Maui in the Morning

while having my coffe in Maui this morning (the cup, the cup), & enjoying the morning breeze. I noted that I was still using the holiday soup mug for my cream of wheat. And it's likely I shall continue doing so because ... I like it that way! There are a few things I could say such a thing about, and it reminded me of my kids and their likes & dislikes. Being atheletes from a young age, they were both healthy (and hearty) eaters- but they had their preferences. One liked raisins in his oatmeal, the other not (& would choose cream of wheat if given the opportunity). It was not unusual for me to find an empty milk gallon, fruitless basket, veggie'less drawer, or cheese wrappers strewn about the counter when I came home from work. What one might pass up, the other would scarf down- like they had a balancing act arranged between the 2 of them. Nowadays .... I can't remember who ate a whole bag of fresh mushrooms, or which downed an entire container of OJ in minutes. But I do remember routinely spending over 200.00 a week at the grocery store!! (nearly 25 years ago).
AND NOW- I get to relive some of these kinds of particulars thru my grand kids. Peanut butter, no jelly sandwiches, (1 with honey), "lettuce" salad lease (1 with tomatoes), fruit-aholics (1 LOVES grapes the best, the other LOVES mandarin oranges).
.... and finding the one thing that BOTH my own 2 sons & 2 grandkids had in common .... at 2 years old- their favorite color was HOT PINK!!!!!!

why am I smiling?

no reason

lotsa reasons

I was pulling my nuked coffee from the microwave & "felt" a smile on my face.... and I wondered why it was there. (?) Had I been thinking of something pleasant subconciously? Was I anticipating the warmed coffee that much? NO, YES ... I dunno

BUT, rarely do I have a thought that just comes & goes that easily. I don't voice my thoughts on everything, I don't mention every little thing I am contemplating .... but I don't dismiss much of anything immediately either. I turned from the oven and the smile spread ever so slightly- causing me to give pause to it yet again and then .... as easily & quickly as the smile had appeared, so did my conclusion. WHAT DO I HAVE TO NOT smile about?? I mean- yes, losing a few pounds should be a priority. Finalizing my words/notes to be off paper by Tuesday's rehearsal would be difficult. The store room needs elbow grease applied. I have a car I should be actively selling. And there are some weeds to be sprayed in my serenity garden. But .... really .... does that outweigh the fact that the Captain is grilling bacon on the Weber as I type? Or the happy little daisies intermingled with the smelly yellow carnations that I can see from where I stand? And what about the kiss my hubby just planted on my cheek?? Are any of those "chores" more important than the calico lounging on my lap in search of a little affection?

and ..... without uttering a word during any of this ... my mind shouts out a resounding NOOOO!

I'm just sayin' ........

I liked it .... but I like NOW even more!!!!!

Having friends or family visit is WONDERFUL. I so enjoy a couple of late night chats or early morning coffee clutches to catch up, or find out what's going on with their lives. I look forward to it. I plan around it.
and then it ends ..........
AND I LIKE THAT TOO!
Don't get me wrong, I don't pack their bags for them or usher them out to their cars in their PJ's or anything like that! But .... any kind of visit disrupts the common flow of things and even my body clock gets outta sync. SO- when all is said & done ... and they are on the road back home .... I have a pile of linens to wash, & my life back. The kitty cats return to the living area, I don't have to tiptoe around to make coffee, and I don't have to hold off my creative juices til nearly midnight!
ahhhhhhhhhh.
I enjoy the first day back to normalcy ALMOST as much as my first day home after WE'VE been travelling ourselves!
I love my life all the time, but sometimes .... even more!

a house divided

We currently have 3 houseguests .... and each day, I have noticed various levels & types of division amongst the ranks. The obvious, would be 5 men VS 1 woman (but I still outnumber them in votes according to my standards). There are generational gaps that are observed during conversations (one who talks to hear the sound of his voice, one who talks regardless of anyone's interest, and one who talks little because he can't hear half of what's being said), daytime activity differentials (sitting around VS running errands VS hiking), vastly opposite food preferences (salads, VS sweet carbs VS meat & potatoes), and morning schedules as well (7am VS 8 am VS 10am ... and counting). Personalities aside, I find these males so different from how they approach even the most menial of tasks that I'm surprised they can inhabit the same space with any commonality at all. But then ... I think this is more a "man thing" .... since women don't tend to congregate with women they don't relate to- more than once (unless you're a Real Housewives castmate). hmmmm ... how does that saying go .... he who knows what he does not know. (I like that guy best)

HAIR today ... gone tomorrow?

I dunno ........ (?)
I am getting a little bored with it and yet it really is a lot easier at times. I have been weighing the pros & cons lately. I read that long hair is not the most appropriate for a near 60 yr old and yet ... does it make me appear younger than my years?
pros - ease of pulling up or back
less washing
took a long time to get this far
easier to hide gray (when it's down)
processing involves small areas around
face only
cons - a lot more hair around the house
can't change shades routinely
not as "fun" at times
gets in the way when sleeping
hmmmm .... unless I give this a lot more thought, it appears longer wins out at this time (and I'm sure the Captain likes it better, though he would never dictate to me what to do). ANOTHER "pro" .... I don't have to decide anything right now!!

kayaking ... check

a first time event requires a picture in project 365 ! (duh)

I am getting waaaaaay carried away on this project. SOME DAYS ... I have so much to include and I don't wanna do without any of it. So, I am thinking that even though this project was designed for probably 60 pages or less ... I am likely to have more like 80 or 90. OILWELL- it's more gooder (?) to have a full life, than a skinny album!!!

it's crowded inside my head

Time with my own thoughts has been lacking lately. Oh, the thoughts are there alright ... but the opportunity or vehicle to get them on the highway of ideas seems to have run out of gas. Between my newly revisited interest in music, birthdays, travel, holidays, & company ... I have found my retirement pace disheveled.
The cats are feeling it too. They have been in hiding more often than not over the past few days. Last night was the first time in a long while that I was up late, and they seemed ever so starved of the "mommy & me" attention they get when it's just us in the craft room. Lounging about on the design table (in my way & loving it), begging to have the window opened where they want to sit, regardless of the weather. stretching. yawning. snoring. an indication of pure relaxation in their surroundings.
The smile inside my head at this moment comes from the knowledge that these things are temporary, that I can slow down or elimate all or any of these things if I choose to. I know that I can stay up as late as I like tonight, sleep in as late as I want tomorrow, and blog the day away if that's what I want to do (but I won't of course). Even now, thinking about the freedom to do or not to do, lightens my heart & head.
The guys (currently 5 of them) are watching tv together. I can tell, by the lack of conversation or comment, they are beginning to fade. With ages ranging from 15 to 87 ... they have little in common other than gender .... but a noisy movie is always a bonding experience for males, so I have left them to it. I know that even at this frightening level of volume ... it's only minutes before the last of them dozes off (right now, I would guess we have 2 down & 3 to go). As for me ... I am feeling light of heart and mood and just got an idea for a picture I want to take tomorrow ... so I leave this post to make some notes about just that!

Happy Easter .... have it your way!

TO EACH HIS OWN on how you wish to celebrate this holiday. For some, it brings them a little closer to those they love, for others- those they cherish, and others yet- to things that bring them peace. I SAY ..... do what makes this day special to you in some way ... no matter what that is.

Life's short. Be happy. Feel fullfilled. Breathe.

HAPPY (HOPPY) Easter !!

but wait ... there's more!!!!! (a lot)

he kayaks, he surfs, he paddle boards and .... YES, he skates like a demon!

Yesterday, we were out for nearly 3 hours (sunshine & water) and yet, as soon as he finished his peanut butter, no jelly, just honey, sandwich without the crunchy edges .... he buckled up his skates and spent an hour & a half going, going, jumping, and going some more!!
I thought for sure that he would pass out within minutes of sitting on my lap that evening, but he lasted almost an entire movie! (although, don't tell him I know ... but sometimes ... he pretends to be asleep, so he will get carried. He loves that part & he's very good at faking it.) TODAY- he & the Captain spent another 3+ hours in & out of the water and when he returned his agenda was to eat, shower & return to the asphalt! He skateboarded a bit, but the in-lines were far faster and he apparently had the need for speed!
This time around, it was easier to pull him from his imaginary racetrack .... cuz daddy's hugs were an incentive when he pulled up our street!!

There is something about a little boy hugging his daddy that I find a total comfort. (and even more so when it happens as adults!!!)
Anthony's vist was full & active and at the end of our week, we had activities left unclaimed. THAT'S how fast the time went for us.
Thank you Anthony, for spending time with gramma & grampa .... and making us feel young again (and old too)

I'm not shocked, but I am amazed!

When the Captain informed me at dinner last night that he & Anthony had "things to do" this morning .... I knew without asking that it had to do with water.

I ALSO knew that no matter what it was, Anthony would be willing to try it (after yesterday's outing). However, I have to say I was STILL surprised to find that he was sooo natural at it all. Up & down, up & down ... and everytime with a smile on his face. He wanted to do it all. Were it warmer (air & water both), there would have been trouble getting BOTH of them back on dry land!

I have to say- that since he pretty competitive ... he was delighted that he accomplished it (all) faster than "gwampa". and once again - he wants to know when they can do it again!

... then ..... (insert melancholy music here) ..... daddy showed up to take Anthony home. It's been a FAST 6 days with him, but with the Easter Bunny making the rounds this weekend, they needed to get back home to mommy & sister. NEXT UP (from what I hear) .... surfing lessons (?)

and he took to the water like a guppy!

He got into the water the easy way (you can get away with it of your not even six yet)

BUT HE WAS NO SLOUCH!!! A half dozen feet out into the water & he was already taking over .

He experienced kelp, sea birds a plenty, sea lions, harbor seals, geese, pelicans, & sea stars. Never did he utter a word about being tired or hungry or anything other than pure joy. 3 hours later, we paddled our tired bodies to the dock and he asked when we're going again!!! I'd say it was a successful outing.

Anthony's Opus

I love this picture of Anthony. He's lost in thought. (making up a story he was about to share about his bubble blowing) And trust me, this kids does a lot of thinking!

He's a beautiful little man. Inside & out. He may not always show it (especially to mom & dad) ... but when he is away from them & little sister Addy, he is VERY mindful of being without them. He talks about them in such a loving way- sometimes bringing tears to his eyes because he misses them (all). His loving ways, particularly at bedtime are special to me because they remind me of his daddy (and uncle) when they were small. And when I can get his attention long enough, he looks deep into my eyes and listens.

Then ... I sense those wheels starting to turn again and I lose him to his thoughts, and that wonderful imagination of his. This time around ... I have also found that he doesn't lie any better than his dad was able to. The curl in his lips is a dead giveaway !!!

I'm tired just watching! (again)

he does NOTHING half way ... it's all or nothing. That goes for the energy he expands to the volume he voices in his opinions or glee !!

He's tried a little of everything that has been available so far ... and in the next couple of days- there will be more on his plate.

He's a bit competitive ... but can be talked out of a sulk pretty easily.

He is an "ACE" in every way!!!

life is a bowl of bubbles (today)

Anthony & I spent sometime outside this afternoon with a bottle of bubbles (while grampa was mowing the lawn). The weather is positively gorgeous and he was having so much fun creating, chasing, popping & eating (well, trying) the iridescent orbs! I used som of the more creative ones for my project 365.

a friendlier gaggle of gals? not likely!

the picture says it all .... THIS is exactly the look all 12 of us had on our faces throughout the weekend. It was a fun filled, productive, belly busting, gathering of women .... in an amazingly relaxing setting. AND- there was no cell or internet service to be found. woooo hoooo

THANKS LADIES ..... tweekends like this, is why singing with you is a favorite part of every week!!!

exhausted ... but this too shall pass

I have but stepped into the house ... and I can see all that I have missed. But what joy it was to be greeted with a huge hug from Anthony, while receiving a kiss from the Captain. I always love seeing HIM ... but I wonder with each planned visit .... will he be looking as forward to seee me?! And ... this time around, the answer is a resounding YES :o) I'm hoping I get a second wind after the household beds down, so that I may catch up with a few things before starting up a new week (and additional obligations). I've had a great week that needs documenting!!!!!

the "kids" of Spring

THIS is my current desktop .... "my" Anthony is coming to spend the week with us ... starting tomorrow. I will miss the first day, as I am off on a music team retreat for the weekend (in the mountains), but I am looking forward to catching up, AND- grampa will have his latest likes, dislikes, & wanna-dos all figured out by the time I get home!

GOOD LUCK boys XO

absence makes the heart grow fonder ... & I haven't even left yet!

AND YOU KNOW WHAT?
I will be thinking the same thing by the end of the week about someone different.
And at the end of the weekend.
And at the end of NEXT week as well.
I've got a busy few days ahead of me .... and I will have some photos to prove it, but I won't be bonding with my keyboard much so you'll have to be patient to find out what I've been up to.

Suffice it to say that it will be the first time in a LONG while that I have been away from the Captain for more than a couple of nights and I am already missing him. I'M NOT going to stay home to prove how much I miss him. I will just remind him on a regular basis! But I'm thinking that he & pops will be missing me too, along with the little things they don't even think about on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong ... they show their appreciation all the time. But I do think that leaving them to their own devices now and again is a probably a good thing too. I like taking care of them in my own way & they are very good to me (yes, I'm spoiled).

making music or laughter together

SOMETIMES ... it's the same thing!

I found (today) that having a couple of hours with these gals (or longer) means a lot of comedy relief. Sometimes we were laughing at ourselves, at each other (often) ... and best of all ... finding there was often common ground- and occassionally, even some music that was pretty good! SINCE laughter is the best medicine ... there were NO ILLS here today!

decorating the desktop is important

THAT being the case (for me) ... means having something I love on my computer desktop when it boots up.

Here are 2 critters I found in the park just a few weeks ago. Aren't they a couple of cutie-patooties?

Life from a fishbowl

I've often wondered what my animals were thinking when I see a particular look on their face.

With some actions, you assume you know they are asking for something or afraid of something ... but when they are simply looking at you ??

I have a beta that I believe is social. He sees me coming up the stairs and comes to the side of his bowl to "just say hi". Sure ... if I choose to feed him, he'll eat as well- but most of the time, I KNOW he's just being social! I swear he gets a little extra flutter in his tail or a slight smile on his otherwise turned down mouth. really. I recently put a different shell in his bowl and I'm positive he's happy about that. A couple of times I looked into his bowl from up above & couldn't see him anywhere ... only to find that he was waaaay deep in the shell. And he goes into it routinely. He likes it. really. (dare I repeat myself?) He ALSO likes the blue bubble stones better than the green ones. I think it's because it brings out the color in his tail!

Perhaps I'm a fish whisperer (?)

a chore that was FUN last week (?)

With the recent health issues with my Pa-in-law .... project 365 was falling a few days behind. I was snapping a picture or hanging on to a receipt or two ... but the journaling was all still in my head (along with things truly worth worrying about in comparison!) I thought once we brought him home it would smooth out & give me catch up time .... but that really didn't happen with regularity, and I was making myself notes all over the place. My project is usually such fun, but with all the disjointed starts and finishes ... it was becoming a more work and less creative outlet. The ONLY thing I had managed outside of everyday chores was sorting through a couple more boxes that were still left from the merging of family almost 4 years ago! OUT of 2.5 HUGE tubs, this is all I need to keep .... which means I have a LOT to shred!!!!! MUCH TO OUR RELIEF, pops (finally) turned a LITTLE corner come this morning, and I was able to have an hour here & an hour there where I could hibernate in my design studio. It was JUST what I needed. Tonight, I will continue my mental, physical, & emotional vacation from stress .... by going to chorus rehearsal for a couple of hours+. The Captain and pops are planning some bonding time together :o) There's a LOT to be said for "routine".

somethings are good enough for a second look!

this is one of those pictures that tells the story all by itself. my sister "said" it perfectly!! wonderful shot sissy. I love it. give pops a hug for me!!

no foolin'