turner front mascher & cherry

Finding light in the darkest of places

2012-01-27T21:30:00.001-05:00

@ Jokers, Lazer Tag room

This moment

2012-01-27T08:05:00.001-05:00

Inspired by Soulemama here is our moment.

Booty, booty

2012-01-26T00:15:00.001-05:00

2012-01-25T08:09:00.001-05:00

Trusting in the letter N

2012-01-23T19:09:00.001-05:00

I put my hope & faith
Into the moment, one of
Them will take my hand and lead me across the room
& proudly show me
Their first unprompted, unpracticed letter N.

Hints

2012-01-22T20:43:00.002-05:00

While cruising my books
For some weekly recipes
I stumbled upon helpful household hints....

Enjoy!

Oh you Longfellow!

2012-01-20T20:41:00.001-05:00

Wound

2012-01-18T22:16:00.001-05:00

Somehow
The day was managed.
Dinner cooked,
Projects completed,
Library books returned,
Skates donned & used,
Cookies bakes,
Yoga achieved.

It was full & manageable
& I wish that I could feel like this tomorrow, too
& the next day.

Knowing that I can get through the day & breathed
Thinking, I didn't do to bad today, nothing to shame or regret.
It was goodness & I was in it
With heart full.

Moon

2012-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Excuse me....

2012-01-15T18:00:00.001-05:00

But do you have this dress in my size?

My baby loves her babies

2012-01-15T02:02:00.001-05:00

After 2 boys
It warms my heart
To see her tote her babies
And rock them
& sing to them in
Her preverbal babble.

Today she showed me her belly
& said baby
Then pointed to mine & said baby

And I said yes
That's where babies grow.

his shoes

2012-01-12T12:55:00.001-05:00

It's the fifth day at home
Each one has spent time with
The stomach flu...
& now we are down to the almost better bickering.

I am yearning for the outside
to walk in his shoes
Just for today
Watch the snow pile on the trees
Brace myself against the wind
& have some space on my own.

Chasm

2012-01-10T16:30:00.001-05:00

Unlock my feet, my hand
Who high tails it in the wind
Unfurl my womb upon the rocks
Mark it
Here among the rose colored granite chasms
That I too carefully walked

Baby in the room

2012-01-10T00:48:00.001-05:00

Gratitude

2012-01-09T04:14:00.001-05:00

After a rough night & morning
I put him to soak
In a bubble bath in the middle of the day
Wrapped him in his favorite xlarge green towel
Gently combed his hair
Tucked him in on the couch
Placed his ginger ale beside him to slowly sip

He said thank you, for being so nice to me.
My heart fell right out there on
The floor by the couch.
Next to the sick pot.
Bleeding.

I told him that's what Mama's do. Hugged him
& picked up my heart
Placed it next to him
And went to start the mountain of wash.

Walking & Talking

2012-01-07T21:56:00.001-05:00

-Portland First Friday Art Walk
The Art Department, Congress St.

We walked on the slippery bricks,
Filed in & out of galleries and spaces
Melded with the hip
Laughed it all out
& took in what was good...
A gnarly garnet,
An owl in a bowl
A single page in interpretation

It felt good to be seeing
Not containing my little folk
Not wondering each moment where they are,
But in the world
On my own
Walking & talking

This Moment

2012-01-06T09:04:00.001-05:00

I want to hold onto this one for as long as I can.

Day in 3 parts

2012-01-05T21:30:00.001-05:00

Quiet table, how I admire you.

Lunch with friend, how I needed you.

Photo shoot with bus on the eastern prom, how I enjoyed you.

Kitchen

2012-01-04T21:35:00.002-05:00

In my last home, the kitchen's cheap linoleum tiles were pealed and cracked. The broken bits revealed an unattractive subfloor.
I tried to spruce it up. I hung a little shelf above the sink on the wall, to see some of my favorite treasures placed there, rather than the blank space wedged between tge cabinets. I put plants in the low window sills. I hung pink Swiss dots curtains on the extra long windows. But for all my trying, it was missing something. It did not feel like home.

I spend much of my day in the kitchen. Between preparing meals, cleaning up and escaping in there for a breather from the fray of the winter living area (it's a mass of pillows, cardboard, play food, cars, zoobs, blankets, crayons & all manner of odds & ends) most of my time is in that space.

With gratitude I can say I love my kitchen. It needs a bit of paint, but the window over looks a crab apple tree. Where I've heard told it baths the room pink in the spring. It's cabinets are large, & many. I spend my time listening to programming on local community radio, dancing when the children come to visit on the soft warm wood floors. Our current favorite tune, Tellow Submarine. We read books while eating our breakfast around the old enamel topped table. There is a place on the wall to hang my apron. A drawer for my linens. An old stove that although electric, is still welcoming. It feels enough like home to want to resize those pink Swiss dot curtains.

Solace

2012-01-03T22:35:00.001-05:00

Sought solace in a ride this afternoon with a friend. We ended up at the beach & watched the children unfurl out onto the rocks. Scanning tidal pools, identifying periwinkles & barnacles. Sheltered by the cove, in this January air they lasted. We watched the sun recede, warmed the children when they returned & headed home.

Twopher

2012-01-02T21:47:00.001-05:00

In between the push & pull of the morrow
I found the buffer.

-tookies bridge, backbay, Portland

Faucet

New Year

2012-01-02T01:40:00.001-05:00

What we had to loose
Was sent by stone into the
Bottom of the sea

& what we called
To our lives
Was in the air around us
In our every breath
Pulling it in
Moment by moment
Becoming palpable, enriching
Ever changing

Henny Penny & her 3 chicks

2011-12-26T16:25:00.001-05:00

From the Port

The Diggers

2011-12-13T21:48:00.001-05:00

Newly formed
&
Gaining steam,
The bottle diggers club.
Finding bottle troves
In a dump near you.

Use deuce trois, poussee

2011-12-10T00:58:00.001-05:00

Delved into the delightful world of contra dancing this evening. What a wonder to watch my kiddos dancing & laughing & dancing! Oh my, dancing!
Made me a bit emotional....
They were dancing!

Island Dusk

2011-12-09T00:29:00.001-05:00

I can't resist the lure of the water,
Even at dusk
It calls
To gaze out into its depths

Or in the day
It's crashing waves
& rocks telling epic fortunes
If I am quiet enough to hear

Fun & games at Westport Lanes

2011-12-07T23:24:00.001-05:00

Farm Fare

2011-12-04T01:14:00.001-05:00

Milo participated in his first 4H farm Fair today with his hand crafts....sold and traded his 8 bird ornaments & almost all of his rice krispies treats.
It was a pleasure to see all the kids work! My camera was on the fritz, thanks to Laura & Michelle for the photos.

My Lady & I

2011-12-01T23:46:00.001-05:00

It must have been huge
An act of bravery, giving my life for another's
Or generous
Giving food to a slew of starving people
Or something so selfless....
To deserve this gift I have been given
Each day she is more precious,
Gives me more joy
That literally I weep sometimes
When she looks at me & smiles
Or lays on my shoulder & snuggles in.
She is joyful...
& I feel so grateful to share my days with her.

Day at the Fort

2011-12-01T08:36:00.001-05:00

We have been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather lately, enjoying the last bits of my favorite month, November.
Yesterday we headed out to the Fort, watched the waves pound the rocks & beheld a troupe of boys wander over rock, hill & beach.

Nutcracker Suite

2011-11-29T16:08:00.001-05:00

Today we had the good fortune
Of seeing the nutcracker
My lady sat with me, riveted by the dancing wonders,
Clapping appropriately
And was thoroughly delighted.
Nate commented on his favorite costumes, the Arabesque number
& Milo shushed us
He was into the performance.
It was lovely
All those arms,
Strong legs & costumes.
& the music divine.

Up into the clouds

2011-11-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

He had a plan
And will
He was on his way

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T11:29:00.001-05:00

We were on our way to China Buffet, when the sweetest of families invited us to share the holiday....
It was delicious. The boys made candles and celery stick w/ PB & cream cheese, homemade bread, which we added to their traditional feast complete with homemade apple & pumpkin pie. It was divine.
So much to be grateful for this year....
A lovely home, our loving family & wonderful friends.

Mmmm, dutchy!

2011-11-23T03:08:00.001-05:00

Was recently reminded of the yumminess of a Dutch Baby, by one of my favorite bloggers, the Chicken.
A Dutch Baby, is an egg, flour & milk combo baked with butter in a cast iron pan. Serve with an array of fixins...jam, powered sugar, maple syrup....it's mealtime delight.
Not only can I thank the Chicken for the dutchy reminder, I can also thank my Betinku, who while we were living in the Czech Republic, introduced me to them. Feels appropriate while in Czech, enjoying the Dutch, by way of America...I guess they all speak one language....baby.
Viva la breakfast!

2011-11-21T09:36:00.001-05:00

I wish I could listen to his every whim,
Be patient with his every demand
Respond kindly to his 100th request for the same item, same chore
If only I could channel his determination & obstinate nature
Into some positive endeavor,
Instead of a request to pour the little milk we have left to share between them....
For The 30th time this morning.

It's a request to always have the first piece of chicken, spoon, juice
It's the obstinate nature, the disdainful looks

Then like a light
He is smiling & delightful
Laughing & affable....

He's shaken his mood
& is dancing...
All forgotten

Aww four year olds

2011-11-16T21:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had blessed moment to myself in the late afternoon. The sky was still light, but fading. I plunked myself down on the wood, listening to the almost quiet, feeling no demands. I let go for a moment. It was easier to get back up.

Treasure

2011-11-15T16:33:00.001-05:00

I love November. Especially when she shows us her beauty. Almost bear, but not quite nude. Things hidden away through the foliage of warmer days, are now slowly revealed. I reveal in the open sky, streaked with orange. The quieter streets. The slowness, the growing dark.

We watched the sunset from the beach,
Walked the paths in the fading orange light.
Climbed a tree, skipped stones,
Collected leaves

We were in the moment & it was treasure.

Masks made

2011-11-12T20:55:00.001-05:00

& from above

2011-11-08T00:39:00.001-05:00

The highway looms...

4

2011-11-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

He made it.
To the top.
Perched there, on the roof,
Like a squirrel in the fall,
Heavy but almost, not always,
Sure footed.
He is 4 today.

4 years wiser, more determined,
& willing to challenge.
He is sensitive in his feelings,
Speaks as if he's from North Jersey,
Scratches his itchy patches
And runs till he's breathless,
But then pushes on.

He is my every third heartbeat
My ever loving Nate.

Bus love, pt two

2011-11-03T22:49:00.001-04:00

Nate inadvertently matched the new bus....

Dashboard love

Our new bus needs a name...
Any suggestions?

Rattle, steam, hiss

2011-11-01T23:09:00.001-04:00

Into the rail yard they stride
Sure footed amongst
The thick cut rock
Lantern swaying
Eyes squinted against the dark
Wrench in hand
Waiting
For the roll of the train

Friends

2011-10-29T01:54:00.001-04:00

When times are tough
We've got friends to hold us up

Table

2011-10-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

We gathered in turkey celebration
An early thanks
For a visitor from far away,
Friends
& food....
What blessings....

Sacred & Profane

2011-10-15T23:56:00.001-04:00

Oh how I have missed the Sacred & Profane. An afternoon sojourn on an island with music, art, friends & mushroom popovers. What a delight....ferry boat & all.

Embellishment

2011-10-15T23:45:00.001-04:00

Out & About

2011-10-11T21:23:00.001-04:00

We made it out today in the glorious sunshine. To the library and the beach....
We honked for the protestors in Monument Sq. & Milo even did a jig in the living room to his favorite Celtic radio station....
We even found bits of costumes for Halloween.

2011-10-10T21:39:00.001-04:00

Morning, with my bakers assistant.

Late Afternoon, making meteor balls with wet felt.

Early Evening, sharing our collective soup at the farm.

Enjoying autumn entirely....

2011-10-09T21:40:00.001-04:00

Finding the beat wasn't hard...

Helping him find his proved to be the challenge.
With every new moment, I reinvent the wheel,
Seeking to open his world
But failing to do so in his terms....

Will chalk it up to parental learning by repetition.

Pier no more

2011-10-03T09:12:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-09-23T18:22:00.001-04:00

Gee, I don't know....

For a Good Cause

2011-09-03T23:47:00.001-04:00

The other day I was able to sneak a visit to my favorite thrift store. It was delicious! Walking through downtown on my stolen time to check out it's new-to-me location. The good Sisters run a clean & useful store, they even launder the clothing & linens before putting them out....& the prices are divine. Favorite unexpected find of the day, wooden shoes, in different sizes & colors throughout the store.
What I brought home....one pair of heart pj pants for little lady, one pink gingham napkin of soft cotton, & 2 black buttons for a shirt that has lost a few.
Sister Mary wasn't there that day, which was the reason I thought I would meander down there, but that gives me a reason to visit again....hey it's for a good cause....

Neighborhood Ice Cream

2011-09-01T08:53:00.002-04:00

Aunt Dees
Provider of neighborhood treats
& tomatoes & peas
In season of course.
Yummy, delicious
& remarkably close
Aunt Dees is what your tummy needs most!

Growing dark

2011-08-29T07:03:00.001-04:00

Watched the waves throw darkly over one another in the dusk. Boats pulling their moorings in the cove. Pines on the island faded like dark giants. My body stanchion in the wind.

On a boat, when we were young

2011-08-24T20:22:00.001-04:00

& the fire we built that night
On the island we finally made it too
Through the murky pea soup sea
& we sat by the waves & sang songs
Listened to the fireworks &
Watched the clouds change colors till they stopped
& we found our way through the rocks, back home

Mama-Made Dress

2011-08-23T20:09:00.001-04:00

I don't exactly know how I have pulled things off lately, but things have been being made; buttons have been replaced, stitches knitted, patchwork done, embroidery almost finished. I thank this New England air.
One thing completed lately was this dress. It came together fairly easy. Elastic is placed around the neck which adds a nice gathered look there. Short sleeves that ate belled. With matching bloomers (not pictured) she even likes it. One of the reasons I enjoy having a girl child, oh the things I can make! And she'll actually wear, at least for now, anyway.

the view down below

2011-08-22T23:46:00.001-04:00

Lady O truly enjoys the box of Crayolas. Even her Baby was invited.

this moment

2011-08-19T09:36:00.001-04:00

Building our communal table

2011-08-18T09:11:00.001-04:00

Last week was a bit stressful for the kids with the move & all, so I thought this week we would do some fun activities. First up, make some personalized napkins. I had the kids pick out their fabric (& the Adults too!) and I cut out a paper template about 14"x14". We used the template on the fabric & the kids cut around it. They ironed and together they each helped with the sewing. & viola clean faces!

Where the fairies live

2011-08-15T23:42:00.001-04:00

Relish, laugh, reinervate

2011-08-12T09:48:00.001-04:00

These are two moments from our very eventful week. Laughing & reconnecting with old friends & visiting places that make my soul shine.
Looking forward to a weekend filled with love, laughter & sharing!

Going, going, gone

2011-08-09T22:26:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Had me a blast.....

2011-08-08T08:57:00.001-04:00

Last few days have included:: saying goodbye to good family & friends; eating ice cream; playing scramble to the top of the stairs; in no particular order, of course. On to our next adventure!

Up and Running

2011-08-06T13:20:00.001-04:00

Butterfly

2011-08-04T14:37:00.001-04:00

Showing off some of Milo's handy work. This was a gift for a friend's birthday. It was his idea, a little help from me on the design, than his execution. He is getting real good on the sewing machine. I am excited to see what else he comes up with.

Fort Mifflin

2011-08-03T21:43:00.001-04:00

We took a drive down by the river on Saturday, looking to explore Fort Mifflin. I am glad we did, it was a treat.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a moat surrounding the fort. It's ancient bunkers situated above the green crusted pond. Located next to the airport the planes flew low over the fort every few minutes.
Fort Mifflin was created during the Revolutionary War which makes it's brick caves quite ancient in American standards. The dark earth in contrast with the bright sunny day, left me feeling intrigued with the place. I caught snippets of hauntings told by a dressed in period clothing tour guide, who later did a weapons demonstration, when she fired a musket.
There was a feeling of just keeping it together there, from the staff and volunteers. Nothing was maned, you wander freely about. Most of the displays are rigged up, with an unfinished feel. & the groundskeeper mumbled to himself while I sat with the baby in the shade of a porch.
What I most enjoyed, was that you were free to explore, sit and enjoy the place. And we did, very much.

Well dressed

2011-07-28T22:42:00.001-04:00

I loved this man's fashion choices. From the hat to the shoes, well done indeed. & esp. The shirt. When I asked him about his choices he said one needs a hat on a warm day.
@ the Meineke on Ridge Ave.

Man

2011-07-12T11:37:00.001-04:00

Man who cuts the clouds with an axe....pier greeter
Behold!

Seaside Heights, NJ
Casino Pier

A bug in the night...

2011-07-06T16:50:00.001-04:00

Filling his tires
With neon bouncing the light
Shadowed green glow night

This moment

2011-07-01T14:51:00.001-04:00

One Morning at the Farm

2011-06-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

Spent my morning at my best friend's backyard homestead. Visited with Burdie & the girls.

Ophelia enjoyed watching the chickens,

She even was motivated to check out the raised beds.

Pulling carrots,

Admiring the onions

We were even sent home with some produce & eggs!
Lunch was compliments of the farm experience,
A yummy salad, warm from the sun.
The experience made me so excited for our own homestead...

Top

2011-06-29T09:01:00.001-04:00

Feeling oh so inspired to make something for my little lady....this is the pillowcase dress. Ophelia who is now on the move, often times is impeded by her dresses while trying to get to her brothers across the room. I decided why not a top? I love the way it turned out. Perhaps when she's walking I will make the dress, till then I think I will work on bottoms to match.

2011-06-29T00:16:00.001-04:00

When I see beauties like this
Resting in the Shoprite parking lot, I feel a little blessed.
The rarity of sighting so old, but running, gives me a thrill. I feel the need to take the photos. So I remember.
Makes me think of my Dad, my grandfather & my husband. The greasy hands, the struggle to maintain or to get those old ponies out there on the street.
& the feeling of the ride.

bee balm

2011-06-26T17:12:00.001-04:00

Bee Balm
Also known as Bergamot
when taken as an infusion
is good for many ailments
headaches, nausea, sore throats
to name a few...

Today
as I sat in traffic,
with no directions, a crying baby & hungry boys,
already late for a party
& only a faint idea on how to get there
I started to weep
I brought my hand to my face
& caught the scent of it
which transported me to
the morning
where I sought a moment, alone
& went to our old garden
upon arriving I beheld
with great surprise
the bee balm that I had planted
last year
grown full & overflowing the narrow brick border
the honey bees were gathered
and busy, & although I was hesitant to disturb them
I felt compelled to pick a few
bring them into my world of toys and cooking

It was
the scent liongering on my
fingers
a true balm for my frazzled
weary soul

Trumpet

2011-06-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

If I pretend quite enough
The car horns I hear in the night
Could be these amazing flowers
Sending their music
Through the window
To herald their summer magic.

What's he building in there?

2011-06-16T09:02:00.001-04:00

This old nugget
Rests on the top of Chestnut Hill
It appears to be empty
But,
I can faintly hear a tink, tink
& can only imagine
What's he building in there?

Camping

2011-06-12T19:15:00.001-04:00

Visited Hickory Run State Park,
Communed with nature
Ate s'mores
Listened to thunder & rain in the quite night approach
Cradled a feverish baby
Watched a mama bird feed her babies under the eaves
Swam in a lake
Watched the baby splash and kick
Smiled.

& returned to boulder field after a 32 year sojourn
I think this time I will remember it.

the fernery

2011-06-07T22:25:00.001-04:00

price of age

2011-06-03T23:54:00.000-04:00

Its beginning.
The lines deeper around my eyes,
my abundant cheeks falling.
Its in my hands with their veins,
my hair corse with gray poking through.
My joints, aching
my hips stiffening on rainy days.
My eyes, weakening from all the reading in the dark. (My parents were right)
My scars in abundance, tracing lines on this old familiar.

& with all that I feel in my body,
what I see of myself,
I have never felt joy deeper.
The absolute delight of a sunny day.
The joy of playing freely with my children in the afternoon light.

The price of age.

About Town

2011-05-27T22:53:00.003-04:00

Pechin Street Roses & Wrought Iron
a '74 on its way to camping trip in Virginia
the parish residence on Monastary Ave
More roses on the corner
Imprisoned VW, Green Lane

Escape

2011-05-25T17:21:00.001-04:00

We set ourselves packing
In the evenings tidal asphalt, fueled by soft serve & will
We capsized the 'miss north light ' on the rocks
& caught a tricycle ride
Over the bumpy bricks
Catching the scent of evening tea roses in the fading humid night

A Time to Keep

2011-05-23T21:23:00.001-04:00

I recently had the good fortune of stumbling upon a Tasha Tudor picture book that I hadn't yet discovered.
"A Time to Keep" tells of the special goings on in the calendar year by illustrating its celebrations. It's pure loveliness.

Since this May has been mostly gloomy & I am otherwise engaged in activities not so fun, I am enjoying her drawings.

Dreaming of future Mays, where we will have a Maypole.

& plant our garden

& seek refuge from the sun under the cherry blossoms.
Oh, what dreams.

Bus love

2011-05-21T22:09:00.001-04:00

It's the giant steering wheel that truly makes a bus
Using your arms to make that turn
Feels like your riding an amusement car
Kids bouncing in their car seats
The meep meep of the horn

Wild Animals on the loose in Mount Airy

2011-05-20T21:41:00.001-04:00

While driving home this afternoon,
Through the wilds of Mount Airy,
I came across a psychedelic elephant
In mid salut,
He seemed to be
In the right place, at the right moment,
Listening to Parliament's Flashlight
In the misty Friday rain.

Quilts

2011-05-20T00:17:00.001-04:00

floursack quilt
Found at Church Rummage Sale
On Green Lane in Manayunk

The Eastman Road Quilt

She said she had something to give me
& we climbed the stairs, past the
Shining paneled walls of the upstairs hall & she led me to the small door of the eaves.
In there, she said
In that box.
Go on, take it.

I protested. I don't want to take anything away from your family.

No, she said,
No one in my family made it.
The lady down the road did.

I thanked her again, and took in the pink vision.

Her own bed downstairs was covered by a butterfly quilt. She had said her mother had made it.

Gladys was 87.
When I helped her to bed for her afternoon nap, I would cover her with those colorful butterflies & smile.

I drove home that day, off the farm, off the cape, wondering which house, which lady made the quilt.

When I got home I laid it out. Admiring it's subtleties. It's pink variations, the red squares in the center. The green yarn.
The calico back.

I packed it away today, thinking
Of the big oak in Gladys side yard.
The eave where it was stored for all those years.
& I think of Gladys
Her garden & hydrangeas, fixing her food, eating in the pale purple dining room with the wood stove and her stories
& am so grateful of
Her generosity.

roots

2011-05-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

I am always amazed at the depths of the city
How deep one can go
Careening on the highway, wedged between truck & walls
& then suddenly,
on the edge of the darkest
Of woods, watching deer mingle in the dusk
Amongst thick brush
& trees with the deepest of roots
No matter what wind may comes,
To shake their timbers
& scatter the deer into the night.

New Ride

2011-05-13T12:40:00.001-04:00

Last week, we put to rest
The sweet fabric which cradled our babes next to us.
Whilst walking Ophelia around the block she put her foot through a bit of wear in the fabric and pushed, next thing I knew out popped a foot.
Although sad to see it go, I was excited to make a new one. & with joy rummaged through the fabric stash for something strong, breathable & soft. Luckily I found just the right thing! Scored at a house sale two years back, this lovely lite blue linen with leaf decoration.
It took me all of 20 minutes to make, after studying the old slings mechanics & stitchery.
Viola, new sling. I even think little miss likes it. She has been enjoying the hip carry lately.

As for the old sling maybe the salvageable pieces will go into a little of this or that. We shall see.

Fairview

2011-05-11T23:30:00.000-04:00

As a small girl, living next to this park, I never knew it's name.
It was home to a few empty bottles,
splintered wooden benches & a vagrant sleeping off a bender.
My friend & I would be play spys, hiding behind the tall yews, watching an old man snore.

The large sentinel oaks are gone now. Their roots covered by asphalt
& the tables & benches were removed by the city
to prevent people from lingering,
or so I am told.

What is a park if you cannot linger?

Tonight we happened upon this space on our evening walk,
& to our surprise
It was filled with dogs & kids
People standing about
talking with one another.

I was greeted
& my children asked to play.

& it felt so odd,
after all these years

this vagabond little park,
has at long last found it's community.

Neighborhood Castle

2011-05-10T00:30:00.001-04:00

In these parts,
Castles are for fairy tales.
But once in a while,
Behind an ancient evergreen
A stone bastion will rise
Aged Gray in the late afternoon jsun
It's corners rounded
It's walls lined with fingerprints.

Footfalls sounding on the flagstone path.
Measuring time by the chipped slate roof,
Sunken porch boards,f
Leaking eaves.

In the top most tower window
A doll sits,
Appraising her inherited lands; the front lawn, the street, the fallen fence

11 things

2011-05-04T22:28:00.001-04:00

This past week I've enjoyed being sprung...& in no particular order....

1. Open windows with green leafiness abound...

2. The neighborhood pig, Joey

3. Lady O in her stroller watching the neighborhood pig.

4. Iron fences and scattered magnolia petal paths...

5. Flying the pocket kite everywhere we went...

6. Air conditioning, because some of those times, it was quite hot!

7. Sweet sons who pick flowers for this here lucky mama....

8. Pretty photo on the wall...

9. Nate kicking off the carnival season with a motorcycle ride.

10. Watching the crowd at the Philadelphia International Festival for the Arts, from the steps of the Academy on Broad Street.

11. One lovely baby with her Pa enjoying the horses at the 90th annual Wissahickon Day Parade.

A lovely week indeed....

A little Easter

2011-04-25T21:49:00.001-04:00

The bunny delivered!

candyland

2011-04-23T22:40:00.001-04:00

Photo of the day, candy table at the baby shower. My tongue rejoices & teeth shake with delight. It's candy heaven!

Nest building

2011-04-22T21:40:00.002-04:00

It's always a feat with Nate's food allergies around holidays. Especially Easter with all the egg love going on. So in lue of dying eggs, we made chocolate nests complete with malted eggs.

You melt the chocolate on a double boiler, or my version pirex bowl over pot of boiling H20. Mix with plain shredded wheat all crunched. Place on wax paper & shape into "nest" form. Press in candy eggs.

Yummy, egg free & decorative.

birthday loveliness

2011-04-22T08:29:00.001-04:00

Welcoming another year
In a very blessed life...

spinning & sliding

2011-04-20T22:58:00.001-04:00

Spin

Slide

Rest

Feral barn, on a spring evening

2011-04-18T22:07:00.001-04:00

Sunday

2011-04-18T01:01:00.001-04:00

Dandelion King

Sweet brother

& the fleur-de-lis in the front bedroom.

Two loves

2011-04-15T22:22:00.001-04:00

Two loves of the day....
Magnolia tree in full bloom around the corner & a Lenny's Italian Hoagie split with the boys. Yum.

Rhythms

2011-04-15T00:48:00.001-04:00

My day was spent
Learning the essential rhythms of the heart
Where lub dub becomes dub dub
& so forth
Which is exactly what Nate sounds like when he calls Dove.
"Dub....Dubby!"
Which in all it's essence makes my heart all a flutter.
Ah, synchronicity.

Launch

2011-04-13T22:27:00.001-04:00

I think my new favorite room at the Please Touch Museum is the Rocket Room. Not only do the children get to build foam rockets, they can also launch them into the air, inside, with a nifty launch machine that makes space age sounds. It also photographs so well.