Gratefulness and Merriment!

There are aspects of the third Thursday of November that I don't really wish to celebrate. The ever perpetuated lie that the pilgrims were friends to the natives being the better part of it. Also I realize that everyday should be about giving thanks. Not just one day a year. It is sort of like how Im opposed to Valentines day as being "The Day" to celebrate love. Shouldn't we celebrate these things every day? And I do.  I take time to count my blessings with each sunrise and each sunset and sometime for no other reason then seeing a smile on a child's face or conversely catching news of some tragedy. In gratitude and love, I find joy and I cling to it through every precious moment and every strife that unfolds in before me. Such practice should belong to each person every day and not be left solely to one day of the year.  However, despite these small issues I have with the holiday, I do stop and join with all my family and friends in national celebration of Thanks. 

This year Little tree Climbers birthday fell on Thanksgiving as well. After some serious consideration and discussion we decided to open our doors for a "stop in when you can and as long as you can" casual sort of birthday party in the morning followed by a more traditional feast in the afternoon. Given the day, we didn't know exactly what sort of turn out we would get but it worked out fabulously. The people who were sticking around town had the opportunity to send the kids over to play while they did their cooking and preparing and so Willow had the chance to celebrate her birthday with 9 other kids including her dearest local friend who she sees very rarely now that she is not attending public school. While snacking on cupcakes, each child made her a collage for a memory book and then the girls played tennis while some of the boys made themselves content playing legos and the others tossed the ax out back. We had cashed in Sticky Pistons frequent flyer miles and flew mom down for the festivities. It was quite a success.

Dinner brought us together with another family who was also celebrating the birthday of one of their own. There was much to be thankful for. The food was delicious and easy as it was catered and only required re-heating. Wine flowed and so did conversation. We played games, sang songs and had a joyous time. 

Friday we went shopping. What?! You got a problem with that?! I do. Im avidly against mass consumerism. "Oh its on sale.. I need to get it!" Our personal identities being so wrapped up in what we have rather than who we are. Its disgusting to me on the whole.  BUT Little Tree Climbers birthday present request was a shopping spree with Grandma and so we ventured out after the mad morning rush (with our canvas bags no doubt) to take in what remaining deals lined the shelves. She ended up stocking up on enough lotions and scents to last her the next 5 years. Which is not much of an exaggeration. Despite my opposition, we had a fun day and mom got to take in the current styles and fabrics of youth. She plans to open a clothing mendery to supplement her upcoming retirement income and so it was also a recon mission.  Afterwards, sticky pistons took mom on a tour of the plant. She was fascinated and intrigued by the process and machinery and now she has a whole new appreciation of what the hubby does. This took up the majority of the day and we spent the rest of the evening casually watching movies. I introduced mom to Dr. Horrible. *Big Grin* She thought it bizarre and likened it to Rocky Horror. I guess it could keep worse company in her mind.

Saturday was far more relaxing. Her last full day here spent on Carmel beach. Soaking up our zest for the waves. People and pooch watching. It was a day without hurry or worry. We followed the day up by introducing mom to Pho. Mmmm. She had never experienced its like and will be taking time to explore its availability at home. 

Sunday morning she departed early. I don't think the weekend could have gone much better. It was the first time in over a decade that mom actually got to see us from inside, meet our friends and be our guest. Although with such intamcy there were moments of TMI... Stories of my conception on a lamb farms to start.. actually I think it actually explains some things, like my warm and woolly nature.. I countered with my own kinky duck stories! ;) 

It was a gift to have her here. 

I guess I look like the drowning type?! To wrap up our weekend we took a trip to the pool during which we swam and played. Nothing out of the ordinary. Eventually Sticky Pistons set out to determine how long he could hold his breath. Taking a big inhale he ducked under and curled into a ball. After several attempts he managed 2.5 minutes and duplicated the results a number of times. In all he had been under the water a good 15 minutes. Finally I said it way my turn to test my capabilities, My style was more of a face first float .. After 25 seconds Sticky pistons taps me on the head with some urgency.  I popped up to find him and the life guard actively discussing whether or not I was conscious.

Anyway, The weekend is over and we now have to get back to work. ACK!!! Too much to do!!! But rather than complain I best get to it. 

For all the pics of the weekend click this link..

Growing older means...

Braces! Her face says Yay! But her mouth really says Ouch.

The night after their installation, Little Tree Climber tapped me on the shoulder early in the morning to let me know she was in pain and that her meds had worn off. We got her taken care of and back to sleep. The interruption to sleep, however, provided a rare glimpse into my dreams.  It was like a sitcom. I got the impression I was in my 20s and in College. My room mate was the secretary from the surfrider chapter here. In real life a cute college student. Our room was at the top of a tower in a casino (although I didn't realize this until after I left the suite). Its not a casino I have been in in real life. Though elements of those that I have been in exist within it and I can recall a familiarity of it as if I have been there in other dreams. Anyway.. There is a security guard who hangs out with us... His appearance is a surprise to me as he is not someone I have seen in in real life in almost two years.. a brother to once dear friends.  Time and space all jumbled up. Icons of all sorts of ages and stages of my life swirling and coalescing in this dream vortex. Anyway, My roommate and I were having a drink in the room with the guard. This was prohibited as it was a dorm room. I laughed about it to the security guard and said with a smile and assurance.. "You'd never turn us in" He laughed and said "No. Not about this." Then his expression changed and he picked up the phone and started to talk to the  authorities in police code requesting back up all the while looking at me like I was a criminal. I didn't get the impression he was kidding. I panicked and fled fearing the heat on my heels. It was a very long panic filled escape dream. Not wanting to be detected I wound my way down long and never ending corridors.. the kind you run down and run down but never get anywhere. I avoided elevators and went down stairwells, got to the ground floor and got lost amid machines. It never once looked like anyone spotted me or was even looking for me. Finally I made it out into the light. That is when little tree climber tapped my shoulder. It was strange to see my dreams in such avid detail as well as seeing what thoughts are mixing around in my subconscious.

Growing older also means skin biopsies (likely its benign). A strange but not uncommon discoloration began on my cheek a little over 12 years ago during pregnancy which has changed some over the years and become more pronounced. Better to check it now then have something to worry about later.

And that brings me back to my little tree climber. This Thanksgiving she turns 12. Its sort of an right of passage age. No longer a child by any means but still far from adulthood. Time for ever expanding responsibility. Time to start letting out more (invisible) leash. I've known people who literally leash their children around the waist or wrist. I was never one of those. But I have held her close. I have coddled her. I have kept her fairly innocent. I have kept her safe. But in order to be in the world later and on her own, she needs to start seeing some of the bitter reality of the world now. Its time to wake her from the sweet dreams of childhood. Time to grow her into womanhood. How this is done? I have no idea... but then when I bore her.. I had no idea how to raise  her a day let alone raise her this far. At the time, the panic and fear of how and what and when weighed heavily. Now I realize that we aim far but take it day by day... checking gauges, adjusting sails. With the last 12 years under our belts, I have faith that we are up to the challenge of this new stage. Steady as she goes. How exciting it is too.  Now I get to watch her blossom. And I know she will do so spectacularly.

Now on to the celebrating and the stopping and taking count of all of my many blessings!!!

Feel the Rainbow

rainbows and waves..
rainbows and waves..
All day long..
Im dreaming of nothing
but rainbows and waves!!!




Especially while laid up for over a time with a massive sinus infection. Anything to escape the pain which rings my head in a halo of fire and seems to sear my very soul. Perhaps I exaggerate but it certainly can feel that way. The hollow ache... Wanting to sob.. wanting to weep.. but knowing that doing so would only make it worse so I escape into dreams amid fitful sleep. Its the best I can do.

Anyway.. its finally clearing up. For which I am grateful. And just in time for Thanksgiving and warm company. Let the Attitude of Gratitude begin!

Which reminds me of how much I have left to accomplish before Mom gets here. Dinner might just be catered this year. Who am I kidding? Dinner will be catered from a local deli.. Wild Thyme. It should be delicious! However I still have to make cupcakes for the open door Thanksgiving Day Birthday well wishers who may stop by. And I plan to make up some butternut squash soup as well.

Today we have an very important appointment. Id mention what is being done but Little Tree Climber wants to surprise her grandma. Regardless we will be at the orthodontist most of the day. Tomorrow I have a years worth of Dr. appt.s crammed in as we are on school break. And Wed. its a trip into the City and the airport. Not to mention a house that needs a thorough cleaning..Ack!

I breath in deeply...through my nose no less!.. shake off the last remaining tendrils of achy dullness.. and get to work.

A peek of sun

Speaking of Rain

Hummingbird and I must have made some impression on someone this morning during our stroll to the beach. The day started out typically enough but the mood quickly changed when I received a message from one of her teachers expressing concern over her current failing grade in math. This led to a firm yet quiet discussion about expectations and efforts. After which, invariably racked with emotion, she sobbed long and hard. I comforted. Not much later the police showed up. They didn't interfere, but they sat there and watched.. stared really.. and when we began our journey home ( I made sure to smile and say hello as we passed by and hummingbird offered a nod)... they too moved on. It was strange being sized up by the authorities especially when there was no conflict/situation to be corrected or monitored.


This was not the first firm discussion about expectations and efforts that I had to indulge in this week. Although yesterday it was directed at my little tree climber. This one took place within our four walls and no police were present. But lessons were addressed and tear were shed.  Ultimately my talk with her boiled down to .. "don't quit before you even try."  How important is that to learn? Its a major life lesson! Id rather her learn it now then find her giving up on challenges when she is older and they are of more consequence. As any adult can attest to, our challenges become harder as we age. Our responsibilities intensify and... if you give up.. you have lost before you even start. Dig in and at least try! If you don't succeed . well that is ok. As long as you gave it your best go.


I  don't like playing the heavy. I don't like laying down lines. I don't like confrontation. And I don't like being put in a position to have to do those things. My nature is more of the huggy/lovey/nurturing type.  But as a mom and caring about the future of these children, I sometimes have to. It pains me enough to make me weep. But it would hurt me far worse to see them fail in their futures because I didn't take the time to make some corrections now.

P.S. The sierras are in for some major snow this weekend! (It is pouring!)

Love you Mom! Looking forward to the next time I see you!

Laughter Love and Luck

thats what I feasted on this weekend. It was juicy ...  greasy... even... It was awesome saucing at its best. 

Late Friday night I found my way to Northern Nevada without the family to spend a weekend floating around with old friends. Because of my loose planning, my adventures didn't really begin until Saturday Morning with a trip to the Great Basin Food Coop  for a 2 hour visit with a mynx of a friend, Auntie M. while she made spring rolls, brewed coffee, made sandwiches and attended to other coop cooking duties. It was obvious from the start that she was in her element, James Brown playing in the background and adding zest to her every movement.  During our conversation I mentioned that I was going to attempt to cross paths with another mutual friend and I was asked to pass on a message "I am the ant." Of course this peeked my curiosity. She said she didn't really understand the analogy but they had been arguing over who is the ant and who is the grasshopper. I do understand the analogy and find it a little fascinating and plan to ponder it here at length a bit more soon...hopefully..  Regrettably  I was unable to deliver that message in person but will catch up with them soon enough. 

From there I drifted to my unsuspecting grandparents house and, after some tea with my uncle while waiting for their return, surprised them with an uninterrupted 4 hour visit. It was utterly relaxing and my yawning, which they took as an indication of fatigue, was really a result of being  I was so at ease that I wasn't breathing deep enough to draw in enough oxygen at the higher elevation. Long conversation, a late lunch, and a couple fingers of scotch highlighted the afternoon. 

After I left, I picked up Doc Martin Dave, Double D (Said in a French Accent) for short, from his moms apartment complex. It has been 16 years since I have seen DD. But that hasn't changed much about him.. He is still my brother from another mother. We laughed heartily for hours on end while we talked everything from landing strips, smurfs and everything in between...    DD is taking a brief stateside visit from France to attend to some affairs before returning home to his family.. Needless to say our conversation spanned years and Continents. Eventually, after stopping in and getting a beer where our reunion was held and hitting the cigar bar, we made our way to the "Home of a million legos and spicy curry" to visit with  some old friends..  who ,obviously, love legos and curry! I have not had any real solid face time with them since I moved away and it was goo to see how well T and A were doing. 

From there we hit Reno and our old college haunt. What was once known as the Blue Lamp...everything changes it all stays the same..  A quick Guinness and some more reminiscing then it was off for an Icky with that spicy Meditranian meatball known simply and always as D ... except.. At 11 pm on a Saturday night the brewery was already shutting down which lead to an adjustment of plans... a drink at strata then one at St. James Infirmary (where I swear I saw some of my cousins doodles come to life) and then off to dancing for hours until the wee hours of the morning (though with the time change it was not quite as wee as it felt) at a rather uninhibited place known as the 5 star club. I left D and DD to continue their dancing (Cue the song "time of my life" from that one patrick swazey movie.. what was it called?) and  I stumbled into bed at a relative 3 or 4 am. It was a reunion for the ages and left me feeling young at heart once again.

In the morning, I tossed and turned and after hours of weighing..  hunger finally won out over sleep and I decided to rouse myself for a hearty breakfast. But the line at the cafe appeared long and so room service begged its appeal. However while venturing back to my tower I literally crossed paths with the McNallans. This lovely couple are spiritual leaders in my religious committee who live near Colfax and whom I was going to call and try to arrange coffee with as I passed by on the freeway going home. But low and behold, a twist of Wyrd delivered us all to the Nugget on a random Sunday morning  in November at precisely the same time. Such meetings I find fortuitous and brimming with fate. They had stayed the night to watch Dana Carvey perform and were on their way to breakfast and I gladly joined them. We played a bit of catch up and filled in our various news. It will be interesting to see where this chance meeting will happen to take us.  Time will tell. 

After breakfast I made the trip home, content and exhausted but safe and sound. Highlights of the upcoming weeks.. Little Tree Climber gets a orthodontic consultation for braces. My cousins are coming for a visit. A weekend of scouts then Mom comes for Little Tree Climbers birthday as well as Surfriders party planning. Not to mention the making of holiday gifts. Ack! I need to make some lists!  November is a busy month! 

el Dia de los Muertos

Autumn Hike with Young Vikings

A reflective walk though the Cemetery while honoring the forgotten dead.

A loooong tabling job that lined me up party volunteers!! 

Three young adults in tow. 

Good time ... long day!

 A recent visitor at our door... Left me meditating  on the nature of snakes...speaking of snakes.. LittletreeClimber and Sticky Pistons went off on thier own Halloween journey this year. It included the tour of reptiles and insects and other creepy crawlies at the library while the other two of us joined up with a big group and trick or treated a part of town boasting big beautiful colonial style homes. I think I could manage living in a home like those. Anyway.. Halloween..

Ghoulies galor! 

Cat... or.. Mouse? You be the judge.