Its beautiful out here, however, sinus headaches and other allergic reactions leave us enjoying the sights most often from behind glass.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Crack the Ice and let the waters flow
Or more plainly stated.. spring is here and my grandfather has passed away.
It was not unexpected.. Grandpa was a champion when it came to longevity but 92 is long enough for anyone to stick around and he passed quietly in his sleep. He lived a long full life and danced through decades of change. When I stop to consider the world he was born into and the changes that have swept through his life, the wars fought and seen, the rise of technology, medicine, not to mention his own personal challenges such as childhood play forsaken early on to support his family during the Depression to the loss of his wife (Feisty Grandma Bea, You too are missed.) and his Son (Love you Dad!) .. and well.. everything.. it is pretty incredible. He lived long enough for 20 some odd great-grandchildren to grace his knee and managed to get two books of poetry published. He was a champion of the grill and the hunt. I can think of very few times where I ever caught sight of a frown. He lived positively, joyfully, with dedication, persistence and perspiration. While he may not have taught me how to sing he helped teach me to always listen for and play to the upbeat that pulses through this mortal existence. And so while a few silent tears may trace their way down my cheeks, a smile graces my heart and always will when I think of Grandpa. Peace be with you too Gramps!
It was not unexpected.. Grandpa was a champion when it came to longevity but 92 is long enough for anyone to stick around and he passed quietly in his sleep. He lived a long full life and danced through decades of change. When I stop to consider the world he was born into and the changes that have swept through his life, the wars fought and seen, the rise of technology, medicine, not to mention his own personal challenges such as childhood play forsaken early on to support his family during the Depression to the loss of his wife (Feisty Grandma Bea, You too are missed.) and his Son (Love you Dad!) .. and well.. everything.. it is pretty incredible. He lived long enough for 20 some odd great-grandchildren to grace his knee and managed to get two books of poetry published. He was a champion of the grill and the hunt. I can think of very few times where I ever caught sight of a frown. He lived positively, joyfully, with dedication, persistence and perspiration. While he may not have taught me how to sing he helped teach me to always listen for and play to the upbeat that pulses through this mortal existence. And so while a few silent tears may trace their way down my cheeks, a smile graces my heart and always will when I think of Grandpa. Peace be with you too Gramps!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Hit the ground running
I think it is a good time for a great big exhale. Deep Breath in.. Deep Breath out.
Better.
I have been running with the speed and agility of a thousand horses.. or so I like to think. In reality I have not been lighting quick but with slow and steady determination I have kept the schedule through the hectic rigors of our extended season of celebration. Some things have slipped and some have yet to be done. Tackling Moms website is my next big project after the re-build of the Surfrider Site. For a sneak preview.. http://surfridermonterey.weebly.com/ I still have to manage the backend and re-direct the URL. I need a little help with those logistics and will be turning to a company that has offered to host us. And for the observant.. Ahhh... Weebly you ask? Yes Weebly... Free ... Easy to Work with and far more versatile than blogger because blogger just wasn't adaptable enough.
A big stack of What the Duck has been burned and jacketed and is awaiting time for departures and deliveries. Its a funny mix. I hope my Vegan friends don't mind. Getting them mailed out will be a bit of a chore. In addition to sending out the CD's I will also be including Save the Dates for our 40-15-40. A celebration of our 40th birthdays and 15th anniversary all rolled into one. That is an undertaking. Im a bit overwhelmed at the idea of throwing something so grand. Especially if you consider my wedding reception was a campfire Bar-b-Que with a bottle of tequila going round the fire. Defiantly not traditional. I keep wrapping my idea around the idea of something formal but does it need to be? Greg and I need to do some daydreaming together. I have been asking around .. collecting ideas.. everyone sees it different... Ive been stumbling over the idea of how big the guest list should be. Decisions Decisions.
My grandparents are celebrating thier 65th anniversary this year. (2013 is a way BIG year. It will be EPIC!) It includes a train ride to Virginia City an old time family portrait with the entire family present and then some wandering before sitting down to a Nice Dinner in Carson. Looking forward to Crossing paths with my Brother and the Family. Its still a ways off though.
The Kids have adopted block style learning. Which makes more since to me. We focus on one topic a day rather than skip from subject to subject. So far it has been very agreeable.
What else?? ... On top of all of that.. this weekend was jam packed. Whalefest (links take you to pics) and a birthday sleep over
Greg's induction into the Chamber Of Commerce and his pledge to uphold the Constitution
And Connor's Skate Party. Whew! What did we get him? A small amethyst heart pendant on a silver filigree chain. It is a bit on the feminine side and I really debated it but of all of the gifts he could have received I knew it would be the most cherished.
And Im sure there is lots of other stuff going on .. School.. I am putting the kids name in for the lotteries at two different Charter Schools. One offers a science based curriculum which would suit Willow and the other offers the Waldorf Method which is rooted in learning through Artistic Expression which would be a good match for Connor. Its not that I don't want to Homeschool anymore but there are things that they are missing and the right classroom doesn't have to be at home. Im keeping those options open and up to fate.
All that coupled with Greg keeping some crazy long travel hours.. Im exhausted and am going to end the conversation right here for now.
Love You Mom!
Better.
I have been running with the speed and agility of a thousand horses.. or so I like to think. In reality I have not been lighting quick but with slow and steady determination I have kept the schedule through the hectic rigors of our extended season of celebration. Some things have slipped and some have yet to be done. Tackling Moms website is my next big project after the re-build of the Surfrider Site. For a sneak preview.. http://surfridermonterey.weebly.com/ I still have to manage the backend and re-direct the URL. I need a little help with those logistics and will be turning to a company that has offered to host us. And for the observant.. Ahhh... Weebly you ask? Yes Weebly... Free ... Easy to Work with and far more versatile than blogger because blogger just wasn't adaptable enough.
A big stack of What the Duck has been burned and jacketed and is awaiting time for departures and deliveries. Its a funny mix. I hope my Vegan friends don't mind. Getting them mailed out will be a bit of a chore. In addition to sending out the CD's I will also be including Save the Dates for our 40-15-40. A celebration of our 40th birthdays and 15th anniversary all rolled into one. That is an undertaking. Im a bit overwhelmed at the idea of throwing something so grand. Especially if you consider my wedding reception was a campfire Bar-b-Que with a bottle of tequila going round the fire. Defiantly not traditional. I keep wrapping my idea around the idea of something formal but does it need to be? Greg and I need to do some daydreaming together. I have been asking around .. collecting ideas.. everyone sees it different... Ive been stumbling over the idea of how big the guest list should be. Decisions Decisions.
My grandparents are celebrating thier 65th anniversary this year. (2013 is a way BIG year. It will be EPIC!) It includes a train ride to Virginia City an old time family portrait with the entire family present and then some wandering before sitting down to a Nice Dinner in Carson. Looking forward to Crossing paths with my Brother and the Family. Its still a ways off though.
The Kids have adopted block style learning. Which makes more since to me. We focus on one topic a day rather than skip from subject to subject. So far it has been very agreeable.
What else?? ... On top of all of that.. this weekend was jam packed. Whalefest (links take you to pics) and a birthday sleep over
Greg's induction into the Chamber Of Commerce and his pledge to uphold the Constitution
And Connor's Skate Party. Whew! What did we get him? A small amethyst heart pendant on a silver filigree chain. It is a bit on the feminine side and I really debated it but of all of the gifts he could have received I knew it would be the most cherished.
And Im sure there is lots of other stuff going on .. School.. I am putting the kids name in for the lotteries at two different Charter Schools. One offers a science based curriculum which would suit Willow and the other offers the Waldorf Method which is rooted in learning through Artistic Expression which would be a good match for Connor. Its not that I don't want to Homeschool anymore but there are things that they are missing and the right classroom doesn't have to be at home. Im keeping those options open and up to fate.
All that coupled with Greg keeping some crazy long travel hours.. Im exhausted and am going to end the conversation right here for now.
Love You Mom!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Fiddling with knobs...
static slowly clears and a voice emerges.. "We have been experiencing some technical difficulty..."
The link was misdirecting.. try it again...
here are the Lighthouse pics...
https://picasaweb.google.com/mamaskylark/PointSirLighthouseTrip?authkey=Gv1sRgCPC_yfDksPW-Cg
It was a monumental weekend for sports and family activities. Hockey season resumed Saturday and the Hawks have pulled wins in their first three games. Wouldn't it be fantastic to see them win the cup again?! I managed to catch some of the first game with the cousins after we toured the aquarium. They came down for a couple nights stay and one good day of play. Saturday Afternoon we found ourselves enjoying a swim play date at their hotel and then over night sat thier precious 2 year old while the cousins had a night on the town. Willow and Connor were amazing with the baby. Although Willow was amazed and exhausted by how much attention is required to take care of a little one. But she is a natural .. and so is Connor.
Sunday the family's favorite team won their way into the super bowl. Also the Big Wave classic known as Mavericks was held because the conditions were just right to create killer big waves at Half Moon Bay, which I was able to stream and watch.
What a weekend! Thats about the long and the short of that story. I left the picture taking to the cuz so if you want to see pics you will have to connect with him. School is technically out until Thursday for the change in semester. Although I got a bit confused and thought we went back today. Regardless, I am making my way through the work load. Bit by little bit. Starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
The link was misdirecting.. try it again...
here are the Lighthouse pics...
https://picasaweb.google.com/mamaskylark/PointSirLighthouseTrip?authkey=Gv1sRgCPC_yfDksPW-Cg
It was a monumental weekend for sports and family activities. Hockey season resumed Saturday and the Hawks have pulled wins in their first three games. Wouldn't it be fantastic to see them win the cup again?! I managed to catch some of the first game with the cousins after we toured the aquarium. They came down for a couple nights stay and one good day of play. Saturday Afternoon we found ourselves enjoying a swim play date at their hotel and then over night sat thier precious 2 year old while the cousins had a night on the town. Willow and Connor were amazing with the baby. Although Willow was amazed and exhausted by how much attention is required to take care of a little one. But she is a natural .. and so is Connor.
Sunday the family's favorite team won their way into the super bowl. Also the Big Wave classic known as Mavericks was held because the conditions were just right to create killer big waves at Half Moon Bay, which I was able to stream and watch.
What a weekend! Thats about the long and the short of that story. I left the picture taking to the cuz so if you want to see pics you will have to connect with him. School is technically out until Thursday for the change in semester. Although I got a bit confused and thought we went back today. Regardless, I am making my way through the work load. Bit by little bit. Starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
They Say...
It is darkest at the foot of a light house. It makes sense.. at night.
During the day.. the most challenging things about a lighthouse is the hike.
A more beautiful day could not be had to visit and tour Point Sur Lighthouse.
https://picasaweb.google.com/mamaskylark/PointSirLighthouseTrip
During the day.. the most challenging things about a lighthouse is the hike.
A more beautiful day could not be had to visit and tour Point Sur Lighthouse.
https://picasaweb.google.com/mamaskylark/PointSirLighthouseTrip
I swallowed a dragonfly
From the start of November to the beginning of Feb. is always a busy time. It really is the most jam packed time of the year for us. From Willows Birthday and Thanksgiving right on through to Connors Birthday and Valentines Mix planning. Its one long period of activity. And fortunately it is quickly coming to a close. In the meantime, Im playing keep up.. and year after year of the same routine.. I have the juggling act just about down. Still I may not be thoroughly overwhelmed but I am still very busy. And on top of it all I have a couple website designing projects on the board that will require their own ample effort to complete. As a result my time has been suffering.. my writing/blogging limited.
So, for the most part, I must put these things down for a bit and not give them the attention I long to. If only I could lose myself.. for an hour.. for a day.. for a year.. for a lifetime.. to nothing but the passion.. to pen.. to the paper.. to the dream.. ahhh such bliss would be mine. True. It is a glorious thought but it lives without much substance at the moment for the realities of life must also be recognized. Energies must be shifted and rearranged and my writing and such slotted in when and where it can. Until then I must hold on to to my words like a bottle of whiskey waiting to be drunk... I must wait for a time.. like now.. to take a little nip... Just enough to keep ward off the chill and to keep my keypad licking tongue from freezing solid. Cheers!
Entertainment suggestions..
During those few moments of respite that the day has to offer, Greg and I have stumbled upon the Canadian sci fi tv series Lost Girl. I don't think my mother would particularly like it. Its very Buffy/Xena.. ish only a little more mature. If your ears perk up in the least over the mention of those shows.. check it out.
Another show we stumbled upon which has also proven entertaining is Oroun High Host Club. This is an Anime series and completely out of my usual watching parameters I don't think mom would care for it either. I, however, find the characters fascinating.
Anyway, next up on the quick update list. I received a sweet care package in the mail the other day from a friend who I grew up with. She sent me a dress made by a local seamstress in Carson/Reno. Perhaps there is a partnership opportunity there for you to look into mom?! At least check out the competition (Click Here) . I'll post up pics the dress for you soon when I get the opportunity. Now to find something fancy to wear it to!
My Valentines Day Mix is pulling together. This years theme.. "What the Duck?"
Oh.. and this.. I find this photo fascinating...
Why? Well... I was aiming to capture the rainbow over the bridge of my nose.. Rainbow bridge.. ha ha.. but the rainbow only existed with the shades partially drawn which created the shadow stripes which are not unlike those in the painting behind. so there is this unexpected continuity. Also my expression is also quite neutral. I was trying to get the rainbow lined up on my nose so this is in large part due to concentration. However, if you cover up the right side of my face I look like Im frowning. If you cover up the left side.. I look like I am smiling. Its truly one of these: :/
And in one of those weird twists of fate.. after arranging Connors birthday party, I got an email from school saying that there is a School wide skate party .. same time.. same place. How extra ordinarily cool is that?! Seems I am working on my Universal Synchronicity.
OK off to load up pics of the fieldtrip we took to the lighthouse yesterday, see hummingbird through her finals and everything else. Those stories, pictures and more.. on the horizon.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Shear style
Switching it up... and cutting it short. She digs her unique and easier to manage new do.
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