Bridget's birthday

It doesn't get much better than hour upon hour at a playground on a hilltop surrounded by woods in central Jersey. On a picture perfect Autumn day. We celebrated Bridget's 11th birthday. She is a beautiful, cool, creative kid who I feel privileged to know. (That's her with her red parasol.)

The kids and I drove straight to dinner at our favorite sushi place in town. A nice end note, a quiet closing in, to a wonderfully expansive day.

End of day

Quiet here. The kids are asleep. It's Cap's late night at school. I am wiped from a long, but fun day. Most of it was spent outdoors which was fantastic (pics tomorrow). My tea, and sleep, await.

A lie, some truth and a teabagger

A quickie

The wind is gusting. Acorns are clattering on the roof. Just punched in some events into Google calendar (thanks, Jamie). Feeling crappy in that cold-y kind of way. About to commence cleaning in my pajamas. Vinny later this afternoon, followed by dinner at Silke and Roger's.

The kids drew and colored these beauties this morning.

Seasonal lego

Our new local Lego store offered free pumpkin mini-sets today. We got there just after 5pm and hung out for an hour with Melody and her kids. Friends transform waiting into fun and it didn't feel nearly as long as it was.



Once the kids got started, it took them about 2 minutes to build their pumpkins.


Not surprisingly, they started wishing they could buy/get something. But, we had talked about it before leaving the house, and they both did a good job of reining in their feelings and we left without incident and without buying anything.

The twilight sky was amazing and enchanted us the whole drive home.


Their October lego treats.

Speechless

I was at the computer at 1:24 this morning typing an apologetic e-mail to a friend whose house the kids and I were supposed to go to at 10am today. I had forgotten that Cap does table activities with the kids on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

I have been discombobulated for weeks now, since starting Dragon's Way. Moving forward without overthinking...finding myself forgetting things and not doing things without a routine or rhythm.

It's okay...I guess. I don't want to label it good or bad, it just is. But, it makes me feel uncomfortable in some moments...untethered in others...in-the-moment in most...

Brings me back, full, truly to an unending circle of mine, to naturally considering a rhythm and routine as a solution...to smooth these moments out...the trick is to keep it authentic so that it doesn't veer into overthinkingland.



"Speechless" Weather Report

Afternoon walk

The sprinter.

Before the fall.

Steps.

Antenna.

Fall sky.

Chestnut.

Brothers.

Notice.

Gaze.

Close.

Read.

The swinger.

At rest.

Foothold.

Touch.

Reverie.

Perch.

Reverie.

Balance.

Happy.

The climber.

High.

Hang.

Fall color.

Together.

Reverie.

Glee.

Run.

Run.

Home.

When life speaks

...I choose to listen.

I took it slow this morning, remaining open to what would unfold.

My energy has been building. I knit some rows of Brian's socks. I fed and nourished myself and my children. Sag and I talked about the possibilities of a Lego birthday party. I spoke to my sister on the phone. I ordered books for a birthday we will be celebrating this week. I bid Cap good-bye as he went off to work hard for our money (smile). I listened to some new music (video clip below). I read a blog post and cried.

The kids and I were preparing to head out to Angela's house for a play date when Gem said his stomach hurt. He doesn't feel well. And the way his body is communicating, we best stay home.

One door closes, and another opens.

Wearing another of Barbra's creations. Namaste, my friend.


John Vanderslice and Magik Magik Orchestra.


The one and only, Donna Summer!