Next Generation

We had our last day at Next Generation, Andover last week.   It was your first true school experience and you adapted really well!   You were shy in the beginning but we made sure you were in the same class with Emma, you were happy to see a familiar face.   In time, you warmed up and found a best friend in Max.   You two loved to play police on the bikes at recess and bristle blocks and legos during free time.

As the year continued, you got really comfortable with all of the kids.   Your teachers said it was a great class - I could feel that.  You all got along really well and mixed up who played with who.   You would introduce James and Robert to your Grammy when she picked you up...  you loved when you got assigned a "job" - lights, meal helper, line leader....   

You weren't sad to transition on to a new school. You tell me you're excited to start St. Joseph's. You have handled the changes this year so well.   I like to believe it's because the people in your life - me, your dad, Grammy & Papa, Tia Ane - are the rocks that ground you.  You never doubt how loved you are.  I admire your ability to be flexible and adaptable.  It is a gift that will always serve you well.  

Onward we go, little angel.  A new chapter awaits. 

On the water

For the first time ever, I've spent some time this summer sailing - cruising, as they call it.  With no previous experience, I'm reminded that we're never too old to try something new.  The sensation of being alone on the water truly frees you of the burdens of ordinary life.  Out there, you feel one million miles from home.  Entering a harbor by sea is completely different than entering by road, exploring a coastal town by foot, unscheduled and free, maybe you'll stop in a gallery, stumble upon a local theater, have a coffee, or a beer or just breathe the salty air, inquire about the lives of lobsters, and sleep under the stars.

Towards clarity

"Don't surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn't true anymore." - Cheryl Strayed. 

I may have posted this one before but it bears repeating.  My 30's have been a wonderful coming of age and period of improved self awareness and growing acceptance.  I often think of the line above. 

Trying, always, to get more clear.  

Grammy's birthday

 A picturesque weekend to celebrate Grammy's birthday.   J swam for hours and confirmed that Grammy is "his best friend".   The setting was spectacular, it was a weekend to be remembered for a long time.   Cliff House Maine.   

Oprah at Harvard

Always a worthwhile read.  Commencement Address

I have to say that the single most important lesson I learned in 25 years talking every single day to people, was that there is a common denominator in our human experience. Most of us, I tell you we don’t want to be divided. What we want, the common denominator that I found in every single interview, is we want to be validated. We want to be understood. I have done over 35,000 interviews in my career and as soon as that camera shuts off everyone always turns to me and inevitably in their own way asks this question “Was that okay?” I heard it from President Bush, I heard it from President Obama. I’ve heard it from heroes and from housewives. I’ve heard it from victims and perpetrators of crimes. I even heard it from Beyonce and all of her Beyonceness. She finishes performing, hands me the microphone and says, “Was that okay?” Friends and family, yours, enemies, strangers in every argument in every encounter, every exchange I will tell you, they all want to know one thing: was that okay? Did you hear me? Do you see me? Did what I say mean anything to you? And even though this is a college where Facebook was born my hope is that you would try to go out and have more face-to-face conversations with people you may disagree with.

Proust Questionnaire 16-20

16. When and where were you happiest? 

I believe happiness is a state.  I have been fully, truly happy many times in my life. I describe it as complete. Wanting for nothing.  Present.  A few times that I will never forget (in no particular order): A side of the highway somewhere between Vancouver and Seattle.  A trip to Spain. NYC on my birthday weekend.  My backyard with J a few weeks ago.  They are moments in time of clarity and light.  I am with someone that I love. I am accepted as I am.  I am free. 

17. Which talent would you most like to have?

It would be nice to be an artist - to be able to express myself with paint, or photography or drawing.  

18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would be a better person if I had more patience, with myself and those around me. 

19.What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Bringing my son into this world and being his mama. 

20.If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A man.  I have no single doubt that they experience a very different world than a woman does.  It would be interesting to see their perspective.