Soulyluna

them, us, me

2012-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Some weird family photos came over from my sister.
Taken on November 24, 2011.

them.

Yesterday I asked Loma if she wanted to Skype with cousin Phoebe.

Her reply:

"No. Because then I'll miss her too much. And I'll want her to be right here with me. And I won't be able to sleep at night because I'll be thinking about it so much."

us.

Pretty used to marriage. Comfortable in our roles. Irritating each other. Enjoying each other.
Loving life together.

me.

Well consumed with teaching, reading, writing and thinking about teaching.

In the midst of searching for the right kindergarten for next year.

Cleaning out a lot of dog hair from underneath the couch and piano.

Discovering a love of ice skating.

Welcoming 2012

2012-01-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

For the third year in a row, we attended the annual Christmas tree burn on the mountain to ring in the New Year with a glorious bonfire and plenty of oooohs and aaaahs while our crispy trees went up in flames. We began talking about it early, so Loma would be well prepared to say goodbye to our tree she affectionately referred to as "Treenie". Once again we gave thanks to our small village of friends and family, as we talked about our hopes and dreams for new beginnings in 2012.

New Years day was met with a heavy heart thinking about our Hillary on her first birthday on the other side. In her honor, Loma and I stayed in most of the day reading books and baking three loaves of bread alongside quiet tunes and warm mugs filled with various toasty beverages. Meanwhile, Ben worked outside to transform my old farm-style sewing table into a new kitchen island. Counter space at last! The table transformation seemed quite apropos since I've decided at last to close shop at TreeBottom. My little sewing business served me well during Loma's baby years while I worked to put myself through school, but it's time now to focus more on my career and creative endeavors closer to home.

I'm not one to make resolutions at the beginning of the year, but after my fourth piece of warm bread topped with melted butter, I do hope to find fewer bags of the store bought variety in our home this year. I've certainly got the right table for kneading dough.

2011 in Pictures

2011-12-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

2011 brought our family many joyful gains and some painful losses. The year started out with the first (and only) snow of the year. Immediately following the cold front, we headed south for 10 days of summer in Mexico; LJ moved homes and schools, learned to swim and started writing several words beyond her name; I completed my MA degree and got my first official teaching job; Ben survived a successful heart surgery; We grieved losses of both a great nana, and dear friend who left this planet far too soon; We acquired a home of our own and began a lifetime of domestic renovations; The Henry brothers harvested 20 tons of grapes; Grandma Linda came for Thanksgiving and brought the most acclaimed dresses of the year for two very critical 4-year-old fashionistas; and last but not least, Santa came again this year.

We musn't have been too naughty.

This year I decided to sort through my photo files and select one image from each month for a year-in-review post. Choosing only one was difficult, but I am satisfied with the simplicity, and the memories ensued.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August


September October

November

December

Gymnastics Reunion

2011-12-27T00:29:00.000-08:00

After twenty-some years, the girls finally got together again to gossip about compulsory floor routines, stress fractures, vault drills, having babies and traveling the world. Next time we plan to relive a gym sleepover.

Can you tell who's who?

Calling all young masterful minds

2011-12-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Coming Up at Nimbus Arts in Saint Helena:

I'm ringing in the new with the resolution to stay true to my teaching roots by stepping away from the California State Content Standards for Writing on Fridays to journey into the world of creative self-expression for a stint. With the help of a few blank composition books, some art supplies, and some brilliant memory evoking ideas from Lynda Barry, I'll be be teaching another after school creative writing workshop for the young folk.
Come one, Come All!

Writing & Poetry
Young Writers Workshop
New Instructor: Tegan Henry

These relaxed young writers workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. Writing prompts will vary to ignite silly stories and introspective reflection. Writing pieces may evolve into poems, memoirs, and short stories—or remain treasured just as they are. Participants will gain exposure to masterful examples of strong writing, group collaboration, and revision strategies. There are no grades or wrong answers—there is just the story. Young authors will leave the workshop with more trust in their voices, confidence in their language, and happy anticipation about the stories they have yet to tell.

$60 WRT-2 Ages 10 and up | Fridays, Jan. 13— Feb. 3, 3:30–5:00pm (Maximum 10 students)

Registration can be made possible by clicking here or calling 707-963-5278.

Winter Holiday

2011-12-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Vacation has arrived.

On the last day of school I found myself lingering about my classroom before departing for two whole weeks. I'm attached to that stuffy old portable like I am to my favorite boots. My classroom is a place I've worn-in comfortably with the help of my students, a whole lot of books and a cozy reading chair. It's a place for us read together, write together and talk about our learning. Though far too much time there results in multiple failed attempts to explain simple directions, or working to refocus the class after some impetuous outburst caused by a bout of ten-year-old insanity... I miss them when we're apart.

As a first year teacher, I definitely recognize all the novice maneuvers I pull as they unfold. My kids and I have piloted so many new ideas for dealing with this and that, I'm not even sure we know what's going on half the time. It seems every learning experience in the classroom turns into a lesson in better preparation for me. For someone who thrives on spontaneity, running a classroom can be both exciting and grueling.

For years I worried I would never find something I wanted to do for any length of time. I'm the antsy type--- always looking toward the next thing, feeling panicky and trapped if things stay the same for too long, but it turns out teaching really fits. I love the schedule of being a teacher, as it allows me to continue looking ahead toward the next lesson, class, unit, trimester...vacation. There's always a second chance to try again. Thankfully, kids are mostly flexible and receptive to change. My job as a teacher is one of my happiest roles right now. When I go in to work, I feel competent, and I know I am making a difference in several young lives. I have also grown to love working among co-workers dedicated to the same mission. There's always someone there to scrape me off the floor when I've melted into a puddle of exasperation, or to pat me on the back for my achievements.

Four months later, I'm finally posting some pictures of my classroom.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Holiday Sprinkles

2011-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

This year school ends on December 23rd! Instead of visions of sugar plums dancing through my head, my mind is otherwise occupied by reading test comprehension questions, entering data into my gradebook and frantically figuring out ways to trick my students into getting work done while sugar pulses through their veins. Yesterday one of my students graciously inquired,

"What happened to your hair Mrs. Henry? I've never seen you look so messy!"

Around here we have at least managed to sew up some stockings for the fireplace, make two batches of reindeer cookies for various work-related holiday functions, cut down and decorate a Christmas tree, string the house with lights and even wrap some presents.

Sorry folks. No Holiday cards this year.

P.S.

SANTA WROTE BACK!

He wished LJ a merry time at the Nutcracker ballet with aunt Jane and cousin Phoebe, and he cleverly avoided promise of fulfilling gift requests.

In case Santa happens upon our blog...

2011-12-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

We also hand delivered the letter to Santa at city hall, where there is a special mailbox this time of year for letters addressed to the North Pole. Rumor has it Santa often writes back. We're on the edge of our seats.

home

2011-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

A card from cousin Phoebe

2011-11-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Loma, Phoebe, Jane, Sasha (the important ones)

Phoebe. Age 4.5.

Thankful, Happy and Lucky

2011-11-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

A week of rest from the daily grind allowed me to fully enjoy life's delicious details. We hosted Thanksgiving at our new home, honored by the presence of Grandma Linda, who traveled all the way from Idaho to be here for Thanksgiving. Lucky for me, everyone else in my family enjoys cooking, so a mere salad and some fall-themed mantle decorations were my big contributions. With mom here, my sister and I were able to comfortably regress back to teendom, lounging about the living room watching The Wizard of Oz while mum slaved in the kitchen. She likes it that way though, promise.

Our culinarily-gifted husbands joined grandma in festive preparations, while the little girls disappeared into Fairyland each day. Lucky for us, they returned home by nightfall to provide evening entertainment on the backyard castle-stage. Each moment together was filled with love, humor, and gratitude. ♥

More Thanksgiving here.

XY

2011-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

These handsome little fellas of the family are really causing my ovaries to ache for an XY chromosome.

Autumn

2011-11-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

The woods are full of faeries, the sea is full of fish, the trees are full of golden leaves, let's make an autumn wish.

We have a faerie expert living in our home. Did you know most fairies are offended by a spoken thank you? A certain four (and a half) year old has enlightened me on house faerie etiquette in order to assure I don't do anything to rid our home of these beloved guests. As it turns out, once you've offended one of the wee folk they will leave and never return.

Speaking of fairies, have you discovered the Fairy Name Generator?

Loma's fairy name is Briar Rainbowwand

STATS:

She brings good fortune.
She lives in leafy dells and bluebell glades.
She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.
She wears bluebell-blue dresses and has multicolored wings like a butterfly.

feathers and bones

2011-11-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

listening

lives

2011-11-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

We had a visitor, and she took some lives.
(Twenty to be exact)

With a little remorse, we were awed by her 3-day presence.

More to see here.

wild and free

2011-10-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Wild and free is how I long to be.

For now, I live vicariously through the eyes of thee.

Bolinas 2011

Bolinas 2010

Bolinas 2009

the dress

2011-10-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

Finally something significant to post about. My life has been a flurry of hurry, and neither my camera, nor my reflective mind have been much use for anything outside of fifth grade homework packets and spelling tests. Updates all around are long overdue, and a trip to the wedding dress shop with my best friend yesterday offered a beautiful way to come back to my old blog posting self again.

We went to Shadows in San Anselmo, where several ladies dear to my heart have found their perfect dress, and yesterday was no exception. After a delectable lunch with the girls, we headed over for Jessica's appointment. We were given an all-access pass to the fancies in the back, where we selected several styles for our paperdoll princess. Within an hour, the dress was selected. It was an obvious choice once we realized she didn't seem to want to take the dress off her body. Perhaps one of the following became the chosen one, but I shan't spoil the surprise.

More magic here.

the bed.

2011-09-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Last night during the deep hours, I was pulled from sleep when Loma's calls for me incorporated themselves into my dream. After discovering she was both thirsty, and needed to pee, I helped with said necessities and snuggled in with her. Before falling back to sleep, I whispered a question I've often wondered... in the middle of the night.

Me: "Loma?"

Loma: "What."

Me: "How do you know if you're at your mama's house or your papa's house when you wake up
in the dark?"

Loma: "My feet."

Me: "Your feet?"

Loma: "Yeah. I feel with my toes. If I can feel the bottom of the bed, I know I'm at my papa's house. If I can't, I'm at my mama's house.

Because I have a short bed at my papa's house, and a long bed at my mama's house."

Me: "Wow. That's really smart. When I woke up in the dark as a kid, I had to think really hard about the day before to remember which house I was at."

First Complete Sentence on Paper

2011-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

This bathroom is for kids and grownups

"That's pretty short to say, but it's really long to write."

-Loma Jane

age 4 years, 5 months

When all goes well...

2011-08-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

a teaching job grants enough time to come home and pick some apples,

engage in some backyard gymnastics (photo by loma jane),

enjoy dinner outside with the family,

find a little greenie bird in our tree,

and devour the fruits of our labor,

all in one lovely evening.

* * * * *

My life has taken a turn.

Some adaptations and adjustments are being made,
but I am happy to go where I'm going each new day,
and I'm happy to return to where I'm from when the day is done.

Asleep

2011-08-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I suspect this space will be asleep for a short while. I'm knee deep in learning the ropes at my first official place of work in five years. For now, lesson planning and 12 hour workdays will be taking over my life.

With a Perspective: Chimes

2011-08-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today I scored the most magnificent lot of teacher hand-me-downs from a friend's mother and long-time teacher. She also gave me a beautiful wooden mediation bell chime to use in my classroom. When we were almost home, Loma noticed their gentle clangs with the movement of the car and said, "I can still hear Pam's wind chimes all the way in Napa."

Loma Jane is also spending a lot of time arranging her belongs just so while she works busily to "set up her classroom."

Loma Jane. Age 4.

As our summer break comes to a close with just three more week days, Loma and I sat down yesterday to talk about our accomplishments. We decided to coin summer 2011 The Summer of Progress. We got a new house, I got a job, Ben has a new heart and Loma learned how to swim, how to pump on a swing, and she is darn near ready to take off her training wheels.

Good times.

last wednesday

2011-08-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

... watching the tide roll away

Today

2011-08-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Old house, new house.

Wedding knocker hung.

magic potion palace

2011-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

motion picture version

Nesting (from the eyes of a four year old)

2011-08-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

Ten days from now, I'll finally have my first classroom. For the past five years, I've been working toward this day, and it's finally come. With a relatively late hire date, we have been left to scramble for childcare and optimum scheduling ideas for everyone involved in her life. There a lot of key players to factor in, and solutions are not straightforward.

My response? Nest.

Nesting for me means, cleaning, making lists, more cleaning, and inevitably much tossing and turning during the wee hours while ideas circulate through every living moment.

There is no time for sleep.

My bedside is stacked with teaching books, young adult literature, picture books and notepads. My poor husband has been struggling to sleep next to a frenzied lamplight scribbler and keyboard tapper. Speaking of, have you discovered Pinterest yet? That site is definitely responsible for for much of my deranged behavior. I can't stop pinning. If you have found Pinterest, let's follow each other.

You can find me here.

Today Loma got hold of my camera and began documenting the very behaviors that have consumed me. I was impressed with her keen eye.

Then I got one of her atop her watchtower.

Missing Hill

2011-08-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the warm summer nights and the smell of campfire that permeates my clothes this time of year that makes my longing for Hill so strong. I want to sit under the stars with her. I want to hear that silly, yet so sincere giggle of hers again. And when I close my eyes, I can see her twirling those perfect curls through her fingers.

When she left this planet on the eve of May 18th, 2011, I felt her sitting in our living room chair, almost as though she stopped by to say farewell. Two weeks before, I promised Hillary we would do our best to help her daughter Alma know her through our colorful stories. I asked friends contribute something in writing to a memory book I've been putting together for Alma to keep. Finally today, I wrote down my own contribution.

* * * * * *

Hillary

Despite her flawless wit, and her crowning brilliance, Hillary's warm and generous ways stand at the top of my lasting memories of her. There are so many things I strive to adopt that are inspired by what came so naturally to Hillary. Whenever I go to see a friend, I always try to arrive with some sort of gift in hand. Hillary never came empty handed. Whether it was a cutting from one of her succulents, a homemade apple pie, or a funny picture from a magazine, it was always heartfelt. One time she even showed up with a handmade dress. She said she was inspired by the funky fabric to sew up a dress just for me! Later, it became presents for my daughter Loma too. She always came with just the right toy or book or Sgt. Pepper jacket that she "knew Loma would love."

And she always did.

Hillary was also a nurturer and a healer. It was no surprise that she would become an incredible nurse. Even though her career was cut short, she was always a nurse to those around her. One summer, Hillary and I accompanied Jessica on a road trip to El Paso, Texas to send her off to midwifery school. We stopped at some crazy hippy hot springs town in New Mexico for the night, and against the advisement of Hill and Jess, I decided to make friends with a feral cat. Apparently the cat had abandonment issues, because when I turned to walk away, it leapt toward me only to dig its vicious fangs deep into my calf.

And not once did she say, "I told you so."

Hillary's transition into motherhood was effortless and awe-inspiring. I was eleven months ahead of her in our parenting journey, and having babies so close together was an incredible gift. We would share in our experiences, and simply admire our little girls together as they learned to stand on their own, find words to express themselves, and discover the rhythm of music that made their souls dance. Hillary loved to sit back and observe Alma, letting her explore and grow in whatever ways came most naturally to her. In the presence of her daughter, Hillary always had a subtle and prideful smile in her eyes. That little girl made her life complete.

Last year at this time, I was planning my wedding. By then, Hillary had recently graduated from her nursing program, and had been through her first surgery and a round of treatment. Despite everything she was dealing with at the time, Hillary announced that she and Miguel wanted to make tamales for my wedding. They arrived on my wedding day with TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY of the tastiest handmade tamales I have ever had. Hands down, that was the most generous memorable wedding present we received.

Though we lost the physical presence of Hillary far too soon, she left us with memories of her countless gestures of kindness, her unwavering sense of humor, and a level of strength that seemed beyond the bounds of possibility. I feel a sense of peace knowing that without a doubt, her courageous spirit will live on through the stories told by those of us who loved her, and our actions inspired by her.

With so much love,

Tegan

August 2011

A most beautiful testament to Hillary's character and achievements, written by her father, can be found here.

Sixty Years Married

2011-07-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of playing out the role of the unofficial official photographer for a most elegant party over the weekend at Frog Leap Winery. I'm proud to say my amazing green thumbed sister-in-law Tessa is the gardner there. The celebrated couple of the event was her grandparents. During her grandfather's toast to sixty years with his wife, he offered some sound advice on the key to a blissful and enduring marriage for all of us underdogs:

"Whenever you have a conflict with one another, always err in the favor of your wife."

I like it.

Here are a few of my favorite images of that glorious day:

Just Married

2011-07-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

...and they came all the way from Korea to celebrate with us in style.

Congrats Luke and Ean!

polaroid remembory

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

The story of these little polaroids that captured framed pics of our beloved friends and family members first came to be at our wedding last fall. Finally, I've found a place to display them in our new home.

Reunited.
And it feels so good.

Cloud Pee

2011-07-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

LJ: Mom, what makes rain?

Me: See those clouds up in the sky? They are like floating puffs of moisture. When they get

really full of water, it gets too heavy and they leak. The water that falls down to the ground is rain.

LJ: Oh. It's just like when I drink a lot of water, I leak too.

With a perspective. Age 4.

Photo

new babies

2011-07-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's like spring around here.

We have some new babies entering our lives...

Baby fairy gardens have been planted

Our baby staghorn ferns have arrived

And straight from the middle earth, Gitl (our tropical tortoise inventively named by LJ) has revealed herself. According to my research, it's possible she'll stay with us for the next seventy years.

We are fond of family heirlooms.

changing the world, one little (person) at a time...

2011-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

I recently came across an article in the Huffington Post by Lisa Bloom titled: How to Talk to Little Girls. From the perspective of a literacy advocate, I'm not convinced the article is appropriately titled. The purpose of the article is social commentary on raising girls in a society filled with gender expectations, but underneath Ms. Bloom offers some invaluable literacy building strategies to use when talking to the younger folks of society (boys included). Instead of approaching children by initiating conversation about what they are wearing or other other such physical amenities or features they posses, try simply asking if they've read any good books, written any good stories, or created anything they are proud of lately, and see what you get!

goodness

2011-07-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Things are looking swell, and I've put together some thank you cards:

This one's for the a certain heart surgeon to whom I am forever thankful.

And this one's for a certain principal who hired me as a reading teacher for next school year.

My husband has a healthy heart, I got my dream job, and lj got to visit Fairyland for the first time with her cousin. Life is good.

Oh, and did I mention that the hospital was located a short couple of blocks from San Francisco's Japantown? We reaped the benefits of that as well.

a tie-dye fourth of July

2011-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Small town livin' is just the thing for me.

Walking to the annual fourth of July parade, fireworks from the driveway and friends a-plenty to share the fun with are a few of my favorite things about our new town. In celebration of independence, we hosted a tie-dye themed fourth of July/ housewarming party. A few more visuals here.

faux grass (and other news)

2011-07-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Artificial Turf... it's a way of life!

It came with the house and it's growing on us day by day. We may just have to keep it.
Aside from the obvious perks (i.e: no water needed, no mud, and all green all the time), we also enjoy using it as a mat to wipe our feet before re-entering the house,
and just the thought of vacuuming outdoors tickles me to no end.

. . .

In other news:

This week, one of us might be newly employed, one of us will have a newly functioning vital organ, and scenes from our housewarming/ fourth of July extravaganza will be released.

Stay tuned...

midweek highlights...

2011-07-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Two days of camping, hiking, climbing, swimming and all out chillaxin' at Hendy Woods

(highly recommended).

A husband who returns from work with a backseat full of freshly harvested garlic and a package of tp.

And a great interview for a job I really want. For now, it's the waiting game. But if nothing else, I'm finally gaining some interview skills and I had the opportunity to meet a really amazing school principal who is dedicated to her teachers and the rights of her students as lifelong learners.

Journey

2011-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

On the road to victory.

After today, I'll have lived through my fifth job interview for a teaching position this season.
Someday soon I'll have some positive news to share.
If nothing else, I'm, getting really skilled at the interview process.

In other news, I scored this beautifully illustrated book of wildflowers at our local thrift store wonderland and now I'm tempted to try to create an entire collection of wooly wildflower appliques for the shop. This late seasonal deluge has brought about a bright and mighty ground cover of color and inspiration.

swimming lessons

2011-06-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

"I only swim in Mexico."

-Said a certain four year old to her swimming lessons teacher.

fairy watching

2011-06-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

In order to be a lucky observer of a fairy in her natural habitat, one must:

1. tread softly (bare feet required)
2. blend in (fairy garb is a must)
3. quietly observe places they frequent (wild chamomile beds provide places of delight for backyard fairies)

Project Home cont.

2011-06-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Living with such an industrious and artful cabinmate charms me to no end.

Life together is unfolding with increasing pleasantness page by page.

Project Home

five-minute writing prompt

2011-06-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

From Saturday mornings Petals and Bones creative writing kickstart workshop:

Wanderlust carried us as far as the rain gutter outside our gate.

We discovered a tiny spotted deer lying stiff two feet below the ground.

How did it get there? We wondered.

Then the six year old remarked, "I wish one of the grownups were here to see this."

His mom and I looked at each other both bewildered and pleased.

Today, we were one of the kids.

dads

2011-06-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Happy father's day to the special dads we know and love.

This is a very incomplete picture list of the many dads we are honoring today.

Thank you for being the important men in our lives that you are.

friday night

2011-06-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's friday night.
My husband is at a baseball game with the boys of the family.
My daughter is with her papa.

I spent the earlier part of the day with a friend.

I thought I had convinced myself to end the afternoon with a run and some sewing, but preceding incidents led me to eat a lot of Mexican food. Instead, I went to Macy*s in attempt to add color to my wardrobe. From there, I left with a collection of "necessities" in grays and blacks.

Now I am looking at pictures from a couple of days ago spent with LJs cousins and auntie. They were our fifth round of overnight guests since we moved into our new house on May 15th!

This week LJ started swimming lessons. None of the other kids showed up, so she had a week of private lessons.

before swimming lessons: censored version

swimming lessons

Play

2011-06-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play.

-Heraclitus

Stillness + Movement

2011-06-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Stillness is what creates Love

Movement is what creates Life

To be still

Yet moving-

That is Everything.

Do Hyun Choe

Still

2011-06-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

There was really almost no difference in the flowers and grasses.

But there was something else here that was not anywhere else.

It was an enormous stillness that made you feel still.

And when you were still, you could feel great stillness coming closer.

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

By The Shores Of Silver Lake

right Now, I am:

2011-06-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Missing my daddy.

How odd it seemed when the sky opened up and cried on the morning of June 8th, 2005.

It's been six years since I've tangibly seen him, but I feel him with me as my guiding constant.

Each year on his birthday, and often on the anniversary of his passing, my dad's best friend since the age of twelve sends me a letter filled with memories of my dad.

These stories help keep him alive year after year.

These stories seem to come at just the right time, when my heart is tender.

From these stories, my dad's sense of humor and his immeasurable passion for his work, his friends and most of all, for his daughters is suspended in time, right where it belongs.

Thank you Robert.
It is for these stories, I love you more than tongue can tell.

* * * * * * * * *

Dear Jane and Tegan, 6/8/2011

Another year seems to have passed so very quickly since I last

paid tribute in writing to your dad. It was just yesterday, wasn't it?,

your dad and I laughing uncontrollably in the hallway at TW Junior

High after being reprimanded by the vice principal Ms. Stauffer for

running and skipping in the halls.( Actually, I was running, your

dad was skipping!) Or the time, as teenagers, we sat in my car

with our newly acquainted “blind “ dates; your dad and I just

glanced at each other for a split second and…you guessed

it…outrageous laughter ensued without apparent cause, to our

dates confusion and bewilderment. Or the time we drove through

a Dairy Queen and your dad ordered a milkshake..I waited

patiently at the stop light until your dad began to take a sip; at that

precise moment, I floored the accelerator of my mom’s 1959

Chevy…the milkshake foaming over his face, shirt and shorts.

Initial shock replaced with gut wrenching laughter by both of us.

No one I know, laughed as hard and as often with as much joy as

your dad. And no one I know brought so much joy, smiles and

laughter to so many people. I am grateful for the countless and

wonderful memories we shared.

With all of the earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes causing

widespread devastation this past year; one can only wonder

when, not if, your dad’s lifelong passion of domes, domes, domes

will make his vision a reality. I hope all of you are doing well and

that we will get to see each other before too long.

Much love, r (bobby)

yesterday

2011-06-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely day it was.

This was read by Hillary's younger sister Liz at the service. I agree, the piece is so very Hill, and so very lovely. Such eloquently written words that anyone can relate to are words to be shared.

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Dejé mi Corazon en Chile

2011-06-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time (the year was 1999), I was a young jetsetter, heading out for my first grand adventure to South America. My first introduction to the people of Chile happened on a flight layover in Chicago, when a Chilean college kid made his way down my aisle to land himself in the seat next to mine. Returning from a holiday filled with European escapades, this weary traveler pulled his beanie over his dreaded locks to cover eyes and snooze away the majority of our seventeen hour plane ride. Feeling quite the opposite, my adrenaline-filled blood longed to practice my Spanish with this cute and mysterious age-appropriate stranger. The poor boy found just enough energy to get me on a collectivo (a Chilean-style cab) to my hotel and give me some helpful tips for understanding Chilean Castellano, which included an immediate purchase of the ever-essential phrasebook widely available on any Santiago street corner titled: How to Survive in the Chilean Jungle (it can now be purchased on Amazon).

How to Survive in the Chilean Jungle, by John Brennan is an encyclodepia of Chilean slang complete with photo demonstrations and diagrams. This book translates all the R-rated English curse words, but more entertainingly it defines the "Chileanismos" or the slang terms that are only understood in Chile. A few of my favorites include "perro muertro", which translates to the act of dining and dashing and "a lo gringo", which means you've forgotten to put on underpants. This brings me to the word "Huevon"(pronounced WAY-OWN), derived from the word "huevo" (egg) which Brennan describes as, "Chile's prized addition to the Spanish language". When you call someone a "huevon", you're calling them an idiot, but its used more like the California version of "dude." It's hard to describe the exact function this word plays in language use, but nearly every sentence begins and ends with "huevon," and for girls "huevona." And of course it's used in various contexts, for example, you can descirbe something as being "huevonismo"or say "estoy hueando" (I'm just kidding).

I was told that Chileans speak an adapted version of the Castillian language. For example, they conjugate some verbs in "tú" form differently. Instead of "hablas"or"estás" its "hablai" and "estaí". Moreover, everyone finishes words and phrases with "po," which is short for "pues." For example,"sipo", "yapo", "no sépo." Even today, over a decade later, I find myself urged to tack "po" or "pue" to the endings of my Mexi-Cali-Chilena-Gringa-Spanish.

So now you may be wondering why this old and graying madre is reminiscing about her youthful days of South American language study and incidental tomfoolery...

Well, Daniel (the once dreaded Chilean college kid) and I have stayed moderately in touch over the years. He visited ten or so years ago during my post-college years in Berkeley and I went back to Chile for another short trip a year or so later, to be spoiled by his family in Santiago.

Last week, I had a visit from Daniel and his partner Joclyn. They are now international urbanites practicing architecture in New York, where they have been living for the past five years while Dani completes his PhD. The last time I saw him was in Paris seven years ago. Dani was studying architecture in a Parisian University while Jos was doing the same in Germany. I took a trip out to discover another great city (¡hay que aprovechar!) and marvel over their ability to absorb the language and culture of any city they step foot in.

I'm not quite sure our small town of Calistoga was really "their thing" but they admired the clean air, exotic plants, and the mountainscape views encircling our vineyard-covered valleys. They also spoke highly of the sense of freedom our children exude as they frolic amongst vast woodland hillsides, comfortable in their layers of dirt, sweat and handmade clothes. I was honored to have them as our third official house guests in our new home for a day and a night. I wish it was longer, but when they left, Dani said, "let's make our next span seven months instead of seven years." I concurred.

The mountainscape view from our living room window

I have no photo-documentation to prove they were here because they refused to be subjects of my camera. Much like my husband (who doesn't have a choice), Dani and Jos prefer to maintain an "offline lifestyle." My only visual artifact from their visit was this delightful modern birdhouse in just the right color from the SFMoMA they brought as a gift for LJ. We promptly put it together and found a spot for it in her room.

Notice LJ's haircut courtesy of salon de mom.

Thanks for the visit D and J! Besotes Grandotes hasta la proxima vez'po!

Places in Time

2011-05-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Music is re-entering my life in just the right way, at just the right time.

I've been granted the honorable job of putting together an audio playlist along with a photo

slideshow for my friend's memorial celebration coming up a week from tomorrow.

As a result, several song requests are trickling in, reminding us of events in history she
shared with the people she loves.

As I go through the process of finding places for everything in our new home, I've also been
watching people of the past appear in still images, while listening to the songs of her life.

This time will not be forgotten.

today

2011-05-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

After an uneasy job interview experience this morning, only to return to a less-than-comforting construction zone at home, LJ and I decided to spend the rest of the day settling into our new outside space.

And so a new Flickr set titled: Project: Home is born along with my new mantra...

(especially important words to remember as I learn to accept the mint green bathroom, which was not the color choice I would have gone with had I been home that fateful day).

en route

2011-05-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

A memory shot of lj's schoolyard where she has spent several of her days for the past 3 years en route to her preschool graduation.

On the Larkspur ferry en route to meet family in the city for a ball game.

A sip of champagne overlooking the bay en route to a celebratory dinner for a very special 60th birthday.

Once again I am reminded how fragile we are.

How the impermanence of life is not to be taken for granted.

And the photos of these moments, with the people I love are a little extra cherished this week.

Hillary

2011-05-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of our dear Hillary-a friend, sister, daughter, wife and mother.

Hillary has gifted the world with her healing hands, generous heart, extraordinary intelligence, unparalleled sense of humor and with her three-year-old daughter Alma, her bright and shining legacy.

On this planet January 1, 1978- May 18, 2011

Hillary

buttercup under chin
freckle knows me well
i'm thin as hell
under the spell of flies
old men they're wise
i can tell, filled up with mistakes
some are born with the old man face
some are born to race

i was born slow

as a up the mountain

quick as a falcon

laughing like a battalion

shaking my head

not eager to speak

or crawl

but eager to take time

as needed

words never heeded

working my way to old

with each sold shape

found another goodbye

hillary i hear you're a leaving

goodbye

I'd like you to stay

but other plans get made

by whom this is a tune

for you

you break the heart of many

but you make the heart of more

love beckons bright

'til we're out of sight

you've taught us how to fight

maybe one day

the robin and the jay

will find peace

and the bay. oh the bay

how she sways for these days

for you.

Words for Hill by Elam Blackman

Silly Hilly
Maui, 2006

polyester pantsuit a wearin' frowy hair a flowin' surely some mean dance moves a throwin'
2007

a brilliant moment captured at my wedding
2010

Alma
2010

It's good to be four

2011-05-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Cousin Phoebe was our first official overnight house guest in our new home!

moving on

2011-05-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's official.

We're picking up the keys to our new home today. We can't wait to walk into town for ice cream, groceries, fresh farmer's market produce and library books to name just a few of the exciting benefits of our new place. Last year at this time I spent countless hours perusing wedding design sites like and this. Now, my late night hours are spent on home decor sights like, this and this.

More details and design plans coming soon, but here's a little sneak peek.

Orchard!

Butterflies!

2011-05-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Spring splendor

egg hunting day, 2011

B is for Bona Fide Big Girl

2011-04-26T12:46:00.001-07:00

Four Today!

Though I realize four years old is still a very young age, sometimes this girl makes her youth easy to forget. As a captivating conversationalist with a natural affinity for human connection, LJ has a remarkable way of inviting people into her cozy world. At four, her confidence is unwavering, her powers of observation are enviable and her sense of style is, well ... unique.

For a girl who love to read and tell stories, we hosted a Golden Book-themed Birthday Brunch complete with Buddies, Bubbles, Bird whistles, Birthday cake, Balloons, Bananas, Boiled eggs, Bacon, Bagels, and Ballet.

The sun came out for a short while, David Bowie narrated Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and a cornucopia of presents, stage performances and trampoline bounces gloriously filled the morning hours.

Here's to four years of growing!

With a Perspective (on ice cream and motherhood)

2011-04-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

LJ: Someday I will be a nicer mom than you are.

Me: Really? Tell me what you will do to be a nice mom.

LJ: I'm gonna let my kids have waffles with ice cream for breakfast.

Me: Fair enough.

This photo, taken almost three years ago, captured LJ's first ice cream experience.
Apparently it made quite an impression.

Right Now, I am:

2011-04-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

enjoying... a moment of (semi) quiet time to read and write

listening... to the tunes of Pa's fiddle competing with the neighbor's tiresome lawnmower

consuming... Marshall Brainstorm's home-roasted brew with plenty of creamy splendor

waiting... for answers to more things than my psyche can handle at the moment

watching...the fish swim in our fish tank that has finally been cleaned after far too long

looking... forward to seeing friends I've been missing

loving... the giant-sized trampoline that satisfies my frequent urges to bounce and flip

thinking... I need to be writing papers for school instead of everything else I'm doing

hoping... for miracles on a some troublesome details that are consuming me

wishing... life were simpler for some people I love who are struggling with tragedy

Writing template borrowed from SouleMama

Reading the World

2011-04-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

I started a collection of language observations that came about from place in time when I walked past a construction zone and noticed some young children who claimed front row seating to watch and observe the "big diggers digging big holes." Their eyes were transfixed by the almost prehistoric movement of the large machines as the sights and sounds of creation unfolded before their very eyes- revealing a glimpse into the world of human potential. I loved watching their glee as they took in this new and exciting display of manifestation. Watching them observe, and in effect, 'read the world' helped me to realize that I've become dulled to much of what surrounds me.

Teaching requires me to be able to identify growth and areas of need among the students. Yet sometimes I'm so focused on moving students forward that I forget to simply observe and 'read' how they are developing as readers and writers. I worry that I might be missing wonderful things the students are showing me, just like I would have otherwise missed the beautiful art hidden within construction zone.

I just got back from a run during which I listened to the Radiolab podcast episode: Who Am I?

I'd really like to figure out a way to describe to children the findings that were discussed in defining "the meaning of self." I think when I do; it will help me become more effective as a teacher of reading (and writing).

If you have some time, and a quiet place to listen and pay attention, the podcast can be found here:

Cleary Wisdom

2011-04-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

In honor of Beverly Cleary's 95th birthday, I celebrate her timeless characters I loved and identified with as a child. My heart smiles when I still see kids today glued to her books and laughing out loud as they turn the pages. It was Ramona Quimby who first introduced me to the concept of D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read). In the increasingly rare event that classrooms I visit as a substitute teacher make time for sustained silent reading, I often tell them the story of Ramona's class deciding together that Sustained Silent Reading sounded rather dry, and needed a new name for something they loved to so. Thus, the acronym D.E.A.R. was born.

In an author interview on her website, the interviewer asks her what patterns have emerged in children over time as she receives thousands of letters from her young fans each year:

"Well, I think that the emotions of children don't change. Their life situations change. But inside they are just like they always were. They want a home, they want parents that love them, they want friends, and they want teachers that they like. And I think that's rather universal"(Cleary, 2011).

This morning, I read an an interview in Education Week with Kelly Gallagher, a veteran high school teacher an author of several published works on the subject of building deep readers and writers. In the interview, Gallagher reflects on change he's noticed in students' reading over the past 25 years of teaching:

"Students are reading a lot less. And here’s the compounding problem: That lack of reading has created a gaping hole in students’ prior knowledge and background, which is very, very important to bring to the page. A lot of times my kids can read the words on the page, but they can’t comprehend the text because they don’t have requisite prior knowledge and background information"(Gallagher, 2011).

Without an opportunity to read student-selected, high-interest text, schools are robbing young readers of the opportunity to learn how to read for pleasure, which is essential for developing a lifelong love of reading. "It’s ironic because school should be the place where kids go to learn to love reading. But school has become a place where kids go to hate reading."

A lot of this, of course, is driven by the testing pressures. Gallagher discusses the fact that his 9th graders in class today were in 1st grade when No Child Left Behind was enacted, so they have reached high school with a belief that the real reason you should read is to pass a test or respond to multiple-choice questions. As an adult who loves to read, I would say that if I learned to read in that context, I probably wouldn’t like reading either. Though the subject matter is rather dismal, the article is refreshingly optimistic, offering hope that the pendulum will swing back "into richer, deeper instruction—away from the inch-deep, mile-wide curriculum created to meet testing mandates." Teachers, parents and students themselves need to remember that Cleary wisdom reminding us that students learn naturally when their basic wants and needs are met. As long as we provide them with a safe and comfortable place to spend their days and plenty of high interest books to identify with, and learn from, they will thrive.

With a Perspective (on hygiene vs. freedom)

2011-04-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

LJ: Mom, I think the evil sorceress was kind of a good mom because when she locked Rapunzel up in the tower, she helped keep her long hair clean.

Me: I guess you are right. Being locked in a tower might help long hair stay clean. But is it better to have clean hair, or is it better to have freedom?

LJ: Clean hair.

CinnaBun goes to Mexico

2011-04-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

CinnaBun came into our home a year ago after we delightfully discovered the whimsical woolly wonders created by the enchanted hands of Freedom Rainbow, where each fluffy friend is reiki attuned (Bonus!) before s/he is sent off to new home.

"Each time I make a doll, I embark on a mircocosmic little adventure. Since I have been sewing nearly 30 years, the process comes naturally, like a meditation, which allows me to focus on expression and mood, so the personality of each plush can emerge."

Since CinnaBun's assimilation into our home in 2010, she has accompanied us on several adventures near and far. We find her mood to be generally content, unless she has spent too many days with crumbs and crayons at the bottom of a satchel. These pictures were taken by Loma Jane as the first set in a series of travel tales starring none other than CinnaBun herself.
Where will CinnaBun go next?

Stay (at)tuned...

stop and listen at the right time

2011-04-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

And he said,

"Don't be

ashamed

to learn from

bugs

sand

or anything"

I said,

"I won't."

He thought of one more thing.

"It's good to

walk

with people

but

sometimes

go alone."

"That way,"

he said,

"you can always

stop

and listen

at the right time."

-an excerpt from The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall

Currently many questions are unanswered for our family, and we are dealing with some bothersome details.

This book arrived in the mail today with such pristine timing, "it seemed like the most natural thing in the world."

Tucked in and drowsy, my girl and I danced through the pages with heavy eyes and soft whispers as we read it together tonight for the first of many times to come...

p.s.

Three year later.

I'm still in school.

I'm not a rich teacher.

I still have wanderlust.

keyhole Capture (six word memoir project)

2011-04-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

Happy first birthday sweet nephew of mine!

**********

A keyhole capture (or six-word memoir) is a life story told in six short words

because sometimes beauty is best captured with brevity.

Should you find yourself inspired to play along, submit your piece for publication with a link to your website to: soulyluna@gmail.com

Can't help lovin' that man of mine

2011-03-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Marshall Brainstorm's Birthday.

Patient, hardworking, creative, inventive, observant, chef-extraordinaire.
A dedicated friend and an incredible father to my child-
He is my survival guide.

Happy Birthday my love.

So much on my mind

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

This week I've been taking small moments to wander outside and take a breath from all of the change and upheaval we are enduring right now. Some of it quite positive, some of it uncomfortably challenging, and some of it downright terrifying. In the past week, I've started a new job (to get us through the summer months), I've been adding final touches to my graduate thesis project in preparation for graduation in May, and I've sent in several applications for teaching positions for next school year (fingers crossed!). Last weekend, we learned that the man of our house will be needing heart surgery after a frightening visit to the emergency room, so we're frantically trying to apply for retroactive Medi-Cal for this insuranceless household. And last but not least, it looks like we'll be moving into a house we can call our own in a week or two. Surprise!

Sometimes I wish the eyes of our sasquatch camera were mine, as it's sole purpose in life is to sit quietly in the woods waiting to capture any signs of life that passes through.

Keyhole Capture (six word memoir project)

2011-03-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Caution

Cuidado

Wet

Floor

Piso

Mohado

(It's just been one of those weeks)

* * * * * * * * * *

A keyhole capture (or six-word memoir) is a life story told in six short words

because sometimes beauty is best captured with brevity.

Should you find yourself inspired to play along, submit your piece for publication with a link to your website to: soulyluna@gmail.com

Thank you x 3

2011-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

280 results appeared on the California Teachers Association website this morning when I entered "teacher layoffs" in the search bar. Put mildly, the current state of education dismal. When asked what I do for a living (a most frequent question among adults engaged in small-talk banter) I usually refer to myself as: A Professional Substitute Teacher crossing my fingers for a job next year. Anyone in the know about the projected outlook for teachers, and in effect students, responds with something alluding to, good luck with that!

Thankfully, a fulfilling life based on -somehow managing to get by- has taught me to always have a back-up plan up my sleeve, and to keep an ongoing pros and cons list of my current situation. One of the pros of substitute teaching while finishing up my graduate degree is the vast amount of cutting-edge research and professional development in my field I am exposed to through graduate school, and the time I have in between jobs to think and write reflectively. I realize this time is fleeting, so in effort to take full advantage, I dedicate this post to three of my most valued friends, family members and professional colleagues I am so blessed to have in my life.

My dear friend Kim, my sister-in-law Wendy and my sister by blood Jane all play extremely important roles in keeping my candle lit for teaching during a time when public education feels so hopeless in so many ways. At the end of the day, I can always rely on a passionate discussion about education with these individuals, all of whom place the inherent knowledge of children at the forefront of teaching and learning. Kim, Wendy and Jane agree with me that the students labeled as "lows" in school are the "highs" in our eyes because they come to the classroom with infinite degrees of knowing about the world and how it works. A conversation with any of these women usually begins by sharing bits of our day. We start out slowly, revealing just a sliver. Then some thinking time, then more bits, more listening, more thinking, more bits. The conversation bounces around from bits of the day to stories from our lives to books to laughter and back to bits from the day. Our thinking layers on top of each other. The learning from the day blends together, working its way into our tapestry of understanding, and common themes slowly surface.

As great educators themselves, Kim, Wendy and Jane always let me be myself. They accept my messy thinking, and allow me to change my mind and grow as an educator, and as a person without judgment or pressure. They encourage me to continue writing reflectively, and often fuel my ever-growing library of education philosophy. I am a better educator, wife, mother, friend, and person because of these women.

Though I may not have my dream teaching job yet, I am growing and learning each day through the relationships I have with people like Kim, Wendy and Jane who push me to think critically about teaching, parenting and living in this world. I am realizing it takes many layers to become a reflective educator, and I’m thankful to have a handful of people like this in my world. They are the reason I’m the teacher I am.

Kim (the thinker)


Wendy (yes, those are hot dogs in a can)

Jane (through the looking glass)

A Keyhole Capture (six-word memoir project)

2011-03-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/

A keyhole capture (or six-word memoir) is a life story told in six short words

because sometimes beauty is best captured with brevity.

Should you find yourself inspired to play along, submit your piece for publication with a link to your website to: soulyluna@gmail.com

A Keyhole Capture (six-word memoir project)

2011-03-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Words by Iris and Pistachio

Image by Josh Argyle

A keyhole capture (or six-word memoir) is a life story told in six short words

because sometimes beauty is best captured with brevity.

Should you find yourself inspired to play along, submit your piece for publication with a link to your website to: soulyluna@gmail.com

A Keyhole Capture (six-word memoir project)

2011-03-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Heather River

mother, auntie, designer, all around great gal

A Keyhole Capture (six-word memoir project)

2011-03-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of friends and readers have sent in their six-word memoirs in response to my last post. I would love to continue to post six-word memoirs on a regular basis.

A six word memoir ( or a keyhole capture) is a life story told in six short words

because sometimes beauty is best captured in brevity.

It would be my honor to receive your six-word memoir with or without a photo, and I'll post it here, along with a link to your website, blog or anything else that you'd like to share. Thanks Amy and Lisa for being so willing to play along!

DamestarBaby

Six-Word Memoir

2011-03-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

L J's Six-Word Memoir

Can you tell a life story in six-words?
Learn more at: NPR Life Stories Distilled.

upon our return...

2011-03-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how ill-effected I'd be by the weather shift from the warm Caribbean tropics back to icy windshields and frosty lungs each time I take a breath. The result was a three-day headache, excessively chapped lips, and a stiff boredom with returning to my predominantly monolingual lifestyle. Yes, this is starting to sound like Diary of the Wimpy Grown-up since I live in California, where the winters are as mild as can be. Or so I thought.

But this my friends, is a picture of winter heaven in the Yucatan.

I did however return to an exciting pile of letters written by students learning English in South Korea where a friend of ours has been teaching kids for the past few years. A while back, we started an international pen-pal writing project between some of our students, but instead of focusing solely on the traditional letter writing style, we decided to offer some story starter prompts that both our American and South Korean students wrote from. It has been hilarious to read what they write, knowing the are writing for an audience of foreign kids. It has also opened up some great classroom discussion around cultural differences and similarities, and the structural writing patterns we are noticing that are frequently used by language learners.

Here are a couple samples from both countries following the broad theme: Falling

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."

~ Dr. Seuss

This teacher guy, whom his kids refer to as "luck teacher" (his name is Luke) recently made an appearance on Korean television because one of his students is a professional golfer. This window into his teaching life is not to be missed.

The Pink Hotel

2011-02-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Back in the U.S. of A.

Per the influential request of a very important little girl, I'll be begin my summary with a very important detail of our trip.

The Pink Hotel.

Merida, Mexico

Adios

2011-02-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

We're off to Mexico for two weeks!

Tuesday morning at 2 a.m. we'll be rolling out of bed to catch our bus. Last time I was in Mexico, I was 7 months pregnant. I'll be sure to document our trip while I'm gone, and I'll definitely enjoy my time away from all things routine.

¡Qué le vaya bien!

amor

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Obsessive Compulsive Valentines Day.

Gateway

2011-02-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

3:00 am
LJ: Mom, I think the world's broken and it's not turning right. It's been dark for too long.

Loma Jane is wading deep in the waters of imagination land as she rapidly approaches her fourth year. Each year with her fills me with a deeper sense of reverence for parenthood, as this phase of life allows for constant reflection on my own childhood. It is her level of curiosity and wonder about the world that fuels the potential for the magic that awaits underneath unturned leaves, and through magic portals.

I recently caught the tail end of a thoroughly enjoyable radio show on NPR produced by the The Kitchen Sisters. Dedicated to the sharing the intellectual, creative, social and emotional life of girls and the women they become, The Hidden World of Girls delves into why girls love unicorns, our fascination with dressing up in character, and other captivating stories featuring girls from around the world. Definitely worth a listen.

Happy Four

2011-02-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

I’m loving this series from photographer extraordinaire Katy MacGregor. Not only is she my very talented cousin who shot our wedding a few months back, but also, these photos were taken in honor of her youngest boy as they celebrated his bright and beautiful fourth birthday.

Our own little hand sewn clothing shop has entered the fourth year of existence as well, so it seems more than fitting to celebrate with some special TreeBottom duds, on a darling little dude.

Generations Past

2011-02-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Nana-in-law Jean is no longer on this planet as of January 17th 2011.
Perhaps she will be joining her husband who left us about 2 years ago.

This is my favorite shot from her memorial service last weekend.

grandparents in a basket

Blessings on your journey nana Jean.

Dad Remembered

2011-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

My dad would be 66 today. It's hardly believable that the last time we saw him was 6 years ago.

As an architect, my dad specialized in the design of air formed thin shell concrete structures. His love and passion for dome architecture led to a lifelong study, which has advanced the development of this environmentally sound building process, specially designed to withstanding 300+ mph winds, storm surges, termites, rising energy costs, fires, and even earthquakes.

Just as his legacy of beautifully designed airformed concrete domes are nearly indestructible, so is the memory of those sparkling blue eyes that smiled on me with pride and joy each time I walked through his door.

Happy Birthday Dad.

happy face at thirty four

2011-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

I usually cry on my birthday. I've always blamed it on the alignment of the stars, but today I am happy. Perhaps this change is due to the new controversy between the ancient Babylonian zodiac calendar and the modern astrologers. More likely, I'm actually experiencing a deep feeling of accomplishment at the end of my 33rd year, and it feels a-okay!

Last week my older and wiser big sister sent me her statement of intent to review as she goes through the process of applying for graduate school. This event led me to finally realize that I am almost through with with an entire chapter of my student life. In May of this year, I will earn my Master's degree in education. Despite not having a teaching job, or rather, a classroom of my own, I have been teaching while learning to teach for five long years. In between, I had my first child, raised her to the bright and loving 3.5 year old that she is, learned to sew, earned a California state teaching credential, overcame my debilitating fear of standardized tests, and learned in-depth strategies for supporting young readers and writers as a reading specialist. I also moved cities, began my substitute teaching career and completed my Master's thesis project in an entirely new community. On top of that, I got married to the love of my life and I feel blessed to be part of a family that grows bigger and stronger each year.

Getting older and moving forward feels pretty good.

The Graphic Classroom

2011-01-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

For teachers, parents and general comic enthusiasts alike:

Even talk of verb conjugation and debates over prisoner intimacy rights can be funny when the tools fall into the right hands. In this case, those hands belong to Stephan Pastis of Pearls Before Swine.

I recently began a a comic strip unit with my after school creative writers. We started with a template created by Jenny Traig and Todd Pound to inspire the superhero mindset. Some questions to consider when creating characters and backstory include:

Personality traits
Greatest strengths/ weaknesses
Sidekick
Arch enemy
Love interest
Mission in life
What is in her/his refrigerator?
If he/she went to a karaoke club, what song would he/she perform?

How to Write a Comic can be found in the 2005 826 Valencia publication titled: Don't Forget to Write: 54 enthralling and effective writing lessons for students 6-18.

I also came across two great sites that might be really useful if you don't already have a good collection of resources in this highly authentic and fun literacy genre.

This site offers great suggestions for graphic novels to be used in in schools: http://graphicclassroom.blogspot.com/

And this site would be really fun to let kids use during computer time: http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/

Enjoy!

my five minute autobiography (written by a stranger)

2011-01-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

It was a long road from wanting to be a jockey to dancing on a bar counter in Santa Barbara while Huey Lewis waved a fist full of singles he brought from the gas station, but it's not as strange as you may think. I had tried the artist route, filling my room with blank canvases and paint palates, but that didn't work out so well. At my MFA thesis show, four of my ex-boyfriends showed, creating a near riot as they all fought to demonstrate their undying love for me, destroying the university gallery in the process. Needless to say, I did not make the Dean's List. Now it's time to collect those singles.

-Anonymous

Thanks to Petals and Bones, I learned so much about myself last night, and had a whole lot of fun in the process. I've already signed up for next months Pens and Pints Writing Bonanza- a well spent evening with writing prompts that fulfilled their promise to 'spark comedic, sassy, lively, and some seriously side-splitting prose.' That second glass of wine might have helped a little too.

On the topic of writing practice and worthwhile projects, my student writing collective has completed their first free-write-micro-mini-zine, titled FALLING (just in time for winter). There are very limited numbers available in print, so head on over to the Candy Houses Writing Collective Bookstore for a micro-mini literary treat written by middle schoolers to arrive in your mailbox.

new year intentions

2010-12-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

I've just spent the past several hours creating a brand new resume and cover letter. This year, I intend to take on a career that will bring in a much needed salary boost for my family. I've been thinking a lot about coming up with a list of intentions for the new year, but the only word that keeps emerging from the depths of my subconscious is
SIMPLIFY.
To create a reminder of all that is meaningful to me as a teacher, I entered the text from my new cover letter into wordle. Simply put, I am pleased with the results.

sin city

2010-12-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yes we did.

But not really. We arrived to Vegas after 8 hours of driving, lost $3 in a slot machine, and then retired to our casino suite to order room service and succumb to a dizzy slumber to avoid the stomach aches that punished us for the poorest of culinary choices. It was worth it though. The morning after brought a yearning for a $6 cup of coffee, the purchasing of a $4 toothbrush out of sheer necessity, and a little wide-eyed exploration before we were on the road again, Tuscon-bound. Next time we plan to indulge ourselves in the spookier sites of sin city.

In Tuscon, front yards are made of rocks and when a baby bird falls from her nest, there is zero chance of survival since her mom built her nest in a cactus. Our week of vacation was was well spent. One of us reminisced about bachelor life in the desert, while the other of us lounged about and swallowed the entire Hunger Games series whole. In our spare time, we visited famous movie settings, sampled some fiery Tuscon Mexican eats, went bar hopping during daylight hours, marveled over the Arizona big sky sunsets, and hunted for the best scorpion paperweight from the many options in gas stations and grocery stores. The friends there are pretty fantastic and as it turns out, Santa delivered some southwestern-inspired Christmas presents this year.

a very rosy holiday

2010-12-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

This week is dedicated to eggnog and banana pancakes for reals, making coffee for mama for pretends, wearing pajamas during the day, playing new games, reading new books, listing to new tunes and twirling in pink tutus and cloaks, puddle splashing and sending paper boats downstream and gearing up for the great Christmas tree burn on New Years Eve. That's about it! Happy "Pink" Holidays from our home to yours.

looking for bigfoot

2010-12-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

We're all set over here. Should big foot decide to make an appearance in our vicinity, the night vision motion detection cam we got for Christmas last year, has proven itself worthy. See for yourself. While I get ready to hunker down and write a rationale for my graduate study portfolio presentation coming up this Tuesday, Ben and his brother are looking for a better hiding place for the camera in hopes of catching a glimpse of "the real thing."

On a 20-acre plot of forest land in the hills of northern California, think of all the possibilities!

Now we just need to figure out how to set the right date and moon cycle! on our machine.

sisters

2010-12-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Some very important sisterly triumphs shall not go unmentioned today. In recent events, my dear friends Sunny and Jody have welcomed their twin girls Josie and Willa into a loving community of family and friends. In celebration, LJ and I have been making several recipes from the

Onion family recipe book of 2001.

Today is also my sister Jane's birthday. I cannot imagine my world with out her.

In honor of sisters young and...ahem... more experienced, LJ presents:

"Two Happy Sisters"

Thanksgiving recap in 150 words or less

2010-11-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

We rented the deer park community center for $50 where cooking took place in a huge industrial sized kitchen. Several kids and adults played volleyball, racquetball, basketball, tennis, hockey, wiffle ball and skateboarded in circles in a huge gymnasium all day. Of course I also did a gymnastics routines on the stage.

The only calamity was when two brothers-in-law collided heads while playing separate sports. But thanks to the doctor in the family, who sterilized the truck bed and gave the less fortunate brother-in-law eighteen stitches right then and there, all was well. The only downside to life with a doctor in the family (an obstetrician to be more specific) is they have no qualms about discussing the mechanics of splitting flesh, suturing through layers of tissue, and drawing analogies between the forehead and the vagina- even at the Thanksgiving dinner table. It was an eventful holiday to say the least. How was yours?