Beautiful. Thank you for this world through your eyes.
June. I don't really remember much of it, save for the fact that they cut my hours for the month and gave me these little 3 or 4-day breaks. Mini vacations. Light paydays, so I just hung out at home. Going back to 40 hours next week.
On June 21, an old well worn piece of clothing was left unceremoniously at my mailbox. It was delivered in a plain brown shipper. No return address, just first class postage and my address, printed on the package. Unremarkable, yet intriguing. What, where, when, and why were the obvious questions. However, I was in the middle of doing something else, so I left it in a pile, on the table, both literally and figuratively, to sort out later. In that same evening, I walked by and noticed it was still there, apparently waiting for me to resolve whether its quixotic quest was quite yet complete. Like the gaze from an abandoned puppy, it demanded my attention. My eyebrows raised, I picked up the clothing and looked at it more closely, sensing the quality of fabric, the faded colors, and the several gaps among its well worn seams. It made no sense at first. Then, like the sensation of a walking under a waterfall, the memory of a long lost article of clothing left somewhere overseas, while on a trip more than a decade ago, washed over me. Standing there drenched in amazement, only three letters whistled from my mouth, “wtf!” I sat down at the table to steady myself, and surrendered my imagination to various scenarios of the travels and travails of this “piece of my history” in the last decade. Each version was equally implausible, but not undeniably possible in my mind. But why would it decide to find its way back to me after so long without the care of my company? My personal affection, even my care of connection, were long ever lost, yet it grasped at the straws, for my current attention. In the last decade, I’ve learned as I’ve aged, that lies lay low no longer than the last lament for the truth. As they progress from the past, to the present, pressing no point other than a promise of accountability.
So, for sake of my sanity, I stopped with any more secrets or insinuations. “Welcome home!” , I exclaimed as one would to a long lost friend. You are most worthy of this place for all things woven into my well worn life. There was no reply. Just silence and clothing still lying in a heap. But if you looked close, the creases had gone, the colors brightened, and the seams seemed more sound than before. As I placed it into a honored position in a drawer next to my 1986 t-shirt from the island of Bali, there was apparently some nestling and snuggling going on, to make space and welcome. I just smiled, and said; “Whatever it takes, no matter how long it’s been, all are welcome home.”
What a stunning little short story my friend. I am so curious about this entire thing, and so want answers, but oddly feel better not having them? I don't understand why, but I Love it.
My feelings exactly! Life is often reluctant to reveal all its mysteries to us. I have learned that this is not a bad thing. To remain curious is satisfying, but to know everything is withering.
It’s been an honour watching as you’ve shared your children growing. Our middle child just turned 18 and it’s a stark reminder of how quickly time passes. (How is GG 5????).
Your June seems to be busier than mine. My June, however, was mostly uneventful: Going to my German class as usual (I've been going to a language class to learn German for the past nine months), immersing myself in German more than the previous months, working on some of my artworks, thinking about my future, and planning for how to continue studying German after my class ends.
Yes, totally agree, especially a language like German (My German learning so far has been an emotional rollercoaster, but amazing, generally speaking). If something, even language learning, becomes very important to me, I'll stick to it as long as I can.
I parted ways with nearly two decades of publicly serving The Big One & her two smaller mates.
There were tears & a lot of growth.
I also caught the flu from the Human of Henry. Cue a most vexed GP & the phrase "I'm sorry! He never misses his shot with me. He's Italian!" when asked how I came across Influenza while having a flu shot in my veins. Antibiotics are a last resort for me (I don't want to get immunity by becoming someone who pops them like candy.)
As always, thought it was par for the course & unsure whether it was DOMS (because gymrat) or Winter doing her thing. Obstinate & headstrong, yet trusting in Science & thankful as heck for Medicare.
Happy Summer, northern birds. You're on the downhill slide to Fall. And, our Autumn is always a winner. So, I'm hoping the same for you
I think this is my favourite photo dump/monthly roundup from you, yet! I could FEEL so many emotions through your words and photos. Just sending a big squeeze to all of you (but especially Sarah because I'm in my mama feelings right now) as you go through this big familial transition with the kiddos beginning to turn into young adults!
My June was one to remember; our second and last baby was born on June 16th so I said hello to her and goodbye to my life's pregnancy + birth chapter. She feels like the completion to our family, even though I didn't consciously feel like we were incomplete without her. I've cried a lot of tears, most of them joyful. I'm grieving having way less one on one time with T but oh gosh, the absolute radiant love I feel in watching him being a big brother.... It's incredible.
Baby H was born on the morning of T's preschool grad so I was disheartened but my parents and my auntie went with him, and they all took so many photos and videos -- plus some of the school moms sent me videos as well.
I've been practicing asking for and accepting help, more often and with less hesitation, and I'm proud of myself for that.
Thus June was definitely a month I'll remember forever.
June was a biggie, and I applaud Sarah for how she handled everything, even though you can SEE how much it hit her :) Your June though, eclipsed ours, in every way. What a beautiful gift. Also, we're proud of you too. SO very proud. Keep this up, please. You deserve it.
Congratulations "...Whirlwind..." on finishing your book. Are there as many images per chapter as was in your shared writing? I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you. I've bookmarked it.
1. Beautiful photos as usual
2. I really thought Henry was holding a book and had to go back and look again
3. That’s an awesome unicorn
:) Thank you so much. And yeah, Addie's skills are NUTS. Henry's drawing skills, not so much, but I Love it so.
I LOVE the photo series. What a magical life. I really love the B&W photo of Sarah you took through the mirror. Stunning.
Something about that bW photo of Sarah I love so much too! It's a random one but I included it because I Just loved it.
Zomg. Muchos Swoon at how the lense loves Lady Gregson, eh? 💜💜
Beautiful. Thank you for this world through your eyes.
June. I don't really remember much of it, save for the fact that they cut my hours for the month and gave me these little 3 or 4-day breaks. Mini vacations. Light paydays, so I just hung out at home. Going back to 40 hours next week.
Hoping your July is filled with only the most magical memorable things :)
The long lost necktie.
On June 21, an old well worn piece of clothing was left unceremoniously at my mailbox. It was delivered in a plain brown shipper. No return address, just first class postage and my address, printed on the package. Unremarkable, yet intriguing. What, where, when, and why were the obvious questions. However, I was in the middle of doing something else, so I left it in a pile, on the table, both literally and figuratively, to sort out later. In that same evening, I walked by and noticed it was still there, apparently waiting for me to resolve whether its quixotic quest was quite yet complete. Like the gaze from an abandoned puppy, it demanded my attention. My eyebrows raised, I picked up the clothing and looked at it more closely, sensing the quality of fabric, the faded colors, and the several gaps among its well worn seams. It made no sense at first. Then, like the sensation of a walking under a waterfall, the memory of a long lost article of clothing left somewhere overseas, while on a trip more than a decade ago, washed over me. Standing there drenched in amazement, only three letters whistled from my mouth, “wtf!” I sat down at the table to steady myself, and surrendered my imagination to various scenarios of the travels and travails of this “piece of my history” in the last decade. Each version was equally implausible, but not undeniably possible in my mind. But why would it decide to find its way back to me after so long without the care of my company? My personal affection, even my care of connection, were long ever lost, yet it grasped at the straws, for my current attention. In the last decade, I’ve learned as I’ve aged, that lies lay low no longer than the last lament for the truth. As they progress from the past, to the present, pressing no point other than a promise of accountability.
So, for sake of my sanity, I stopped with any more secrets or insinuations. “Welcome home!” , I exclaimed as one would to a long lost friend. You are most worthy of this place for all things woven into my well worn life. There was no reply. Just silence and clothing still lying in a heap. But if you looked close, the creases had gone, the colors brightened, and the seams seemed more sound than before. As I placed it into a honored position in a drawer next to my 1986 t-shirt from the island of Bali, there was apparently some nestling and snuggling going on, to make space and welcome. I just smiled, and said; “Whatever it takes, no matter how long it’s been, all are welcome home.”
What a stunning little short story my friend. I am so curious about this entire thing, and so want answers, but oddly feel better not having them? I don't understand why, but I Love it.
My feelings exactly! Life is often reluctant to reveal all its mysteries to us. I have learned that this is not a bad thing. To remain curious is satisfying, but to know everything is withering.
Sweet. You went to Bali the year I was born. I ended up going to Hawaii I utero (because of course our lives are like this) 💚💚
It’s been an honour watching as you’ve shared your children growing. Our middle child just turned 18 and it’s a stark reminder of how quickly time passes. (How is GG 5????).
Thank you.
I couldn't agree more. I have no idea how time moves so swift, I will never understand its machinations.
Your June seems to be busier than mine. My June, however, was mostly uneventful: Going to my German class as usual (I've been going to a language class to learn German for the past nine months), immersing myself in German more than the previous months, working on some of my artworks, thinking about my future, and planning for how to continue studying German after my class ends.
Learning a language is so amazing, and so hard the older we get. I love that you're sticking with it.
Yes, totally agree, especially a language like German (My German learning so far has been an emotional rollercoaster, but amazing, generally speaking). If something, even language learning, becomes very important to me, I'll stick to it as long as I can.
Ah, June.
I parted ways with nearly two decades of publicly serving The Big One & her two smaller mates.
There were tears & a lot of growth.
I also caught the flu from the Human of Henry. Cue a most vexed GP & the phrase "I'm sorry! He never misses his shot with me. He's Italian!" when asked how I came across Influenza while having a flu shot in my veins. Antibiotics are a last resort for me (I don't want to get immunity by becoming someone who pops them like candy.)
As always, thought it was par for the course & unsure whether it was DOMS (because gymrat) or Winter doing her thing. Obstinate & headstrong, yet trusting in Science & thankful as heck for Medicare.
Happy Summer, northern birds. You're on the downhill slide to Fall. And, our Autumn is always a winner. So, I'm hoping the same for you
Here's to tears, here's to growth! Hope you heal and recover swiftly!
I think this is my favourite photo dump/monthly roundup from you, yet! I could FEEL so many emotions through your words and photos. Just sending a big squeeze to all of you (but especially Sarah because I'm in my mama feelings right now) as you go through this big familial transition with the kiddos beginning to turn into young adults!
My June was one to remember; our second and last baby was born on June 16th so I said hello to her and goodbye to my life's pregnancy + birth chapter. She feels like the completion to our family, even though I didn't consciously feel like we were incomplete without her. I've cried a lot of tears, most of them joyful. I'm grieving having way less one on one time with T but oh gosh, the absolute radiant love I feel in watching him being a big brother.... It's incredible.
Baby H was born on the morning of T's preschool grad so I was disheartened but my parents and my auntie went with him, and they all took so many photos and videos -- plus some of the school moms sent me videos as well.
I've been practicing asking for and accepting help, more often and with less hesitation, and I'm proud of myself for that.
Thus June was definitely a month I'll remember forever.
June was a biggie, and I applaud Sarah for how she handled everything, even though you can SEE how much it hit her :) Your June though, eclipsed ours, in every way. What a beautiful gift. Also, we're proud of you too. SO very proud. Keep this up, please. You deserve it.
Really loved all the photos ✨
I'm so glad :) I love taking them!
Congratulations "...Whirlwind..." on finishing your book. Are there as many images per chapter as was in your shared writing? I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you. I've bookmarked it.
Happy Future Writing 🖊,
A. ~
I love the photos with your story.
Isn't life truly grand!!