Late Summer Skies

 

Goodbye Summer 2018. You will be sorely missed, my dear, favorite season. I thank you for leaving us with spectacular memories of skies painted so vividly in orange and pink. I look forward to your return when the sun circles the earth once more in three hundred or so more days. 

4th & 6th Years

 Three weeks ago, the girls started their 4th  & 6th years at MFS. Because Montessori is mixed aged classrooms, the girls are together. This happened in 1st & 3rd as well but they are older now and their relationship has developed and grown. Thus, it will be interesting to see how they manage over the year.

                                                                           

                                                                       

 It's been a bumpy ride, the first few weeks. Friendship dynamics shifting, being pushed to step up with effort around work and of course, getting back to the daily school routine have led to many a tears and even more meltdowns. The girls and I, have had many (and I mean many) a conversation about relationships, communication, assumptions along with the importance of being independent, pushing oneself in areas that are hard and asking for help.  Overall, the lessons I am trying to impart with both of the girls is that life can be hard; that life is not always easy but how we cope with it is what matters most. It's a an on-going (trying) process but here we go!

 With both girls in the same class and both struggling in their own ways, I see them leaning in on each other more. And that could never be a bad thing.  I have also been leaning on some mom friends and teachers, who have both wisdom and objectivity. This has helped me to better guide us all at home because it truly does take a village. 

So here's to 4th & 6th years. I am hopeful it will be a good one, no matter how hard or challenging some moments may be.

                                                       

Tomales Bay

Late June, Don wanted to head to the coast. It had been a long time and we wanted to take the drive West to spend some time outdoors. We didn't quite make it to the Pacific, but we did get to spend some sweet time at Tomales Bay, which feeds into the ocean. For those not familiar with the California Coast, it can be windy, foggy and cold any time of the year, esp in the summer. We got lucky. The sun was shining bright, only a slight breeze and the temperatures just perfect around 70 degrees.

We don't make the drive often (it's about an hour without traffic) but when we do, we find the peace and beauty nurturing. Out in nature, there are magical things to find, new things to explore and adventures to be found. We all left relaxed and content, thankful to live in a place that has such an abundance of beauty. 

                            

Fool's Gold

Amara has long been obsessed with finding gold. Whenever there is a river, stream, or any fresh water, for that matter, her hands are in the mud, shifting through the wet earth for some shiny nuggets. 

While in Rocky Mountain National Park, we came upon a peaceful stream where we sat and took in the tranquil beauty all around us. It wasn't long however, before we heard Amara's shouts, "I found gold." Unfortunately, it was fool's gold (more like a a flake!) but that did not discourage my ever enthusiastic, monkey. And while we never found real gold in Colorado, we had a real gold mining trip planned later that month with our Girl Scout troop. Amara was left with encouragement that her search would one day soon be successful.

A rare moment of sitting still!

A sea of yellow next to the stream

Moon of Colorado

Rocky Mountain High....& Low

During the planing of our trip to Colorado, we knew that going to Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the few things on our  'must do' list. I had not been to the park since I was seventeen and Don was not sure if he had been there during a cross country road trip when he was in his twenties. We were excited to make new memories as a family, surrounded by the rugged, purple mountains and the bright wildflowers that vividly light up the landscape. We were also hopeful that some wildlife would be kind enough to make their presence known. We were most fortunate that we did get to create such memories.

 Colorado in general has quite the striking landscape. The earth, it feels more solid there. More grounded. The mountains reminding us all of the boundless power of Mother Earth. Within the imaginary boundaries of the state, is a deep history of this country. The blood and bones of the native people lies deep in the soil, as does those of the early European settlers, who made the challenging trek to the West. It is sad that there are few present day reminders of the original peoples of the land. Colorado is now predominately European settled, yet there are many who remember and honor those who came first. And, it seems that most who call Colorado home respect and honor the natural world, spending as much time outdoors as possible. Colorado; She is a landscape rich, diverse, inspiring and soul touching.

July 4th, 2018

On a more person level, we found the natural world to be deeply inspiring as well. However, we also had some challenging moments as well. Be it the altitude (we got up as high as 11, 00 feet), the heat, lack of sleep or just growing pains, we had a few bumps in our road that felt more like earth shattering quakes. During those moments, of tears and yelling, along with hurtful words, I found myself, as a mother grasping for resources to steady the ground. Two months out, I am still saddened that I failed to stay rooted to my own inner resources, which may have supported and stabilized things sooner than later. I also recognize that I am not perfect and at times my own lack of sleep, growing pains or other stressors, can impact how my response to such experiences. Thankfully, when the dust settled, we were able to talk about things. Remorse came from the heart yet, I was still left shaky, even now, all these weeks later. 

I have often said that my two small gems have been my greatest teachers. Years of trodding a spiritual path has been good for my soul's evolution. Having two daughters in two years accelerated the opportunities to learn and grow. During our time in Colorado, underneath endless mountains, big skies and crisp fresh air, we had some powerful lessons. But what better place to learn than in such a place so grounded and glorious? I am most thankful however, that we left with more positive memories than not. We left feeling grateful for our time, hopeful to return sooner than later.

Make a Wish II

Havana making a wish, deep in Rocky Mountain National Park

July 4th, 2018

Colorado Bound

This summer, we flew to Colorado for a week of visiting family and friends. We were looking forward to that, along with quality time out in nature. Our favorite things all in one.

I have a special place in my heart for Colorado. My childhood therapist/later mentor, sent me there for a four week backpacking life changing trip the summer I graduated high school (you can read that story here; http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2012/05/one-love-one-heart.html). Other than an overnight stop over during my move to California, I had not been back. I was excited to see the land that left a deep impression in my seventeen year old heart along with connecting with family and friends. Our family was also curious about Colorado as a possible place to relocate. 

The week went by fast. The altitude and heat caused a few bumps in the road for the mood of our young people. But the beauty of Colorado, along with sharing joyful moments with loved ones, made for a good summer holiday. We left feeling that Colorado was not 'home' but a place we would return to for sure. 

As usual, I took a gazillion photos. This is the first a small series, mostly of those we visited with.

with cousin Scott

With Elemijin, a friend from our school who moved last year. Elemijin and her parents are people we really miss here in the Bay Area.  Havana esp misses her school mate and Girl Scout buddy. They were inseparable for two days.

Elemjin's mom, Willie, took us to their favorite ice cream place. Oh my, it was the bomb!

Out for a hike.

We spent two nights at Elemijn's. The first night, the girls camped out in their RV!

                                                                           
                                                                     

Don with Gijs, Elemijin's dad, on a hike outside boulder.

                                                                             

With Uncle Edd

With cousin's Keslee and Lennin

Being with their young cousins was a highlight of the trip. The girls loved being with Kes and Lenni.

With Aunt Janet, cousin Reba and Kes. 
Since we flew out on Havana's birthday, she wanted to celebrate again, with her with family. I found a Carvel cake and so we sang and had  ice cream cake in the hot Colorado sun. 

My friend Benji, who the girls thought was funny and silly. They also loved his long locks! Benji and I met in the 90's when I was still sporting my locks.  It was fun reminiscing about old friends, New York and learning from him what life in Colorado is like. I was bummed we didn't met his kids though. Next time!

With Samantha and Marie Grace. Don and I planned a surprise trip to the AG store.  It was a huge hit!!! (both to their mood and our wallet!!!)

                                                         

With my friend Jamie, his wife Diane and two of his three kids, Benji and Darren, hidden in back! Jamie and I met when I was about 14 (his mom was that childhood therapist/later mentor).  We spent a lovely day with them. We played games, learned how to play pickleball and ate some of Jamie's yummy food, which fuels his 50-100 mile runs. (Amara was esp impressed by all his medals!)

Fire sunset of our first night.