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!

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.

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

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. 

Shear style

Switching it up... and cutting it short. She digs her unique and easier to manage new do. 

Yule in 4 Part Harmony

Part 1 Counting Blessings

As 2013 comes to a close, I have been counting my blessings. And my blessings are comprised of a long list of names etched delicately and with a flowing hand on my heart like the engraving of words on the ring from lotr.  They shine in my mind with equal intensity. Some are chiseled deeper than others.. mom, dad, brother, husband, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, pets, life long friends, dear teachers and coaches the like. Older names, ancient ancestors for who without I would not be here yet have had their names lost in time and worn smooth. These folks might not be known by an etch but they offer yet a glowing golden burnished and shiny foundation on which the newer names have been placed. Other names are etched with a lighter hand... neighbors, new friends and business associates. And even lighter still are marks to indicate those that have merely passed through but have made their mark.. like the 3 guys who each stopped to help push sticky pistons car home (in the saga of the car, he was able to repair his last damage but lost the engine somewhere just before the freeway exit on Christmas eve. He was able to coast a ways before stopping. After 2 days of intermittent pushing, it now sits truly dead in the driveway.) Anyway.. those 3 guys, the older grandfatherly fellow I shared a smile and a nod with while at the beach yesterday, and nameless others who I am thankful for in such minor but major ways.

Accompanying the names written on my heart are encrusted my most precious of gems

May they never unnecessarily lose their sparkle 

and if they should lose it they may they have the tools to recover it!

That and much much more I wish for them. My blessings and prayers for them fill volumes.  

Looking at and spending time counting these names and the moments with these individuals takes up the better part of this season and in doing so I realize how very blessed I really am. I have wealth beyond measure. And I am truly grateful. Happy New Year to you all!! May your year be filled with much Joy and Warmth! May your bellys stay full and your cup far from empty! May you have a roof over your head! May pockets bulge (From money of course, what were you thinking? But hey, if you need some of that, may you get it too!). May you be Happy, healthy and wise!

Part 2 Recognizing Accomplishments

There were not a lot of little things but a couple of  bigger things that need to be recognized as our accomplishments for the year. First off, our biggest accomplishment is that we started homeschooling last March. This has been an accomplishment for us all on many levels. It requires a lot to make the children effective home learners and we have all adapted marvelously. A second accomplishment is making sure to fill in our leisure time productively with the establishment of our Viking scout troop. Its still a work in progress but if nothing else it gets us out hiking and learning about our local environment. I planned and executed a successful  HS classes reunion with the help of a small handful. Not a soul left without a smile. I planned and executed a successful Surfrider Annual party with the help of a small handful. We made members and money! We joined the gym and have gotten more fit. Willow got braces. Greg was elected to the Chamber of Commerce. The kids completed swim lessons  tennis classes and got a chance to be jr. veterinarians. It was a successful year all around. Greg caught and truly rode his first real wave and didn't get any tickets! Gregs year at work was solid. I raise my glass to all this and all the small little things that might have gone unrecognized. 

Part 3 Oaths and Resolutions

One of the most important things about  about Yule is that this is truly a time of deep reflection and silent revere. It is a time of counting and giving thanks for our blessings. And a time for giving gifts to express that thanks. It is also a time of taking stalk of where you are analyzing how you got there and making plans for the future. It is a time of renewal and of recharging of batteries. Its a time of making commitments. Its time to witness the birth of a new year. This and every year, I greet the return of the sun and the challenges that lie ahead with the following:

• Bravery and Courage: I willingly face my fate. 
• Truthfulness and Honesty: I will do my best to speak from both head and heart. 
• Honor: I will speak true and uphold my word. 
• Loyalty: I will remain loyal and always act in good faith to family and friends. 
• Self Discipline: I will use my emotions as tools rather than allow them to lead me wildly. 
• Hospitality: I will treat others with respect and act for the good of my collective community. 
• Industriousness: I will work hard to add value to whatever I am involved in. 
• Personal Responsibility: I claim personal responsibility for all my choices and my deeds. I accept that the consequences of these deeds have a ripple effect and effect more than just me. I accept that this is also my responsibility. 
• Perseverance: With continued tenacity will I forge my path.

And on this foundation, the plan for the year is to at least accomplish the following:

• plan to get out a Valentines Day Mix
• Attend at least one Asatru gathering
• Graduating Hummingbird from 9th grade and seeing her entrance into H.S.
• Get Garden growing and Chickens going
• A year of Hockey, Tennis and Swimming for the kids as well as a chance to try their hands at children's theater. 
• Get back to Surfing 
• Get back to artistic/writing pursuits
• Continue going to the gym
• Finish the school year with flying colors and get off the ground for the next year.
• Help mom build her business
• Continue with Viking Scouts
• Continue with Surfrider
• Dance more and have more music 
• Greg will maintain his course at the office

That sounds like enough to commit to or recommit to.

Part 4: Celebration And Travel

This year we remained here for Christmas but headed North to the homeland over New Years. It was far from the trip we expected. Things shifted every which way from last minute change in our first nights lodging to, failing to meet with grandparents due to illness, missing other connections for similar reasons and mom falling sick on our final day. But what remained was perfect! A lengthy visit with the cousins, A long catching up over wine with a very dear friend D., Hitting the streets of Reno and dancing with friends and strangers alike, snowball fights, cousins, the hobbit, special gifts., visiting with mom (before the flu struck her) grandparents and aunt  and the trying of her homemade Novella. A most wonderful time was had! Picts can be viewed by clicking HERE. (Click it. Go on. Click it. You know you want to!) Next time I need pictures of D!

And that just about concludes the Yule Season. A few more little things to do and I am ready to meet the year ahead.  Then I need to put away a few things.. decorations.. and its back to business and  mix planning!! I need to come up with a theme!! Before my gears go off on that tangents let me just say...

 Love You!! 

swimming in the luxuries of home

ahhh... vacation. Ive grown lazy and been sleeping in until 10. With the rain, we have spent our weekend indoors watching movies and lounging. The Yule tide lads have begun making thier appearances and have aided us in these idle pursuits with gifts of blankets and a board game called CAMP. Its all about forest and animal facts. Did you know a group of unicorn is called.. a blessing? I think that was a joke but maybe not. Did you know a group of owls is called a parliament (wha?) That one I know is true. The lads also delivered an air pistol. They have not broken anything this year (We have kept them well fed) though they have made quite a bit of noise every night.

These last few days, I have also made it a point of getting to the beach every day. If for nothing but taking a look see. I can't begin to say how much I miss my daily sojourns to the seaside. My toes in the sand, the roar of crashing waves rumbling up through shoeless feet, body trembles, heart lifts,  mind drifts. mmmmmm.. I need to do this more often.

One one of these trips to the ocean I had Splash along. We were walking down this back road. off to the side, a yard full of dogs yapping wildly as they are prone to do. Another couple walking a dog. Tiny white teacup of a thing. Splash, reminded of flounder, wanted to play and in attempting to greet the other dog slipped out of his collar. The woman was panicked and did nothing but stand there and scream.  I apologized and leashed Splash with no problem but the woman was mortified despite the fact that her pup was in no way harmed just startled. She glared at me as if to say "You and your dog are monsters! The cops should lock you up for scaring fefe so!"  I wish I could have explained why splash acted as he did and why she needed to calm down but they had turned and were walking quickly away stabbing glares shot over shoulder to try and shame/blame me. My big dog was in no way going to devour her little dog despite her thoughts to the contrary. Her response is funny but human. We have no way of understanding why things happen that are outside of our control yet we make assumptions as to the cause and we lay blame when the reality is there is none to lay. As horrified as her face/stance and demeanor indicated, this woman will be pissed way into next week. And for what? One friendly dog became a little too friendly. Hardly anything to ruin your vacation over.

Recently sticky pistons left for a week for work during which time he ran out of some important meds. His prescription was also up so he was off of them for a few days. This is not a pleasant experience however when he went in for a check up he indicated that he wished to see if he could get off of them. Who wants to be a slave to a bottle? The dr. cut back his dose in half. This has been interesting. Because of his previous withdraw his body took to the 1/2 dose quickly. His discomfort abated. This has allowed him to have a good view of how the medication works. On the lower dosage his mind is racing. His senses are hyperactive. He is overloaded with stimulation. Overloading to the point of almost going haywire. And this is at half a dose. Without the meds at all the overactive data sensory imputs stimulation is just to much for the boy to handle. Overestimation equals angst and irritation.. gives him an itchy trigger finger. His current dose is just enough to stave off  most of the annoyance but he still fills completely overwhelmed with information. So much so he is going to go back to his regular dosage. Fascinating how our brain chemistry functions.

What else? Not to much. Christmas is upon us. As my mom came here for Thanksgiving, she was headed to my brothers for this holiday and so this is our first Christmas at home in I don't know how long. Makes the season feel a little incomplete.. but a lot more peaceful! I wish her and my family in Washington the best.

New foods! My CSA has been bringing beets and chard and leeks and bok choy. Ive been getting to make all sorts of new dishes... most of them pretty good!!

All My Love... Mom!