These are My Children

I am the fortunate mother of teenagers. My friend's mother told me that when children are young they break your back and when they are old they break your heart. In my case, they haven't broke it, just given it major palpitations. I suppose it is their incredible energy, and sense of themselves, and wanting to carve out their own path in life when I am no longer in total control - of course, I never was.
That "shark and merman?" picture is so representative of those two it is cracking me up.

Getting Back to Myself

I am in my hotel room by myself at Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Hawaii. The boys have driven into Honolulu to the Pipeline Cafe to see the MISFITS. The bands' last stop on supposedly their last tour. I wasn't up to skanking or whatever you do to "zombie punk", but Land was incredibly adamant that he go to the concert. We are just sad that Upstanding Youth is not the opening group - now that is a concert! But...back to my night alone - I just watched the sun set over the point, breathtaking. I can hear children playing with their siblings in the pools lit by torches reflecting in the water. The ocean is overwhelmingly loud and gets more so as it gets darker. I have ordered room service and am doing handstands in the room. Upside down is when I feel young again. I guess now I am ready to go back to work, to finish a master's degree, shovel snow, cook dinners, teach new students. I just need to remember to take time for a handstand to find a new perspective on my busy life.

The Family Aquatic

Happy New Year from under the sea! This picture is taken on our ascent from China Wall in Hawaii today - we all four finished the PADI advanced open water course with this drift dive. It was a great dive that made up for the earlier plunge where I spent the entire time puking off the side of the boat, off the back of the boat, on the boat, and under the boat into the regulator. I thought I would never scuba dive again, but today put the joy back into it. Lots of fish, and turtles, and swimming into caves, and amid the rocks. Peace, like an ocean. Happy 2008!

At least it's not Valentine's

I am consistent in a few things and one is getting the Christmas card out a bit after the holiday - so here is a picture of the joyful greeting that you can view before.

Pennants

I loved the pennant banners that were in store windows in England, France and Holland. They made me happy with all the bright colors and patterns. I told myself that I would make my own once I was home... well I made a few strands and am giving them to people that make me happy for a Christmas gift. Maybe they can string the flags up on special holidays or birthdays and have instant party decorations. Who knows... some of the individuals who will be receiving these have wild imaginations.