Friends and Family

We had a lovely Christmas with friends and family. Mary Ann's beautiful canvas brightened our little tree area. John was very enthusiastic in his admiration for this piece. Thank you, dear Mary Ann. We love it and appreciate your thoughtfulness.

We celebrate Solstice with a group of local friends who love to grow things organically, as we do. This is a picture of John that I took on that evening. Mostly we lit candles and expressed our gratitude for another year of health and happiness. It was solemn but also very powerful and in that way, joyful.

Hermanito refused all invitations and slept a lot. Here he says, "wake me when it's over".

Back at the Solstice Party. We have a new baby to celebrate. Little (!) Tao joined us in August. He was born at home beneath the grape vines. His mother and father are in awe, besotted with adoration and so are the rest of us elders. Mmmmmm, baby flesh. Give me a big helping.

Tao is alert, bright and observant. I keep smooching his blubby cheeks. He's sooooo yummy.

I quickly incorporate all of Mary Ann's fabulous wrappings into my journal. And her envelope window idea. The girl is genius!!!! Link her site. Right now. Then come back.

I spent a lot of time diddling in my journal. It's a good thing to do when the days are less inspiring or very stressful. A nice escape.

I rarely share pictures of my family but for once, here they are. Stephanie on the left, Shellie in the middle and me. My daughters. My best friends. My partners in crime. You know. No bond is stronger than blood.

My dear John, who seems to sit close to the candles every time. This one was taken Christmas Day at Stephanie's house.

My Shellie girl. Mother of Nate, nurse, painter of watercolors, wife, daughter, friend.

Grandma and Nathan. He is all my hope for the future of the world. A wonderful, gifted and humble person who is thoughtful and kind. I am very proud of him.

One last picture of my girlies. I guess this makes up for all those years I didn't carry pictures in my wallet. Sooner or later you have to puff up your chest and say, "aren't these people wonderful? They're my family." That's what I'm feeling tonight.

Edit: There's an adorable picture of my daughters doing a craft project together here.