the stretch of silence

Walking along Mission Creek last weekend

A quiet day to end the month. The sun has come out in pockets throughout the day. The wind is blowing the fog and clouds over the hills. Bird song filters in from the courtyard. Relishing the silence, but also missing the company.

marking time

a windy afternoon shot along Mission Creek

Last day of work this month. Third dance performance of this weekend. Second night riding home after dark this week. First chance to hang out with a friend and former co-worker this year.

sleep cycles

I wish I were a morning person. But it's so easy to stay up late. Reading. Watching movies. Browsing the internets. The next thing I'll know it's after 1am and I have to be at a meeting at 9:30am. It's a vicious cycle.

Final Friday

I keep resolving to work on a couple of projects during this week off, but alas the day gets used up with all kinds of other things. This is the last day I have to myself before I have to teach camp. Oh well.

Feeling a little like Blue...ah a dog's life

west wave dance festival

Collaboration can be an amazing thing. Tonight I saw an evening length dance piece that was choreographed by 4 choreographers. It was one of the best dance performances I've seen this year. Quirky. Funny. Emotional. Intriguing. Dense. Crafted. All words that came to mind when thinking back over what I saw.

Along the Path

played with the textures in B&W

The traveling Michigan rocks have found a place along the path.

beautiful blues and grays

a new summer staple

Corn, Black Bean & Tomato Salad (2-3 servings) 
Combine in a bowl

• 2 ears of fresh corn, de-cobbed and blanched
• 1 or 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 to 3 handfuls of mini-tomatos, halved
• 1/3 of an onion (red for spicy, white for sweet), chopped

Gently mix in dressing made from ingredients below

• a handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of red wine
• 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 to 5 tablespoons of olive oil, added in last while stirring to emulsify

This is the third time I've made this salad this summer and I'm still loving it.  I like it best with a glass of ice tea and some toasted flat bread that we get from TJs. Yum!

Visitor

A slight movement catches my eye and upon the tall green grass a small butterfly alights. Fanning its wings slowly as it rests on the edge of the labyrinth, I spy a butterfly shadow on the rock.

butterfly shadow on bottom right edge

Boarding time

Martin's hazel eye

As I bicycled home, you entered a metal box that would soon hurl itself over mountains, rivers, valleys and an ocean. I would be missing you already, but you left the laundry unfolded on the bed and the clean dishes in the dishwasher. I've been so busy straightening up that I haven't really thought about the prospect of eating alone for the next two weeks.

Moods

The mood I'm in as described by Missy Higgins in her song Going North.

the sound of the waves

Martin and I went on a mini-adventure and finally ventured out to see the wave organ, which had been on the to-do list since Martin found it on the atlas obscura. It was very windy as the fog blew in over the hills. The sun sparkled on the bay as tiny little sail boats soared amid the trans-pacific tanks. We held hands and kissed knowing tomorrow would bring work, travel and separation.

Martin looking out at the bay and GG bridge

tiny sail boat with fort mason in the background

Methodical Monday

I seem to breeze through the day, following my interests and giving time to those things that need to be done. I am glad I have this time, for it will be different just a week from now, when I go back to the duties of summer camp.

Nourishment

Finishing class by dancing to Beirut's Nants. Organic, vegan mexican food for lunch. Hanging out browsing the shelves in the local, sci-fi/fantasy bookstore. A walk to the library filled with flowers and I remembered to bring my camera. Finishing the day with a quiet evening at home with just me & the mister.

purple flowers in our courtyard

a tiny sprig of California poppies in between the railroad tracks

tiny pink flowers I had to catch to photograph because of the  wind

loving the digital macro setting on my point and shoot

life and death

these ones were extremely pungent

high in the trees

Walking the Path

It is good to be home again and walk the paths through dappled light.

Weariness

b&w self-portrait in profile

Today was a day of moving through exhaustion to exertion from hour to hour, minute to minute, moment to moment. I have a feeling that I'm in need of some rest and nourishment. I can't take much more of this kind of ebb and flow.

Spinning

My world seems to be spinning with decisions. Sometimes I wish I could freeze frame all the blades and find answers.

my work week

Fridays are hard for me because I work Saturdays. Everyone else in the office has an excited, "it's almost the weekend" lilt to their gait and manner. I meanwhile drudge through my day. It's hard to remember my Mondays on Friday.

Boat Names and My Take on Boating

Boats are a means of transportation, a way to earn a living or provide food and for many a true source of just pleasure. By the latter I mean cruising on the boat, choosing to use the boat for skiing, tubing or scuba diving to mention a few. Today, our last day in Wilmington, we went cruising and sightseeing on the boat which is a true source of pleasure for both Mr. Menard and Captain Dave. I had moments of both discomfort and delight as a passenger on this ride. My job was to take pictures and I am fascinated by the names people choose to name their crafts. Captain Dave says his boat name will be, Just A Boat.

Who knew it was so easy!

BUMPY ride and feeling a little sick

Seriously?

Smoother now and headed home

I'd say so!

Reflection

SF Summer

Photo Martin took of the fog last June in a similar location (aka Potrero Hill)

Walking to dinner tonight, we saw the fog flowing over the hills.  Cresting and misting like a giant white ocean. I miss the balmy nights, but I do love seeing the fog roll in.

Three Red and Tired Dogs

The adventure to Masonboro Island literally left its mark on all of us. Piggies are always in danger of exposure to the sun for us socks and shoes type people. We managed to make the best of it though at Coastal Roatsers, a local eatery.

Read-aholic

A photo Martin took of me when I fell asleep reading one night

Tonight I finished reading my 16th book since my birthday. That's 5+ books a month and July isn't even over yet. I'm contemplating making a review site so that I write about what I am reading.

Excursion

left-handed salute

Captain Dave and Sharlyn

wow!

resting on the beach

driftwood

sand dunes

home again

Terry, Dave and I took a boat trip to Masonboro Island today.

Misplaced

Pinecone on the beach at Lake Superior

Today is a day when I would have forgotten my head if it hadn't been attached to my body. Here's to hoping tomorrow is better.

Whiskey Tasting

After our arrival at David's house in Wilmington, we visited his new boat and afterward went to dinner. After a dessert of ice cream at home we did a whiskey tasting. My favorite of the three we tasted was Gentleman Jack hands down.

Day of Rest

The tall grass along Mission Creek

While Monday morning strikes for the majority of the western world, I spend my day sleeping in, making an elaborate lunch, doing laundry and stocking up at the grocery store. The pattern remains the same even though it comes a day late.

Car Wash

In preparation for our trip to Wilmington, Terry washed the zenmobile. Also Tommy came home and Colton went to his first day of vacation bible school.

Distance

There are more that 2,500 miles between me and you. Google maps tells me that it would take over 30 days to walk to you and I would have one ferry crossing in the process. If I could drive non-stop, I could be there in 40 hours. I could fly to you in 6.5 hours. I don't know that I would have anything better to say than I would over the phone, but I could hold you in my arms. And my heart tells me that would make a difference. I wish I could.

Winnie the Pooh

I am surprised at all the adult humor in Disney's Winnie the Pooh movie. While definitely a challenge for a two and a half year old, I was delighted at the plot twists and turns.

Sabado

Pilates class. Work. Dinner and a show with friends. A long walk home. Today was a day of small moments within long stretches of time.

For Tommy

"May today, there be peace within. May you trust you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of the faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."           

Connectivity

Martin took my computer to the doctor today for a hardware issue and I won't get it back until Monday or Tuesday. When I told him that it would be weird not to have a computer for 4 or 5 days, he said, "I have a bunch. Don't worry." I guess I won't be without after all.

For Krista

Resting in mom's lap

I hope you feel comforted. My lap is yours. My arms enfold you and I am grateful to be able to be there for you; then, now and always.

My Sister

Krista and Uncle David

I'm reminded tonight that you are, by far, the wild child. The mischievous one who knows how to make people laugh. But also the one who likes to fit in and cares about what other people think. Ever treading where I am unable to go, yet more aware of the judgements our culture lays upon us.

Birthing Flowers

Colton hiding by the flowers Krista received on her birthday.

Krista shared a tradition with me. It is about giving your mother flowers on your birthday for all she went through to bring you into this world. A lovely idea...thank you for sharing your flowers.

Back in the Swing

Mission Bay Park sign right outside the library

Dance class. After a week away from my routine, it was hard to make myself go. But completely worth it. Afterwards, the extra mile bike ride to the library was windy and I felt my legs the whole time.

Rocks in A Box

My Michigan rocks came today! I love the fact that my rocks have traveled to San Francisco and on to Atlanta from Lake Michigan. They will find a lovely spot in my labyrinth. Thank you Lauryn!

Food for Thought

Dinner alone

Dinner tonight reminds me of my dinners in college. The nuggets are veggie protein instead of processed chicken. The instant mashed potatoes have been replaced with frozen sweet potato fries. I've added a fresh salad where I would have had another frozen veggie. The reading material is now purely for pleasure instead of for class tomorrow. A glass of homemade, sweet ice tea is the final touch that brings the memories of my southern roots swirling about in my apartment on this cold, foggy night.