autumnal

This foggy, cuddly morning has been ideal for reflection. We woke up slow, me first (slipping out of bed and tiptoeing around) followed by a bed headed Benny and, finally, a crumpled faced Chloe... She sits straight up and says "good morning" before she's even awake. I can't help but scoop her up. A mad, undies-clad dash out to get the N.Y.Times and back in before anyones the wiser... except for me, cause now I've got my crossword to puzzle me. Foamed up the latte and sat on the couch. Staring into one of the most fragrant and fall festive flower arrangements sent me into memories of the beautiful day

before... A flurry of frantic getting ready, then a long drive and short walk into a rustic, scenic mission (complete with stables with horses and sheep, wells, adobe...) then another small flurry of readying, then a shhhh... our glowing bride friend slowly stepping toward her future.. a few sweetly said words (at one point I couldn't hear her, but the look on his face said every word so sincerely), some poems and song and they were joined forever. Music and clapping commenced. The drive back with talk of said sweetness. A little more readying and we found ourselves back in formation in another amazingly decorated place for champagne and a toast. A well thought, brotherly toast. Tacos and merriment. Bocce Dance floor fun! We danced until what we thought was midnight, but happily, surprisingly turned out to be around 10ish... this gave us some cuddle time at home to thank each other for our union. Part of a strong, healthy marriage is being surrounded and supported by other strong, healthy marriages. That's the pain you feel when you find out a couple you love so much together doesn't love being together so much... It's a broken spoke in your marriages wheel. To the new couple, we are strong and happy for you, wishing you the same for us.

silly, silly humankinds!

What are we collectively thinking? Apparently, you don't have to be a "rocket scientist" to see that our moon is important. In fact, you have to not be a rocket scientist. So, yesterday was another farm day. The difference though was that this farm day Chloe got to be with her amazing papa and I went alone. This gave them time to love each other up and me time to stand quiet, alone. Peace prevailed. There is a calmness and stillness there that I rarely feel elsewhere. Once again, went home with cash in the back pocket and a box of the freshest fruits and vegetables in my arms. After, we had Jasper (my farmer superior) over for dinner of said fruits and vegetables. For some reason I feel the term "veggie" just doesn't do them justice. Today was Benny's early morning delivery day. He's awesome. He comes home for lunch as Chloe and I are waking up around 8 or 9 am... half his work day done already... HeMan! We are cleaning the house and giggling, mostly the later. Tonight we are going to go out to the rose garden and stare up at our beautiful moon and tell her we're sorry for our stupid older brothers and their aggressiveness.

All of a magical friday...

Wednesday evening was spectacular. The mission near our home held an annual "Fiesta" event. It was lit up, the street was closed off to cars and filled with families and fiestaers... The moon was so full and bright it looked like you could reach up and grab it. We saw a giant spider on a beautiful web right outside our gate. Photos did neither the spider, nor the moon any justice. we went to bed all dreamy with the moon and mariachi in our heads. Thursday was mostly about hanging out with beautiful, creative kids. Babysitting and finding new things to keep them entertained and engaged. Most engaging: Tricycle Wash. It's pretty self explanatory, three kids (but can be done with any number) One trike, a bucket of soapy suds, rags, and old toothbrushes (for detailing)... giggles galore. We ended the night with a visit to one of our favorite humans so far on the planet. We sat around his fire and carved stones and talked of Italy and human nature. Besame. Friday (and the meat of the blog) was so magic. Friday mornings are about breakfast with ladies. A group of us get the sunday NYtimes crossword and individually work on it till friday, then we meet at a local cafe and share what we got and steal from the others what we didn't. Between the four (or so) of us, we usually finish it. Also, to start the day with a bowl of oatmeal and all the accoutrements and the best latte in the region. Well, it's a bit bougeois, I suppose, and I love it. Then it was home to my sorely missed baby girl and Papa Bear. They had they're own adventures to share. We then walked down to see a parade for fore-said fiesta. A horse parade. She was amazed. Complete with a runaway horse and carriage, which was a little scary, but exciting too. We walked home in the summer heat and felt so grateful for our little, cool place with ice cold beers. Our girl fell fast asleep and mama (that's me) went to see a movie. A beautiful, feminine, lovely film about cooking and blogging (you can guess) which, inspired me to come home to my lovely family and cook something amazing. So, just using what we had already I made a (every leftover veggie) Pot Pie. Perfected my pie crust! It came out amazing. Some wine, some candle light. Baby went to sleep and Papa and I rounded out the night by cuddling up and watching the Dr. Bonners Magical Soapbox documentary. It was all just exactly right. We all fell asleep with visions of horses and Pot Pies and All One Faith God! Dancing in our heads.