 3x, and amazing views of the CT shoreline. Sweet!! Folks, we didn't even NEED the DVD player.

Our week in Boston with Dad and Irene was also wonderful. It was very nice to relax and settle in without over-scheduling. Just being together feels so good. A crossword puzzle, a Coors light, watering the plants, a trip to the library, a game of CandyLand. Easy does it. Winter enjoyed playing with her cousins, Jaelyn and Grace. We had an epic day at Tina's pool which she really enjoyed. Swimming lessons are in her future!

Summertime bliss

2010-07-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

We made it!! My carry on bag consisted primarily of food. Truly. I have learned that the key to a successful flight is a variety of new and exotic snacks. "What's this new tasty treat???" I stay away from the candy items but she is content with new flavors of Pirate's Booty or chips. Winter has only watched TV a few times in her life. Macy's day parade this past Thanksgiving comes to mind. Imagine her delight when we unveiled a portable DVD player! ELMO! We brought a few Sesame Street DVDs and she was mesmerized.

Now we are happily ensconsed in Madison, CT. The shoreline is pristine. Humongeous flat rocks hug the coastline - perfect for picnicing or morning yoga at low tide. Morning kayakers head out to Tuxis Island, enjoying the serenity of calm water. Hopefully we will get out on the kayaks too!

We are staying in Pat and JoAnne's darling cottage. They have poured their hearts into making this cottage a magazine worthy showpiece. It is bright, light and cottage chic. The hardwood floors are literally as scrubbed and polished as the woodwork on the finest yacht. If we were here for a month (and with a nanny??), I would dedicate a few days to reading and relaxing inside the gorgeous cottage but with only a week in town, we are soaking up the beach and the great weather. The beach is just steps away.

Three generations of Pat's family have been coming to Madison for over 40 years. That is the norm throughout the neighborhood. Some families are lucky enough to live here year round but others come for the entire summer and share a cottage with their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It is one extended family creating memories and rituals for a lifetime.

Grammy and Auntie Cheryl are en route now for a day on the beach with us and to watch the town fireworks later. The perfect kickoff to a great holiday weekend.

Start Spreadin the News.......

2010-06-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

We're leaving today!!! We're going to be a part of it!!! JFK JFK....????
Yes siree! We are heading East,folks. Flying into JFK and then driving up to Connecticut for the 4th of July. We've lifted the traveling with toddler embargo and we are going for it. There is something fitting about being back East for the Fourth. The proximity to actual Revolution battle scenes, Bunker Hill, the Boston Tea Party, you can't help but feel patriotic. Madison, CT is one of the most charming, picturesque shoreline towns I've even seen. From the historic town green (home of the Sunday concert on the green, weekend TAG sales, and drumroll please: FARMER'S MARKET!), to the independent bookstore R.J. Julia to the weathered yet grand and stately waterfront mansions. Madison has class, charm and beauty. She is a gem. I'm really looking forward to being back there with friends and family. Grammy, Auntie Cheryl and Great Grammy (92!!) are top of the list along with The Combs and hopefully some other friends in town for the 4th.

Madison offers a full menu of 4th of July delights. A town parade, a fireworks show over the water, BBQs, face painting however the MAIN attraction for the 4th is the neighborhood parade that Pat Combs and his family organized. Photos to follow! Prepare for the cuteness.

After CT, Winter and I are heading up to Boston for a week to see family and friends. Why not??? My last trip back East was for a total of 72 hours for my reunion so this will be much more relaxing. And hot.

With all the excitement for our trip brewing, it is no wonder I didn't get a wink of sleep. I'm becoming far too acquainted with the night. And the VERY early morning. 4:10 AM today, folks. How else would I have time to be writing this?! Last night as I lay in bed, my brain was basically functioning like one of Winter's toys with a dying battery. Just as I approached slumber, out of the darkest corner of my gray matter, a thought would crop in. "Leave Jenny a check!" "Leave the key under the mat." "Bring in the stroller." Pre vacation Tourettes.

It has been a fabulous week of seeing old friends. I went to the Real Networks reunion on Thursday night. What a blast! Kristen, Shelli, Chris Kollas - my original boss at Real, Marty Roberts, Ben - my ultimate Frisbee mentor, Liz Hughes, Kristi Larson - so many more. It was really wonderful. I worked at Real Networks from 1997-2000. Three years that could have been 20. Time is a funny animal. On one hand it seems like a lifetime ago but then sitting down and talking with people, it seems like yesterday. I drove home thinking about my 3 years at RN, what I learned, how much I grew, where that job led me (next to Virage), my talented and driven colleagues and I felt really, really blessed.

Time to hit the showers. Car leaves in 45 minutes! If you happen to be on our flight to JFK this morning, we will try to keep Winter as zoned out as possible on Elmo DVDs and snacks. But do swing by our row for a visit. I'm having so much fun seeing all my old friends!

Mama, is it summer yet????

2010-06-24T06:15:00.001-07:00

Insert whine, beg, plead. Ah......FINALLY the temperature surpassed the upper 50s and we had ourselves a gorgeous summer day. Yesterday, just two days late. OK, Summer - you are forgiven for your tardiness as long as you have a zero absentee policy. Tuesday morning, I walked to the 6 AM yoga class. If you had spotted me, you would have thought it was the dead of winter. I could see my breath, I had on Uggs, a hat, a big fleece and mittens. SERIOUSLY????? Yes...seriously. But alas the sun is back out this morning. I have been waking up around 4:30 when the birds turn up the volume to a near roar and the sun is UP. It is 6:15 AM now and based on the sun and the light, it would be considered noon elsewhere.

Enough weather updates. We will be back East beginning Sunday for two weeks and I'm sure I will be withered and battered by the humidity and heat and begging for a cool, misty 55 degree Seattle "summer" day. Is one ever happy??? Sigh...

In the past few weeks there have been many wonderful adventures and experiences to share: Farmer's Market!!!, more hiking in Discovery Park, a shopping spree, Papa BERT!!!!! But the one I've been most eager to write about was attending my BFF Anna's final choir concert of the year at Ballard High School. It was a Wednesday evening. First of all, when was the last time you were in a high school? Not just the auditorium to vote but in the hallways? By the lockers? I was FILLED with high school anxiety and memories just walking to the bathroom. It was as if I would run into Freeman Frank (11th grade history teacher) at the next turn. In high school, I had a locker combination phobia. I must still have it since I shied away from them and averted my eyes. Damn lockers. But this is no ordinary high school. Or is it? Anna takes Botany, Mandarin and traveled to NYC to perform with her choir at Lincoln Center. What??? Really???? Wow! The opportunities, the programs are mesmerizing. Perhaps most high schools rival college these days.

I was impressed by the obvious involvement and promotion of the students. The hallways were adorned with their artwork, their poetry. And it struck me how much ownership the students have of their school.

The concert began with one of the MANY choirs. There must have been at least 6 unique choirs: women's chamber, women's jazz, men's a capella, and finally Anna's choir, the concert choir. Each one was better than the next! Truly remarkable talent and dedication. I was so excited to see and hear all of these fresh voices and faces and to see their commitment to their art. Nobody had been forced into choir. Everyone was there because they wanted to be there and they had really hard to perfect the very challenging repertoire. It was inspirational on several levels. I was delighted to jettison my belief (fear??) that all high school kids are little punks, immature, irresponsible, disrespectful. These kids proved to me that (some) young adults are capable, determined and talented. Music to my ears, my heart, my soul.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ah...it has been a few weeks. The sun has been out once. I think. Not today but we carried on without her golden sun rays and had ourselves a Happy Father's Day. Even in the drizzle. We started our morning with chocolate chip pancakes. Who DIDN'T???? Winter was literally bouncing off the walls so we decided to take that ball of energy out on the trails. If the weather had been a bit nicer, we would have headed East into the glorious mountains but why drive an hour and still be in the rain?? We drove about 10 minutes to Discovery Park and let Zoe and Winter run run runnnnnnnnnnnn. Although it was gray, gloomy and rainy and the thermometer seems permanently stuck at 55 degrees, it was lovely. Just breathing and sensing the cool, moist air felt rejuvenating and cleansing. Ahhhhh...breathe it in. INHALE, Amy. I said to myself, "It isn't the rain that is the problem. It is my attitude about the rain. It is my EXPECTATION that the weather should be anything other than exactly what it is. Surrender." Breathe the moist air. Accept it. Ah...I'm getting better at this. Why fight reality? And I can thank yoga and Byron Katie for this shift. Yoga came back into my life at exactly the right moment.

It would not be right to make a Father's Day post without giving major kudos to my two dads. I could not be luckier. First of all, to know Bob Kimball is to love him. And I am lucky enough to call him my friend in addition to my dad. Seriously, he is a gem. He was visiting this past week and we had such a wonderful time. We really don't have to do anything. Just being around each other. Telling stories, re-telling stories, sharing new moments and memories. Giving big hugs and smiles. That is what it is all about. Nothing feels as wonderful as feeling loved, accepted and supported.

My second father, Rick, is equally incredible. Rick is the least judgmental, most accepting, tolerant man I know. He is easy going yet certainly no door mat. He taught me the idea of knowing and accepting one's self. Rick is the most secure person I've ever met.

Cheers to my two dads and of course, to Winter's DaDa. Nothing makes my heart melt more than to see my darling little angel's eyes light up for him.

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh.....the sun came through in the clutch. Just when I thought I had to make ANOTHER cup of tea to warm up and embark on ANOTHER rainy day project, the clouds parted and the glorious sun shone upon our round faces. HOORAY!!! Put away the crayons and the markers, we are going OUTSIDE! YIPPPEE!!! We went to see the turtles! If you look closely behind Miss Winnie, you will see that the log is adorned with darling little turtles. We counted 17 today. Who doesn't love the turtles???? They are so charmingly prehistoric.

Yesterday afternoon, we braved the Zoo. I know - on a 3 day weekend?? What am I?? A total rookie?? I had hoped that the rain would keep the tourists away but sadly, I was wrong. It was way too busy for us but the visit was not in vain. Winter discovered a new kind of animal on the way back to the car.

Behold: SOCK BUSH!

She was walking behind me as I hurried to get to the shelter of the car. I heard "OOOOOHHHH! NOOOOOO!!!" I looked behind me and found her looking intently inside a bush. Hmmm...that's peculiar. She kept saying (rainman), "Sock! Someone lost a SOCK!!! OHHHH NOOOOOOO!!!!" I was thinking, "What???" And sure enough, a sock was dangling from a branch. I should never doubt her. She now reminds me what I need at the grocery store and whether or not I took my vitamins. Very useful!

Happy Memorial Day!

Mama Is It Summer Yet?

2010-05-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Nikki McClure has a new book called Mama Is It Summer Yet? Winter and I have been reading it multiple times a day as if the very question and our insistent pleading may bring summer hither. Oh Summer!! Don't be so stingy!!! COME ON! I know you have time. The first day of your season to shine isn't for another 3 weeks or so but I guess in my mental calendar, I count on June 1 to usher you in. Why else would I have stocked the fridge with Tecate and the freezer with homemade popsicles?? Hmmmm??? You tell me???? Winter's lips are turning purple eating her popsicles and I haven't cracked a single Tecate. Hurry UP, summer! I got greedy on a few warm spring days and basically thought you were here for good but NOOOOO....This Memorial Day weekend with 50 degree temps and a soggy, drippy, charcoal gray sky has proven me wrong. Very wrong.

The book is very sweet. The little one patiently endures (and enjoys!) every season until Summer's arrival. I will keep reading it, hoping some of that patience wears off.

In the midst of this gray weekend, I decided it was HIGH time to try to reduce the caffeine. Every evening I have a little battle with myself as I am setting up my coffee machine for the following morning. One voice says, "Make half decaf. You've been drinking too much coffee." The other voice counters, "You were just tired. Keep at it. You don't want a headache from too little coffee." And so I would always make a lot...OK, practically a full pot, and tell myself I could drink less. Sure I could but never did. Enter morning yoga class and wait, let's go back even further....the HAIRCUT. I went to two morning yoga classes, post coffee, and couldn't even do a down dog without a SPLITTING massive headache. That was it....I realized then that I needed to cut back. I won't give it up but I'm doing well so far on 1/2 decaf and 1/2 caff. It is a start!

Hair update

2010-05-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Houston, we have a problem. The haircut. This pesky little too short for a PONYTAIL Laura Bush style Bob has thrown a wrench into my entire schedule. As I have mentioned, I shower in the evenings. I like to wash off my day, wash off my evening yoga class and go bed as clean as the dishes I've just washed and replaced. This system was working fairly well until...the haircut. I tried to eek out a second day but because of the haircut and layers, my hair sort of rises up and gets tangled together and basically looks like a giant birds nest on my head. Even a baseball cap cannot tame it. Thus I simply must shower and wash this haircut AND use the dreaded blow dryer to boot. ARRGHHH! So annoying. I hate blow drying my hair. This is a PROBLEM, folks, because like most things, this interferes with something enormously precious and scarce - SLEEP. I'm so BITTER. No more ponytails to mask the bedhead. I think I am living out the adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I guess the remedy would be to start going to MORNING yoga classes with really wild bedhead and then shower for my day. This could be the answer but what about my addiction?? If I'm going to morning yoga, do I drink coffee before class??? That seems so anti-yogi. And screw green tea, people. That just does NOT cut it. Please. Do I have to now get up at 5, to coffee down (or up, as the case may be??) so that I can slow down and meditate and open up my chakras at yoga? This whole thing seems wrong. Eureka!!! ....I should take up running again. Get all piped up on coffee and hit the pavement. Don't say what you are thinking. Don't even THINK it. No. No. I can't. I won't. I'm not interested. I love my coffee too much. I need it. I HAVE to have it. The thought of life without coffee is unbearable. I will continue to shower twice for the time being. Until the situation sorts itself out...or the haircut becomes more malleable into a non-haircut. Basically until the style is unrecognizable and looks long and stringy and can be pulled back, permanently. Yes, it just hit me. I do not deserve this haircut. I don't plan to take care of it. Like the insistent child who begs endlessly for a puppy but upon its arrival has no interest the responsibilities. Yes, I got the haircut without understanding the maintenance. Well, hell, I can't take this one back to the breeder. Time to up the vitamins to stimulate hair growth.

Rich and Winnie are downstairs playing their guitars. I can hear them laughing and strumming. The band is back! I found the name of a fabulous piano teacher who comes to your house for lessons. Besides writing, I'd love to start making music as another creative expression. Ever since Anna played Sonatina, I've been literally dreaming about playing the piano. The Man from Snowy River, another classic movie from my childhood, reminds me of the power of music as well. So much to do! So much to learn!!! Off to hit the morning shower now.....hurry hurry, mama! The sun is coming out. We have a new day to embrace.

Winnng Ticket

2010-05-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, I attended a wonderful fundraising event for Powerful Schools. My sister and friend, Sarah, have been involved with this incredible organization. Their mission is to supplement high risk public schools with additional programs (tutoring) and resources for student, parents and educators. They are doing remarkable work and making a huge impact on many lives.

The event was called Cirque du Seattle so they lived up to the name with aerial performers, jugglers and a gal on stilts! They had great music (DJ!), a silent auction, and my favorite part - an incredible venue, the Georgetown Ballroom. You know how I love historic brick buildings! I knew it was going to be a good time when they were passing champagne at the coat check. Who can resist an innocent flute of bubbly topped with a raspberry?? Not I!

I had already had a talk with myself about the silent auction. You see, I have a history of over-bidding on silent auction items, forgetting that you do actually pay for them. I also got a bit over-zealous one year at an event with my bidding paddle and ended up with an Alaskan kayaking cruise adventure. Hey - it was for a GOOD cause!!!

Upon arrival, I purchased 10 raffle tickets. As Sarah was peeling them off and handing them to me, I was thinking to myself, I'm going to win something. That's why I want 10 - better odds. And sure enough, I won the BEST prize of all. 2 tickets to a play, an overnight stay at The Alexis Hotel and dinner at the Brooklyn!!! YAYYYYYY!!!

And not just any play either but Vanities. Vanities - the same movie that my sisters and I watched repeatedly when HBO played it 5x a day during our childhood. It is the story of 3 Texas girls who grow up together. They are best friends and high school cheerleaders sharing dreams and making plans for their lives. They go off to college and become sorority sisters together. Sisters AT LAST although they had always seemed like sisters. In the final act, they come back some years later, practically as strangers. Differences that were once respected or at least tolerated now create huge arguments. They seem to not even LIKE each other anymore. Judgment. Hostility. What happened???? Where is the loving bond that held them together through high school and college? How and why do things change between people? Can you ever rebuild? What makes one of them want to reconnect and the other turn away? Where is the forgiveness? So many real life questions and situations in this touching play.

Speaking of that, today is our 3 year anniversary. It was 3 years ago today that Rich and I sneaked away to Aspen, CO, one of our most beloved and special places, to marry. We were on our way to the Telluride MountainFilm Festival where his film had been accepted (and ultimately WON the Mountain Culture award!). Aspen is not exactly on the way to Telluride but we really wanted to be in Aspen for our marriage. While we had envisioned hiking up Smugglers together, the weather was not cooperative. It was SNOWING on May 23, 2007! SNOWING!!!! But that was beautiful too. We hunkered down at the St. Regis. It was on that trip that we discovered George Rodrique and the Blue Dog. We had a wonderful dinner at Ruth Chris that night and the restaurant was completed adorned in his work. We loved it. The next day, we walked by his gallery where the owner taught us tons about him, his work, the significance behind the Blue Dog. The following year, Rich gave me one of his works for our anniversary - a bride and groom Blue Dog couple. Happy Day...

Bike to Work Day

2010-05-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Today is Bike to Work Day. When I had a paying job, I rode my bike to work on occasion. I couldn't quite embrace it because the ride wasn't long enough to qualify as a work-out and I always felt really messy for the rest of the day. Much akin to staying in sweats all day without showering. Like TODAY! But since my office is primarily here I've decided that today will simply be "no driving day". This decision is not born entirely out of love for clean air. Today, I just don't feel like getting in my car. Besides, I am lucky lucky LUCKY enough to be able to walk to anything I need. Literally.

Coffee - either 25 seconds (kitchen) or 4 minutes.
Yoga - 3 minutes
Chiropractor- 5 minutes
Our primary care physician - 4 minutes.
Pharmacy - 6 minutes
Grocery Store - 6 minutes
Little Howe Park - 5 minutes
Big Howe Park - 10 minutes
Library - 12 minutes
Trader Joe's - 12 minutes
Fremont - 20 minutes.....Yes, Winter and I have walked down to Fremont together. Once. The uphill walk home was challenging!!

Have a beautiful weekend, friends.

Girlie Girl...

2010-05-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

It started with the toes. She was mesmerized with my painted toes after the season's first pedicure. She wanted "art" on her toes too. So I complied. How darling! Little pink toes couldn't be cuter!! If I had known how adorable they would be, I would have painted them a long time ago. And although I do not have painted fingernails, she somehow figured out that you could paint them too. She kept asking for art on her fingers too. Added bonus, the pink polish masks the frozen blueberry stains.

I managed to get ONE braid in her hair last week too so there is hope for French braids. Speaking of hair, I think Marni and I were so engrossed in catching up with each other that neither of us noticed that she chopped off ALL of my hair. And sort of gave me bangs!! GASP!!!! I wasn't paying attention. I told her to shape it back into the adorable Ginnifer Goodwin choppy, layered bob cut that she gave me in February. PS - Ginnifer Goodwin has had about 5 different hairstyles since then. Well, let's just say that I will have THAT haircut in about 4 months when this one grows out! I can't even scrounge up a stubby ponytail. And of course I hate it because it makes me look OLD but I say that about everything I wear or my hair or my face or whatever and I guess it is because I am old or at least older than I would like to believe. Sigh......I guess I will have to wait for the hair to grow out to pretend that I'm a youthful 32 yr old again.

Farmer's Market!

2010-05-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hip Hip Hooray!!! It is one of life's small yet immeasurable pleasures: a neighborhood Farmer's Market. It fills my heart with joy and song. I love buying produce from the Farmer's, nibbling on the samples (perhaps something new) and mingling with my neighbors. Best of all - just 4 blocks from home. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! The QA Farmer's Market is small but even so they still have book signings and chef demos, music and something worldly, like goods made by children in Afghanistan.

Winter is too young to appreciate the fact that she had a food demo from Hsiao-Ching Chou, a well-known Seattle food writer and chef. Hsiao-Ching is part of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Who ISN'T???? If you haven't heard about it, please indulge me as I get out my Farmer's Market pallet for just a second. And I quote.....

“This Food Revolution is about changing the way we eat. We need to start cooking again, to make sure our children don’t grow up on a
diet of processed food, at school or at home, and so they won’t have to battle obesity and diet-related illnesses when they grow up. Cooking is one of the most important skills a person can have and it has been proven that families who cook together eat better. A small change in your kitchen in could save the life of someone you love.
America needs to do something now, before it’s too late.”
Jamie Oliver

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And cooking is fun too! EATING is fun!!!

Actually, Mr. Oliver, I have to let you know something. My father started this Food Revolution over 30 years ago. Not only is my dad an amazing chef (I don't think he ever ripped open a box of Kraft Mac n Cheese. Instead, he lovingly prepared for his littles, a homemade rarebit. DELISH!) who believes in well-prepared food but in addition, he also believed in eating together as a family. In fact, my parents were vigilant about Family Dinner. A time not only to nourish our bodies but to connect with one another. The phone was unplugged so there would be no interruption. "BUT DADDDDDD!!!, we cried. "What if HE calls?????" Anxiety ridden faces pleaded with our calm Father who always answered reassuringly, "Darling, HE will call back." And thus began dinner. Someone set the table, someone else helped serve and yet another was on duty to clear and clean up. The dinners were long. It takes a while to hear from 4 active daughters. How is school? What is happening in French III? Are you going to audition for the Spring Musical? How are you feeling about Mike Kennedy these days? How is the yearbook going?? Around the table we went. It wasn't an interrogation by any means just interested parents trying to stay connected with their daughters. I can't recall a single time we ever asked either Dad or Irene how THEY were doing. Why would we?? They were grown-ups, with freedom and money and access to anything they wanted in life, right?? Their lives looked amazing from our vantage point. Of course they were HAPPY AS CLAMS! Right??! Yeah, right! Isn't it amazing the value of time to shed some perspective on the past.

Often the dinner would become a "marathon dinner". While we bitched and moaned about them, our friends clamored to be a guest at a Marathon Dinner. Thank you again, parental units, for all of the LOVE, heart and soul that went into the meals but most importantly, thank you for the most amazing gift of all - your TIME. I will say now that those marathon dinners are one of most cherished childhood rituals.

We had beautiful sunshine while we were there (phew!) and since we were CELEBRATING opening day, we shared a tiny scoop of vanilla bean ice cream from Parfait. MMMMMMMMMMMM! I wanted to save it for the end of our round-the-world dinner but the first thing Winter spotted when we arrived was a darling little tyke smeared with ice cream and a giant cone. Naturally there was no stopping her. She literally RAN to the ice cream truck. After dessert, we nibbled our way around the world. Oh, an empanada, smoked salmon, our spring roll, oh...a crepe!! YUM! OK, not exactly balanced but I don't think Jamie would object.

We walked home, cradling our delicate spring vegetables (radishes, baby bok choy, asparagus and red potatoes) while I made up a little song about making a creamy asparagus soup tomorrow. "I HELP YOU!!" was Winter's enthusiastic reply. "yes, sweetie. You do help me!" And she does...more than she knows.

Winter's first cooking demo from someone other than me.....

Hump Day

2010-05-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Feeling a bit cocky from my recent successful two on one outing to the Zoo, I signed up for another one. This morning I took Ryder and Winter to a sweet music class at the Phinney Neighborhood Association. The teacher was lovely and played her guitar for most of the class. She sang and acted-out a well known book, Giraffes Can't Dance. In fact, Ryder owns a copy! He plopped right down in my lap when she started reading. Today's class was more or less an excuse to spend an hour in that fabulous building brimming with history. It is another refurbished Seattle elementary school. I love the building, the history, the wide hallways, the HUGE old rattling windows that look out to the East over Greenlake and the magnificent Cascades. I caught myself daydreaming out the window - for just a moment- daydreaming about bottling up this beautiful moment, morning, music. These two little people with their adorable voices and minds and thoughts. Can we just freeze frame it?? So I can go back whenever I want and recall the smiles, the laughter, the happiness? Now THAT is a daydream.

When the last note had played, we were delighted to find a BEAUTIFUL, warm, sunny day. We played on the Coop's playground and enjoyed some fresh banana muffins and mandarin oranges. The sunshine continued long enough for Winter to savor a popsicle (her latest OBSESSION!!!) outside before "quiet time". I had heard on the radio this morning that a storm was heading our way. Expect strong winds and heavy rain and a big drop in temperature, they cautioned. Sure enough!! By the time quiet time was over, it was only 49 degrees, the rain was coming down with some major attitude (not your typical Seattle mist!) and the wind was howling. Winter and I ran around and closed all the windows and then took our seats in front of the sliding glass doors to watch the storm unfold. She started singing, Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day....and I joined in. Two little storm watchers at work and play.

And now I'm too pooped to go to yoga so I will instead take my evening shower like when I was a kid. Before my folks remodeled the attic and added a bathroom, we all shared ONE bathroom. One shower. That's right - six people sharing one bathroom. It worked. We had a schedule. Actually, I don't mind showering at night. I like to snuggle up in the flannels with smooth legs and damp hair. Frankly, my hair never looks "styled" unless I've just been to Marni for a cut or a blow-out. At 38, I can admit a most unlikely deficiency: blow dryer aptitude. I know, it can't be hard but I really don't have the patience. Maybe one day. Like knitting.....

I need to get my rest because tomorrow is practically a Holiday for me. Tomorrow, May 20th, is the OPENING DAY OF THE QUEEN ANNE FARMER'S MARKET!!!!!!!!! hooray! I am so excited. We are going - rain or shine! Look for the duo in matching rain boots. Yippppeee!!

Sunday BBQ Bliss

2010-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, the Grissoms invited us over to a backyard BBQ. Their good pals were visiting from Colorado. And good local pals, Sarah and Garett and Miss Parker cutie pants were there too. It was a beautiful afternoon - sunny and warm. Burgers. Cold beer. S'mores!!! Does it get much better?? Winter had been very worried about Garett who had a bike crash a while ago. As I recall, Kelly briefly mentioned to me that Gar had crashed on his bike. I don't think she shared any of the details with me but this little nugget of information consumed Winter. She wanted to call Garett and check on him. Actually, she wanted to call Sarah to check on Garett. And she wanted to know what had happened to him. So, like a once-aspiring actress, I improv'd my way through the story of Garett and the bike crash. It has become her most requested story to date. Although lately she is mesmerized by "Baby Aina and the Bad Raspberry."

Once upon a time there was a boy named Garett. And he liked to ride his bike. Sometimes on the streets but not next to the cars. On the other side, by the sidewalk. And sometimes he liked to ride his other bike in the mountains. Where we like to go for hikes - in the backpack. Garett rides his bike with his best friend, Uncle Jesse. One day, Garett woke up early and got ready for a bike ride. He was so EXCITED! He put on his biking clothes, his shoes, his helmet, his glasses. Then he gets on his bike and starts going for a ride!! He loves the fresh air and looking at all of the mountains. He keeps his eyes open for animals too. First he rides up the trail, climbing up and up and up. Very hard work. At the top of the mountain, he takes a break, has some water and a snack.

Interruption: "Mommy?? Uncle Jesse, there???"

"Not this time, sweetie."

After his rest, he is ready to ride DOWN the mountain, as fast as he can! It is like when we run down the hill at Big Howe Park or roll down the hill. We go fasssssssstt!

I continue to act this out on my imaginary mountain bike. He has to sit back in the saddle so the bike is balanced, sweetie, because the hill is so steep!! He is steering around all of the rocks and stumps and obstacles and jumping over them too like a mountain lion. He is going super super fast, like a car, like an airplane, like a Tiger!!! All of the sudden - out of NOWHERE, he hits a tree stump and a ROCK!

BANNNGG! CRASHHHHHH!!! THUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (my noises are much much better in person!)

He goes FLYING off his bike and lands on his head and his ribs. OUCH!!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Yes, in my story Garett cries because it hurts!!). Oh no....Garett is hurt. Everything hurts at first but slowly he starts to wiggle his toes and fingers to see if anything is REALLY hurt. He gets up slowly and walks his bike down the rest of the way. He goes to see the Doctor and he gets a really BIG band-aid which is called a bandage for his ribs and his head. After this, he has to take a break from riding his bike for a while so his body can heal. Thank Goodness, Garett had on his helmet. And now he is feeling much better and hey - there he IS! Alive and well, here at this Sunday BBQ......

Now, I need to work on my Uncle Jesse bike crash story of how he broke his collarbone last Sunday morning. I will have to work on pantomiming lots of bike jumps for this one. Hang in there, Jessoir!

Here are some lovely photos that the amazing and talented Sarah captured.

MORE S'MORES!!

Nose nudges....

Auntie Up

2010-05-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

I decided the time had come. I was (finally) ready, willing and eager- in fact, to take Ryder and Winter out on a solo adventure. I planned fairly well. I chose the Zoo for a variety of reasons. Very familiar turf for the littles. Nothing new as the sole chaperone. Also, lots of open space. No confined areas. Freedom to run and roam but great visibility for me. Nothing to share, other than the extremely wide path. These were some of my reasons not to mention that I really like the Woodland Park Zoo. In fact, I love going there. I love the trees, the huge grassy park area - home to Zoo Tunes and also the scene of an impromptu concert last summer that Winter and I crashed, the carousel and please - Caffe Vitta coffee in the cafeteria. You really can't go wrong. If the wheels fall off, I can get a caffeine fix while the kids share one of those nasty yet highly enjoyable soft pretzels. No salt, please. Oh - and it takes about 7 minutes door to door. Yes. SEVEN minutes. I squeal with delight when we make it somewhere so amazing in under 10 minutes. Winter joins me, "YAY!! Zoo so close, Mommy!!"

The Zoo offers the perfect combination of fresh air and exercise with downtime for making faces at our favorite animals, looking for slugs along the path and watching the raptors during snack time. Bob is the Snowy Owl. Winter loves Bob. Bob is also the name of all of her Unnies. Hi Bob.

Stroller?? Please, Nana......Winter looked at me like I was crazy. And I would have been crazy to take it. It has become a liability with only one child, let alone two. The stroller is basically nothing more than a luggage cart. No one rides IN the stroller but they both want to push it. Simultaneously, of course. Good times!!!! So....I rented a wagon so I could easily haul them both, if desired, and it worked wonderfully. They loved the wagon. Something new, borrowed and BLUE! Who would have guessed?? They even rode in it together, partitioned by my backpack.

After we had made the entire counter-clockwise loop (Peacock!, Zebras, Hippos, Ritas, Hi Lions!, Wild Dogs, Elephants (Hi Bamboo!!), Macaques, Siamangs, Orangutans, Raptors (hi Bob!!), Snow Leopard, Beeline to Penguins and then down through the Gorillas), only then did Ryder insist on pushing the wagon. But he did a great job. He pushed her all the way back to the entrance where we parted with the nifty wagon and surveyed the map of our adventure. How adorable is it to consult the map after the fact. "Where did we start?" I asked them. And they pointed and told me our entire route. Amazing creatures.

Music to my ears

2010-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

For nearly a year, I thought I was hearing things. I would be walking down the hallway and think that I was hearing piano. Nah, it must be KPLU wafting up the stairs. They are open stairs, after all. Until about a week ago. I went to yoga and Anna babysat. When I returned, I opened the front door and entered a concert hall. She was playing Sonatina Op 20 No. 1 by Fredrich Kuhlau. It was so amazing. A beautiful sonatina (what a darling word that doesn't get much use either! I decided to call Winter Sonatina for a day or two. She was cool with it.) with ups and downs and passion and life. Ah...life in a 5 minute sonatina. No words. Just music. Pure Emotion in each note. Beautiful.

Have a listen:

The next morning, when I raised Winter's shade to say hello to the sky and the morning, I heard the same song. Indeed it was Anna playing! It has been Anna making music for us all along. Hooray for warm days and open windows and more music coming our direction. We are inspired to make our own music too. Rich on guitar, Winter on guitar (she has her own red ukulele!) or piano. Me...well, on vocals?? I don't play an instrument. Yet.

White Nights

2010-05-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year, here in Seattle, when daylight finally wins the battle. The dark, dreary days of winter are but a distant memory. And I for, one, am missing a bit of the darkness. I know...I know....I am probably the lone supporter of less daylight but I don't NEED sixteen hours of daylight. I need some darkness so my body knows it can finally go to sleep and rest. Ideally, for a good 8 solid hours. Luckily, I stashed an eye pillow from a Jet Blue flight back East. The blinders really help. The longer days feed my ever so slight OCD as I feel compelled to maximize every blessed ounce of LIGHT bestowed upon us. UGH....................Can a gal get a little shut eye??? Winter has followed suit with the early rising. She has been waking up earlier and earlier, like the chickens around the corner. Cluck Cluck....no roosters or I'd throw in a cock-a-doodle do! Yikes....OK, I can get on board with the general state of sleeplessness. When in Rome. Or shall I say, when in Alaska? When in the freaking North Pole....???

Just because I am, well...me, I had to look up the sunrise and sunset times. I have been told I'm prone to hyperbole so I wanted to verify that sunrise is actually occurring at about 4 AM. Well, I'm only slightly off: 5:11 AM. Hmmm...they must be measuring when the sun is at least 30 degrees in the sky. My room is broad daylight by about 5:15 AM.

But how can I possibly complain?? Look at what all that extra glorious light creates???

Tot Chef

2010-05-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I devour cookbooks. When I buy a new one, I curl up with it and read from cover to cover like a trashy novel. My brain reasons with my taste buds, "hmmm...how would lemongrass taste with saffron?" "What about a rhubarb cobbler?" "How do you clean rhubarb?" "That's a funny word...rhubarb." You get the idea. Different color sticky notes adorn the pages to denote ambitious, realistic and/or speedy recipes. After I make a meal, I write my notes inside the cookbook: bland, needs more herbs, overcooked, Winter LOVED, rainy night in Seattle. Flipping through the next time is a walk down memory lane via culinary memories - some good, some disastrous. Like the time I nearly burned the house down with the bourbon glazed salmon on the grill. When will I learn, alcohol and fire do not mix? Luckily, my dad was in town and was able to salvage the massive salmon fillet from the charred mess. Amazing feat and yes, still delicious! My all time favorite cookbooks are the Seattle Junior Leagues's: Celebrate the Rain and Simply Classic. Thank you to Jill Johnson for introducing me to them years ago. Other than user error, every meal I've ever made has been a sure fire hit from either one. Amazing. I hope they are writing a new one soon. I also love Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair. Shout out to Katherine Ellis for the referral. Very wholesome and delicious meals.

It warms my heart to hear my darling daughter say to me, "Mommy, let's read cookbooks in the booth." She chooses one of her 3 cookbooks to "read". We sit down and begin to flip through the beautifully illustrated and painstakingly assembled kid-friendly, creations. She literally bites the pages squealing "I EAT YOU!!" Who could resist adorable little mouse faces on English muffins or piggy cupcakes made out of pink marshmellows?? What about the precious sandwiches cut into ducklings or starfish or any other kind of cookie cutter shape? We have a cat, an owl and flower too. Why not?! Cooking for and with Winnie has brought a whole new level of pleasure to my cooking which, sadly, had become a daily (hourly???) necessity.

We have taken the art of reading the cookbooks to a whole new level: meal planning, grocery shopping, prep work, cooking and finally, consummation!!! My little pumpkin, chooses her special meal with her own sticky note. She helps me write the grocery list. Any excuse to use my pen. At the big Met Market, she has her own shopping cart which is both adorable and fairly dangerous. We have had a few near calamities by the wine aisle. Once home, we unpack. And try lots of new things or tried and true favorites.

Met Market:

The Unpacking and Sampling Phase:

I try to prep during quiet hour so that we can "cook" together for dinner. She helped me wash and scrub the potatoes before quiet hour. I baked them in olive oil at 400 for an hour and then mashed the insides before retrieving her. This creation was entitled Potato Mice!!! She loved the radishes! Most of the little mice were ear-less as a result.

What a kid. She even cleans up. Do they make toddler size gloves for washing? Must protect that delicate skin.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was determined to think out of the box - try something new - get out of Dodge for the Holiday. Sunny skies here in Seattle nearly thwarted my plans but the mountains were calling. Sadly, they must not have been calling Winter. I think a day at her favorite park a few blocks from home would have been adequate. But I persisted. And I survived. Each solo mission makes me a bit more confident that I will get the hang of this. I can DO things with Winnie on my own. Granted, she can't DO the things I'm talking about - hike,snowboard etc. At least not yet. Regardless, I am hopeful that all of this groundwork will help foster an appreciation of Nature.

Our day in photos:
Breakfast! We made pancakes. She says, "I HELP YOU!!!" to anything I am doing. Brushing my teeth. Cooking. Driving. Getting dressed. It is darling. She really wants to help.

We went up to Alpental to play in the snow which she calls "up in snow" or now she says "up to the condo!!" referring to the Grissom's condo where we stayed. She had a blast playing with all of Ryder's toys and was laughing that she was going to sleep in Ryder's crib. "Where Ryder sleep, Nana??" She was confused...thinking he might show up and she'd be his Goldilocks.

The drive home was absolutely magnificent. The sun was brighter as we descended from the mountains. I marveled at the trees. THE TREES! I kept asking Winter if she was looking at the trees. I have missed you, dear Evergreens. Any color consultant, designer, artist, mother, child should see the hundreds of hues of green. From green apple to hunter green to near black - the horizon was majestic. As I-90 wound its way down past Denny Creek, Cougar mountain loomed like an Orca, broadside. The trees were dancing in the sunshine - literally moving and swaying. So thankful for this day. Even trees are mothers.

I started out the day in a bit of a lull. Wishing for something else like a relaxing day of pampering and being honored but I consciously decided to turn it around and celebrate REALITY. How can we both enjoy this glorious day? What will work and be true and real? Let's honor those who have mothered me as well as my little one. It felt so good to tell Winter, "Thank you for making me a Mommy. Thank you for letting me be YOUR Mommy. It is the best thing I have ever ever done." My babe, my love, my little angel.....and with that, we stopped for soft serve Dairy Queen cones along I-90 and ate every drip and drop with smiles. Laughing at how wonderful life can be if you just get on board with it. No, I wasn't lounging the day away at Habitude or L'Auberge but I was exactly where I wanted to be: with my daughter.

We capped off our day by putting on sundresses and walking to a lovely Italian dinner at Enza's, the local Italian restaurant around the corner. Enza is the owner and chef of delicious homemade pasta. She makes everyone feel like family and literally swoons over Winter. She is a remarkable person. I don't know her age but it is somewhere between 70 and 100. In the back of the restaurant, she had her entire family gathered, celebrating 3 generations of Mothers. It was perfect and delicious. When we returned home, my darling Anna Cake, BFF, brought me this lovely bouquet. Thank you, Anna and Happy Birthday again.

Happy Mother's Day!

Storm clouds

2010-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a gray, rainy day. I was happy to bid farewell to it as I slipped under the covers around 9 PM. Oh yes...that was even a tad later than I had hoped. Isn't that the case? Always wanting more sleep but balancing out what should be done with what must be done? My list of what must be done has been whittled down to barely acceptable standards: clean kitchen. I have excused myself from putting away all of the dishes from the dishrack. I tried that for a few weeks and I really enjoyed waking up to a completely clean kitchen but not at the price of a few extra moments of sleep or tea or book or journal. Today, I awoke to sunshine and a gorgeous morning unfolded like petals on a morning glory vine. We even left early for Sweet Pea class to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. But right now - this VERY instant - the skies have opened up and it is pouring rain again. Ah, Seattle......what do we do with you?

Going for a walk used to mean that I would walk and Winter would ride in her stroller. Well, those days are long gone. Now she takes her Cream Unny for a walk in the baby stroller. It is utterly adorable and gains us many smiles but as you can imagine, we don't go far. Often I end up carrying Winter home on my shoulders and the stroller hooked over one arm.

Here is my babe, taking her pals on a walk.

Snowing blossoms

2010-04-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

For the past week, BFF Anna's glorious cherry blossom tree has been sharing its prolific blossoms. I look up from the stove, boiling tea, sauteeing tofu, what have you - and before my brain registers what I am seeing, my heart says, "It's SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" All of the magic and mystery and excitement of snowfall overtakes me and like a giddy schoolkid, I rush over to the sliding doors to watch the faux snow float. It is just a single moment in a busy day that gives me the opportunity to stop. And watch. And let go. My dear Maggie is still my first love but her petals are long gone. In fact, they are now just a giant, slippery mess on the sidewalk. Note to self: borrow rake from BFF, Anna Cake.

Accumulation:

All this talk of trees brings me to Earth Day. Here is my little munchkin sporting her adorable "Be Cute! Don't Pollute" t shirt. She looks really happy and healthy in this photo but that is merely the after effects of a popsicle. In truth, she has a nasty, gnarly cough and cold that has kept me by her bedside or her in MY bed (side??) for the past 5 nights. Poor hubba bubba. If my hugs, caresses, cuddles, songs, hot tea were the cure, she would surely be better by now but alas, the virus chugs on. For an entire day, she would not let me put her down. She wanted to be held and carried. So I did and she had her head on my shoulder for hours. I was sad that she wasn't feeling well, but I enjoyed the hugs and cuddles very much.

Love defined

2010-04-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

The anatomy of this photo.
First the background. The shiny bamboo floor perfect for morning yoga poses to begin our day gently. Also perfect for ripping around the house with her stroller. HOLD ON CREAM UNNY (that'd be bunny, of course!) Also perfect for practicing with her dustpan or the Swiffer. Black chair by the sliding door, the ultimate climbing bench. Quite comfy too. I love the light that this house captures. Even on a rainy day, this house somehow magnetically attracts the sunshine behind the clouds and pulls it into our world. I rarely need the lights. I have embraced modern living for the light and the openness.

Now to my angel. First, the eyes as blue and as deep as the ocean. Oh look at them sparkle. Those eyes have have truly changed how I view the world. The baby fine hair that slips and slides out of most barrettes and makes securing a ponytail nearly impossible. The sweet little fingers are perfect for dislodging the ponytail in 1 second and are typically purple from eating frozen blueberries by the TON. Eating..oh yes. That brings me to those adorable teeth and her smile that makes my world brighter every day. Those cheeks, perfect for squeezing or kissing or hugging. On this day they were bright red from running around at the park in sub 50 degree weather. The right cheek a bit more red from a scary crash at the park. Tears followed by hugs and yet, she made me so proud with her determination to get back on that scary horse. She said to me, "I no fall this time." And she didn't. And we climbed again and again and again. Each time, a bit more confident and laughter replaced fear..... WOOOOOOOSHHHHHHHH!!!!

CA highlights

2010-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Laughing deliriously on the putting green!!
Popsicles!
Daddy at Solana Beach!

and many many more....

California Dreamin'

2010-03-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

California does not disappoint. We arrived to lapis blue skies, 80 degree weather and the sweet scent of eucalyptus. Ah...yes folks. This is March in California. I know...it isn't fair. Life isn't fair! Come visit! The water feels great. Sand in our toes. Thick green grass tickles our bare feet. Who needs shoes?

Winter and I went to an Easter egg hunt on Saturday. We met Kyson, her original Valentine, and his lovely parents for the festivities. Winter was a bit intimidated as the 3 year olds began their pre-hunt stretches and started scouting out the hidden eggs. "I see ONE!" Wait?? Is this a race? I see the competitive glint in that kid's eyes. He has on RUNNING shoes with his Easter outfit. It hits me - that kid has been training for this event. No matter. The judge, aka Big Bunny, told every kid to limit their haul at 5 eggs. As soon as the gun went off, ok...the ribbons were removed, she quickly caught on to the fun of "finding" the eggs. Finding is a euphemism for pointing, running, picking up and depositing an egg into her Easter basket. The pastel, plastic eggs were basically strewn about a lush grass field. Not exactly hidden. It was the opposite of the egg hunt I experienced as a child/teenager/young adult. Every year, my parents would painstakingly hide the hard boiled eggs we kids had tie-dyed. Despite our best hunting efforts, we never managed to find every egg. My folks said the same thing every year. "We really need to write down the hiding places." Or perhaps, hide the eggs BEFORE cocktail hour? We always found the egg. The stench of a rotting hard boiled egg would inevitably lead us to its whereabouts - usually near the Kimball piano. And I do mean the piano was a Kimball piano not just the Kimball's piano. Capice?

It feels so comforting to be in our home surrounded by our things, our furniture, our art, our memories. Even the quirky things, like the ticking of the water filter outside the bathroom window, feels familiar. Like an old pair of Levis....

Home

2010-03-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

The bags are packed. The boarding passes are safely stowed. I have snacks. I have water. I have hand sanitizer....the car seat, the stroller, the sunscreen. Check, check, check...But as I recheck the bags and luggage tags, I'm asking myself just how prepared am I?? Our situation is so radically different than when we packed the same bags last June to come up to Seattle. That was a new adventure for our family, a new chapter in our family's history but was it the last chapter?? In my mind, it was a return to a lovely city where we both experienced so much and a time to share it with Winter and some of our family. Or so I thought. Was it too much to ask??

10 months later and we are flying back down to San Diego. DaDa and Zoe are already there.

What is home? Is it where you feel good? Is it where you have friends and family? Is it where your loved one is? Is it where you love and are loved? Can you make your home anywhere as long as you have that foundation of love around you? I always thought so. I did it my whole childhood as we picked up and moved around for Dad's new assignments. We were all the same fallible people just in a new zip code, learning the ropes. But now I'm facing the question all over again. And as I ponder these questions, I keep humming one of my favorite songs of all time: This Must Be the Place, Talking Heads.

Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me round
I feel numb - born with a weak heart
I guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's ok I know nothing's wrong . . nothing

Hi yo I got plenty of time
Hi yo you got light in your eyes
And you're standing here beside me
I love the passing of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up and say goodnight . . . say goodnight

Home - is where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I come home - she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time Before we were born
If someone asks, this is where I'll be . . . where I'll be

Hi yo We drift in and out
Hi yo sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
And you love me till my heart stops
Love me till I'm dead
Eyes that light up, eyes look through you
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head Ah ooh

Tiny Dancer

2010-03-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

A blue Monday. Today was the first day of Teacher Darrah's maternity leave. She will be performing a pas de deux exclusively with her baby boy until September.

My little Yogi

2010-03-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Winter announced after "quiet time" that she was having a party tonight. She opened the fridge and grabbed everything within reach. Then she dragged over a dining chair to access the higher shelves. I was intrigued by her plan so I allowed this mischief and joined her in imaginationland.

"What kind of party?" I inquired. A dinner party, perhaps?? Oh clever Mommy, think again. Of course not. Why on EARTH would you think that???

"A yoga party!"

Of course! Every yoga party I've attended (is that an oxymoron?) included a smorgasbord. But I should have known. You see, she teaches yoga to kids and snowmen on a regular basis. Obviously, it is not Bikram or the snowmen wouldn't stand a chance.

The food didn't have much to do with Yoga Party but we managed to meld all of it into one happy afternoon. The food items became our yoga props. We were doing down dog and warrior poses while we pulled carrots out of the bag to peel. We used the kitchen timer to time our tree pose. I played Dunne Roman, the music she was born into, which sounded the most Yoga-like of our iPod options. We even retrieved my neglected, dusty yoga mat and shared it for child's pose. It was a blissful Yogi time. We bowed to each other, "Namaste!"

With all that food sitting out, making dinner was a natural progression. Yoga mat be gone! Apron! Whisk! Dining chair up to the stove for pouring, careful stirring of pasta, draining by Mommy, more stirring by Winter. What a team! It was yummy in every sense of the word.

And now I'm settling in to my evening. Ah...peace and quiet. A little too quiet once the bunny is in bed but time for me to reflect and recharge for another day tomorrow. Another day to grow, and laugh and learn. A day to teach, to guide and always to love love love with abandon.

No more goodbyes

2010-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

I'm getting worse at saying Goodbye. It was especially hard to say Goodbye to my Dad and Irene yesterday. It was a lovely week walking the walk of our lives, dancing the dance of parenthood squeezing each others' hands even harder when one of us was out of step. Oh, the smiles, the tender looks of encouragement which conveyed a simple message "you handled that meltdown well" without words, the frog tea, the long meals - what a joy to be friends with my parents.

On our way home from the airport, Winter and I stopped at Pike Place Market to buy tulips. Tulips - my favorite. Tulips make everything better and brighter. Not to mention, Pike Place Market is my oasis in the city. I love the vendors, the food, the buckets of flowers, the architecture, the cobblestone, the history, the views. Need I go on?? It is a magical labyrinth of treasures. Every time I go, I discover something new and fabulous. Even yesterday, on our iron clad tulip mission, we found the GORGEOUS Pear Delicatessen. That is where we bought Winter a new book called ABC Seattle. A darling, happy book about finding letters throughout Seattle.

Happy Springtime, friends.

Reach Out and Touch Someone

2010-03-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

I lost my cell phone this afternoon. It took exactly 13 minutes for me to realize it was missing. 4 minutes of searching myself, Winter and the stroller. 8 minutes of retracing. 6 minutes of self-condemnation. 12 LOOOOOOOONG minutes walking home. More self condemnation. 2 minutes to phone the last retail establishment we had visited, the dry cleaners of ALL places. I dialed my cell phone number. Yes, I do know that number. No answer. I called the main number to the store.

"Hello. Blue Star Cleaners."

"Hi. Did you find a cell phone? A blackberry in a big black case this afternoon?" with a slightly frantic tone.

Before he could respond, I added more detail as if this would change the outcome.

"I was JUST there. Literally minutes ago. It has to be there. It is my...my...PHONE! It is black. It is a BLACKBERRY. I was there with my little girl."

I know....Fortunately, he did not question me in my state.

I finally stopped talking.

He replied, "Let me take a look. I haven't seen one."

My heart sank as the hold music began. How will I function??? I haven't formed my emergency plan for losing my Blackberry.

After an excruciating 45 seconds, he came back to me. "Hi again. I have her!"

The neighbors must have thought I was watching March Madness with my JUBILATION!!!!!!! HOORAY!!! HALLELUJAH!! Fist pumping....

I might as well have left MY CHILD behind. How late will you be there?? Will you take care of her until I arrive? Oh yeah?? Can you please read me my texts messages?? And I need a few phone numbers from my address book.

Once I knew she was safe, I was tempted to see if I could last 12 hours without her. Could I make it? Would I implode? What about all those Queen Anne Moms emails???! What if there was an URGENT posting? More importantly, what if someone really needed to reach me. As you know, just yesterday I didn't even know my home number so I can rest assured that nobody else knows it. The thought was too much to bear so I rushed off to retrieve her before the store closed.

Remember the days before we all had these little computers in our pockets? How we actually had to make a plan, commit and follow through? And it all worked....miraculously. Without 12 txts about minute by minute departure and parking status. I admit, I have actually txt'd people to alert them that I SEE them and will be heading over to them. WHAT???! Remember the days of not being able to talk to our family and friends until the evening, when we called them at home? I will have to explain it to Winter along with how I walked to school for miles, barefoot. But we are all hooked on the juice, the immediate gratification of being able to call/txt/tweet. Some of my family members have taken it to a new level with utter contempt that I do not answer my phone often enough. Oh, I have the voicemails. Let me ask you this? Do you want me to answer when Winter is screaming for YoBaby in her car seat and I'm trying to back out of an angle parking spot? Are we going to have a quality exchange? Nope..not a good time. It is not my obligation to answer my phone though it is usually quite tempting. All of this to say that I love my Blackberry and I wouldn't want to live without her but I'd like to be slightly less dependent on her. Thus, I will sync up my contacts with my computer and I will consider not reading emails until the evening so I can be more fully present in this very moment - at my computer!

Disturbing the Peace

2010-03-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

It wasn't me. I promise. That's what I told the police officer when he appeared at my door this afternoon, in response to a 911 call. Actually two 911 calls. Truly, officer, I did not call 911. He went out to do something official in his squad car. I watched and felt a tiny bit of discomfort. Oh yeah - this feels just like when you hand over your license and registration and they slowly walk back to their car, each step seemingly longer than the next. I know they drag it out for effect. They must learn this at the Academy. All the while, your stomach is turning, hands sweating because the balance of power has swung so wildly out of your favor. You start to question yourself. Wait, did I use my signal? Did I run that red light? How fast WAS I going? UGHHHHHH....the doubt and fear settle in. Yep, you think, I'm definitely getting arrested for something. I have no idea what but I am definitely getting arrested for SOMETHING. Maybe something from 10 years ago. They finally caught up to me. My mind raced. Am I in trouble? Do I get a ticket for a false call to 911? Does this go on the police (b)log?? He came back to the door. Is this your home phone number: 206.xxx.xxxx. Of course - I had no idea. I don't know my home phone number!! But when I looked it up in my cell phone (that irony deserves much more...one day) lo and behold, he was RIGHT! ding ding ding!! We were able to get out of further questioning when one of the little perps came walking through the living room holding the handset. Case closed.

Repeat after me: constant supervision. CONSTANT. Or you might have a cop at your door too.

My little Leprechaun!

2010-03-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

O the luck of the Irish!!! We have had a fine St. Patty's Day! I vaguely recall that there were snakes and a saint named Patrick involved but the actual MORAL of the holiday has been erased in my brain. He got rid of the snakes, right? And wasn't he drunk, too? Aren't they always drunk over there? No disrespect intended, Irish friends!! Hell, I'm 25% Irish myself but I fall very short in the drinking department, certainly by Irish standards. I'm more likely to be drinking green tea than beer. So, maybe I'm a disgrace to my ancestry but I am wearing a really cute green shawl and Winter has on a Shamrock t-shirt. Next year, we'll even know why!

Write It On Your Heart

2010-03-16T06:35:00.001-07:00

Alrighty folks, it is a new day! A Brand spanking new day, fresh out of the packaging, shiny and untarnished. What is going to happen TODAY????!!! It could be ANYTHING!!!!! This unassuming day, March 16, could even be the best day of the year.

Winter and I read a daily, positive quotation book every morning. It is a great way to gently fill the space while she eases into the day. Just one perfectly worded quote provides us with an intention for our day. But who can stop at just ONE positive quotation? They are addictive mental potato chips. Bite sized but enough to chew on.
I usually get carried away and read about 10. Oh this one is GOOD, Winter. Did you see the photo of the daffodil? Be still, darling. Let's reflect.....

My favorite quote is on the book cover! It deserves to be read every day as one of our 10. It is from the lovely poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Being a poetry lover, I can't help but share the entire poem. It is THAT good.

Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

By mid-day, I spice up the morning quote with a few new quotes from my Yogi tea. They have some FABULOUS quotes as well. Ah, inspiration found anywhere! Available to you - wherever you roam.

Have a beautiful day, friends.

Do You Have the Time?

2010-03-15T20:43:00.001-07:00

Even with my late night rant on this topic, I managed to let DS (Daylight Saving) bite me in the ass. My alarm went off at 6 AM. I groaned, grunted, grumbled but trudged off to the shower. My eyelids were still heavy, my head still foggy, when I went downstairs for a cup of coffee. Ahhh....coffee!! That will do the trick! I pulled the carafe out of the coffeemaker. What?? What is this EMPTY, COLD carafe doing in my hands? Excuse me?? I programmed it the night before. Hmmmmm...with my brain not quite functional, especially without any coffee, the time caught my eye on the coffeemaker. What?? 5:40 AM?? WHAT??????!!!! Arghhh!!! I knew I was going to lose ONE hour, but TWO? Now that is just plain cruel. I'm too tired to figure out exactly how the snafu occurred. I must have changed the time on my phone manually but Verizon updated it as well. I can't even remember if I changed the time on my phone. I just need to know this: for how many days are we going to walk around saying, "Oh wait...it's really only 7:40 PM". I feel like I'm in a permanent time warp. I'm getting a freaking rooster to keep me on track. Good grief....this is ridiculous.

Just when I was getting cocky on the nap front, we had a relapse today. I'm blaming it on Daylight Saving (OF COURSE I AM!). Stay tuned.

In other fascinating news about ME: the cupping is looking much better. It now feels like a mild sunburn. Still not sold on its merits but the neck is much improved. And I truly had NO idea that Gwynnie gets cupped. I now have one thing in common with her.

Standard Time

2010-03-13T22:26:00.001-08:00

Nap Strike 2010 Update: We are in discussions. It looks promising. I offered more Yo Baby and additional benefits (books/songs) and Winter budged a bit in my direction. She took a mega nap yesterday (2+ hours) and 1.25 hour nap today. Progress. No final contract.

This may not be a popular stance but I am dreading Springing Forward. Why oh why do we mess around with the clock? Still? Didn't everybody see Food Inc? Factories and corporations make our food now. Farmers don't actually grow things let alone need more daylight to grow or harvest things! I thought the purpose was for farming but I just learned (literally..I JUST learned) that in fact the purpose is to save energy by taking advantage of longer daylight hours. Can't we all just switch to the compact fluorescent bulbs and be done with this clock fudging? I was just getting used to a sliver, a solitary ray of sunshine, appearing before 7 AM. My circadian rhythm was finally in sync and now Daylight Saving is back. So Daylight Saving, you take my solitary ray of sunshine appearing at 6:52 AM and you deliver it to me at 6:52 PM. Here again is another difference between pre-motherhood and motherhood needs/desires. Pre-motherhood, I loved daylight savings. WooHoo!! I'll be at work all day anyway, I'd love an extra hour of sunshine at night when I can use it. Maybe I can fit in a quick run, fire up the BBQ, open the Chardonnay, Sunset at 7:20, you say? FANTASTIC! Plenty-o-time. Motherhood: Winnie wakes at 6:00 AM (ok...tomorrow that will be 7 AM on the clock but you won't be fooling my BODY). Here is the play by play. I hear her darling voice on the monitor. Groggy. Geesh..it is pitch dark out. Nobody else is up. What time IS it? Is it, like 4 AM? There is not a single light on anywhere in the neighborhood. Groping for cell phone. Push green button. Oh man...it is 6:01. Ugh.....I'm not off the hook but the sun apparently is sleeping in today. I tracked sunrise times for this northern city. In January, the sun was sleeping in until nearly 8 AM. God LORD people, I've been at it for 2 solid hours by then. At the end of February, the fiery giant was rising at 6:52 AM, a bit more respectable but now the whole thing is shot to hell with Daylight Saving. So what exactly are we SAVING? There are only 24 hours in the day. How and where is this magical hour being saved? Oh wait...UNTIL NOVEMBER, right? When I get that lovely hour of sleep I so desperately need tonight? Ridiculous. Believe me, I do not say this lightly: Arizona, I'm with you on this one. Wait this sounds better. Virgin Islands: I am WITH YOU ON THIS ONE.

Maggie, my lovely Magnolia tree, continues to blossom before my eyes. She is so incredible that I simply must get a worthy photo of her. I will have to call in a favor to my friend Sarah, my photography mentor. Here is one wanna-be artsy shot ("You don't know art...") that I took today. I want you to love her as much as I do.

Do not try this at home

2010-03-12T09:11:00.001-08:00

Why do we do the things we do? OK, why do I do the things I do? This was supposed to be a good idea, according to my acupuncturist. I sought his help for my neck which has been tweaked for weeks now. I was practically turning my entire body to look to the left. This was my second time having acupuncture. My first experience was at 42 weeks pregnant looking for any help to begin contractions. That experience was positive. It felt good and I liked how much energy it provided. It did not, however, bring about actual labor. So when Dr. Sam, chiropractor extraordinaire, suggested I see Dr. Charlie to help open up my neck and shoulders, I thought it sounded like a good idea. Frankly, the session went well. He did the typical diagnostics of my pulse, my meridians, felt for blockages and applied the needles correspondingly. Immediately I felt tingles, I felt relaxed, I felt altogether good. As the session winded down, he asked if I had ever tried cupping for additional muscle release. Nope. Never heard of it. Other than "I was into my cups" and I don't mean a bra, that is my only known reference to cupping. I am, after all, a Chinese medicine newbie. He explained it as the reverse of a deep tissue massage. In a deep tissue massage, the masseuse applies pressure on top of the muscle to encourage the muscle to release and open. In cupping, the muscle is pulled up and blood is drawn into the muscle to encourage it to release and open. He asked if I bruise easily. What was that?? Warning! Red Flag!! Hello!! That should have been my first indication that pain might accompany cupping. He did tell me that I might have some red marks. Well, see for yourself:

How it works...
He had 2 small glass cups that resembled small vases. The kind you would imagine a solitary Chinese fighting fish swimming in. Smaller diameter than a highball glass. He heated up the rim of each glass, applied it to my back which had been rubbed with some massage oil. Each glass created a ring of suction onto my back and while still adhered to my back, he applied pressure and moved the cups up and down, all around and then let them sit on the more problematic areas. It did not actually hurt at the time. It felt sort of like friction but was not overtly painful. It didn't start to ache until....BEDTIME or perhaps when I caught a glimpse of the cupping aftermath on my back. I look like I've been flogged!! The irony - I now need acupuncture for the pain of the cupping. The union of Eastern and Western medicine: more Advil, please......

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

She has been sleeping for 25 minutes in spite of the demolition underway across the street. Hooray!! Just wanted to let you know!!!!!!!! Yippee!! I am so happy for her. She was exhausted!!!

W is for Wednesday

2010-03-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

I need a Nap Strike 2010 ticker in the upper right hand corner. Because I know you are dying of curiosity. It will be like the Debt clock in Times Square or any cool graphic on the Daily Show or God knows....CNN. They have a corner on graphs and charts these days. Yep....little muffin has still not napped. OK..that is not entirely true. She did take a nap yesterday but I am attributing it to her ridiculously, painfully early wake up time of 4:31 AM. Not a typo, people....I know....seriously. Where is Mary Poppins? Is Mary a morning person?? Does she make really good coffee? HIRED!!! But this was no ordinary wake-up with her darling tiny voice singing Twinkle Twinkle. This was a sit straight up out of crib, hair soaking wet, heart pounding nightmare induced wake-up. My little angel's first nightmare! It makes me wonder what her nightmare was about. She hasn't been exposed to violent images, Grand Theft Auto or even the disturbing TeleTubbies. What could have caused the blood curdling scream that sent me racing to rescue her. Were those darn bunnies up to no good? I've told you about her crowded crib! Maybe Elmo was jockeying for more blankie from Thumper. He's a character, that Thumper. I rocked, sang, rubbed, cuddled and finally laid her back down but she never went back to sleep peacefully. She (read: WE) was up for good at 5:40 AM. Phew......Thus, she took an hour nap but today, the nap strike continued. I feel like I'm a journalist covering a worker walk-out. Strike!!! Who will be my scab daughter who peacefully sleeps for 2 hours? Hmmmm..that wouldn't work out either.

Naps or lack thereof aside, today was wonderful and stunningly beautiful and sunny. DaDa is back which made Winter's heart sing! They played at the park this afternoon while I continued my quest to get in shape by going for a run (my 2nd run this week! HOORAY!) at Discovery Park. Discovery Park is one of the most amazing places in Seattle. The western views abound, the trees whisper stories as you run by, the beautiful trails lead you home but allow you to see it all for the first time. They support and cradle your feet as you explore. And if you are lucky, you will see someone flying a kite. Maybe next time it will be me. JOY! BLISS! HAPPINESS! FREEDOM!

Nap Strike 2010

2010-03-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

survival mode....by 7 AM, my fridge had been unloaded TWICE, the contents of the Tupperware drawer were strewn about the kitchen, every pot and pan was out of the cabinet, she had insisted I wear and then promptly REMOVE my apron, she had dragged out her foot stool from the bathroom to help make breakfast. I know, it really is adorable but please...can you acknowledge with me for 5 seconds that is completely annoying as well. Can something adorable be annoying? Sure..a jingle. A card. An obsequious classmate. I can hear my thoughts which sound just like MY parents (quel horreur!) "You have an ENTIRE playroom full of TOYS. Please!!! Go play!!" I know I know...she IS playing but with all of MY TOYS. that's the thing. I don't want to SHARE my own toys or skillets or spatulas. How can I teach her how to share when I don't? Now my mother's story of eating a Snickers bar locked in the bathroom makes sense.

None of this would even phase me (ok...not as much) if she was taking her nap like a good little girl who wants my continued love and adoration. About 3 weeks ago, Winter didn't take a nap and she basically has NOT resumed them. She has napped 3 times in 3 weeks. Yes, I have a chart and a graph and I'm working on adding all kinds of astrological and physiological data. Let's dive into the nap crisis. It really REALLY throws me when she doesn't nap. It sends all systems into the red zone. Especially because to my brain more fluent in logic and reason than toddler, it makes no sense. She is tired: yawning and rubbing her eyes. Of course, she is. We've been out running around in the fresh air, we've likely been to a class or on an adventure or a walk. We've had food. We've had FUN. She has had my attention. We have read stories. We have LIVED, people. So after our morning and lunch and our naptime routine, I think I am OWED the corresponding nap. After all, she is tired. She needs IT! Right? Um...apparently, WRONG. I need her to nap, that is for sure. Let me walk you through the stages of No Nap Anxiety.

First, the scene:

The noisemaker is on the wave setting. Seriously...how could she NOT fall asleep with the sound of the gentle surf lapping at her crib? The shades are down, curtains drawn. It is dark and cozy. Mommy gently rubs Winter's back with 2 blankets draped across her small body. Mommy secures all 4 bunnies, Elmo, ducky, Felix the kitty and Thumper. Winter wants to make sure they are all present and accounted for. We sing our final 2 songs and I softly remind her this is "quiet time. You can sleep if you are sleepy or just rest or sing softly to your bunnies but it is quiet time so everyone can rest." I shut the door very carefully. Momentary relief. I scurry downstairs to scarf down lunch - usually Winter's leftovers on her high chair tray or on the plate. I turn on the tea kettle. Hmmmmmm. 5 minutes have gone by. She's still talking. 10 minutes have gone by. Now she is singing. 15 minutes have gone by. She is singing louder now. Butterflies are forming in my belly. Oh no, I think, I really want to _______________(fill in the blank) right now.

A) take a shower
B) take a nap
C) make dinner
D) make a phone call
E) do some computer stuff
F) go meditate under my Magnolia

20 minutes. What?? She isn't sleeping yet. Shit..check the monitor again. Oh God, she is rolling around. Oh no. She is sitting up. Crap - she is bashing her bunnies faces together. Oh GOD... NO!!!! she is STANDING UP now and falling back onto her tushy and laughing hysterically. OK, I reason, maybe this will tire her out. Oh, you naive, Mommy.
40 minutes since the door shut to cocoon her in dark, sleepy dreamland, and she is YELLING at the top of her lungs, "MOMMY!!!! MOMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! COME GET ME!!!!!!! MOMMY COME WINTER'S ROOM!!!!!!!!!! NOWWWWWWWWW! MOMMMMMMMEEEE WINTER NO TAKE NAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ummmm..slightly. And the whole f***$$ time that she was supposed to be sleeping, I have been tip-toeing around, NOT cleaning up the pots and pans from the morning's demolition let alone the stinky breakfast and now LUNCH mess, let ALONE do anything on my list of A-F. For fear of what, you ask? I know...I am embarrassed to even type it but you, savvy reader, already know the answer. For fear of keeping HER up! I know....I'm seriously hopeless.

The butterflies turned into moths who turned into crows. The mild annoyance turned into flat-out resentment and frustration and then fear and self-doubt. Why in the HELL isn't she sleeping? Why is she doing this to me?? What happened? Is something wrong with her? Did I put her down too early? Too late? Is she over-tired? Oh GOD...what does this mean for our AFTERNOON????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....

Three weeks later and I'm finally ready to admit it. Winter is in charge of her nap. Of course I will keep offering her the opportunity to take one or at least rest.
I am in charge of ridding myself of No Nap Anxiety.

Easy like Sunday mornin

2010-03-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

She woke up at 5:55 AM, her new wake up time. We laughed and sang while she stretched her little limbs in her crib. I read her two books from the outside of her crib before she was ready to get out and face the day. We descended to the main level, happy to see the sunshine flooding the space. Shadows!!! Hmmm..what's for breakfast?? Pancakes today! She loves to help. I pour the dry ingredients into the measuring cups and she empties them into the Big Bowl. She whisks while I melt the butter and warm up the skillet. What makes pancakes so delicious? 3 ingredients but yet perfect! We looked through cookbooks (Winter loves looking at cookbooks) to choose our menu for the week and now we are off to the Farmers Market to procure veggies and smiles and love and music to fortify us for the week ahead. What a day!! And it is only 9 AM. xoxo

Watch me GROW.....

2010-03-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm simply obsessed with our tree. I learned today that I am not alone. I spotted two separate passerbys photograph our lovely long-limbed beauty. Ah.....it was sunny and 60 degrees today too. A perfect taste of Spring.

OK...OK....you aren't here to see my gorgeous Magnolia tree?? What??? Fine....be that way. But seriously, she is INCREDIBLE. Alright, you demanding, pesky little reader. I'll give you what you want! (ha!!) Here is THE most adorable thing you may have seen all day. I will call it simply "Puddin'". Enjoy!

A Prayer In Spring by Robert Frost

2010-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Our Magnolia tree, imposing, majestic, foreboding, magnificent, wise, timeless is absolutely BURSTING with buds just about to ripen. I wish I had a time lapse camera. It is happening in front of my eyes, much like watching Winter bloom.

So in this tender transition, a poem came to mind. As optimistic as I am (truly!) sometimes the gloomy grey can distract and let the sad thoughts fester. Ah...it happens. Life happens. When it does, I look out the window at the Magnolia or the mountains or our pair of rainboots, side by side. Life is imperfectly perfect.

A Prayer in Spring
Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

A day at the park

2010-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Seattle is the perfect place to test the power of your optimism. Will the grey clouds dissipate? Will the sun peak through at precisely the moment when Winter and I want to run over to the pea patch to count the gnomes and check on the winter kale? Will we be able to see Mt. Baker today, where DaDa had his first home? Folks, I contend, the answer is typically YES!!! Lucky for us we have the flexibility to take advantage of a sunny window of time to get outside for some much needed fresh air. This is a luxury I did not have when I was working. I really appreciate it. Of course this winter has been mild affording us many opportunities. But when it rains, we just need to remember to pull on our rainboots, our slickers and CARRY ON! My favorite line from my favorite book, "A day could change just everything, given half a chance. Rain could show up at your door and teach you how to dance!" About a month ago, Winter and I had the most delightful time splashing in rain puddles around Green Lake. I was dying for a long walk and so was Zoe so we ventured over to Greenlake. Winter rode in the Bob stroller for about 1/2 of the loop before insisting that she get out to explore. I felt lucky to have had 1/2 of the loop at adult pace! So I unbuckled her and we proceeded to have an absolute BALL jumping and splashing in the rain puddles. She learned that the puddle is also a mirror. Her infectious laughter was the only sunshine needed that morning at GreenLake. People stopped their own power walks to watch her exploration and simple pleasure in the abundance of rain puddles. It was silly and fabulous and wet and messy but wonderful - all rolled into one.

Monkeying Around

2010-02-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Does it get any cuter? I know I'm biased but COME ON, folks... She is too stinkin adorable. DaDa sent her this darling monkey backpack from Doctor Biter's new boutique called Babies By The Sea Boutique. If you live down there, please please go! It is amazing. They have great events and classes like Sing and Sign for mamas and littles in addition to the obviously kick-ass apparel and goodies. What a gift to the community!

In case you haven't read back to 2007, well let me try to explain Dr. Biter, first in words: Doctor. Visionary. Maverick. Icon. Philanthropist. Entrepreneur. Surgeon. Playwright. Actor. Zealot. Activist. Friend.

When we first moved to Rancho Santa Fe in June of 2007, I had visited one Doctor at a large practice in La Jolla. A very well regarded practice but also a typical SoCal practice whereby they offer liposuction and other procedures as well as OB. That doctor told me that he had 5 minutes to meet with us (our first appointment) and in that five minutes, he told me that he was an advocate of elective C sections. He can schedule SO MANY and be so efficient. No wonder he only had 5 minutes. I was leaning toward natural childbirth but at the time, I had only one request: to actually know the Doctor who would be delivering Winter. At the large practices, you are lucky if you have even met the Doctor who shows up for your baby's birth. I continued to search for a Doctor who believed in natural birth (no drugs) and would commit to our baby's birth. As I hunted for the perfect doctor, we laughed at Knocked Up and how she struggled to find a Doctor who would actually deliver her baby. As I found various birthing classes and interviewed doulas, one name kept surfacing: Dr. Robert Biter. We scheduled a consultation with him. WOW! He spent at least 45 minutes with us - explaining everything about his background, how he chose medicine, how he chose OB, what he believes in, what he is trying to accomplish, how he is helping the community and on and on. His dedication and passion was both inspiring and humbling. We had no idea at the time just how lucky we were to have found him.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

My BFF, Anna, who happens to be my next door neighbor and also happens to be a junior in high school (NO, I am not kidding! she is a gem and I adore her) came over today. She informed me that Valentine's Day is called Singles Awareness Day. I laughed so hard I nearly spit out my Throat Coat tea. Yes, indeed. Singles Awareness Day. I have never been too concerned with Valentine's Day actually. I prefer my love to dote on me frequently but of course a loving card, a few flowers and a delicious latte make for a lovely Valentine's Day in my book. So, I provided each and every item to myself this year. Well, I didn't write myself a card but I drew a card with Winnie and I wrote myself a little note to be a good mama and to take good care of myself. Love THYSELF, this Valentine's Day!

Here is the card Winnie made for DaDa. She was so proud when she gave it to him.

Updates!

2010-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

So, my dear parents, who came to visit for 3 days but stayed for 10 because Miss Layla wanted to meet them, have finally departed. Oh how sad we were to see them go. This little video says it all. Frog Tea!! We can't wait to see them again soon!

And here is the aforementioned beauty parlor photo. I took a video too which is so darn cute I will probably upload it soon.

Happy Birthday RyderPoopyPantsMunchkinKissyFace Kimball Grissom! Today Ryder became two. He reached the 2 year mark. Kelly and Jesse no longer have 2 under 2!!

Kelly was released from the hospital last night. I don't know about you, but I think 3 nights is BARELY enough for abdominal surgery - a C Section people. What would it take to stay a week?? How many additional organs need to be involved? Ugh...ghastly insurance. On a positive note, she was home for Ryder's 2nd birthday which was TODAY! Join me in song! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RYDER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RYDER!! YAY!!" yes, I know those aren't the lyrics. Thanks. We met them this morning for coffee (copious amounts for me, as usual) and Mighty O donuts. Those donuts are ridiculously amazing. I am in danger of becoming a full-on addict. Not to mention, they pour a mean cup-o-joe - their own special roast of course, I think the local pawn shop has its own special roast. Speaking of MightyO, a few months back, Jesse and I had a lovely Saturday morning rendez-vous at Mighty O with the kiddos and the dogs. That was a great impromptu morning. I digress. The birthday donut party was very sweet (truly - no pun intended) and happy. Winnie tried a bite of a jelly donut. She liked!

Kelly and I spent the afternoon with baby Layla. Baby girl, is so teeny tiny and so beautiful. She is doing very well. Eating from a bottle - sucking and swallowing. She is still under her birth weight but that is normal. Here are some of my favorite photos from our day and one from Dad's first visit with her too.

Layla Hope Grissom

2010-02-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here she is folks!!! Layla Hope Grissom was born at 7:20 PM. She weighs 4 lbs. 14.7 oz and is 17.5 inches long. She is breathing well. Phew...

Layla is beautiful. Kelly is amazing. Jesse is fantastic. They are happy and in love with their new daughter. Ryder was home sleeping peacefully with Papa Bert and Gransie. He will meet his baby sister tomorrow. Life is amazing and infinite and vast and a new little person, with a spirit, a soul, a purpose, just arrived to live her journey here on Earth. We are so lucky to get to know her. What a privilege.

Sis is doing well. She is in some pain and was very tired but hopefully is sleeping well tonight. Layla is in the intensive care unit for babies.

What a whirlwind!! I have so much to explain because it all happened so quickly!!! You see, Dad and Irene came to town last week - on Wednesday. They showed up tan, relaxed and in great spirits after a vacation in Hawaii. We have been having a blast together. Irene taught Winter and Ryder how to do the Penguin walk, they've been making "frog tea" and reading lots of stories. Irene and Winter played beauty parlor. I have the most adorable photos to post. Kelly had a scheduled Drs appt on Friday and since an ultrasound was involved, asked if anyone wanted to go with her. UM HELLO, who doesn't want to see the miracle within the belly???? Irene went with her. Again, this was last Friday, Feb 5th. Are you keeping up? Well, suffice it to say that she never returned home from that Drs appt. They saw that she was in labor and admitted her to the hospital hoping to stop it until at least 34 weeks or longer, maybe until the baby arrived. However, in spite of her bedrest and medications, her water broke today and the Dr. decided to deliver baby rather than face other risks based on baby's position. I was on my way over there to spend some time with her and try to force her to meditate and visualize her baby growing stronger in her womb. What else are big sisters for, right? I had picked up a daily book of inspirational quotes, a big piece of poster board to decorate with encouraging thoughts and words, some board games, cards, books etc etc. Come on, people. We were basically CAMPING out until sometime in March. Not exactly. I arrived to find a Dr. and nurse in with Kelly using concerned tones. They asked me to wait outside of her room. Hmmmm.. Then when they let me in, Kelly told me that her water had broken at about 4 PM. And then about 30 minutes later her Dr. said we are going to deliver baby Grissom tonight. Voila!!1

Ballerina

2010-02-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Winter and I have enrolled in a Mommy and me ballet class. Today was our first day of class. We have been looking forward to this day for weeks. We have been reading about ballerinas and the ballet and getting into leotard shape. (Kidding - you could basically wear sweats like me!)

It was absolutely precious. 6 little girls running around in leotards and tutus. The class was more of movement class than an actual ballet class doing plies at the barre but it was wonderful. She is my little ballerina!

Photo Workshop...The results are IN??

2010-01-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

I always do this to myself.....sigh. I get so excited and hell bent for some personal enrichment that I sign up for something that might not be exactly what the Dr. ordered. This is why (so I am told) I cannot make plans in advance. In the fall, I registered for a photography workshop by an AMAZING photographer and inspiring individual. Now, upon registering, I had visions of actually purchasing a DSLR camera (required for the workshop) and experimenting and thus having some legitimate questions. But, let's see....life gets in the way and I never bought the camera therefore I had never even USED a DSLR camera upon arriving. I figured if I rescheduled or worse, BAILED, I might never make it to another one again because as I mentioned, life gets in the way. It really does, people. So here I was last week, scrambling to rent a DSLR camera but that is actually a happy little story. Last weekend, I went down to Glazers camera shop's rental department. Well, I ended up in their very busy showroom and was finally, 30 minutes later, pointed in the right direction to their rental shop a few blocks away. The rental guys were GREAT and since they were not busy on a rainy, Saturday afternoon, proceeded to give me a private lesson. They showed me several different lenses, explained all of the differences, had me take them outside to shoot and kept whispering things like, "don't tell the sales guys we said this but really buy blah blah blah..." Their enthusiasm and friendliness was really sweet.

So..that is a long winded story about my weekend. The workshop was WAY over my head but hey, here is one shot I got of Winter before I had to return the fabulous rental camera to its rightful owner. Is it me or does she look terrified?? Maybe she thinks I'm going to drop the enormous instrument on her head!