It Is Well With My Soul

For the past month, my life has been pure chaos, a new job on the eastern shore, moving, living between two places, two lives, two jobs, school, family and the workings of all. My Handsome Prince and I literally were crossing the Bay Bridge going in opposite directions. I've spent the week days one the western side, going to school, assisting Audrey with things needed for graduation or just her personal crises, finishing out my time at the Y, and fielding a few phone calls for my new job and then heading to the eastern shore to move, unpack, and get acquainted, or hit the ground running for my new job. Now, most is over, and a calm (ok, somewhat calm) has settled. I'm done with the YMCA, other than an email, Exams are over, grades are posted (I still managed to make the Dean's List), we have a prospect on the house (who might be difficult be we want to make it work), and school is almost over for the youngest.


This past weekend was the last performance of the NGCB, a casual performance on the lawn on Saturday and a more formal performance in church on Sunday. When they sang "It is Well with my Soul" I cried (okay I cried through the whole thing) but this is what touched me. Despite my hurt feelings, despite my challenges, despite my fear and excitement, despite the internal fusses I have with certain things and certain people, it is well with my soul.



We went to a lovely, mature, back yard wedding of my sister in law to the man she has been engaged to for 2 years. They have a connection that is evident. It was a beautiful day, a small ceremony with only family, and just perfect. We went to a farewell party in our honor, where it poured buckets, and yet, it did not hold anyone back and we had a grand time. We said goodbye to my niece who left for China for 8 weeks.


Now, I slowly get ready for my week in my other home, my job, alone. I will miss prom and it's primpings. It makes me sad. I have a women's retreat that weekend to which I will play host and manage staff and cook and clean and delegate and run interference.


Yes, it is well with my soul.


And this is just because it makes me happy.

What I See

This is the current view as I sit on my deck. An overgrown butterfyly and hummingbird garden, freshly cut grass, that we will attempt to keep after we leave.

This is what I see:

I see my children, young, flushed, sledding down the hill with Gus following, barking and biting their ankles. I see my friends in the yard, dancing and singing to the NGCB as they play on the patio. I see my children in the hot tub, snow up to the edges with a path shoveled so we could get in. Again, the girls in the hot tub, early in the morning around 5am, watching a meteor shower, amazed. I see the hummingbirds buzzing about my deck and my cone flowers, fussing at each other, I see the families of deer running into the woods. I see my father, glass of wine, talking on the deck. My Mother's 60th birthday party on the deck, friends gathered from near and far. Crab feasts on the patio, My husbands surprise 40th birthday party, being a slave to my garden, a slave to the lawn, ping pong tournament (only one), bonfires galore, prom parties (one still coming), dreams, hopes, frustrations, dogs running, dog graves (and a hamster), card games, dinners, and so much more shared in this home in this yard.

I leave with such mixed feelings. It is time. We are going to a good place, a place we dreamed of in this place, it feels right.

Bits and Pieces

With my new job, I get a staff of three students from the Czech republic. I can't wait to meet them. Today I sent them a note regarding music, how I was making them a cd of my favorites and should they be so inclined, I would be estatic to receive the same. One of them loved the idea. I'm not sure of the knowledge of the english language of the other two. How cool is that? Que buena honda? and now I must learn that phrase in Czech.

My youngest daughter graduates at the age of 16. She is so freakin' smart. Here is her Senior Portrait, taken by Fine Portraiture by Michelle in Taneytown MD. I think Michele does an amazing job

.

In my Algebra class, I sit next to a young girl who was in my class last year. Two young guys sit behind us. All three of these students are younger than my oldest daughter. After class one day, after the 4 of us had contributed to the class, in humor and academics, it occurred to me how did the 4 not quite the norm, a bit obnoxious, studious, fun people all end up in the same area. The rest of our class is quiete reserved. I think there is chemistry that draws us together. We even had a brief conversation on it.

I'm losing my sanity. Between living in two houses, working two jobs, and finishing school, I find myself forgetting basic things, like wearing a bra or brushing my teeth or my notebooks for school. This too shall pass.

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2009

I think my feet are finally clean. There is a fine line between the dirt and the tan.

It was another year, another experience, this time with my sister and my daughter. No manses accompanied us.

Emma and I arrived early enough in the day to walk the French Quarter, have a bite to eat, see the biggest cockroach alive, get a slushy drink and a shooter at The Big Easy, go to the local LUSH store, and even take a nappy before Rachel arrived.

We decided to go to Jacque Imo's for dinner as we figured the wait would not be long as opposed to the girls we saw on Friday night who had a 2 1/2 hour wait. We were entertained by Reverend Brad aka Grandpa Boogie, who had us hold his stick, walking stick that is, read my aura, which was eerily correct, and told many, many, many stories.It was such difficult work, he had to retreat to his office for a break. Of course we ate too much and it was most delicious.

Thursday, we found out, was a local day for Jazz Fest, adults and schools alike. We started at the Congo Stage with a latin group, Rumba Beuna, where dancing was the norm. We met these girls who could rumba, salsa, and two step with the best.

These two weren't half bad either!

This gentleman was dancing with all the young chicas.

Somebody was passing out stickers that said "Festin' Dawlin'" which we promptly stuck on our bahooties which caused some comotion and some jealousy, for other ladies wanted the same.

We attended a couple improvisational jazz band concerts so Emma could write about them for her jazz class. That was a new one for Rachel and I as we tend to stick to a little groovier, rocking music. Then, of course, my man Anders Osborne, who always rocks my soul. We spent some time at the Gospel Tent, always inspiring,

my turn to dance at the Blues Tent, and ending our Jazz Fest music that day with Ben Harper. As we exited, past the hockers selling water, beer, musicians on the corner, we found the International Special Sacred Shrine for Jon Bon Jovi. There is a facebook page for this also. On Friday, as we left the fest, we tore the photo of JBJ out of our Offbeat magazine, gussied up our lips, and kissed the photo. As we were about two houses away, we started singing at the top of our lungs "Living on a Prayer". Tara, the maker of the shrine, snapped photos, and gushed about our singing and our offering to the shrine.

Pizza and water before going to the new Rock and Bowl for the Zydeco party, where we two stepped and bowled.

Friday was more of the same, with the sun shining brighter, the heat a little hotter, the music a little more rocking. We were at one stage where there was a reunion Rebirth Brass Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band and we didn't let anyone pass without dancing with us. We even had another couple in on it. We caught the eye of someone from CNN and you can catch us here, just click on the photo of Emma, top center.

We managed to catch some good music, the New Orleans Moonshiners, Esperanza Spaulding, Sugarland, The Iguanas, and my personal favorite for the day - Glenn David Andrews in the Gospel Tent. He was On Fire! We saw him last year at the fest and went to see him again in the evening.

As we left on Friday, after our visit to the ISSS for JBJ, we saw this house, windows wide open to the street, art all over the place, a young man beconing people to come in and see. So we did. We ended up getting a tour of the house, having a beer, and getting a foot massage from a drunk older man (he had to be drunk to touch our filthy feet!). Feeling very wishy washy after our day, we wandered around to the Maple Leaf, but didn't go in, couldn't make a decision about what to do, and all Emma wanted was a burger. McDonalds is not open at Midnight in New Orleans. We went to Arby's in the Quarter, where we saw the second largest cockroach, where Emma ate her burger anyway, and a crowd walked in singing Sublime so of course we chime in, loudly, which surprised and pleased them.

There is nothing like New Orleans. I keep wanting to do another festival but I keep wanting to go back to NOLA, to hear the rocking brass bands, to watch the activities on the streets, to talk to the locals, to smell the flowers, to feel the heat, to view the architecture, to continue to see the progress, to do more, to do different, to do the same. I'll probably go again next year, at the spur of the moment, like I did this year, and again have a good time. Who will be my partner, then?

Oh, and Eric? I missed you.

A Weekend of Music

Emmagirl was in a production of The Who's Tommy this past week and weekend. I went to see it three times. I can never get enough of seeing my children and my "adopted" children perform. What an odd and disturbing story. I went so much as to spend an afternoon watching the movie prior to an evening performance. The movie was given to me by a man at the gym, a product of the time, who thought it was the best movie/musical ever made. I've had his copy for over a year. Many times he'd ask me if I watched it yet, and always my answer was no. Now I am sorry I did not take the time to watch before I stopped working so we could discuss it. It would have been very interesting to hear his comments, his take, and why it spoke to him. I tried to call him several times to invite him and take him to the musical at the college and never reached him.

On Sunday was the NGCB featuring My Handsome Prince. I never get tired of hearing him sing. Now he walks around singing something I would rather not hear, a catchy, irritating tune. This one is much better.

Self Indulgence

I have been weary, weepy, overwhelmed. My feelings have been hurt on more than one occasion by insensitive people. I have two homes that are a complete disaster. Purging and packing take so much physical and mental energy. As excited as I am to move, I know it will be so so difficult. So today, to relieve some stress, some pressure, I went for a walk. Honey and I walked a couple miles. She's a big fat fat fatty and could use the exercise. I'm on my way to a BFFF if I don't watch it because I keep reducing the classes I teach. Anyway, what a tonic to be out in the fresh crisp air and sunshine. Now I return to my busy life, with studying, school, proofing Audrey's senior portraits, and it's the opening night of The Who's Tommy at the college with none other than Emma in a significant role. Busy, busy, busy but I made time for me.

Number 29

Remember the list? Only a couple months and it has changed drastically. I'm not even trying #6 or #7 anymore. Today I did number 29. I applied for a job, on the shore, for the summer, totally out of my comfort zone. It's something totally out of my realm of knowledge, yet it was sent to me. Oh, to learn something new, to meet new people, to expand horizons. Just taking that first step is the greatest thing. Keep your fingers crossed.

Deep Sigh

On Friday, a little after noon, I loaded up the truck and hit the road. The ipod was on shuffle, rocking the beat, the sun was shining, windows down, on my way to pick Audrey up, on my way to the shore. Deep sigh. I felt relief. Relief from an extensive medical examination that showed no abnormalities after two prior minor tests showed a reason for concern. I felt elation at the sun shining, warmth spreading down my arm out the window. I felt contentment, going to the shore with my girl, meeting my sister and her gang. I crossed the bridge the water shining bright, ahhh. I reached home, inhaled deeply, for I love the smell of this house, unpacked a bit, took a look around and discovered it was looking more like a home than a vacation getaway. I cracked open a 90 minute IPA, again, ahhh. And so began the weekend.

We hosted my sister, her husband, their 3 children, plus their chinese exchange student, whose American name is Ocean, and their 2 dogs. The house was an explosion of noise with growls, yips, scuttling paws, laughter, music, wonderful chaos, with a tiny getaway in my back bedroom for brief escapes. Shopping at the ACTS store in the morning, heading our separate ways for the afternoon, meeting back for a romp on the beach and hosting another family for dinner and the chinese teacher made for a fun filled weekend. Sunday was quiet after everyone left, a bit of peace, a bit of sadness.

We played the jump game

Some of us got in the water

Some just played on the edge


And some worked wonders with the dogs

I Got Love for You

Michael Franti wrote a song for his son when he turned 21 and hopped on a bus to find his own way in the world. It's about loving, leaving, seeking, waiting, shining. It's tender, sweet, freeing, giving, inspiring and so lovely to hear performed live. It is a treasure.

Michael Franti rocked the house, again. This was the end of his tour and I got to see it twice, I don't think New Orleans counts. He brings such enegy to the stage, such good vibes, such rocking fun! We had dancing girls and dancing guys with Cherine Anderson, who were totally uninhibited. There were no breaks between songs, a constant beat. At one point as MF started a love song, he invited this girl up, asked if she had a boyfriend, invited him up then gave him the mic to sing "All I want is You". The guy professed his love to MF, to Spearhead, then got down on one knee pulled out a ring and professed his love to his girl. Everyone loved it! The same little guy that was in DC (with his fingers in a perpetual peace sign )was at this concert. He was brought on stage and sang loudly and clearly, in its entirety "Say, Hey I love You". He was only 4. We went again with My sister and her husband, who brought their daughter and their Chinese exchange student, who had to be reeled in once in a while she was enjoying it so much. She would dance her way up closer to the stage. We met some friends from church, some we knew were going to be there some we didn't. There was a girl behind me, totally smashed, who constantly petted my hair, wrapped her arms around my neck, held my hands in the air and danced. There was a guy in front of me who smelled like beef and cheese with a funky hat that obstructed my view. Everyone danced, everyone sang and no one left so we did not get to say "Hey, I love you". That's ok, I already did it at the last one. He knows it.

After the concert, we met our eldest, Emma for her first legal drink in a bar. She and some of her friends were dressed in 80's gear. She was nervous, excited and a little tipsy already. We did car bombs, mmmm, and something else called a chocolate cake which I could have done without but a chance to do shots with your daughters friends? How can you pass up the invitation to be at the party, part of the party? I hope she is well this morning.

Earlier in the day, she had arranged a laser tag party. There were birthday parties going on all over this laser tag place but they were for 11 year old boys not 21 year old girls. We intimidated this group of kids who were going to play with us (they thought against us) but the place broke us all up so we were all mixed together. Let me say this. Laser Tag Rocks! It is so much to run around in the dark, hiding, seeking, attacking, being attacked (everyone knew when I was attacked as I always screamed), getting lost. I can't wait to do it again. And I didn't wet my pants laughing, well not much anyway.

How did it come to be that this little baby is 21? And there is another right behind her forging her own path. When did I age?

Lloro

I am a cryer. I cry when I am happy. I cry when I am hurt. I cry when I listen to music. I cry when I am angry. I cry when I watch Lifetime movies. This definitely made me cry. How could it not when she stands there, shaking, lips quivering and says "This is for my mommy." This kid stepped way out of that comfort zone, for me, for her youth group, for people in Mexico. Get a box of tissues.


Don't Ever Change (Amy Rigby)
I took a walk in a small town Sunday morning
Just to see what was going on
Sat watching two guys fishing in the river running through
Like there was nothing wrong, nothing wrong
They had their lines in the water ten feet apart
Beer guts, t-shirts, me with my heavy heart
I don't have religion but I'm trying to pray
And I never liked fishing but I wanted to stand up and say

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change

I picked my daughter up at school last week
She had her headphones on, she barely said hello
And all I wanted was to hug her, smother her with kisses
But I was cool, like hi there, how did it go?
She had chipped nail polish, writing on her hand
She was nodding her head to her favorite band
Staring into space like she was all alone
But I didn't take it personal
It meant that I was home and I said

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change

I'm holding on to everything that's good in this world
There's a lot that's good in this world

I saw my baby sitting there at the breakfast table
His hair a mess and he forgot to shave
And I wished that he would get up, make it all better
Stop drinking so much, learn how to behave
Then the radio was playing a Chuck Berry song
And he was looking at me asking what was wrong
I made a list of the things I could say
But he gave me a wink and it all went away, I told him

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change

Time

I have a bit of that today. The morning has been quiet, with the exception of the dog constantly barking at the fan in the back of my truck and the sound of My Handsome Prince's pacing. The truck is full because we had a realtor out to look at the house on Friday and a family come look at the house on Saturday after we listed on Craig's list, just to see if there was any interest. We contacted a realtor and listed the house because our youngest, a junior in high school, decided she was done with high school and pursued a fourth year waiver, completely on her own. Which means she is a senior now instead of a junior. Additionally, my Mother underwent a bi-lateral knee replacement. My Handsome Prince spent an evening at the emergency room, thought he passed a kidney stone and recovered, but is now having more issues. Ay! Dios Mio!

But today, MHP is seeing a doctor, My Mother is being released, Audrey is home from school and will do some sorting, decluttering, packing and hanging out and I have my first Math exam today. We will move slowly today instead of the pace we kept last week and we will continue to move forward.

Si, Se Puede

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
- President Obama

My Mother called me, she said she laughed, she cried, she sang along. My daughters came home, one from school the other from Europe, dancing around to Michael Franti's tribute to our new President. Audrey asked if I cried, because she knew I did, and stated her drama teacher sobbed(the one who made the wonderful commencement speech for the class of 2006).

It's a new day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd9xU8cw1JE

Knitting Sunshine

This is what I am doing today. Sitting in the sunshine, with Apple Sunshine on my lap, knitting a scarf. I hope to finish it today.

I am operating on the "no news is good news" policy. Emma has been gone for 5 days. She is travelling in Scotland and England singing with her choir. She had just finished 6th grade the first time she travelled without us, going to Hawaii on a People to People expedition for two weeks. She called home several times with a calling card, the last time being the night before departing Hawaii saying she did not want to come home. That's a good call. Audrey spent New Years in California with her best friend. She called home everyday, sometimes more than once a day, with joy, laughter, excitement, speaking a bit of spanish. They were good calls. My girls are growing, becoming adults, not needing me as much...as I need them. So I sit and knit, repetetively, and wait for my children to come home.

A Walk in the Woods

I already started the list, I met my sister, her boys, and dogs for a walk in the woods.

Our path

The walkers

Carl taught me how to use his bow

Balance -using my core, dog on leash, camera in hand

Dog walk dog

And for a moment, we were still, listening to the trees

Yesterday it was My Birthday

Yesterday it was my birthday

I hung one more year on the line

I should be depressed

My life's a mess

But I'm havin' a good time

- Paul Simon

Well, not really, I shouldn't be depressed, but my life is always a mess. But I'm having a good time. This is us at the airport, waiting in line, sending Emma off to Scotland and England to sing. What a lucky girl. I spent 8 hours, again, in the car, driving to Dulles, waiting, driving home. Not exactly my idea of fun, but somehow we manage to make it fun. We laugh, we take photos, we tell stories.

It's time for the list again. In reviewing last year's birthday list, at first I was a bit disappointed that I did not realize about half, but then I recognized the fact that what I did accomplish took quite a bit of effort, mainly school, so I'm ok with that.

46 Things to do do before I turn 46

1. Music - expereience some new, still look for some old favorites. Being a bit more vague because if an artist does not come to town, then it becomes a bit more difficult, I still want to see Ozomatli and Anders again. Michael is already scheduled.


2. Continue my college education


3. I NEED to finish more unfinished creative projects so will try to keep a running tab on what I manage to accomplish - Be more aggresive in posting to Use What You Have


4. Take a photography class


5. Take a photoshop class


6. Continue with Project 365


7. Resume Self Portrait Challenge


8. Sell our house


9. rent an apartment for the next year, this is so we only own one house


10. Get a job for the summer on the eastern shore


11. Publish my blogs (a must!)


12. Make peace with my demons/people. Accept them for who/what they are and move on


13. Travel - Puerto Rico is on the horizon, so is Mexico and New York, still want to go to Philadelpia, maybe a trip to Chicago to visit family, a music festival somewhere (New Orleans is always a possibility but would like something new, too)


14. Local Museums - including the Visionary Arts, BMA, Holocaust


15. Go ice skating - that's a bee in my bonnet for the last week or so


16. Spend more time with my sister


17. Join or start a creative group - the women's retreat never happened and maybe that's too big - start small with a group that meets weekly/monthly/or quarterly


18. Buy some new cowboy boots, oh yeah


19. Go for walks


20. Continue exploring the eastern shore


21. Kayak


22. Ride, ride, ride


23. Be kind to myself


24. Continue to purge, including clutter and weight - an ongoing process


25. Annual mash and flash


26. Build a fire pit or two, one at each house?


27. Get back on the blogging wagon


28. Physical challenge - Either the 10K with Peach or the Seagull Century with some Y people or both


29. Do something that scares me - might need to do some research on this one or not- there are many things that scare me


30. Organize recipes


31. Organize photos


32. Organize clippings


33. Order ACE certification materials


34. Zumba certification?


35. Drink more water


36. Service projects - Charlottes hats, Santas Helpers Anonymous, Rubarb


37. Spend more time with my parents


38. Attend church at Lansdowne (once a month?)


39. Etsy shop


40. Bake bread


41. Yoga more than once


42. Talk to strangers


43. Hook a rug


44. Speak spanish


45. Take time to play, play games, play creatively,


46. Host a party down the shore

And there you have it. That's a mighty big list. Again, some things will happen and some will not (like those organizing ones, dang! they are no fun, but need to be done). I may review and make changes. The point is to make the list and see what it brings.

Happy New Year

It is Saturday, the beds have been stripped, the laundry has been done, the dishes washed and it is time to head west and north. It's tough living between two places.

The girls were not with us to ring in the new year, although Emma missed us so she arrived late on New Years Day. Gotta love that girl.

So what's it going to be this year? I'm making my list, my shirt says hope, I'm drinking a 90 minute, with friends and family, playing rockband. Sure started out good.

Season Stories

In no particular order:

Meeting a friend at Paneras for breakfast, waiting, camera on shoulder, a man walks up to me and states that they have been waiting for a photographer to come take their picture. What they did not expect was for me to turn around and say Ok, gather together, let's do it! What started as a casual comment turned into a 20 minute conversation with the invitation to join them for breakfast for they meet there every morning. What a wonderful thing to have a gathering place!

Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA rocks! After work Christmas eve, eve at Laura's, drinking, laughing, smoking, carrying on like good bad girls. A heartfelt exchange of bracelets that we have worn, each one speaking of the other. The best time and best gifts, gifts of self.

Delivering for Santa's Helpers Anonymous, all 4 of us. What an incredibly organized system! After we had loaded our Expedition, I took a shopping cart back to where the action was taking place, loading, maps, food, presents, etc. and I could not help but cry, witnessing the jolly (for everyone was!) helpers who had been there since who knows when in the morning handing out the boxes. All the volunteers who were there to deliver, the good cheer that went from one person to another. And the woman, who when we dropped off her packages, hugged each one of us, and told us Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Hearing my daugher sing Breath of Heaven always leaves me a mess.

The last minute shopping due to school, which practically gave me a breakdown, and the letter that stated I made the Dean's list with a 4.0 which made it completely worthwhile.

The smell of wonderful goodies from my youngest who works so well in the kitchen.

Shopping with my youngest who is a child after my own heart, get in, get what you want, get out. Laughing, making spectacles of ourselves, in the moment with each other, feeling our groove together and my heart warm.

Coming home from Christmas Eve service to discover that Gus, the old hound, ate my gift. A box of 28 chocolates from John & Kira's. Need I say more? I swore that if he did not die from ingesting that amount of chocolate, I was going to kill him. He ate through the UPS shipping box and the chocolate box and did not enjoy a single chocolate, just scarfed them down in a second or two I'm sure, then spent the evening pacing, drinking, and going outside. He then slept all day on Christmas, the shithead.

The art gallery in my living room on Christmas Day, supplied by my Uncle, the incredible photographer and photoshop manipulator, each of uschoosing what we wanted, but also the fact that what we chose was what Auntie had actually chosen for each one of us. The knowledge of family.

My daughters who believe in the birth of Jesus and the wonder it brings yet still leave cookies and milk for Santa.

The gathering of various family units that happen when you both come from two divorced parents and the joy that exists in each.

And just like that, it was over. We will not be together for New Year's this year. I will miss my girls, one is an adult and wants her own parties, traditions as it should be and one will be visiting her best friend who moved to California. It is a trip that she has been waiting for since the move in September. My Handsome Prince and I will host a small party with co-workers of his from that side of the bridge, Peach will join us and so will Mom. Peach and I will try the water on New Years Eve and New Years Day, because we can. She would like to make a banner like mine, so I will provide the supplies for banners again. I don't know if I will make a new one or not for I feel I am still working on seeking. We'll see.

Lucinda Williams plays in the cd player while I blog, knit, and pick up and drink a Dogfish Head, the girls are playing together, and the Smaj is messing with all the electronics like a boy does. Oh, and the dogs are all alive.

Lists

They keep me in line most of the time. I'm making my list to do massive shopping Thursday. I'm going to the shore to do it, visiting some of my favorites in Lewes and of course a couple outlet stores in Rehoboth. With school, there has been no crafting, no shopping, no decorating, no baking. It will all come after tomorrow, after my last exam. A challenging stressful semester. I revisited my birthday list and have only achieved maybe half of what I set to do. I'm okay with that. I'll just make another this birthday. My education has taken priority over all the items on the list, and it shows. I achieved a 197 out of 200 on my math final. I'm hoping to achieve greatness on my others as well.

Thankfulness

A bit late, but heartfelt non the less

A clean scan for the SMaj just two days before Thanksgiving.

The bond of sisterhood

My Three Rockin' friends who never fail to bring laughter to the occasion.

Uncle Pat and da boys

Sisters who open the sisterhood to their cousin

Reuinting with an old friend after 25 years

Young girls who put up with me

cold water

the abililty to jump

Oh there is so much more to be thankful for.