Good Bye Toothless Grin

We now have the last of Amara's adult front teeth coming in. I love her toothless grin and feel sad to see it go. It is so endearing to me. Amara could be working my last nerve but if she flashes that grin, I melt.

My daughter is growing so fast and having seven adult teeth are reminders of that. But as she matures, my girl is also blossoming into a much more thoughtful and aware little being. Growing up is hard for Amara but she is an amazing little being who has some incredible gifts and talents.  And a wicked quick and sharp sense of humor. Those things wouldn't reveal themselves if Amara stayed little. So here's to grown up teeth and to being a big girl.

(here are photos of Amara's when she lost her first tooth a year ago http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2012/08/toothless-grin.html)

The RAC

Amara and some of her friends went to art camp this summer at the Richmond Art Center (The RAC) This summer held several highlights and the RAC was for sure one of them. For three weeks the girls spent three hours a day, three days a week the learning several mediums. At the end of the three weeks there was an exhibit of their work (which we sadly had to miss because we flew out to New York that day.)

I was quite impressed with Amara's work. We have long known she is more of an intellectual girl. Supporting her in tapping into her creative side was my goal for signing her up for camp and to my surprise and delight, Amara has some good talent.  I hope we can sign up again next year and of course, little Sis will follow when she turns 6 (which is the minimum age requirement.)

The RAC is a gem in otherwise distressed downtown Richmond. They offer year round classes for both young and old and have exhibits of local artists throughout the year.  Folks of a lower socio-economic backgrounds are able to apply for scholarships to the classes. I love that all people can have access to art We are very fortunate to have this treasure in our backyard.  (check out http://www.therac.org/)

With Mikaiya

That's Juliet on the left.

First works

This and the following are after Amara had some lessons and practice.

Garden Girl

Amara was like a little pixie this summer as she flitted about the yard tending to the plants and flowers. She would spend hours out there doing her thing. Watching her do her magic in the garden was both sweet and tender. That both girls are learning to in-joy time outdoors and become in-tune with the earth make both Don and I feel grateful that we are doing right by them.

Harvesting our Homegrown Pumpkins

Okay, so only two pumpkin grew in our garden. But I have been so stoked about those two pumpkins that I think I have told about a dozen people about them. Every day for weeks I either gone out to visit them or stared at them lovingly from the deck. Don, who is our master gardener, has been the one to do the hands on work. And the girls, especially Amara, have been his faithful helpers.

I love Fall and I love pumpkins, so to have grown our very own, even these lone two, has gotten me juiced up. Actually, our entire garden has brought alot of joy to us, especially our tummies. I am going to make more of a conscious effort to get out there and get more involved rather than watch Don and the girls go at it. I am already thinking of winter crops and how fun it'll be to get my hands dirty.

Rainstorms, Rainbows, Mud, Earth & Music

Months ago we made plans to join several families at a the Capay Crush/ farm festival months on an organic farm just a short drive east from our home in East Bay. Camping, music, grape stomping, and learning about the farm were some of  the events we were looking forward to enjoying with our friends.And then the day arrived and brought with it a rare rainstorm. We had two hours of downpour which left us unsure about our plans. Do we bail or do we go? But when the sun broke through in the afternoon, we decided to go for it .We axed the idea of camping but had hopes that we would at least get to enjoy the rest of festivities.  Yes, the rain clouds were heading east as well,  but we figured the storm would have passed by the time gates opened at 4 p.m

We were wrong. And right. We passed through a torrential downpour about twenty minutes from the farm. We were graced by a rainbow when the clouds were done and the sun peeked through.

When we made it to Farm Fresh to You's three hundred acre farm, we were greeted by the bluest of skies and the fluffiest white clouds. We had thought we were in the clear.

 We decided to enjoy the festivities and so we set off.

 Amara was looking forward to the grape stomping with great anticipation.  While there were boots to wear, she opted to go barefoot.. Havana, well the picture below will tell you what she thought of grape stomping.

 That's Matty with the girls. He and Amara met when they were 4 & 6 weeks old. I always shake my head when I see them together as I am marvel how fast they have grown. (note, Havana is happily watching the fun outside the box!)

Amara being Amara, she was quite thankful for the fresh water to wash her feet when the fun was done. God forbid her feet remained dirty!

 At another booth, Amara ground wheat. Girlfriend worked at this for quite a while and it was no easy task.

 It's hard to tell but Havana is holding wheat in her hand as is the woman with her. Havana is getting a lesson on wheat from her!

Papa pounding the wheat. Amara still going at it too!

 Then we noticed the clouds.

We decided to take the tractor tour before the rain came.  We learned about the farm, how long it has been there, the size, how they rotate crops and care for the soil. Farm Fresh to You does some wholesale (restaurants) and they have CSA boxes that they deliver weekly to families. Don and I feel strongly that the girls know about where food comes from and what farming entails. While we do have our own garden and they have helped plant and care for our own small crops, we still want them to understand the bigger picture; what it means to feed the masses and how crucial it is to grow our food organically and in sync with the earth's natural rhythms.

Then I tried to get some food before the downpour. I had Don take the girls while I ran to place some orders.  Unfortunately that didn't work. I got stuck under the tent of the pizza folks where lightening struck right next to us and I mean that literally. Thankfully, all were okay and I eventually got our food. I hated being stuck away from the girls though. I knew the thunder and lightening would cause them to be frightened. (but for me, who grew up with weather like this, I loved it! The thunder was like music to my heart!)

The brickfire pizza I ordered was a hit with the girls who were quite hungry by the time I returned. I took a taste and it was very yummy. I never saw the girls eat so fast! I loved that there was a portable brick oven for festivals! How clever! But the food truck that was there, Wicked Wich, had one of the best vegan burgers I have ever had. And after thirty years of being a vegetarian, I have had my share of veggie burgers, and this was of the hook. I also ordered their bbq tofu. Don and I shared them both plates and our taste buds were dancing!

 Another rainbow.

 The entire farm was one big mud puddle after the rain but that didn't stop us. After dinner in the SUV we went out to play and carry on!

Due to the rain we didn't see much of our other friends. I did catch up with James, Julie and clan and was able to snap this photo. (Mari-on the left- and Havana are only a few weeks apart as well. Mia, well, none of us had a third, so she is on her own. So cute they all are!)

 Here the girls are pulling sunflower seeds from the dried flower. Next spring we will plant them.

I am not sure what face painting has to do with farming. Then again, face painting is at almost every type of festival there is! But of course, the girls had to get in on the action.

(Havana had to have a change of clothing after she stepped in a puddle that ended up up to her knees!)

Crystal Bowersox was playing as the headlining musician. Not only does she have a great voice but she is a talented song writer and very down to earth. As someone who has been up close and personal within the reggae music world, being in the presence of an artist whose work and heart are aligned was like a breath of fresh air. I had to the chance to tell her that I appreciated her authenticity when she took a break and let folks take photos. 

Havana was so focused on eating her apple during the show that Crystal commented to her, "That's a good apple, huh?" Havana liked the attention but then hid behind me. She later went to hid on her sister and Papa when they came back from a walk.

 We weren't sure if we were free from the rain but as the sun began to set and the air got cooler we decided to call it a night. We were bid farewell by skies  filled with gorgeous hues of pink. It was a good day.

For more information on this awesome farm check out their website; http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/?gclid=CMTq3Z7d6bkCFQ1xQgodVwQA_A