what i see now that we are somewhere new

Ah California.  Cafes and baseball fields, colleges with architecture both old and new, people dressed strangely, my family talking to robots and laughing and making messes daily in my new kitchen, walks with beautiful expansive views, charm and uniqueness and pastries that almost rival those found on the streets of Paris.

That's what I see.

There's all sorts of new things to behold and experience here.

19, happy birthday my sky

 Little Sky 

Sky now

Wow.  Where did the time go my dear girl???
You are such an amazing young woman.  I am honored and proud and so so love being your mama.
Thank you for coming to me.  You grace my life in so many ways.

You are doing great.  You are such a strong, brilliant, beautiful, intelligent, unique, kind person.  You light up a room when you enter it and you bring so much joy to people.  You have many gifts, and are continuing to discover just what they are.  You don't give up and know how to overcome obstacles.  I wish you love, peace, joy and abundance.  I bless you on this day and every day and I ask God to bless you too.  

Love you Skypie.
Thank you Sky.  Thank you.
xxoo

fourth of july day trip

It was a while ago, this Independence Day trip we took back home.  We went on a hike and then the kids swam in a rapid moving fresh water stream.  The water was so cold, but refreshing. 

forest hike

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This summer while Sky traveled cross country on a retreat with Amma, Gary and I spent some quality time with our youngest two kids...

Of course we took to the forest.

And yes, Annabel and I frolicked in the meadow.

corner view~monochrome

my favorite color ever

A memory.  The deep blue Pacific ocean.  A spontaneous boat ride with a small group of friends. Many whale sightings.  And then, far from those majestic creatures, a moment when one young woman decided she wanted to jump into the ocean, in her clothes.  And so I joined her.

family reunion, amma and a surprise

We spent a week in Los Angeles seeing Amma.  This included doing service, getting hugged, practicing meditation, and eating great food.  And sitting with Amma.  At the end of our time things fell into place for Sky to travel with Amma on some more of her US tour, so we put her on a bus, and the rest of us spent a day in LA having fun, and then went home to get ready for our big adventure.