christmas 2017

We were all together for Christmas in 2017. It was so nice having all the kids at home. I loved it. That morning we had some breakfast and then exchanged gifts. The kids wrote letters to me and Gary, per tradition started by Sky years ago, when she was a child. Back then she asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her, "Just write me a letter about what you are grateful for." Years later, they all do this for not only me, but each other and their papa. It is my favorite part of Christmas.

I have been reflecting on what I am grateful for lately. In the wake of so many recent difficult world events, it seems like a good idea. In fact when I awake, before I get out of bed I make a mental list, in gratitude, like a prayer. 

May 2018 be joyous and happy to all!

19

What a beautiful soul you are Annabel. Now I am calling you Amritasri, a name you were given as a child by Amma. It means "goddess of immortal fame." You like this name but you also really like the name Res, which is Latin for matter.

Regardless of what we call you, you are you.

You are lovable, intelligent, kind, funny, unique, inquisitive, creative. You have a brilliant mind. You are a great friend, sibling, and kid. You are such a wonderful person and I love our meditation times, our walks, our fruit market runs and just hanging out with you. I love watching you perform your songs: you go to a place and you become a very deep soul there. You are such a natural performer.

Keep searching and questioning everything, that's a good thing. In time, you will figure out what you need to figure out. But the ride is awesome too. Remember that. And never forget you are deeply loved.

Keep smiling.

Love,
Mom

winter 2017

Shawn and I lived in Amma's California ashram for a month while he finished his semester of ninth grade. He did really well in school and made the honor roll. Meanwhile Gary was back home, holding down the fort for us. I loved being at the ashram, surrounded by good hearted people. Shawn and I spent lots of time digging holes for 200 trees to be planted on the grounds. I got to visit a couple times with a dear friend, watched Shawn sing in school holiday choir concert, and we continued to feed the homeless on the Oakland streets with a group of friends. We went one night to see people's homes lit up by colorful lights in anticipation of Christmas. Shawn had a friend sleep over and they built a cool fort. They pulled an all nighter, they had a blast, and slept the next day away. A right of passage for a teen. We left California right before Christmas. It was good to get home.

last fall

Last fall involved maha cake baking at the MA Center, seeing Shawn singing in a couple choir performances, me making garlands, us feeding the homeless on the streets of Oakland, cuddling cats, visiting friends, seeing Gary's old music friends play an amazing concert, moving to a new cottage where we fed chickens daily and ate fresh gogi berries, and a beautiful women's retreat for me.