Mom has a Birthday

Birthdays once you've attained a respectable age (let's say 30) take on a different character- and as you get older, they are often a chance for reflection. We spent the day doing chores at home and wrapped up the afternoon at the beach club soaking up some sun, admiring the boats, the clouds and the birds as they soared and dipped in their predictable fashion. My husband made a nice meal,  my teens sang me Happy Birthday, my eldest mailed a package of treats from school. and I heard from friends and relatives- so all in all- a perfect birthday for this wife and mother of 3. (and the chance to share a favorite image from Lake Champlain.)

Pop Culture and Me

I consider myself among the world's most dedicated home viewers of many iconic American tv shows, and America's got Talent is no exception. In the past, I have been enchanted by the talents and stories of previous contestants and this year's final six acts are a varied showcase of artistry, determination and desire. Next week is the finals (and this year I have two favorites) but they are all deserving. And Nick Cannon is always a pleasure to watch and a breath of fresh air as the show's emcee.

"Make your mess your message" (& a memory)

Spoken by Robin Roberts during her touching speech while accepting Espy's Arthur Ashe Award for Courage last July. She is someone for whom I have a lot of respect  and admiration.
So, words to ponder. 

{Once, years ago on a small commuter flight from Detroit to Grand Rapids, I sat across the aisle from Arthur Ashe on a mostly empty plane. (He was retired from tennis by this time and due to a blood transfusion during open heart surgery had contracted AIDS. I knew of his work in promoting both AIDS prevention and funding research to find a cure.) 
He and I made eye contact, smiled slightly in acknowledgement, took our seats, and then read for the duration of the flight, which was completely uneventful. Still, from my seat, I felt the special presence of this amazing man. Upon standing to deplane, I told him that I knew who he was and that it was honor to have met him. He smiled at me again and then we each dropped our eyes. Another brush with greatness that I will never forget.}

Back to School

My two high schoolers are gone. Due in for a 10 a.m. start they headed out with their dad an hour early to have breakfast in town with friends and then head to school together. All the rituals change and it's a little bittersweet. But in my heart of hearts I am glad they are each on their way as their independent selves dictate. (And all I can hope is that as parents we are doing a good enough job to help them create healthy and meaningful lives of their own.)     

                   The photos above are from the first day of school 2006- a walk down memory lane!

Our sojourn to Lake Champlain

My husband, James, and I with our two (reluctant) teenagers set out on a road trip last Sunday. We combined the break with bringing the rest of our daughter Nora's stuff to Burlington,Vermont for her new apartment. We made our way north and dropped off her cargo, staying overnight so James could help her paint her new room. The next morning we headed further up Lake Champlain to St. Albans where we had arranged to rent a cottage on the water. The rental was funky, the beds were lousy and the second night I observed a 1000 midges dancing around our bedroom's ceiling fixture (and the room's only source of light). I did sleep uneasily, it's true. The kids. missing their pals at home, were more than happy to leave early.
But the rental was located minutes away from Killkare State Park where we took a lovely boat ride via ferry to Burton Island State Park which has meandering walks and breathtaking water views. It was easy to fall in love with Lake Champlain and its many scenic wonders.