hug

4 hours of shoe shopping
and nothing to show for it

frustration
resentment
disappointment

I'm numb.
She's frazzled.

support and comfort
after the drain

a hug

independence

First day of school
excitement
nervousness
confidence

create opportunities
for the girls
to practice their independence

ripe moments

push

along the beach

we pushed ourselves to go 12.5 miles today

dolphins surfing and leaping in the waves
boosted our spirits and made us oooh and ahhh

pushing to the next lifeguard tower

we did it

humuhumunukunukuapuaa

one of Pearly's favorite words

the name of this Hawaiian fish
stuck in my head

chanting it at I walk for miles

grief

is a process
avoidance makes you harden

dig out the photos
springboards
that encourage reflection
and strengthen
what's important

love grows

alignment

there's a synergy happening
in our family

communication
decisiveness
focus
effort

we made a decision
in line with our values

paddling in sync

contentment

At the beach...

watching the three of them
dive through the waves

walking along the shore
feet in the gentle waves

looking out at the horizon
free of want

I feel content

love

grows roots and wings

transitions

moving from one thing to the next

sometimes in a rush

humor helps

stress deflates with deep breaths

every moment

a choice

Inspire

Jr. Lifeguard graduation
in line with our family values.

Nurture kids in nature.

Choose a life that matters.

Push yourself mentally and physically.

Overcome fears.

Be a leader.

Inspire.

discovery

maintain an openness
and a sense of adventure
to experiences, places and people

infuse a supple freshness
to your life

a summer of discoveries

surge

sift through the options
choose and committ
clarity creates a surge

dolphins

curved gray moons in the water

my daughter swam out past the waves

dolphins around her

under water squeaks

connections, respect, and beauty

beach

long, smooth grassy
strands of sea weed
tangled around
surf board leashes

squishy, glossy,
blobs of crimson jelly fish
along the shore

feet buried in the sand
cooler as your toes dig deeper

orange fins kicking
way beyond the waves
swimming to the buoy
with daddy

juxtaposition

My daughter

looks so grown up one moment
riding bikes for miles
grasping the hand grips
cruising down the hills
cautious and excited

and so little the next
sleeping in our bed with her stuffed animals
she's had her whole life

juxtaposition of growing up

awe

That itty bitty,
smooth, white baby tooth
tucked beneath her pillow

swapped for
a coin and a message
from the Tooth Fairy

morning brings
awe

faith

trust and confidence

evolve and grow

with deep understanding

not simply obedience

calm

I did the chores today at a slower pace
and found myself

not dreading them as much
not hurrying to get them done
not thinking about the next thing

I'm not lying when I say
that I even enjoyed them

gardening
dishes
laundry
errands

I appreciated the quiet contemplation time.

feeling calm

desire

When you really want something,
you'll find a way to fulfill.

I watched Jr. Lifeguards jump off the OB pier today.

excitement in their eyes
nervous, trembling legs
deep breaths

"Up on the rail, split your fins, hands over head, step off!"

Pushing through fear because of desire

sunflowers

towering, golden bursts

greeting the sunrise

saluting the sunset

bent, heavy, seeded heads

nature's perfect bird feeder

aroma

sunset walk

distinct fragrances of
night blooming jasmine
and trumpet flowers

will they surface in my dreams tonight?

heart

Tears rolled off my cheeks
as I watched our friend's 25 yr. old son
at the memorial service.

One arm around his grandma
One arm around his dad's wife

a source of strength
while wading in his own grief

light

I am surrounded by light

the sunset's glow
my friends' support and laughter
dancing at the concert park
generosity and encouragement from strangers

shrinking the shadows
bringing clarity to my life

"This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine..."

honor

she chose us
to take care of the ashes

an honor

standing in a circle
we each chose a card
from the thought box
and read aloud

"There's always something to be happy about."
"Life is good."
"I can choose my thoughts at any time"
"Release your limiting beliefs."
"The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be grateful."
"Smile."

our original, co-constructed
dedication for Rich

moments

small moments

seared in my memory today

walking over 3 bridges around the bay
jumping rope with kelp
bites of a warm cinnamon roll
talking with friends about choices in life
baking blueberry cake together
stroking my daughters' hair at bedtime

small moments strung together for a big, abundant life

receptive

Be open and willing to receive ideas.

Foster this inclination.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

dynamic

continuously changing

my feet in the wet sand
sinking, enveloped, refreshed

a constant reminder
that life is a process

stay connected to the ocean
get your feet wet

tears

for a wonderful friend
sorely missed

a peaceful, reflective presence
seeded into our lives

forever remembered
in the beat of a drum

water

Over 70% of the earth is water
Over 70% of the human body is water

each a whole, living organism

I'm consciously appreciating
the water outside and inside of me.