10 Days.

Of laughing so hard that I thought my cheeks might fall off.
Of quiet moments that required no words what-so-ever.
Of loving my girl so much that I could barely stand it.

When the decision was made that my oldest and I would travel north as a two-some...I was torn. On the one hand, I felt just awful knowing we would be leaving Steven alone for both Daddy's Day and his birthday...even though he insisted. This year has been one that hasn't allotted him much time off and he didn't want us to wait around town for him.

And, on the flip side, Kinsey was travelling overseas to both Rome and Greece during those same dates making our decision a bit easier. She wouldn't feel like she was missing out somehow because she had her own amazing journey ahead of her.

Add those facts to the bittersweet realization that our chances for successfully completing just such an adventure will become more and more challeging...so, I seized the opportunity.




And I adored every single moment...especially the "Glee" giggles, secret "knowing" glances and how she would repeatedly reach for my hand time and time again. We are cut from the same cloth...she and I. We love nature and solitude and finding meaning in the simple sights that surround us. During that week and a half my respect, love and admiration for this magnificent young woman grew ten-fold. And knowing how full my heart is already, I didn't think that was possible.

Renewed.

It doesn't take much. Sometimes, it's an unexpected set of stairs outside of a Michigan summer cottage,



the rushing stream that meanders through the newly budded trees of the forest,



or the promise of blossoms soon to come.

It doesn't matter where we find our renewal...but that when we find it...we derive strength from the simplicity.

Call me a pessimist!

“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.”~G.B. Stern

For his eighteen bithday Alissa indulged a huge fantasy of Diego's and surprised him with a parachute jump. Although she didn't jump herself (she swears she will when she turns eighteen...right!) she captured some magnificent shots that I just had to post. I have so much more to share...Outward Bound, Easter, camping and prom to name just a few recent events from our lives recently...soon, very soon!

Perks

Sometimes Steven's job really drives me crazy...the last minute hospital consults, the toll it takes on his emotions, and his inability to ever call in sick...even when he can barely get his head off the pillow. Because he's dedicated, and hard working and extremely good at what he does, so he's in demand. I get that. But, selfishly it still makes me nuts sometimes. So, when he gets an opportunity to take us along for a conference at South Beach...we jump at the chance. And his job makes me a little less crazy...at least for the two days at the beach!

Looking Up

While walking along 5th Avenue this past Saturday with mom, we stopped for a sweet cup of chai (cold for me and hot for her) and just sat people-watching and chatting. While doing so, I looked up to see the most magnificent shadows dancing lightly above our heads and collected these shots which got me to thinking. How often do we look up? Not often enough, I'm afraid. I'm certainly one of the guilty parties who is always so focused and fixated on moving straight ahead that I miss what's often right in front of me...or in this case...just above me. If we hadn't slowed down our day and just surveyed the scenes around us...I would have missed it. And I'm so grateful that I didn't miss it.

Sandcastles

My favorite sandcastles are just like the one we stumbled upon at sunset last night...formed by allowing the globules of sand to filter through your fingertips creating an imperfect structure...flawed yet phenomenal. The tide was out and offered some unique shots that my camera, my mom and I just loved.

Times are a changin...

It seems like only a few blinks ago that my mischevious little monkey could be found tugging at my pant leg begging for my attention while I was going about the chores of my busy mom life...to play hide and seek or scooter around the block. Now, it is I that is tugging on her Hollister halter top yearning for her company as she runs out the door to meet her girlfriends...to discuss the cutest boy in the class or the most effective hair product to tame the frizz. And I miss her. For a time, I sulked. Then, I felt hurt. Finally, I took action. She's almost fourteen...and her friends are an important part of her now world...but I know she's going to need me forever. And I will be there for her, without judgements and with open arms. And I need to remind her of my committment to her by making moments for just us...and really relishing the time together.

My Heart will always be Home

Returning home always brings a huge smile to my face...whether it's after a much anticipated vacation, a busy day at work, or simply after treking the dogs around the lake...because I love my home. And walking inside the comforting walls we have built around our lives together, I always feel a calm here. I know that I belong here, will be accepted here and can always be myself here...and he's one huge part of the reason I feel such acceptance. Although there are times when his rough and gruff exterior have scared away many a teenaged boy...I know the marshmallow man that lives just barely beneath the bristle...evidenced by the gift that was awaiting me following a quick little jaunt to Orlando. He loves me. And because of that love, I know how it feels to truly be home.

Stretching to the Sun

Steven surprised me with these gorgeous tulips yesterday. And today when I woke up there were wide open with their arms outstretched...searching for the sun. Like me.