Category: Travel
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The lightness of a free conscience
Two weeks ago I was buying just a few items at the grocery store: bread milk and some vitamin water for the road-trip. As I was waiting for the clerk to confirm that I am an adult for the energy drink I got for conrad (as he sometimes needs a little pick me up after…
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Ne întoarcem mereu la conectare
Ii dau drumul liber și cu toată inima, cu încurajare si binecuvântare. Fiica mea cea mare care cred eu ca ma simte, ca o privesc cu încântare si cu admirație. Devine. Ridica fruntea sus, își înfruntă cu eleganță si seninătate si demonii si fricile. Râde de ei și pășește dincolo. A fost un timp când…
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Off the mountain, back from the coast
Returning to day to day life, to reality – it is hard no matter the age. Kids don’t have the practice of it, though their reality is social and still fun. Not too much pressure – except school and grades and peers. Ivy did not wake up happy. On the contrary. Down turned lip, quivering.…
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Bitterness redeemed
I had to remember to be present, and postpone the wallowing in frustration. Oh, to be able to stop the train of negative thoughts, what a powerful feeling. Having tried this in a season of extreme exhaustion or emotional overstimulation, the feeling of powerlessness added to the frustration. Enough with the theory. Every week I…
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Self confidence
How easy it is for the self-importance car to take a wrong turn. Here we are, driving the proper way, switching only occasionally to course correct. But mostly going in the right direction. Even when I worried, I sensed God’s delight in our obedience despite the imediate results. These days of over confidence boost, riding…
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Chasing the trousers thief
Conrad and I were gone on a hike. As we always were during the free time. The girls are confidently independent. We slowly but surely built towards this independence, for our sanity and their development. Ivy followed Heather & Noemi up to their crowded room. 6 girls per room. As they were busy getting something,…
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Honest look at my schedule
It’s so freeing to speak the truth. I got on a zoom call to meet a new friend and see if I could help her set up a few private screenings of a movie she produced. A mutual friend who is too kind and sees the very best in everyone, she connected us. I admit…
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Holding back
I have enjoyed the present,the gift of time,the fragrance and the taste of the ProvenceWith butter croissants and ice cream and cheeses We have had a lovely reset and I felt happyI rested my mind while my legs got tired exploring Even my kids who were so well behaved on this tripnoted that I was…
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Mundane Provence
Waking up to a quiet house,Every room full, but still asleep.I step slowly into the sun drenched kitchen,And I make coffee. Legs stretched on the kitchen day bedI sip the coffee and look towards the cypress trees shivering with joyBirds singing, bees dancing.This must be heaven. Women on a retreatHappy. Radiating. This lineup in Provencecould…
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Reset in Provence
Postponed joy. Delayed gratificationeventually embracing adventureAnd making buttery memoriesAnd savoring blasting contagious laughter. Livia, the ever generous hostWaiting for us with everything preparedAnticipating every detailAnd spoiling us with stories and croissants There is an intuitive dance in the kitchenWomen, mothers, serving each otherNone waiting to be served. And there is a feast of gratitudeand an…
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Crazy times in the world
Times are crazy. The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years. It is impressive that they have been holding down the fort for so long. Ukraine lost 20% of their territory but inched forward into Russia in order to have a bargaining chip when peace talks will take place. We’ve served…
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ski vacation
Blinding lightGrey majestic peaksShivering snow. Powdery and perfect.Smiles through big blue tinted ski gogglesI can feel the adrenalineThe silence and camaraderieThe tiredness at the end of the dayThe sheer splendor of the mountains. My heart achesas I see these gorgeous viewonly in pictures. Is it jealousy?Is it self pity? I can only recognize the winter…