Anticipation

Things I'm looking forward to 1. Going to "Bambi" this coming week-end. 2. Julie Whitmore pottery arriving in the mail. 3. A soon to be trip to Bisbee AZ. to visit my sister. 4. A journaling class with Pam Garrison.

A Ride

With gas pushing 5 dollars a gallon, one thinks twice of jumping in the car and going for a "ride". But earlier this week I was restless and thought a ride would be a cheaper option than lets say shopping so off we went. Through the hills behind my home towards the Berkeley hills and Tilden Park, in search of a 1920's merry-g0-round. Over rolling green grass covered hills scattered with cattle and oak trees. A mist covered lake filled to the brim with spring run off that will provide plenty of drinking water for the summer months. When we got to the park we discovered the merry-go-round was closed. I had to peer into deep shadowed horses, reindeer,and various other animals-it looks fascinating and I plan to return. I did come upon a botanical garden that was full of early spring growth another place to revisit. I'm lucky the drive is so close to my house just out my back door and over a hill or two-not even 10 dollars worth! Have a Happy Easter.

Nap time

Nap time is important in my house. Today was no exception. Penny Penny and I hit the bed and after an hour or so resurfaced to face the world. It was a overcast and cool day and with nothing better planned it seemed like the thing to do. Now I have a sleep hangover. Fuzzy headed feeling full but feeling good. Good because I realize I have a good life. Tonight I am going to have a dinner I enjoy, I am going to bed and read myself to sleep and tomorrow start another day. I have to remember it is the simple things that count, and when I start counting the simple things I lose track.

April's loss

EVERY BEGINNING AFTER ALL IS NOTHING BUT A SEQUEL, AND THE BOOK OF EVENTS IS ALWAYS OPEN IN THE MIDDLE. wislawa szymborska. April a month of beginnings. It is in nature everywhere. Bright green, tender buds, baby birds, fresh sweet scents. But for me April also is a month of endings. I have lost very dear ones to me in April. It is a confusing month. For outside spring is in full bloom, there is new life at every turn. My heart is full of conflicting emotion these past days. Thinking much of the past, time spent with loved ones, thinking about what was, and wondering about what might have been. Sharpness of intense pain has eased to a familiar ache. I enjoy the beauty of the new beginnings and see the start of life again. Knowing that I'm in the middle of a multi layered story with many good byes, hellos, and loves makes it all worth while in the end.

A little bit of Paris

Although I can't travel to Paris, my taste buds can thanks to a friend who just returned from a week-end trip and brought me back a tasty treat. MACARONS. Very different from the coconut cookie I am use to. Flakey, delicate crust holds creme or jelly filling. Each bite is light, each taste an exploration in flavor and sensation. Each cookie a bright little gem. A little bit of Paris is sitting on my kitchen table and it makes me feel oh so special!

Pink trees

Pink blossomed trees bright against a blue sky, witnessed one morning on a walk to the coffee shop. A latte served hot that burned the roof of my mouth. The friendly chatter of my mother drinking her morning drink. Today I missed that walk-my mother was 30,000 feet in the sky flying home. Our visit is over. The house is empty it seems to echo with out her energy in it. I feel at a loss and have a small feeling of grief about me. Something is over. My time with my mother was comfortable and easy, I did not want it to end. But play time is over and real life has to start, so tomorrow it is back to work. I hope you all have a good week. I'll miss my mother and look forward to our next visit.

Delightful

Getting up and about we headed to Pt. Bonita and the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather gods smiled on us blessing us with sunny skies and moderate winds. It was a lovely day. The bridge was built in 1937 the same year my mother was born, I think she felt a special connection with it. Walking out on the bridge just felt GOOD! Driving out towards the light house at the end of Pt. Bonita, it felt as if we were above the clouds, like birds looking down on the beauty below. The road is narrow, the sides are steep dropping off to the ocean below, it is an exciting drive. We walked through shaded forest, explored long empty bunker and gun turrets, examined early spring flowers. It was a delightful day.

Company

I have company, my mother is in town. She is easy to entertain and enjoys many of the same things I do. Currently she is taking a nap! This morning we went for a brisk walk, the weather is cool and windy, the goal of hot cocoa and coffee got us up and moving. But once out it was great to see the spring gardens in bloom, there was even a lilac bush blooming, so reminiscent of my childhood. One of the plans is to walk the Golden Gate Bridge when she is here, something I've not done in years, we live so close and never go to it. Today was spent hitting my favorite thrift stores, book stores, and stocking up on food. She also gave me Photoshop Elements, I'm very excited to delve into it and discover what fun things I can do with my photographs. I feel very fortunate to have a healthy and active mom, I plan to enjoy my time with her to the fullest.

5 things

1. Summer weather

2. Week-end

3. Blooming back yard

4. Coffee in bed

5. Life is good