Photo of the Day for December 28, 2008

Circle of Unity

I know it has been a while since I have made an entry, but if you can believe it my hard drive was full! I could not add more pictures and my computer was sending me funny messages. Plus, we have been touring around quite a bit as Jeff has had some holidays. Life has been full these past two weeks. We are still working on moving things around to a larger capacity hard drive, but I am able to get some of the pics in now. It has been an odd feeling for me not to work on the pictures or the blog on a daily basis... I'll be glad to get back to it.

So, I will start with last Saturday, when we set our sights on Dana Point Harbor- when we arrived we entered Doheny State Park-beautiful palms and sycamores, sand, picnic tables, volleyball nets, aquarium, gift shop and visitors center were all there. It began as any other day for us; exploring the wonders of California. However, what immediately drew our attention, was a group of people congregated on the beach-several of them being surfers with their boards assembled, standing tall together beside a large photograph of a young man. We walked by and heard a woman speaking of the young man and we realized it was a memorial service.

We continued walking to a point with dunes, mountain views, rocks, water and birds. Then, we chatted with a staff member who gave us lots of information-including, that the ceremony taking place was called a 'Paddle Out' which is a traditional Hawaiian memorial service. The 'Paddle Out' is typically for committing the ashes of someone who had a love for the ocean back into the water to serve as their final resting place. Apparently, these are very common in California.

It was not long before the beating of drums and movement from the surfers caught our attention again. The drums played like the rhythm of a heartbeat - the surfers walked into the water one by one, following the lead paddler. It was absolutely mesmerizing. In the midst of these intense moments, hundreds of birds flew around our heads - and Lucas came to me concerned and somewhat panicked - asking me to come with him - he took me to an injured and dying bird that was lying on the sand. The children decided to report the bird to the woman we had been speaking with and as the drums continued to beat, and the birds continued to fly - life and death surrounded us and took over our senses.

The surfers created a 'circle of unity' in the water and stayed there for some time-onlookers at the beach held hands. We watched and listened as the surfers splashed and yelled. It turns out that they chant, pray and call out 'Aloha' when the person's ashes are scattered in the ocean - a conch shell is blown - flower lei are thrown into the water as the ashes are released as well. As the paddlers return to shore, the drums beat again until the last one is out of the ocean. The mourners continue to chat and gather and then disperse.

The event was incredibly moving despite not knowing the young man who had died. We could not help but be drawn to the feeling of connectedness as we all celebrate, cry, suffer illness, lose a loved one and face the inevitability of death.

Throughout our day, we continued to witness signs and samples of the circle of life. We encountered a dead cormorant at Coronado Beach, a glowing bride crossing the street at Laguna Beach, hermit crabs carrying their prey in tide pools, new baby birds zipping a long after their mama looking for food in the sand, large crab claws poking around and of course shells, fossils and rock formations by the oceanside.

I felt like an observer, yet also a participant ... I did not know the man who had died, but my heart ached and felt for those who were there to celebrate and commemorate his life ... just like I felt joy and happiness as I saw the face of the bride walking down the street after she had taken her wedding vows - just as I felt the sorrow and sadness in watching the boys find the dying birds - seeing the bones, shells and rocks - fragments of life being lived and life ending - new beginnings, rebirth, growth, developing, changing, renewing itself... seeing these things wherever you go- really gives meaning to the idea that we are all one... we are all connected... circles are happening wherever you go and life can be experienced on any beach, street, ocean, building or ecosystem - beginning - being- and ending- then starting all over again.

Photo of the Day for December 27, 2008

we have experienced much beauty 

in the smallest shell

in the smile of a stranger

in the flight of birds

in the splendor of magnificent trees and plants

in the pulsating ocean waves of the Pacific

in the setting of a perfect sun

Pass it by, or see something more?

open your eyes

to the beauty around you,

open your mind

to the wonders of life,

open your heart

to those who love you,

and always 

be true to yourself.

-donna davis

Photo of the Day for December 26, 2008

art at the side of the road

made with found materials

was placed strategically under a big tree in a pretty spot

who knows the motivation behind it

but when i saw it sitting there

i had to wonder about the person who made its significance to them, if any

maybe we'll build something in the future to leave for someone else to be curious about

Green around the Mountain

Murky water-filled pot hole pits made me cover my eyes and hope that the Durango's off-roading capabilities were up to par...

This was all happening today in an attempt to find the Holy Jim Trail at Trabuco County where the Santa Ana Moutains reside.

The GPS took us to the beginning of a bumpy wet road and we thought we must have missed the sign for the trail. So, we found the General Store and purchased a pass for $5 to go and investigate right where we had been. The girl asked Jeff what kind of a car he drove, and when he told her, she said, "oh, you'll be fine." Ya, right! 

There were many trucks and SUV's bolting along the rocky, pitty roadways; while we crawled along...with the boys asking us to go faster and mommy trying to calm her breathing; rolling her windows down for air and up in case wet mud splatter reached that high...

Anyways, the long and short of it is, we made it a few miles down the road and back without a scratch or a popped tire... just Lucas and I looking a little green. We stopped at a spot to roam around and Jeff sized up the mountainside to see how far up he thought he could go. The boys followed and then Lucas came back down and we walked the dog around. It took a while for our tummies to settle... an adventure we won't forget... but is certainly on the-been there done that list... Following that we stopped off at a lovely private village setting...it was so beautiful from the road we just had to take a closer look... the area we are in has endless opportunities for experiencing majestic sights.

We continue to wing what we are doing from day to day... but rest assured, tomorrow will be on much smoother terrain!

Photo of the Day for December 25, 2008

Christmas in California would not be possible for us if it were not for these two special guys.

We all appreciate the opportunities, new experiences and fun that your hard work has allowed us all to enjoy.

Thank you both very much!

Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!!!

Wishing you all very Merry Christmas
and
Joyous New Year!

The boys enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve with Secret Santas (our good friends)
Mommy reading,'Twas the Night Before Christmas', goodies goodies and more goodies.
They woke us up at 6:30...not too bad...it's been much earlier in the past...and opened their stockings and presents.
Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Goodman for the Pokemon Cards and money and gifts to Jeff and me; to Uncle Ryan, Aunt Sandy and Daniel for the money that has gone towards souvenirs on our trip, Secret Santas for their thoughtful presents; Nan, Great, Grandma and Grandpa Caines for the money that will take us to Disney here in California in January and souvenirs we will get there when we go; again thanks to Aunt Lynne and Uncle Rick for the seal presents for the kids and money towards our Disney trip also. We appreciate all of your gifts and good wishes for a wonderful holiday. Missing you all ... stay warm and healthy!!!!

Thank you!

Sending much thanks from the boys to Aunt Lynne and Uncle Rick for the seals.
These were purchased at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and all of the proceeds from the items sold there go towards helping the non-profit organization. The boys know that they are from you for Christmas. They love them!
Also sending a big thanks to Grandma Goodman for the reindeer ears. The kids hooted and hollered when they got them and they have been jingling around ever since.
Enjoy your Christmas Eve...we will be thinking of you...

Photo of the Day for December 24, 2008

I can be dignified about this...really

I was Loved by Santa

Some kids scream and cry and rue the day their parents made them go and sit on Santa's knee for a photo opp and a wish list given...I was not one of those kids...When I was 2 years old, I was the kid in the line up for Santa saying, 'Mommy, I think Santa looks like Grandaddy!'

And well, we all know that Santa has his helpers. Turns out I was fortunate enough to have a Santa helper for a Grandfather. For a few years, my parents sent my Grandad with me to meet Santa as I had a handle on who Santa was a little too young for their liking...like many parents, they wanted the magic to last a little longer...

As time went on, I would go visit Grandad, I mean Santa... when he was working at Simpsons and we would have a secret chat up there in his big chair surrounded by toys and presents, elves and lights. It felt very warm and cozy up there on Santa's knee.

My Grandad was the greatest Santa's helper who ever lived! He had rosy cheeks, a friendly demeanor and the jolliest Ho Ho Ho there ever was (aside from the real article).

I will never forget my Grandad or these special moments and I enjoy looking back on them especially at this time of year.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Love up your family every chance you get...

Photo of the Day for December 23, 2008

Go Matthew Go!

Remembering Barry Brace

This year has presented many of us with challenges, joys, sadness and loving memories. We faced all of these with the passing of Barry Brace. 

Barry was an intelligent, loving, humorous and generous man. Words cannot describe the goodness and strength he has passed along to countless people by his acts of kindness and leadership. Simply, he is an inspiration to us all...

I know that the Brace family will be missing the physical presence of Barry this year however, I am sure that his spirit will be large enough to fill their hearts and their memories will carry them through this year and years to come.

With loving thoughts to Anna, Rick, Aidan, Julianna and Dorothy. 

-laurie

More Christmas Lights for Daniel from the Boat Parade

We have really enjoyed our stay at Newport Dunes so far... a highlight was taking a California Trolley to the 100th Boat Parade for Newport Beach at Balboa Island. 

The Trolley was decked out with Christmas decorations, lights and music. The inside made of smooth dark hardwood walls and seating with decorative glass windows.

The driver was very festive and let the kids ring the bell and offered to take our picture as a family. 

When we got to the parade, the kids had hot chocolate and popcorn as they watched the million lights on 100 boats! It was quite a sight to see.

Everyone cheered and yelled Merry Christmas to the boats they loved most. The boaters played music and danced and yelled back at us.

Once again we thought of Daniel and hope he likes these pics of the Christmas lights on the boats.

Merry Ho Ho Everyone!