Easter Wishes

If I could send an Easter wish to all of my children ( grandchildren alike), I would wish for them to choose to live up to their potential. Sounds a bit grandiose and dramatically stated perhaps, but not in this mother and grandmother's eyes.

I see each one of these marvelous individuals as unique, creative, intelligent, bold, and passionate. They are at all different stages of life and each one faces their own challenges. I know in my spirit that God has given each one, such wonderful gifts and the ability to overcome any obstacle that this world throws at them.

My wish is that they see what I see in them and what God has blessed them with. That they will always look inward and trust what they know is true and then find the courage to follow. I love you all.

We Adapt With Time

The South Street Seaport Village, in NYC, is a bustling center of trendy shops ad eateries. You will find Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie and Fitch, and many more familiar names. Doesn't it look wonderful, the old brick and cobblestones well over 200 years old and yet they are still there, appreciated and in use.

This was once a busy seaport, the reflection of New York as an old seaport town full of trade activity. Merchants, ship chandlers, sailmakers and figurehead carvers took care of business while boarding houses, saloons and brothels took care of pleasure. If these streets could talk, huh?

In 1967, Peter and Norma Stanford paved the way for this wonderful historic area to be perserved, and today many tourists can shop, look up, and down to experience a bit of AMerican History. Gotta Love It!

Times to Enjoy

Life has been interesting lately, it's so nice to feel relaxed and let go. Work has been very slow for a substitute teacher. Probably because California has seen fit to cut the budget for education dramatically. As a result, no one feels comfortable taking a sick day because, it might draw attention to themselves, and a pink slip might follow. So I have been lucky enough to spend a few afternoons with my granddaughter, who attends the Middle School directly behind my house.

She arrives at my front door within minutes of leaving the campus. We will discuss her day, have a light snack and then dive into her History homework. I love hearing her chatter and giggles, and I realize that with the gift of age comes the ability to find pleasure in very simple things.

I am deeply pleased that I spent the time to reenter the academic world, and that I have something to offer that is helpful. It's just nice to watch her enthusiasm, hear her intelligent input, and to watch her process the material and develop an opinion. I love it.

I have also been thrilled to see the same attitude from my grandson, as well as my son. I spent many years taking them on vacations that were filled with historical significance. My challenge was to be able to present it, in such a manner, that they would enjoy it. So, at the tender age of 7 years we would travel from west coast to east, and we would visit Monticello, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, Bunker Hill, Williamsburg and everything in between.

The key was to throw in a cruise on a Tall Ship, or a steam boat, or perhaps a carriage ride. It meant enrolling little guys into the colonial militia and letting them learn to march and load a black powder musket with a mighty HUZZAH! Now at the ages of 16 and nearly 13 they get it, they even like it. Better yet, they want to discuss their classes...WWI, WWII, European Exploration.......wow.

They stumble and find the work challenging, but they are interested and can form opinions and see patterns in history and that is what it is about. It starts here, with the questions, wanting answers and becoming intellectually involved...they are fine kids...and they are my family! Gush,,gush........I dearly love these kids!

Flash Backs

This was taken last summer in Oahu, my son ( baby) and my granddaughter ( my favorite redhead). Isn't she beautiful? They are such great kids..and I am deeply proud of them...such changes over the years...and it got me thinking.....


Flash Backs, yes I get them now and again. I was watching my grandson slide in behind the wheel..he is 16 now, and my son was sitting in the backseat..with the pretty redhead. As everyone gets buckled in and the engine begins to hum, I hear the words coming from the backseat, "Well Rookie, where are we off to today?" It wasn't that long ago, or at least it seems, that these two were busy in the backyard washing down the "big wheels" and heading them out to the front sidewalk, while the the little redhead squealed behind them. It goes by too quickly.








These two have been buddies since they were in diapers, and it seemed that they giggled and got into more mischief than my two girls ever did. They have had their "ups and downs" and their time apart as well.

All three have traveled together from west coast to east, and some over the waters of the Pacific. I never get tired of watching them experience new things and having "adventures"

It's not new, I have seen it before..the growing up before your eyes, but it seems different this time. I have enjoyed the ride and have paid attention, it's more precious to me than I can really explain.

My gosh, they are handsome guys...the "rookie" is wearing black and has ( as my daughter proudly says) a very sweet girlfriend....she is. The veteran driver of 11 months ( counting permit time) is in the white, no girlfriend, but that is another story.

The best part is, even though it is sad to see them growing up..I can smile. I have another "rookie" in the gates, getting ready to start her adventures with Nana. That is really another story....she is going to be all 3 of the older ones rolled into one....I might need to call in the veterans for back up! ;0)