And the award goes to...

Drumroll... Oh, thank you... Thank you... I just want to thank my friends and family. Ben, I couldn't have done it without you... My amazing daughter who teaches me, everyday, to slow down. Ahhh, my neighbors and friends for giving us an amazing place to root down. God in everything... That's nice. But most of all, I'd like to thank the actress that plays the roll of me everyday to the outside world... Without her, I'd just be.

Pâtisserie

Lifes a Beach... then you bake croissants.

standing at my kitchen sink, staring out the window...

Wondering what will happen in the future... dreaming, hoping... planning? But, not so much. I realize that I am just one of many centuries of women who have stood at their kitchen sink, staring out the window, wondering about the future. Then it comes to me that maybe one difference is that I know I am one of that group. I have the grand picture. I have seen myself standing at that window from somewhere out in the yard. From where I'm standing, it looks pretty peaceful.

adorable the explorable...

Lately my girl and I have been exploring... new parts of our neighborhood (well, new to us), new tastes and sounds and, maybe most fascinating, new parts of us, our relationships. Chloe and I are usually hanging out like homegirls. She is truly my best friend. I gave birth to my favorite friend. Ben and I too, we're doing the dance. Definitely in an upswing... we are supporting without thwarting. Having fun is a top priority. It's nice to remember (and be reminded) that we don't have it all figured out. Wouldn't it be boring if we did? This is the good work. Learning to be with each other while remaining so in ourselves. Remembering that Chloe is her own, individual too and not getting in her way too much while keeping her safe. Teaching things, but always open to learning her way too. She definitely came here with things to show me. I'm watching, sweetheart!

Where was I...

oh yeah... so, it was September... and since then... my girl turned 3, I got super comfortable riding with her on my bike (game changer), Halloween... what else... well, anyhow, this night finds me mostly just GRATEFUL (as per usual). Yesterday was the second year anniversary of the Tea Fire and we called an impromptu get together at our place, so impromptu (in fact) that hardly anyone showed, which made it super intimate and cozy. With all our sweet friends sitting around a fire in the yard, I snuck in to do the dishes and as I scrubbed each one I gave thanks. So grateful to have this fork to wash and the soap and the sink. Last night I got to sleep in a bed, our bed, and Chloe in hers. My family has a home right now, an amazingly sweet (and getting sweeter by the day) home. Our things are here, we have things. We are healthy and fed and have sweet friends in our yard... My heart is full to bursting! Fire and I have a better relationship this year. I respect it. It warms me. I tend it, it cooks my food. We have an understanding. For that I am eternally grateful.

Abundance.

Life feels so good and full right now. Love, beauty, joy, seasonal fruits, genuine friendship, helping, healing, singing, learning, giving, receiving, art, pure truth and magic... what else is there? Want some?

where did August go?

I was busy living the real life and couldn't capture any of it here. Which is great, I suppose. Also mixed with a little bit of not wanting to admit things going on in my heart and mind. I want to be honest. As honest and real as possible... on here and everywhere. So, I signed THIS pledge. and promise YOU that I will always type honestly and give credits where credits is due. Also, with a "New Nows Resolution"... I will type more often. To let an entire month go by unexpressed is just a bit unacceptable. Especially the month where Burningman and, thus, my 5 year anniversary went by... all beautifully and romantic like. Because it will take a while to type and I don't have that while right now, I will leave you with a teaser clue as to what it was all about... the Heat of Passion.