fairies

Simone - How do I keep them warm if they come to the house?
Me - You could make a small rice/oatmeal pillow, microwave it and it'll stay warm for a while. 

Friday afternoon I was surprised by her latest creation. Needless to say, we adore our little girl and her imagination.

                                         Main entrance and some honey to entice fairy visitors

                                         LED lighting at the entrance

                                          Inside view of the house.
                                          Puma sock = small pillow with rice/oatmeal to stay warm

                                         View of the other side of the room and bed.
                                         Check out the awesome window with decal decorations.

                                          These fairies even have a mural with butterflies.

path

So as I sit on my new desk, read new files, meet my new staff, walk my new building, learn a new neighborhood, take on the new challenge...I'm once again reminded about the concept of "new" in my existence. Just when I think this is IT, the universe says "don't get too comfortable!"

I'm  used to it,  used to each year being so different, each season bringing a new routine, changes in my relationships, new jobs, new positions. I've gotten used to the constant movement. All this to say, that only now do I feel grateful for this ability to adapt and not take a moment or space too much for granted. Yes, many tears have been shed at learning this lesson, I still don't completely understand the purpose of so much movement and change,but now I accept the newness of it all and know in my heart that there is a bigger purpose I'm being prepared for. I suppose I'll just have to wait to find out.

In the meantime I'm just going make myself at home, wherever it is and for however long this lasts. Family picture are on display, Simone's art work on walls and desk. Yes, I'm ready!

cuando haya problemas

Comparto el  mejor regalo de cumpleanos que he recibido.

Cuando haya problemas, no te rindas, hija.

Habrá siempre tiempo

de abrazar la vida y empezar de nuevo.

Habrá siempre tiempo

de aceptar tu sombra, liberar el lastre y retomar el vuelo.
Y jamás te rindas, que la vida es eso:

continuar el viaje, perseguir tus sueños,

abrir las esclusas, destrabar el tiempo,

correr los escombros,  ¡conquistar el cielo!

Por favor, no cedas.

Aunque el frío te queme.

Aunque muerda el miedo.

Aunque el sol se ponga y se acalle el viento,

si hay fuego en tu alma y hay vida en tu seno,

mantén la esperanzan ¡no apagues tu fuego!
Porque tienes vida y también deseos,

porque lo has querido, porque estás despierto,

porque Dios existe y el amor es cierto,

porque no hay herida que no cure el tiempo,

hay que abrir las puertas, quitar los cerrojos, y  bajar el puente, y cruzar el foso,

y olvidar murallas que te protegieron.

¡Continuar la vida y aceptar el reto!
Recobrar la risa y ensayar un canto, y bajar la guardia y extender las manos,

desplegar las alas e intentar de nuevo,

compartir los dones,  remontar los cielos.

Y no cedas, hija.

Por favor, no cedas,
Porque es cada día un nuevo comienzo,

Porque ésta es la hora y el mejor momento,

Porque tienes alas y puedes hacerlo,

Porque no estás sola… y porque te quiero.

                                                Papa

            Junio 7, 2011

put on your cape

Put on Your Cape, It's Time to Save the World from Jenny Shih on Vimeo.

creativity

A few weeks ago before school started Simone called me at work to complain that she was bored. I simply responded "Honey, you do know that only boring people get bored." She was quiet then said "Oh, ok mami, bye."

I must confess I was surprised by her lack of words at my statement and was happy by what I saw when I got home. She has a ton of things to make crafts with and her creativity has sparked. This statement has resulted in some happy outcomes.

Such as:
A Rockin' Water Bottle I take to the gym everyday

Or the makings of an American Girl Doll movie (Simone as Creative Director and Talent Voice; Jimmy as Cinematographer). Will share more on this when it's complete. For those wondering, this scene is at the girls hotel room.

fifth grade

So it’s been 2 weeks since my Simone started 5^th grade – meaning last first day of elementary school, impending teenage-hood, middle school and high school right around the corner; boyfriends, puberty, hormones…need I say more?. Let me just say that it’s taken me this long to get over the SHOCK of this milestone. I feel the same as when I was pregnant, as in "Seriously?? mom’s go through this all the time and I didn’t know? Kids grow up? They become independent? They can make their bed and get to the bus stop on their own?  In the evenings they chill out on their beds listening to music while they write on their journals? They don’t wear kids’ sizes forever?"

I’m feeling a sense of relief mixed with a WHOLE LOT of mourning of sorts…not because I’m not in love and completely proud of this amazing person my daughter is growing into but more because I don’t know where time went between this first day of school:

And this very last one…

ten years

My Dearest Simone,

I'm not really sure what it is about this birthday that fills me with nostalgia...maybe it's going into the 2 digits that brings you closer to teenage years or it's the fact that with you going to college in 8 years maybe I've already lived with you more than half of our time together. Maybe it's because my baby is growing up and although our story feels long and adventurous, it also feels like it was 2 minutes ago that I gave birth to you.

Today I want to ask you to never forget how amazing are!  During the teenage years that fill us with self doubt, remember that you are wonderfully perfectly imperfect which makes you unique and interesting. Remember that perfection is quite boring and impossible, so worrying about it, is a waste of time. Remember that we are all different and we should accept and rejoice in our differences. Accept others as they are and respect them. Let LOVE always be the guiding light for your actions and decisions. Love for yourself, love for life, love for others, love for nature, love for God.

So on this day; the 10th anniversary of the Magical Day that you came to this Earth to begin your lesson of life; I want to wish upon you, a life full of blessings, a life filled with joy, laughter, adventures, love, prosperity, sunshine, strength and bravery. Bravery to live life just as you want, pursue your dreams, fight for your ideals, love wholeheartedly and spread your wings for ever more.

Thank you for choosing me as your mom...you have been the sweetest and greatest gift in my life.

Te amo,

Mama