a little inspiration

Water , originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed . You know when you have that wonderful feeling that it is going to be a great year? I have it right now. I love it. I cultivate it. I am lucky in so many ways and so I have never been tested as so many people I know are. I have everything I need and most of what I want. I have started a meditation practice in the last month and found a doable yoga class to fit into my schedule yesterday. I have lovely people in my life. I even have a cute dog. I know 2012 is going to be a landmark year. Full of new experiences and challenges. My goal, my only goal, is to flow like water through it. Powerful, graceful water. Moving through the hard places with strength and speed, lingering and stretching out in the peaceful moments. Thank you all so much for being with me in 2011. I hope you'll flow with me in 2012. Happy New Year!

Home again, home again.  Camelids on the brain.

We followed tradition and ate at Gillies before we left.  He told the waitress (loudly) what he wanted to eat all on his own.

He burned his hand on a light under the tree but that didn't keep him away.  I always love seeing her, she is such an amazing person.

He talks about how Oma makes the big fires.  I love that this will be part of the story of his childhood.  I love that she is so cool.

We laid around and lined up ducks all day.  And train tracks.  It was a good day.

  We stopped at the river to throw in some rocks.  It was soooo cold and totally worth it.

Drive, work, wander, haircut.  Presents!!!  Tomorrow we leave.  I'll be back to fill in the gaps in this space next week.  All my love to you all!  Merry Christmas and be good to one another.

It was a hectic day.  Full of excitement and sadness.  A dear fuzzy friend left us.  I was sad for her loss and it made me think of our Zo Bear. 

This morning I was told it was "santa hat day" at school and asked to whip something up.  I didn't have any red or white around that would do the trick.  Only an old black sweater someone had felted by accident and handed over to me.  I had just read the other day about machine couching and so I grabbed some red wool roving and added that.  Senor insisted it needed a pom-pom so I made two. The scarf is his Solstice gift.  I cut into some beautiful wool and cotton blend plaid from Liberty of London that had been gifted to me from a vintage stash.  Papa got one and I made myself a shawl.  Now we all match!  I am so happy to have found something so everyday useful for this beautiful fabric. After getting ready for school we had to drop by a neighbors house and give her a Christmas card. Happy Solstice everyone!!

This morning the sky was a perfect peach.  I noticed so many tiny details and was able to enjoy each moment of my walk.  The day after the sangha is magical too. (ps- happy haunukah!  A bonus picture is here .)

  The crisp, golden light you find on winter mornings is unlike any other time of year.

It was a lovely night.  We met a boy who is so much like the Bug I feel like I already met his 6 year old self.  I liked the rest of the family very much as well.

(Two today because I missed yesterday completely.)  I love Saturdays better than any other day.  First e helped Papa making waffles in the big kitchen, then Papa helped e make rubber duck soup in the little kitchen.

I had been feeling very good about myself.  But then she mentioned it was only ten days to Christmas.  And I realized there are some important people that I have only thought about and done nothing for.  Now I have to remember to breath. 

They sky looks like a giant's bed of pillows.  My socks are also so very pillow-like.  I am embarrassed when people look at the camera hanging around my neck.  I can't quite figure out why.

The sun was bright and harsh but oh, so welcome.  The leaves were still wrapped in microscopic glittering shells.

A dolphin show makes any day better.  I think know there is something going on that we don't understand.  I hope we figure it out soon or it gets over.

Today he takes her home.  It has been nice having her here.  He will enjoy the quiet time with her in the car and the luxury of the drive back all alone.  I'll try not to go crazy.

This is cheating.  I didn't take this picture.  But I thought you might like it anyway.  Thanks Papa!

Stockings were hung with care.  And glitter too.  I've found that, recently, sparkle has become very important to me.

Another day where I was afraid.  But the night wrapped up nicely.  It was much too exciting to stand still. 

A dozen lavender and chamomile eye pillows off to doubledutch Boutique tomorrow.  Buy local.  Support handmade.

We drove both ways in the rain.  It was nice to talk about everything.  Now we celebrate with champagne.

I finally went.  It was different than I expected.  I was the only woman.  It was really nice.

He wanted a tea party with candles before breakfast.  We are looking forward to a busy day and his first time meeting Santa.

We cleaned and rearranged the living room.  I think it is a success.

dec22011.JPG , originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed . It was really busy all day. I met another mom with a child born the same day as e.

This morning he said, "Mama is crazy."  He was right.