Whoo

Late last night I fell fast asleep, only to be awoken shortly thereafter by the distinct song of an owl.  It was a full moon with major cloud cover, and Mr. Owl had perched himself, much to my delight, just outside our patio door, in full view, high upon our chimney (sounds like I should have seen Old Saint Nic). 

Despite my readiness for sleep, I found myself wide awake, not wanting to miss a moment of the stare down I was sharing with my new friend.  There, from our bedroom door, only 9-10 feet in the air directly above, I had a once in a life time moment with this most unique and mysterious bird.  While I could not see his face, I could tell when he caught a glimpse of my movement down below, as the gentle 180 degree twist of his head became fixed upon my silhouette, clearly visible by the horns upon his head.  SO cool!  

Mr. Owl was quiet once my presence was sensed, and despite it, he was kind enough to remain parked there, perusing our property from his perch.  I watched in delight as the clouds gave occasional way to the moon and stars above, for what was likely 15 minutes.  And then, Mr. Owl lifted his wings and swooped down over the pool and out of site.  

It was a magical moment, almost dreamy really.  My child's memory was jogged, and I reflected upon remembrances of my bedroom window, where I'd stare out at the night sky, imagination running wild.  I think I would have given the night's sleep had Mr. Owl stayed.  I tucked in like a little girl who had just seen the moon for the first time, filled with awe and wonder about my curios new friend.  

One thing is for sure, I did not imagine last night.  My sleepy husband got out of bed for a quick bleary-eyed peek, and then said good night to both of us.  His testimony was proof enough as I shared the details around the breakfast table this morning.  

Awesome!!

Growth

Grass and all things green sprout in the desert from just a few days of rain and moisture.  Plant life remains dormant until the rains come.  

It is not so for the human body.  

Think of it.  

People cannot survive without water for more than a few days.  

How then, can we deny the existence of such a Great Creator.  

Life exists beyond our comprehension, in ways that truly make no sense.  

Stop and take it in.  

Sprout

 It stinks that babies grow up =(

Air Show

Guest post by Ethan

We had the opportunity to go the air show in September, one of our family's favorite things to do.  In addition to the amazing maneuvers displayed by all the aircraft, we had the privilege of watching our United States Military, as our Marine soldiers simulated a ground attach, complete with a Humvee airlift and drop, and real explosions.  The setting was as if we were in the Middle East. What we saw was beyond impressive.  It was really cool!

Kicking off the show were the high altitude parachuters 

leaving a colored stream of smoke as they came down.

Standing in front of a massive hanger door.

Ode to Team America!

The MASSIVE C-130!!!

Here I am holding the Javelin anti-tank missile!  

The Javelin has the ability to take off vertically 

giving it a range of about 3 miles.  

When the missile hits its target, the radius within 

15 feet of the detonation reaches up to 8,000 degrees!!!

This is Big Panda. The largest single engine by-plane.

The Canadian Snow Birds stunting in the beautiful skies.

b

The Blue Angles are one of the greatest stunt teams ever!

This picture shows them in a high speed pass, but they're only 

going about one third of their max speed.  At air shows, planes

aren't allowed to break the speed of sound because if they did,

the blast would shatter all the glass in the area! 

F-18's can easily break the sound barrier at about half speed! 

Relax

I love a jammie day!

Source of Light

The sun rose on the pages of my bible this morning.  

I couldn't help but be taken in by the coming of the first 

  morning light, there on the pages of the first food of my day.   

Lord, you are so good!!

Fixated

Walking into the library this afternoon I overheard another mom talking to her child;  her son, in particular.  There was something about this discourse I found familiar.  This is what she said:

"It's library time, and no, you may not use the computer, not at home any more today, and not here at the library.  Computer time is over and now it's time for books."  

Hmmm.   I chuckled to myself as her words resonated, for in them every mother came to life.  No need to even turn around for a look.  I get it :)  

Boys!!!!!

Take a Hike

My boy and I went for a quick hike before sundown last week.  

It's always a treat to enjoy nature with Ethan. 

We saw lots of large rocks that were split in half.  

Ethan strikes a pose between the first and second layer of this rock.  

Our exploration was so interesting we lost track of time and had to 

move at a good clip to get back before dark.  

It was worth every wonderfilled moment :0)

Enrichment Loop

"The unexamined life is not worth living."  

                                                                                                   ~ Plato 

Little Brother

Happy Birthday Matthew!  

Comfort

Rescue

As one looks up 

to behold what the light will reveal, 

in the hope of promise, 

of relief 

of reprieve 

of safety

and no more despair,

one finds what one is hoping for

waiting for,

in the smallest of ways 

as The Promiser delivers.

Just as He is waiting to do as He said he would 

if we would but look to Him, 

trust in Him

turn from the pain

from the distraction

all by design.

As the light trickles in 

What once was weariness 

is now consumed, 

overtaken by sheer joy; 

the result and reasonable response 

of gratitude.

Rest is a beautiful, refreshing quality.

Puddle

Peeper

 

The Power of Love

Buttercup is a loved soul.  It's obvious in the way he allows his master to handle and care for him.  No one else can do to that rabbit what Halle does.  It's always been that way.  

While we were away for the summer, we left Butter in the care of our friends. Each day someone would stop by to be sure he was fed, had fresh water and a clean cage.   But because Halle is the only one to handle him, Buttercup became indifferent.  Our friend Paul would often come under fierce attach as he stuck his hand in to fill the empty dish with fresh food, and there was certainly no getting that rabbit out of his cage.  

When we returned after 5.5 weeks, Buttercup was not himself.  He had clearly lost weight and was molting in excess.  He did not look healthy.  Halle took special care over the next week to pay lots of attention to him, brushing him and letting him run about, giving him fresh treats and stroking his velvet coat. We thoroughly cleaned his cage and made his home nice and tidy. Within days his appearance and countenance were back to normal.  He is now his chubby old self. 

 

It's interesting that our souls are the same way.  When we are cared for and believed in, when we don't shun the concern of others because of pride, but are vulnerable and real, it's then we have potential to thrive.  Without love and support, life is a lonely, isolated existence. Relationships are vital.  

Field Trip

Today was an absolute treat, and quite a show really, 

as the weather patterns were ever changing and so fascinating to watch.  

So that's just what we did.  

We took a break from our lessons and sat outside to take it all in. 

I took these shots all throughout the day starting with this first 

one, as the storm front was moving in.

Rain!  I'm so happy to write about it!!

We haven't seen a drop of it for almost nine months!! 

By mid-afternoon we watched as lightning struck in the distance, 

and pockets of rain could be viewed right next to blue sky and puffy clouds.

Rain is almost always accompanied by a rainbow :) 

LOVE IT!  

  

The real downpour showed up after dinner.  

It was wonderful to go out and feel the chilly drops.

The rain continued as the sun went down in the distance.

Spectacular!!

Goodnight Kiss

I had a coffee after 7 PM tonight, and I chose this because there was much to get ready for the school week.  And mostly because I was tired.  And while this affords me a few hours, it would be my preference if such an energy boost should begin to ramp down just as soon as my work is finished, or as I am nearing the end.  That part, however, didn't work.  And so I'm still awake and it's already the new week.  

There are benefits to not being tired (or is it rather to being tired, but not able to sleep?).  I spent some time reading tonight, and put a good dent in one of the three books I'm in the middle of.  But then I got hungry (not a good thing), and thus helped myself to an apple.  Sitting in our half-lit kitchen, munching on apple, reading my book, the coffee slowly began to wear off.  And so, I turned off the lights and headed toward our wing.  

But before I tuck in, just because I can, and because they are all fast asleep, and because some time soon I won't have the privilege, I kiss each of my sleeping beauties.  That's something I used to do every night, sometimes several times. 

Perhaps what prompted me was the conversation Bill and I had earlier this evening about the fact that no one runs to our room any more... not because of a bad dream, or an inability to sleep, or even just to snuggle.  Perhaps the need to go to them is simply because they are here. And although I am ready to settle down, I cannot resist the urge.  

Tonight I can still kiss them and watch them sleep.  And despite the fact that I'll likely need a jolt tomorrow (today), I believe that makes coffee after 7 PM not such a bad thing :)  

Nineteen

Nineteen and counting.  

Who better to grow old with, Babe?  

I love you!

Source of Hope

I recently heard the adage... "God doesn't give you more than you can handle."  

Hmmm.  Consider this, that in fact much of what happens in our lives 

is indeed MORE than we can handle.  

Think of it:  financial worries; dealing with teenagers; infidelity; divorce; loss; heartache; cancer; disease; death; tragedy; destruction (just to name a few).  I don't know about you, but the pain and stress of life is at times truly too much for me!

Voila!  By design, it's there and then, in such moments that we are likely to cry out to the Lord.  Because He is God, He maintains control of all things.  He orders the events of our lives.  Sometimes it's hard just so we'll need Him.  

He will not give us more than He can handle.  That's why we needed a Savior. How amazing to be loved so!  

Goals (the complete list)

She wants to attend Pepperdine University.  

She wants to become an Anesthesiologist.  

She wants a white Toyota Corolla (possibly the S series).  

Later, after she has saved enough money, she would like to buy a Ford Mustang convertible, blue with white stripes.

She wants to marry her Daddy.  No one else. 

And she recently informed me that she's made an amendment to her life's plan. She wants to aquire a Concealed Carry Permit so that she can pack a hand gun in her purse.

Ambitious - precocious - amazing!

Who's daughter is she!?

Natural Beauty

I like plants.  They bring natural beauty to my home.  All things natural.  Joy!  

When I was a girl, I learned much about plants and gardening from my grandmother.  She could make anything grow, and everything that grew in her yard and home was healthy and lovely to look at.   I've mentioned this before.  But it's worth repeating. Learning to successfully grow and care for living plants has made my life more beautiful.  

Today I had the sheer enjoyment of dabbling a bit in things I love.  Time afforded me (or dare I say I allowed myself the time to) play.  With words, and camera.  How thrilled I was to come across this intricate succulent hiding beneath one of my larger plants.  I must stress... it blows my mind!  I stared at the detail, in awe of the creativity and perfection in color, the symmetry, the texture, and beauty.  And then ran for my camera!

It's very rewarding to know this beautiful living thing grew from something my hands planted, watered and cared for.  As I marvel and take joy in my plants, I continue to thank Grandma for teaching me to love them.

Remembering

"The Lord sometimes takes us into troubled waters NOT to drown us, 

but to cleanse us." 

That seemed to be the case nine years ago, as our nation rallied in tragedy.  

Where did that spirit of unity go?  

We are so like the nation of Israel.  

Stubborn.  

Defiant.  

Let not the lives of those lost, and the tragedy surrounding that horrible moment, wane from our hearts.  To those who will forever grieve on this side:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those 

who are crushed in spirit."   Psalm 34:18

Newborn

Tobie Matthew was born yesterday afternoon while the rest of us ate, played, laughed and swam (and tried to keep cool).  A new son for our friends Jeff and Heidi.  What joy!  Today this little guy will come home with his new parents and siblings, adopted into their lives, making them a family of five.  

As we rejoiced for our friends last night, I wandered from awe to admiration as they welcome their third child, making a home for this precious little boy, now, as we all begin the decade of our 40's.

Bill and I took a trip down memory lane.  It was a journey that left us giggling in the end.  We talked about our first night home with baby Halle all those years ago (11 to be exact).  In our third attempt, we were seasoned veterans (so we thought). We went to bed that night with Halle at my side in her bassinet.  She was a noisy little thing, grunting and squirming, which would explain the reason for what transpired next.  Bill tells it best... "the squeaky bassinet wheels speeding down the hallway, as Halle was vanquished (by her mother) to christen her own room, first night home".  And that, needless to say, was how we all slept better!  

Where have the years gone?  Those days seem so far away.  I wonder, would I have what it takes at this point in my life to provide the love and structure that a child needs, all over again? I don't think Jeff and Heidi are thinking twice about that, as they open their lives for a child in need, making this precious new beginning all the more beautiful.  

Congratulations friends!  

Stranded

Often, we find critters in our pool... lizards or gophers and even little bunnies :( who have wandered in the darkness to the watering hole (if you will), and somehow fallen in without hope of return.  It's always so very pitiful.  

A few weeks ago early on a Saturday morning, I peered out and saw something floating.  I went for a better look, expecting to fish out the unfortunate creature who had met it's demise.  To my amazement, this little guy was floating aloft the line of the pool vacuum, either asleep, or suffering from hypothermia.  He had crawled out during the night, and didn't have it in him (or the brains about him) to turn back from whence he came.  

It was such a very funny sight, and because so many little friends haven't had such good fortune, I was happy to come to his rescue.  The mice here are round and tiny... kinda cute actually.  It pleased me to save the day.  

I regret to inform, sadly, the next day we removed a (not so fortunate) mouse. I'm really hoping my little friend chose not to test fate.  

Who'd a thought a mouse could be so cute?

One Down

We finished our first week today.  Not without the normal highs and lows of course.  But we finished, non-the-less.  By the end we were getting the routine.  

The kids are enjoying this new style, and Bill and I are loving being more a part of the learning process.  We've had interesting discussions (in great detail, and with great enthusiasm) at the dinner table each night about the Spanish Armada and the Incan Indians, just to name a few.  And there were plenty of grammar, science and math (shudder) questions.  Fun to see the love of learning in action.  

I found myself several times throughout the week remembering the days when I played school as a little girl.  I loved a trip to Holcomb's, where I'd collect grade books and items for my imaginary classroom.  I'm not pretending any more (and it's still fun!).

There's some adjusting to do, for sure.  Everyone under one roof - all the time - creates an essential requirement for patience on the part of each of us (Mom's going to have to be deliberate about times of refreshment).  It's fair to say this three-day weekend is a welcomed one.  Our program has the kiddos working hard right from the start.  They deserve it.

Fortunately, and once again, God provides wisdom in many counselors, and we are grateful to glean from the experience of others further along the path.  My friend Heidi tells me Tuesday's are always the worst... one week down, and I'd have to agree.  Does anyone else concur?  

With a few days under our belts, my big lessons were about an even greater increase in planning, and a reminder not to panic over incidentals.  And, while this is still so new, I can at least say I don't feel entirely green about homeschooling any more.   

I guess I'm learing too:)

Classmate

Meet Jim, newest member of our family, and classmate to Halle.  Last week he joined us, well after the perfect plan was laid out, and the most precise selections made for his small beta home, all having been thought out to the dime.  

It was a good math lesson, and it will be an even greater life lesson to see who is the Jim's true care taker.  That was the deal, you see.  We've done the aquarium thing, and by all rights, this Mama was done with the idea.  But my girl convinced me she would lovingly feed and clean Jim's new habitat, and I must say, her fish selection (despite his funny name) is a lovely one. Thanks for the photo op, Jim!

New School (and no uniform!)

This morning, with great excitement, we began our school year at home. For the first time in twelve years, attending school will no longer be about brown bag lunches, or rushing out the door at 7:10.  No more gym clothes, or permission slips, or even goodbye hugs.  And best of all, our new school does not require uniforms :)  In fact, our kiddos started their day in P.J.'s, complete with bed-head.  We began morning lessons at 8:30 after a relaxed paced breakfast as a family (that only happened on Saturday mornings).  So far my students are clicking through, each setting their own pace.  I have enjoyed conversation during their breaks and over lunch. Everyone seems pleased with our new plan.  Time will tell, but for now, it's been a good first day.  

Junior, Class of 2012

8th Grade

6th grade

About to begin...

Tonight as we tucked in, Halle and Ethan, both and independently, informed us they wish it wasn't the beginning of the 6th and 8th grade tomorrow.  

In light of the journey we will begin as a homeschooling family this week, I curiously tuned in, waiting for an explanation.  They wanted and even asked for this change.  Were they having second thoughts?  Was reality that summer is officially over, and time for real work to begin stirring apprehension?

I was surprised with their responses, as they both agreed that growing up is over rated, and that it would be better if we were starting Kindergarten or the 2nd grade all over again.  If only. When I asked Ethan if he was afraid to grow up, he confidently assured me that was not the issue, and then replied "I like things the way they are Mom - why change it?"  Gulp!  What parent wouldn't (at moments) like to freeze time?  Tonight I find myself (with a lump in my throat) wishing I could.  

Our babies are growing up.  I am excited to have a chunk of time this year, unlike any other, to impact their lives.  

Gratefully embracing what cannot be forever.

Compilation

Some of my favorite pics from the last four weeks.

Home Away From Home

We have a few more weeks ahead as our respite in Ohio flies by.  I thought I'd be doing more of this... thought perhaps I'd have more to say, more to chronicle here.  And I do... but haven't wanted to give it the time it needs, as I am carefully playing a balancing act, trying to manage time well between family and friends.  

It has been good to be here, in so many ways and for many reasons.  Home is love & comfort & rest, the familiar... safety.  I am grateful to have experienced home, which I now know in both places.  That gift has been long in coming.  

I am grateful for time... and good chunks of it... with family, familiar faces and comforting relationships.  A tranquility has come over me.  

I continue to learn many things about life and myself from those dear to me. They are simple things, many that I need reminded of:  Stay in the word.  Life is good and it can be hard at times.  Take them both in stride and be grateful for what a day holds.  Allow yourself to be strengthened by the challenges.  Don't wish to run and hide from them.  Pray for that strength. Embrace the lovely things whole heartedly and give thanks.  And do the same with the not so lovely moments, for in them we grow as we patiently fumble through them.  

This time has been an energy drink of sorts.  A boost for what lies ahead.  

Young Men

While Caleb, Zach, Seth and Ethan have not spent much time together in the last 10 years, I remember the days when these boys created memories I'm not likely to forget.  Like the time Caleb and Zach, at the age of nearly 3, decided to walk themselves to the playground while their mothers changed little brother diapers and lost track of time (and them).  I remember adventures in the woods, muddy creek play, birthday parties and trips to the fire station, and a slew of other great times.  Times when these tall guys ran around as little boys with toy guns and balls and made their mama's smile. 

Lynne and I smiled again as we shared each other's company a few weeks ago. It's never hard to jump right in.  The company of an old friend is always easy, and oh so good.  And as if time has never lapsed... that is, until I look at our children.  It was fun to shoot pics of these towering, once little boys, as we attempted to make our teenagers smile together for old times sake.  And that wasn't easy, considering all the metal in their mouths - all four of them are in braces:)

Some things never change, like old connections and the memories that encircle them.  That's a good thing... especially since the young men in our lives aren't about to stop changing.   

Love you, friend!

39 and Holding

He calls me the cougar.  Yes, I married a younger man.  I am made well aware of just how old I am, it seems, having recently turned 40 in March.  A mere 15 months make me the elder, and while this amuses the not-so-old man in my life, I tease that I am quite sure I am younger, and this based on my sweet William's lack of physical ease as his feet greet the dawn each morning. I may be older in number, but not so much in other ways. 

Recently this husband of mine celebrated a milestone birthday.  You see, next year he will enter the dark side along with me.  I bet the cougar won't seem so old then :)!  

Happy Birthday Babe!!

Taking it in...

Morning.  It's quiet time.  I sit outside peacefully enjoying this... and listen to the sounds as I take in the beauty, joyfully greeting this new day.  A gentle breeze, the smell of fresh air, birds in full chorus, a bunny in search of a fresh blade of grass, horses winny across the valley, a small twin engine plane loops around over head. 

I watch as several hummingbirds dive bomb in an attempt to be the first to sample my fragrant jasmine plant. It's as if they are pretending to be that plane, so close they can almost be touched.  Are they playing or rambling for rights? Perhaps they are the siblings we watched come into life in this little nest just outside our front window.  

They don't live there now... the last and surely most conservative little one finally got up the nerve and flew the coup.  In just three short weeks, what started as two tiny little black beans soon became full grown humming birds.  

I believe this little family of hummers must like it here.  I sure do.   

My Buzz Word

"Growth is often painful and scary. 

There is no growth without change; 

there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. 

We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, 

like a worn out pair of shoes, 

they were at least comfortable and familiar.  

Every change involves a loss of some kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new."   

~ Rick Warren

Passage of Time

Lynne calls it her other life...  I get that. 

We did a Christmas winter in Northeast Ohio AND Florida, visiting loved ones and friends.  We skied, went sledding, had dart wars and celebrated birthdays. Our time with family and friends afforded me a rest I did not realize I needed.  I returned to California with fresh renewal.  

Now here it is, time to plan the next trip back to that familiar place.  How quickly the time has gone.  I'm wondering if it's in part because of the stage of life we find ourselves in... busy with teenagers, piano lessons, youth group, basketball,etc. and driving, driving, driving.  Or is it just age... life seems shorter the older I get.  

What makes the speed of time acceptable is that going back comes sooner.  And yet, what a difference 6 months make, especially when thinking of children and how they so quickly change. I'm quite sure that will be obvious to those we love and miss, despite the fact that 6 months seems short and goes fast.  

Can't wait to see you and fill our tanks!

  

Inspiration

I always wear a silver bracelet.  I have several.  And I love them.  

Recently, as I tucked Halle in to bed, we talked about my favorite accessory.  As she played with my wrist, she reminded me that "Grandma wears one too" and that "she even sleeps with her bracelet on."  

And this has me wondering... the fact that my Mom is never without her silver bangle.  Could it be my desire to do so also is a result of her example, ingrained in me?  Is the simple desire to wear a silver bracelet or the pleasure in doing so a subconscious idea from my childhood, a memory of my mother's adorned wrist?  And how is it that I came to love such a thing without ever really thinking it, or deciding of the possibility?  Do I love it because it's something Mom did?

I remember as a little girl I always wanted to be like the big girls... I absorbed every detail of those I fondly admired.  I still do.  As life plugs along I find myself all the more ready to receive insight and advice from those further down the road.  I am grateful to glean from the wisdom of the seasoned women in my life.  I hope to attain the peace and confidence I admire most about such women, and their secrets of survival.  It's the beauty that comes with age.  

And so, the silver bracelet represents many things... I am certain that my love of wearing one is in part due to my mother's example.  And, in a similar way, the experiences of life and how the "big girls"  have managed them are worthy of my deepest respect.  

Frog Spot

I miss the days of sticky fingers and slobbery kisses (although I do still get those sometimes).  My kiddos are BIG now.  

Anyone remember the "SO BIG" game?  You know the one:  "How big is Ethan?" and with chubby little arms lifted high he would say, "SOOOOO Big!!".

Well, he is SO big now.  Despite his stature, one thing still remains... our little frog friends. For as long as I can remember they were present.  I have one particular memory of my little boys, having rung the door bell, with grins ear to ear, waiting there to present to me the largest bull frog known to man!  SO cute!

It's not surprising I love frogs!  I always will.  They'll be a part of life at our house long after my "little people" are gone.  

  

taken Spring 2010 in the Plateau

Ten + One

A beautiful transformation is happening before our eyes!!

Admiration

It was something so beautiful.  So respectful.  So impacting.  A mother's day luncheon hosted by the Mayor in honor of the special women representing our current servicemen.

They were young and old alike.  Some with little ones... some with well earned wrinkles that kissed their hopeful believing eyes.  Women... waiting, wondering, worrying.  Doing life alone.  Living without their husbands and sons.  Bandaging elbows and kissing little cheeks.  Tucking in alone after all the bed time rituals are over.  Mother's who pray and trust their little boys will come home safely.  Wives who desperately long for their men.  

All of them worthy of recognition.  

It seems like such a small token... a simple meal, if even in a pretty setting. They came, many of them alone.  They were strong.  Sitting briefly as strangers, and leaving on that lovely afternoon as sisters.  They were grateful, these women are, for the simplest of things. 

Watching young moms envelop themselves in the lives of their babies, I wondered about the comfort the act of mothering may have brought some of them.  Listening as they opened their lives to one another.  What an amazing display of mature composure and faithful patience, as they proudly spoke of the details regarding their own soldiers.  They shared the bond of hope. 

  

How does if feel to be so deeply concerned, so lonely, yet so proud.  

It was a privilege to serve them lemonade and clear their pretty dessert plates.  To have been in their presence for a few short hours opened my eyes to the beauty, strength and bond of these very special women.  I am filled with admiration.

How is it that something so sacrificial has become so small, so overlooked, so forgotten?  

To Live...

It was never promised to be easy.  

Life.

In fact, it's the bumpy road that keeps us focussed on what truly matters.  

Perspective. 

We don't stop living because the living is uneasy.  

Persistence.

Despite the cares and woes of this world, each day has it's fill of joy.  

Do you see it?

Live the life you're in.  

Just a Number...

You know you're 40 when ...

* Professional athletes have been younger than 

oneself for WELL over a decade...

* Serious assessment is made before one decides 

upon certain physical activities...  

* Laughing at oneself comes with greater ease and frequency...

* One receives "The Wisdom of Menopause" as a 

birthday gift (or is it a consolation prize?)...

Add to the list, won't you?  

That is, IF you are eligible :)  

p.s.  Younger brother smart remarks are strictly prohibited! 

Resolve

If you're still out there, I'm grateful you haven't given up hope I'd return. 

In my absence I've been reeling.  With the title.  The Reason.  The reason that is, for this here blog.  In some ways, you see, I'd been unable to reason that (some) change, as so said, is indeed a gift.  

I confess, this long pause was in some ways defiance... a rebellion of sorts. What's more, it is real and safe to say there wasn't much good to say at all. There wasn't, I'd resolved, much happening worth remembering.  

BUT... that was then, and this is now.  My pity party is over.  Despite what works, and even what does not, growth has given me new wings.  Here in lies the gift.

See you around :)