I was reminded last night by Thomas and Chloe that in our house Sunday was "family day". This was something I had insisted upon - probably a throw back to my own childhood when on Sundays my mom would cook fried chicken and potato salad or a roast with gravy, we would have an early dinner, watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and call it a night. She still cooks a roast most Sundays. For me, family day was a day dedicated to our family - no playing with friends, breakfast of waffles or pancakes, a nice sit down dinner and simply a day to catch up from the week's activities and spend quality time by ourselves or with each other. Some days were spent in solitude reading, some watching movies or sports, some cooking (calzones comes to mind) and it really was a day that each of us used to rejuvenate however we needed. Thomas and Chloe also reminded me that it was a day to catch up on household chores not completed during the week. I smiled at that memory as conveniently I had forgotten that part.
I think I can safely say that this tradition has become ingrained in my children and my guess is it will continue when they have their own children. It feels right to spend Sundays with family and as my family expands, grows old, and moves away, I will always be ready for a Sunday supper sitting around the dinner table reminiscing about "family days" new and old.
Monday, February 18, 2008
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No Fear
Ojai is known for its Pink Moment when at Sunset the sky turns mauve and pink over the Topa Topa mountains. Even better than Sunset is watching the moon rise over the Valley, a truly breathtaking view. A full moon over the Valley is magic and is asbolutely my favorite view. One of these days I'm going to have a "Howl at the Moon Party". Its on my short list - golf is on the long list.
As a child growing up on a large avocado ranch, I remember space, free time and privacy around me. Being able to get lost in the trees, finding a path overgrown by vines and creating a secret place where my sisters and I could play with our avocado leaf money and our water color make-up for an entire day and no one was worried. No people, lots of imagination, a trust in ourselves and a pace and innocence that most of us have forgotten.
Fear is so alive in today's World. Our greatest challenge is to live a life without fear. To openly love. To openly accept love. To embrace life with intent and without reservation.
No fear.
Nike had it right.
Howl at the Moon
No Fear
Dream House
Not a Nightmare - I swear!
Dreams vs. Nightmares
I'm not saying I'm actually remorseful - that would sound spoiled. But I really am wondering what possessed Mike and I to give up an apartment in Carpinteria on the beach and a house in Ojai with a pool for a 2 acre piece of dirt with "Life Long Project" written all over it. Its easy - the answer is Dreams. You have to have them. What would we have done if we could only fish and kayak on the weekends instead of backhoe, plaster and paint? This will be OUR home with new memories and stories. Fishing can be for weekends. It isn't a nightmare...do I sound convincing?
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2 comments:
Sundays for family is a great tradition...welcome to "life after!"
It is a good life...different...but...remember the list of things you wanted to do? Remember how you mentally compiled the list while you were hiding out in the bathroom and Chloe was pounding on the door saying, "Mom! What are you doing?" Time to start the list!
Oh yeah...you WILL need the dishwasher!
That is a wonderful tradition...Now, if we could only include a cup of tea, a nice fire, and a good book...But, that's not quite my season. Yet.
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