
If you're not Barb, this might be a boring post... nothing about habits today. Today is dedicated to my "little" sister and I need more time to think about why I want a new habit, and what it will do for me. So, step #3 tomorrow.
Barb, today, the 3rd day of my writing self-challenge, is dedicated to you as you celebrate 60 years in the world and embark on 61! Happy Birthday! (or happy new year to use my new way of looking at it) I so wish I were there!!
Remembering our long walks in the fields (rain, snow or shine), I took the long way to the grocery store this morning… up over the “mountain” (really a large hill) so that I could get away from the cars and people and hear the birds, walking among the trees and blackberry brambles… If I don’t look towards the street, I can imagine walking with you and with the dogs…
I have so enjoyed this day, reminiscing to myself and reliving wonderful moments. I wonder how you remember them?? But then when I started writing, it seems there are just too many so only a few are here…
I wonder if our passion for walking in the fields connects to the wonderful “playground” we had when we were young? The miles and miles of woods and streams we could explore on foot or on bikes?
From about that same time, I can see as a photograph in my mind the two of us waiting for the bus on your first day of kindergarten. In identical uniforms, with our small leather satchels you setting off for the first time on a journey I had begun two years earlier. Holding your hand… anxious, excited…
Then there are the wonderful weekends when you lived on the farm. I loved visiting you throughout the years I lived in NYC and you would take me horseback riding. Thank you so much for showing me that amazing experience! You had three loops (or was it two) through woods and fields… that we could ride without seeing another person or animal… You told me you wished you could get lost but you knew the country so well it was impossible. I, on the other hand, could enjoy that delicious feeling of letting go… having no idea where I was, how far I was from home or how long it would take to get back, all the while knowing that you would find our way back. How rich that was!
The very best memories of all, though, began in November, 1985: only a few days after she was born, I came from California to NJ to meet Julie, and share the first three months of her life with you and Rich… and a few years later Robin, and then Jacquie. What beautiful, beautiful people you and Rich have brought up in the world! Do you remember the time I flew back for Jacquie’s birthday and hid inside a box while you asked her if she wanted to open her present or have dinner first. I thought I would die when she opted for dinner!
And the days in Sag Harbor when the girls were small? Playing “spider” in the hammock and cracking stones? Luaus on the beach… Or just on the beach with a book… I think that is really “your” place… on the beach with a book… or on a bike… or on a horse… or with a child in your arms...
What a gift it is to have you in the world! A smart, tough, sensitive, beautiful, athletic, thoughtful, loving and passionate mother, sister, wife, daughter... person who is also a good cook… We toast you! Happy Birthday!!
Barb, today, the 3rd day of my writing self-challenge, is dedicated to you as you celebrate 60 years in the world and embark on 61! Happy Birthday! (or happy new year to use my new way of looking at it) I so wish I were there!!
Remembering our long walks in the fields (rain, snow or shine), I took the long way to the grocery store this morning… up over the “mountain” (really a large hill) so that I could get away from the cars and people and hear the birds, walking among the trees and blackberry brambles… If I don’t look towards the street, I can imagine walking with you and with the dogs…
I have so enjoyed this day, reminiscing to myself and reliving wonderful moments. I wonder how you remember them?? But then when I started writing, it seems there are just too many so only a few are here…
I wonder if our passion for walking in the fields connects to the wonderful “playground” we had when we were young? The miles and miles of woods and streams we could explore on foot or on bikes?
From about that same time, I can see as a photograph in my mind the two of us waiting for the bus on your first day of kindergarten. In identical uniforms, with our small leather satchels you setting off for the first time on a journey I had begun two years earlier. Holding your hand… anxious, excited…
Then there are the wonderful weekends when you lived on the farm. I loved visiting you throughout the years I lived in NYC and you would take me horseback riding. Thank you so much for showing me that amazing experience! You had three loops (or was it two) through woods and fields… that we could ride without seeing another person or animal… You told me you wished you could get lost but you knew the country so well it was impossible. I, on the other hand, could enjoy that delicious feeling of letting go… having no idea where I was, how far I was from home or how long it would take to get back, all the while knowing that you would find our way back. How rich that was!
The very best memories of all, though, began in November, 1985: only a few days after she was born, I came from California to NJ to meet Julie, and share the first three months of her life with you and Rich… and a few years later Robin, and then Jacquie. What beautiful, beautiful people you and Rich have brought up in the world! Do you remember the time I flew back for Jacquie’s birthday and hid inside a box while you asked her if she wanted to open her present or have dinner first. I thought I would die when she opted for dinner!
And the days in Sag Harbor when the girls were small? Playing “spider” in the hammock and cracking stones? Luaus on the beach… Or just on the beach with a book… I think that is really “your” place… on the beach with a book… or on a bike… or on a horse… or with a child in your arms...
What a gift it is to have you in the world! A smart, tough, sensitive, beautiful, athletic, thoughtful, loving and passionate mother, sister, wife, daughter... person who is also a good cook… We toast you! Happy Birthday!!
We ordered the pizza and I made the cookies to celebrate your birthday! (Of course we ate them for you. I also shared them with all the neighbors in your honor. The recipe said it made about 50... I counted at least 80 but I had already eaten a few by then... Dani too!). Dani says they're the best cookies he's ever had and wants them for Thanksgiving :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB!