paris~musee marmatton monet

The next day in Paris we walked part way in the rain to Musee Marmottan, clutching our umbrellas. When my pants and shoes began to get wet I insisted we grab a cab, and Gary agreed.  We entered the museum quickly due to having purchased our tickets ahead of time. We spent several hours there, mostly viewing some original paintings of Monet, which we were not allowed to photograph. After our time in the museum we enjoyed a meal at a local cafe. Later I had a massage at our hotel, while Gary enjoyed the sauna. Despite the language barrier I had a great experience with a sweet young French masseuse, in a quiet dimly lit room, her blonde hair swept up in a tidy bun, her smile was warm.

Paris has an undeniable spirit, and that day we felt it. Paris is a city for artists, created by artists. In fact it seems that Paris itself breathes artists into life as if to proclaim, "Beauty is important!"

That day in Paris was a stunning array of art -- a dance of pastel colors and light -- tapestries of all the paintings we saw, the stained glass windows, the light blue walls of the hotel, stamped in gold images of Asia, the delicate marble sculptures, and even the colors of the sorbet.

paris ~ musee d' orsay

Gary and I went to Europe this summer, sans kids. It was so much fun and very relaxing.

Our first stop was Paris. Paris is a city of magic and creativity. I find the people there friendly, sophisticated, and classy. On our first full day we walked to the Musee d' Orsay in the light rain. We spent the entire day there looking at all of our favorite art. We ate at the museum cafe. The food we ordered was presented to us as works of art. I took tons of photos. We returned to the hotel fully filled with inspiration.

Happy birthday sky, 21

Last spring Sky and I went upcountry for a photo shoot. She wanted to experiment with levitation photography and asked me to be the model. It was a perfect day -- sunny but not too hot. We had so much fun just being out in nature together. We both ended up learning a lot that day. If you want to see results of her levitation photography skills you will have to look at her website or Instagram page. (Because it turns out I was a klutzy model).

I have been meaning to post about this day for months...but I was so busy in the last several months so my blogging is very behind. But alas, here we are today, and it is now Sky's 21st birthday!!!

Happy birthday sweet girl. The day you were born a light went on in my heart. There is no other way to put it. It was as if I was being reunited with someone I had loved for a long, long time.

I am so honored to be your mom. You have been such a joy to raise and a wonderful sibling to your brother and sister. We have had so many incredible experiences together over the years. We have had some hard times too, but we have gotten through them because we are strong and yes, small but mighty.

I will always be your mom.  But now that you are #adulting more and more, we will begin the relationship of mother/daughter/friends. Woohoo!!

Love you!! Enjoy your day!

Mama

shawn graduates 8th grade

In May Shawn finished middle school. We are proud of our boy. He's a good kid and a good friend. He is pictured with a small group of kids he has known since childhood, as well as his kumu (teacher).