to our moms

reposted from May 08






Our mothers... what a thing to celebrate. They were there when we took our first breath, our first day of school, our first heart-break, they were biting their lips when we first started driving, they feel our disappointments with us and our smile makes their heart sing. They are those women who, for many of us are pillars of strength and the ones we have to thank for some the good we see in ourselves. Today I also send prayers up for all those women who have lost their moms or had miscarriages or who desperately want to be a mother. I say this remembering my first mothers day after losing our first child. Peace be with you on days like today.

I thought I'd share some photos, the first of which is by Elliot Erwitt who is one of my favorite photographers. I love how it captures the indescribable bond of a mother and baby. The second is by Leon Levinstein and the third by Wayne Miller.

But these are the moms that mean the most to me. The first raised the man I love and blows any negative mother-in-law stereo type out of the water. She exudes nurturing and from the first time I met her she took me under her wings like she has so many over the years.

Lastly, is my very own beautiful mother who has given more than I could express. Since I have become a mom I realize more fully just how amazing she is.

expecting...

Okay, before I get my mom all excited let me just say that I am not pregnant. She is just as excited about grand-baby number 13 and 14 coming this summer, as she was about the first. It has been a while since I was in this state. So no plans for another bun in the oven for us at the moment. Naya seemed to think it was about time though. What little girl hasn't stuffed her teddy bear or blanket up her shirt, enamored with the whole thought of a babe in the belly? I know I did once upon a time. I can think of about ten friends and two sisters-in-law that are pregnant right now. I am literally surrounded by signs of new life swelling and growing all around me. What a miracle and blessing our children are, whether they're the first or the tenth. I am waiting excitedly for the call from my life-long friend from back home in New Jersey who will meet her sixth baby at any moment. I still remember watching the birth of her first and I so wish I could hop a plane to be there with her. My friend shared this song that is so fitting for all you lovely mothers to be. You can listen to it here. I must get some pictures of the lovely mama's to be soon. Until then, here's a few more of Naya's baby bump.

*4 Bridges*

I love my town. Yesterday was the 4 Bridges Art Festival and it was bursting with amazing art. I had a little date with Juden and these were our favorite picks. The above artist is Patricia DeLeon Alfonso and her work is pristine, whimsical and compelling. I loved it all, especially the umbrella oval piece. Juden loved the purple strand in her hair and made sure he told her that it was beautiful.
The work of Shaun LaRose was also a favorite...stunning breathtaking and powerful. He also makes furniture and incredible murals, one of which beautifies the main street area of our city giving it a bit more of an urban edge.


artist standing to the right


Juden's pick-Tim Hooper


It was a fun afternoon that made me love my city and feel inspired. We came home to this sight...not surprising after he got home at 4:30am from one of his four shows this week. Piggy-back swinging seems like a perfect way to spend a post-show tired Sunday afternoon.

Honestly we've had some stress this weekend, a stubborn stomach virus and tough school decisions. But worst was getting home from Josh's show Friday and finding that some mean person decided to make two pages worth of PlayStation purchases draining our entire bank account. But my, when you look at the good, there is always so much to be found. So much.

Dove turns 5

It's kind of funny the themes that kids want for their birthday parties. Dove -bird requested a wedding party and her mama didn't disappoint. She was remembering Aunt Trish's and Uncle Keith's wedding last summer and all the pretty dresses, flowers and dancing.

Dovey in her mama's veil and maybe a little flash forward to her real wedding day.

Gemma lookin' like a little fairy baby

Liberty showing me her fairy dust,"It can make you fly!"



little niece Sophia

So I asked the bride if she had any ideas for a groom yet. She smiled and said it was a secret. I thought this little fellow was looking pretty dapper though.
Eden and Eliot

Happy five Dove-bird.

the ocean

*the sand*







*the sea*





This night alone made our little trip worth it; to wade in foamy tides, to build tunnels and stick bridges, to collect perfect tiny shells for Ella's castles, to watch them run in the golden light, to let the hours slip by gently without a thought.



"I am in love with Ocean
lifting her thousands of white hats
in the chop of the storm,
or lying smooth and blue, the
loveliest bed in the world.
In the personal life, there is

always grief more than enough,
a heart load for each of us
on the dusty road. I suppose
there is a reason for this, so I will be
patient, acquiescent. But I will live
nowhere except here, by Ocean, trusting
equally in all blast and welcome
of her sorrowless, salt self."
~Mary Oliver~

Savannah in the spring

...is pretty breathtaking.It is such a good feeling be on the road, to somewhere new, new landscapes, new faces. From the window you start to see Palm trees and finally we arrive to a city covered in Spanish moss and azalea's in full bloom. It's a beautiful southern city and the closest place to get to the ocean from where we live. The cobblestones streets are lined with shops, pubs and eateries and it sounds like New Orleans as I sit and watch my children chase pigeons by the bay. I take it all in, the smell of the salt air, the songs of the street musicians. I watch the man across from me. He is browned by the sun, ragged, long haired and bearded. He looks like he's been traveling for a long time but has nowhere to go. I watch him smile as Naya laughs and squeals at the flock of startled birds she scatters, and for a second I feel connected to his momentary joy in this simple scene. My attention turns to the man with a bucket of change belting out 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' in a way that would make the big black ladies at church start waving their hands. I watch people and imagine their lives. I have always been like this, an observer, writing stories, taking pictures in my head. My Bella girl gets this from me. She is an observer, she waits and watches and notices with all of her senses.
We weren't there five minutes before we had these reeds twisted into roses bestowed upon us. They are everywhere in Savannah.

It was Josh's Spring break and I was determined to go away. I missed the ocean and just wanted a break from routine with my family. Unfortunately we no longer have the awesome free set up we enjoyed for three years. The city and the parks, watching the kids in the sand and the ocean was so much fun. The five of us sleeping in one tiny hotel room outside the city with children who had no interest in sleeping... not so much.
We came back exhausted but happy. Slipping into the cool sheets of my own bed was heavenly. The other thing I love about going away is the sweetness of coming home.