mountain serenity

I spent several wonderful days in the Sierra with my friend Mary. I had a good feeling that it would be rejuvenating but I don't think I knew HOW rejuvenating and relaxing it would be. Wow!  I really let go of my angst and worry and need to work and fix and let myself relax and enjoy myself. Ahhhhhh.

 

biscuits and jam

Taking our jam on a journey....or a picnic to be more precise. I baked some simple biscuits this morning to take on an afterschool picnic at my favorite cemetery. There were a few groans in the car (they are tweens after all) but once there only happiness and joy.  Can't get better than homemade strawberry rhubarb jam on biscuits eaten on a picnic table cloth with good friends. Gratitude...

wonderful view

Emily has been enjoying getting a new perspective on things by climbing up on our trellis. This weekend she decided to venture further and climbed all the way to our roof. I suggested she consider cleaning the skylights, which she happily agreed to do along with her friend.  Suddenly the view from the bedroom got much clearer. Yesterday another friend came over, and they decided they wanted to venture onto the roof. I helped them get up and then took a little rest in bed. Not knowing I was below, they decided to cover the skylight in flower petals. A very happy surprise for us all! 

mother's day strawberries

It was a long long drive given a bridge closure we hadn't known about. Lots of whining in the front and back seats. And at last we made it to strawberry fields. And it was really beautiful and they were delicious. Yum. We emerged with 25 pounds of berries; many enjoyed on the long car ride home and with whipped cream that night. Others have already been turned into jam and Em's favorite, strawberry rhubarb jam.  Makes this mom smile!

making the bed

Emily's latest project of choice was making a bed for her doll. She drew plans and researched and revised. And then we built it in a day. Stop being a perfectionist she told me. It's fine like it is, mom.  And what good advice. I was letting go and letting her execute her project as she wanted to do it. I was so proud as she used the power saw. That powerful creative girl of mine. 

Painted in a day and then time for bedding. Special fabric had to be found, and then she quickly came up with a design.  We brought out the sewing machine and soon the project  was complete. 

beach time

Who would have thought of a warm day on the beach on Valentine's Day?  But there we were at Stinson Beach with our good friends watching the most beautiful sunset. And Emily and her friend boogie boarding into the twilight hours. Wow. So happy to be here.

Rock with a view

I am thoroughly enjoying my regular walks in a nearby cemetery. The hills are green, the trees are amazing, and the views are beautiful. I have special rocks I love to sit on, and trees I love to sit under. Walking, meditating, and exercising here is so rejuvenating. It truly is a place full of life.