REDONDOWRITER'S SACRED ORDINARY

Coming Out of My Woman Cave

Ever since I returned from my Washington trip I've been hibernating as much as I can. When you get older, it takes a while to bounce back. I go back to work in two weeks, too.

The Redondo Beach Art Group had its annual Power of Art 3-day show this past weekend and this is me with two of the four pieces I had on display. I'm utterly shocked; I actually sold the Live With Intention piece closest to me. It's the first time I've ever sold any art and now I have to get a California resale license. Not that I expect my art to sell very often. I'm trying to be humble and not diss myself, but it has given me a boost.

I took a lot of photos but haven't really worked with them yet, but I did want to share the following "living art" piece that was on display in the patio of the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. It is so darned unique. I can't find the program right now so I can't give credit to the nursery/florist that created it, but will soon. It's a bed of succulents, plants and fern and I think it's worthy of a poem when I get some oomph.

I'll start blog walking tonight and catching up with what all of you have been doing. 

Goodbye for Now, Washington State

It's a gorgeous place, no doubt about it. I've had a great week's visit both in Tumwater and Port Angeles--but I'm waiting in the Seattle airport for my flight home to L.A. There's nothing like home, is there?

This is a photo of my sister Betty and moi at the Olive Garden in Olympia yesterday. What an amazing lady she is. In December she will be 87 and somehow or other she has gotten through her latest challenge--surgery, radiation and two rounds of chemo for lung cancer. She is currently getting her strength back, has let her hair go white as it grew back, and she zips all over with her walker.

She uses a computer, although it's a very old HP on a dial-up. She's been wanting to sign up for Netflix but wasn't able to figure it out for herself. We spent a few hours this morning getting her all signed up with her first six movies in the que. Sometimes I wonder if I should set up a senior volunteer group that teaches older people to use computers. But, hopefully not with dial ups. How spoiled we become!

A blessed week all around.

 

 

Family Memories Stored Up Until Next Time

Time flew during my few days with family in Port Angeles, but thanks to the wonder of digital cameras, iPhoto and PhotoShop I have lots of snapshots to trigger warm memories.

Zach and Arlo each blew out candles on their tiramasu in honor of grandma's birthday. Zach even said Feliz Cumpleanos as well as happy birthday.

Last week my daughter-in-law picked 15 pounds of berries at a local farm and put up preserves and made all kinds of goodies. This is my birthday mixed berry pie; it was (and still is) absolutely delicious.

This is grandma with Arlo at dinner last night.

And this is Zach with his daddy Joe, my son, who turned 48 on Friday.

Tomorrow I drive back to stay another two days with my sister Betty and hopefully the weather will begin to improve. My sister Virginia was readmitted to the hospital in Las Vegas on Friday and everything is up in the air; this is her third admit in five weeks and it is sadly apparent that she can't be alone at home anymore. Her children have some tough decisions to make this week.

My friend Anne sent this quote from a memoir by Roseanne Cash and it meant a lot to me.

You begin to realize that everyone has a tragedy, and that if he doesn't, he will. You recognize how much is hidden beneath the small courtesies and civilities of everyday existence. Deep sorrow and traces of great loss run through everyone's lives, and yet they let others step into the elevator first, wave them ahead in a line of traffic, smile and greet their children and inquire about their lives, and never let on for a second that they, too, have lain awake at night in longing and regret, that they, too, have cried until it seemed impossible that one person could hold so many tears, that they too, keep a picture of someone locked in their heart and bring it out in quiet, solitary moments to caress and remember.

 

Day's End at Lake Dawn

For the first day in a month, it rained at Lake Dawn where my son and family lives near Port Angeles, WA. We had a largely indoor day. This photo was taken yesterday at the end of the new dock my son built this year.

This is Lake Dawn this evening, post rain, and after a trip to have Mexican food for my birthday.

Unlike Redondo Beach, the forest smells so incredibly earthy after rain--mixture of dirt, trees, flowers, life, decay, death, and for some reason, it reminds me of the creation story. It would be hard to ever take a vacation if I lived here--except to Southern California in winter when there is perpetual rain.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Port Angeles, WA--Aug. 7, 2010 - The boys are pattering through the house and the rain is pattering on Lake Dawn. I arrived yesterday and have been having a ball with the boys.

This is Zach yesterday on the big sandpile.

And this is Arlo.

Can't expect much more than this on my birthday. No plans for the day but being together is enough.

Memories of Tumwater Falls Park

For many, many years I visited my sis Betty and my late brother-in-law John in Tumwater, WA.

A lot of those years were when they were much younger and healthier and we used to visit all kinds of sites.

After undergoing a really tough lung cancer treatment this past several months, my energizer bunny sis, at 86, has significantly slowed down.

 

I remember so fondly this site of the old Olympia Brewery when she and I used to hike the trail surrounding it. We drive near it now but she doesn't even want to eat out anymore at her fav restaurant The Falls Terrace. But, I've got so many super memories stored in my heart of great times spent together. Be sure to hike this if you pass through Washington state on I5.

As for my sis, precious moments then--and now. Just a different kind of now minutes. We did shop twice during my visit--and she still enjoys that.

Hi Y'All From SEATAC Airport

Here I am in the Seattle Airport waiting for the Capitol Aeroporter shuttle to take me to my sister Betty's home in Tumwater, WA. I flew Virgin America this time--I almost always use VA or Alaska these days. The fares are cheaper and VA's seating isn't as tight as some airlines.

I didn't read my reservation very closely, however, and I did check a bag which cost $25. Surprise! I was taking my old Mac mini to my son inside the suitcase, but from now on I'll use my expandable carry-on unless I'm flying a really long distance.

My sister's health is in a holding pattern after she has completed her second round of chemo for lung cancer, I'm happy to report. The tumor has shrunk some, but because of her age, it is not operable. She sounds pretty much like her old self so we should have a good visit.

Good news! The Seattle airport has free wi fi so I'm having some computer time while waiting for the shuttle.

On Friday I drive up to Port Angeles to see my son Joe, DIL Laura, and Zach (4) and Arlo (2). I haven't seen them in person since February. Friday is my son's birthday so I'll be the babysitter while they go out and celebrate. Saturday is my birthday. Monday night and Tuesday I'll spend back in Tumwater with my sister.

Mollie is staying home with my friend Carole. This will be her first time without me but she is such an affable animal who loves almost everyone (she does get testy around homeless people and the liberal in me is puzzled) that I know she'll do great.

So, if I can get wi fi now and then at my sister's house (always available at my son's), you'll hear from me more than I usually post. I've been so distracted at home lately.