Sunday, June 30, 2013
Shakespeare in the Park
Too hot for many photos; the production started out slow and lacked chemistry, but got better as it went on, though it was darker and more tangibly violent than previous productions I've seen. Two of K's previous teachers were in it, starring at Lady Macbeth and as Lady Macduff. Both girls mouthed many of the lines along with the actors and K got to see the lines that she carried off done by a professional in some of the most famous scenes in literature. She kept critiquing the performance in whispers to me, "he's good; better than me..." and I would think, "but you did that too - lines, emotion, and drama." Seeing the pros made me appreciate my girl and her love for Mr. S. even more. Next year we are looking forward to more and different Shakespeare opportunities, so this whet our appetite. And thank goodness that sun set soon after we arrived... we were very much melting out there!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Looking for Selkies
Well, I was, anyway. The girls were more practical, climbing over sharp rocks to find starfish, anenome gardens, more hermit crabs, and more. We did spot seals very close to the shore, watching us, making me think of the selkie legends. I kept a sharp eye on my lovely daughters as the beautiful sunny day transitioned into a mysteriously gorgeous and foggy evening, sunset still lighting lush hillsides over the approaching fog. An evening to remember... we don't want to leave.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Carmel Mission
I love the Carmel Mission - San Carlos Borromeo de Carmel Mission. Remembering our embarrassment last time when we realized on Sunday that we'd forgotten decent clothes for church we prepared this time... then went to an evening mass that was more casual anyway. I feel a lot to be grateful for, need much support for all that I want to accomplish, and need a sense of peace to do so, so it felt lovely being together in conversation with God in such a beautiful location. I feel like I am overflowing with love and gratitude and now have a growing energy around approaching the creative challenges I envision for the next (few, short) summer months.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Making Pretzels
As previously mentioned, last week we watched a "reality show" about amateur chefs in a contest. Bread was the theme and the participants were challenged to make soft pretzels, among other things. Well, in my time I've made bagels, gnocchi, tortellini, and more, but never pretzels. Still, the interest remained and so this morning we gave it a try. I was pretty sure that we hadn't let the dough rise enough, but I was in a rush to get to work so we kneaded and shaped our dough nonetheless. The result was beautiful and delicious - or "delish" - as my proud chefs crowed with delight.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Extraordinary Bird's Nest
Our neighbors showed us this bird's next, extraordinary for several reasons. First is its construction - seemingly multi-layered, with different sized sticks for the foundation and then a separate soft bed of straw. Then there was the location - at about hip level at the top of some lavender plants along a busy walkway. Must be why it was vacant. More research needed to determine the bird type, but just looking at it was intriguing.


Thursday, June 20, 2013
More on Summertime Learning
Ha, ha! We watched a cooking show and the next day I found this set up in the play room. I have now been directed to learn how to make pretzels.... |
I took this shot after K came running to me on one "vacation" day, exclaiming, "I need to learn cursive!" So they sat down over a workbook I had on hand and began to teach themselves. |
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Swimming
Swimming. The antidote to bickering; perfect sister fun. We're lucky to live near a free pool! Joy all around....
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day
Ha, ha! I feel like one of those people on Facebook who posts pictures of their meals... but this was truly a masterpiece of a Father's Day breakfast-in-bed meal. The girls had picked out cards and had been hiding them for weeks, so they were very excited to give them to him. Our plans to spend the day with my Dad changed when he was called away to emergency child care duties, so we went bowling again, finding a great deal in which everyone can bowl free - and we only paid $1 each for the shoes. Finding extraordinary deals is a celebration in itself! Another (unpictured) Daddy feast of sauteed chard, spinach, and 'quatro formaggio' completed a fun and relaxing celebration.


Saturday, June 15, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
Table of Plenty
Sister Jeanette on left; K and dessert cart at right |
K and I participated in an event with staff and faculty from my paid job called, "Table of Plenty." A lovely and energetic Sister of Notre Dame, Sister Jeanette, organizes a weekly community event to feed people in a nearby farming community who need a good and free meal. Some of those in our group arrived early in the afternoon to prepare the food; we got there in time to help with the serving, learning that doing so required me to wait tables with the intent that we mimic the best service at the highest restaurant. My skills from working with Uncle Mike and Aunt Terry at The Keg in Manitou Springs so many years ago finally put to use! K was in charge of the dessert cart, a popular kid that night.
It was a lovely and powerful experience. One of Sister Jeanette's regular helpers reminded us that by coming, we committed to walking in the shoes of Christ, serving each other in a way that honors each individual's dignity. The service element was important, but so was the inclusiveness of the community; we also ate after our serving duties were nearly done and it felt good to sit down with our guests and break bread, celebrating each other in a simple and important way .
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Summertime
Monday, June 10, 2013
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