Big Dreams

Years ago when I met Mr. Lee.
I told him I was a perpetual
student.  I felt the best when
I was learning.  I would always
attend some kind of training.
He signed up to be with me
any way.

Education is expensive. I
still have student loans.
A late bloomer.  It took
me years to find a focus.


With the exception of the
occasional craft class, I have
been out of school for over two years.


Outside of educational experiences:
I am the square peg.
A square peg.  All my life,
I have wanted to be normal,
whatever that is.

Not foreign.
Not crazy or different.

Alas, if  God couldn't give me a door,
I prayed for a window.

Back to school very soon.

A longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
                     Proverbs 13:12

School Days

If I am not, 

may God put me there;

and if I am, may God so keep me.

         

                                   Joan of Arc

 

Always darkest before the dawn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for battle with an

elementary school principal. 

 

As an eighth grader, 

I selected Joan as my

patron saint.  Whenever I 

require courage, I turn to 

her.  Just a girl, obedient to God, 

with the courage

of men.  It's all I need.

For many, I am invisible, a tiny

disabled teapot of a women.

Most strangers seem uncomfortable 

with my appearance. Does it hurt?

Do you have back problems?

My my you walk fast with that cane.

Yeah, get out of my way.

 

I don't mind the comments. 

They are strangers, after all. 

White noise after all these years.

What I mind is being disregarded.

 

My brother, Joe, used to say that 

I would go from zero to 60 in under a 

second.  I am slower to burn these days,

but if you bring me to anger, especially 

if you mess with my children,  WATCH

out.

Thinking Happy Thoughts

Leadership is based on inspiration,
not domination; on cooperation,
not intimidation. 
                     William Arthur Ward

Just registered for my last...very last class of
of graduate school.

Singing...these are the people in the neighborhood.
In the neighborhood. 

count down to the end of summer

This morning I asked Jacob about his summer.  He claims that on a scale from good to awesome this summer falls dangerously close to awesome.  Yes, those were his exact words.  He reads a lot and I have to admit that our family is quite dramatic....in a good way. 

Any whooooo, Jacob returns to school this Monday.  To set the count down in motion, last night we ventured out after baths to sneak peek the class roster.  The whole family is sad to see summer end but we are excited to see school start but only because Jacob is excited.   Unlike some parents that can't wait to enjoy some quiet time, school for us means more work, evenings crammed with homework and real bed times.   Less time just being together more time focusing.

Deep sigh.  Lee would say stay with me, it is his way of staying in the moment.
Stay in the moment with me.  This plant was in the cafe at Filoli.  I have
a similar one on my kitchen sink. Gifted to me by Joe.


The kitchen at the mansion at Filoli has a separate pastry kitchen.
Baking is my absolute favorite...so I was in heaven.  Think of it,
all the space you need to bake through the fall and holiday season.
The kids could cut and decorate cookies. 

We have a sea theme going on in our boys bathroom.  Just thought
I'd mention it since someone at Filoli had a similar idea. 

This is the fireplace in the ballroom.

Julia and her mom, Chrisy, my childhood friend.

And just in case you ever wonder if the kids enjoy any of it. See Jacob's face for confirmation, you can not
fake this level of enthusiasm. 

This image also reminds me of my favorite Sesame Street skit with Grover
demonstrating here and there. 

As for Holly, she got to run, respectfully of course, and not on the grass.  

Just imagine the grandness of this amazing yard all of it cared for 

by over 1,000 dedicated volunteers. A real family lived and played here.