A Day for Clay

During our last trip to New York in 2013, the girls got to spend time with our friend Robyn in her art studio.  This trip they were welcomed back for more time with clay. Both Amara and Havana were very excited in the weeks leading up to our departure and while we were in New York I got several questions like, "When are we going to Robyn's?" Both girls love to do art but especially clay. So what better way for Robyn and the girls to reconnect than with a shared passion?

After taking these photos, I left them all to do their thing (and to steal a short nap!) Afterwards, the girls told me how much they enjoyed spending time with Robyn in her studio. Both girls made repeated comments how nice she was and how they want to sleep at her house on her next visit to the East Coast. I could think of no better compliment and it filled my heart with gratitude once more that someone who means so much to me is now a part of my daughter's lives.

Photo by Havana Ruby!

(you can see photos about our last visit with Royn here http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2013/07/robyn-t.html)

StonyKill

There is nothing like a walk in the woods to help me feel grounded, connected and at peace. And Don and I have made spending time out in nature a priority for our family. Unfortunately, near our home in the Bay Area, there are not much woods. The Redwoods are a bit of a drive. Most trails are pretty and peaceful but California is dessert; the earth is brown all but a few months of the year (and with the drought it was been even less.)  I love living in California but I miss (and that's Miss!) the woods with tall, green trees and lush foliage. So on a relaxing Sunday while in Dutchess County, the girls and I, along with my dear friend Robyn, took a walk on the trail at StonyKill, a place that my feet used to trod upon weekly when I lived there.

It was hot and the girls were tired and initially resistant for a hike but with some (strong!) motivation off we went. Soon enough the girls were enchanted with the trees, acorns (which they brought home for the fairies!) and the many toad and frogs we encountered. It was just the perfect way to end a Sunday afternoon.

The pond was full of frogs. We all got a kick out of watching their little heads pop up out of the water!

Bird in tree.

With Robyn.

Greymore (St. Francis Monastery)

Just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, on the mountain and in the woods near the Appalachian Trail lies Graymore, a St. Franciscan Monastery, that is a place of healing, refuge and peace.

I first went to Graymore when I was around eighteen years old. My friend Tina brought me and I have been going there ever since. When I learned about St. Francis; about his journey from being the son of a rich merchant sent to war, to injured soldier who had a spiritual awakening which lead him to denounce his life of privilege to one of serving God and others, I fell in love. His passion, his commitment to truth, his devotion to service; I so related.
And at Graymore, St. Francis's energy and essence can be felt as strongly as if he were still in his body and walking the grounds.

Graymore is a unique place. First, it's small chapel was transported from Assisi (St. Francis's home). Monday services are held there and many come from far and wide for the reported healings that occur.

Second, on the property is home to St. Christopher's Inn, an in-patient rehab for men struggling with addiction. The men in treatment work at various jobs throughout the monastery which aids in their recovery process.

Third, the monastery is open and inclusive. Along with your more traditional Catholic traditions, Graymore has offered workshops on self-help including Healing the Inner Child  and retreats aimed at women's growth. Their bookstore has everything from bible, the different saints, nad Catholic philosophy to books on the Enneagram and other spiritual tools including recovery material. I find the openness as inviting and as a breath of fresh air.

On our short visit, the girls and I walked a bit on the grounds, took in the breathtaking views and spent some quiet time in the chapel. The girls may have been a bit too young to really understand what it all meant but just Being in that energy was what mattered most. For the heart and soul take in what the mind and words can not.

Splash!

The first week and a half in New York/New Jersey it was HOT! Like in the mid 80's to 90's Hot!

Thankfully, we found a park that had a water playground. "Can we get wet Mama?" "Of Course!" The girls had a blast getting completely drenched. It was great watching them have a true summer experience. (I even took a run through.) So refreshing, so cooling! The only downside was the girls dried off way too fast! But it was a really fun excursion during the heat wave.

Summer Skies

I loved how the clouds were so different on the East Coast, especially when filled with summer rain.

Casa Ciccia

Havana wit Taylor.

During our trip, the girls had a blast with the Ciccia Sisters, Taylor and Ava. Two days at their friends house which was full of new toys to check out, nail polish and a pool that puts most hotel pools to shame, made for a great place to land for a couple of days. The girls sort of remembered each other (two years is a long time in little people's lives) but after a very short time hair was braided, books were exchanged and laughter heard throughout the house. I even got to nap while they all played together!

I have know Taylor and Ava's mom Robin since I was a kid. Our parents have been friends for decades. It was Joan and Marvin who picked up Don, myself and an eight month old Amara at the airport in Florida when my dad died. Joan and Marvin were in New York for the summer which meant I got to visit with them them both as well. Even brother/son Michael came down to say hello. They all have a significant and heartfelt place in my life.  Now the connections continue with the next generation of kids.

Taylor (left), Havana, Amara and  Avana