the spirit of home

So we are back home to a life that is very familiar and yet new and a bit different too. The biggest difference is there are two kids living with us instead of three. There are two new schools, one is a local university, as Annabel is now taking all college classes as a high school senior. And thus bus routes to learn. We are driving our small, easy to park, quiet, zippy electric cars which I love and really missed. Mine is turquoise blue. The kids have new friends and more independence since we last lived here. A new edible home garden project is about to happen. We visit the same beaches and shave ice stand. There are more photovoltaic systems popping up on roofs everywhere and some new buildings and stores on our tiny island. 

There is the same welcoming small town spirit. Peace and serenity abounds. It's nice here.

back home

Greeted by beautiful sunsets, bananas and a huge crop of tangerines, oh and of course my smiling family.

We are planning to add many more fruit trees and a veggie garden area in our back yard.

Lots of rain here lately, which is nice for us, hard for certain areas. But we escaped any hurricanes! Just some clouds and rain. Thank God for that.

Sky's doing well, living in California and taking college classes.

the main us

There is something that has happened as the years have passed.

The bond has strengthened.

The happy memories have increased.

We've grown as individuals and we've grown together as a couple.

We've supported each other's dreams. We've stood by our kids and we've loved each other.

It seems that one day I met Gary, we got married, and we became parents. Where have the years gone? Sometimes the days were long...but the years flew by. Seems like one day I woke up and I had a long committed marriage. With lots of traditions and joy and sure some strife, everyone has strife. But it's what you do with strife that determines the outcome. Strife itself is just par for the course. 

But yes, I am happy. Being with my best friend. Feeling like we are there for each other and we can count on each other. 

Is there anything better than that? To find a soulmate in a life? What a blessing. 

Love you so much babe.

california summer trip with miss sky

I don't know how Sky and I got so lucky but we were able to stay in a beautiful, magical place. After our time in New York with my parents we went to northern California and moved into a house with a bunch of monks. Me and Sky and the monastics.

During this time we went into San Francisco and also to Marin to see old friends. Sky got to see friends she has known since babyhood. Their mothers were my friends when we were all new mothers. What a special bond we all have.

We stayed some days in the beautiful house eating Indian food and resting and doing some volunteer work, and then I returned home while Sky remained on her own for a few weeks. Sky and the monastics. Sounds like a rock band name.

I returned to California to the same house and a few days later moved Sky into college. Then something interesting happened but that's for another post.

visit with mom and dad

There weren't many photos taken on this trip but that in no way reflects a lack of enthusiasm and happiness I felt being with my parents. 

Gary took Annabel and Shawn home and on the way stopped off and visited a college. I took Sky to upstate NY to see my mom and dad. We were there for my birthday. We relaxed, watched movies, went for ice cream, made nice meals. I painted my parents' mailbox. It was just what the doctor ordered.

I love the old family portrait, and especially how we are all looking to the side, smiling. I'm sitting on my father's lap. Both my parents and I are smiling. My brother is thinking about it. Even baby sister is looking. Someone got all of our attention and captured an adorable moment.

I come from a small town filled with wholesome, kind-hearted good people. Whenever I return I realize that, and I am proud to be from there.

sky, twenty

Skylar.

Artist flower.

Delicate heart.

Sweet melody in my life.

Your smile lights up an entire room.

Happiest birthday sweet daughter.

Forever love,

Mama

summer trip to boston area

 visiting Tufts

We took the kids to see Amma in a small town outside of Boston where programs were held for a few days. After that we stayed nearby at the New England MA Center for a few days, helping residents get the house back in shape after a couple hundred tour volunteers had stayed there. 

I am happy to walk down tranquil country roads. Which is a good thing because that's where we were.