Making Memories....

When I became a grandmother, a motivating force took hold.....and that was to create memories for my GRAND an wonderful children.  Each holiday, birthday, & gathering became an opportunity to gently place, within their memory and within their hearts, moments of magic.  My wish is that these moments form the foundations and building blocks of the way they will remember their childhood.

This year we gathered for Thanksgiving in a large barn.....taking down my studio space and creating a wonderland......

No one was allowed to even peak into our Thanksgiving space until we all opened the door, together, to begin our meal.......the candles were lit, the music was playing.  The adults gathered around the fire pit, waiting for the door to open, while quietly, the 7 grand girls arranged themselves before the barn door and softly began their serenade.  A song sung in rounds to prepare us for the unveiling.  Angel voices called to our hearts to open.

Wine glasses raised in toasts, gratitudes shared, laughter and joy rose up to the heavens.....

Dog's everywhere.....barking, leaping, stealing food.....

cousin moments shared ....

laughter on a trampoline......

the soothing of the fire flames at the end of the day......

moments of memories......encased in gratitude.

Gratitude

One of the many things that I am so grateful for is the practice of sharing my life...my art...what is meaningful to me on this little blog.  And for each one of you who take your precious time to stop by.   The gift of realizing that when I speak, I am heard, is a gift that fills my heart and a gratitude that connects us to one another.  May your day fill your heart with the experience of love.  And may your threads of connection be rich and plentiful.

Family time....

Oh my god...Thanksgiving is over......!

Our oldest daughter and her family drove up from Southern Calif and our other two daughters and their families were here, too. When the 7 cousins get together, I just might as well park my mind behind the door.

We had a wonderful gathering with friends and family, 30 of us...eating outside, overlooking the vineyard and out to the hills and valleys beyond. Spectacular.

The highlight was, for me, watching our 7 beautiful granddaughters.
Each time we are together, they present a play or a singing program, that the oldest, Aidan, choreographs.
This year they sang two songs, in rounds, and my heart expanded with love, and joy, and pride, and great hope for our future.

And now that they've gone, and I've picked up my mind from behind the door, I can again find my balance and be thankful for all of it....the chaos, the work, the heart touching moments.....all of it, which I guess is called "family".
And oh...the quiet is nice. :)