Mother's Day and Sungazing

Some days it just does not pay to be my friend.  My poor, wonderful, friend Sungazing of Sungazing Photography ( http://sungazingphotography.com/ ) knows the truth of that statement.  Mother's day I had lunch with my mom and sister in Eureka.  I looked across the table and not only did they look fabulous, but we were all wearing shades of brown.  I couldn't get the coincidence of color choice out of my mind.  I do not think we could have planned to match so well.  On a hope I called Sungazing and she graciously took these wonderful photos of us.

My mother's photo practically glows.  I can't get over how beautiful she is at 69.  She has been beautiful most of my life, but that she still retains that vitality and spark after the last 3 years is an inspiration to me.  Sungazing did a wonderful job of capturing that essence.  I also like the photo of my baby sis and I together because she is smiling.  I like it when she smiles, it reminds me of what a cute baby she was. 

I just can't thank Sungazing and her husband enough for taking the time out of their busy Mother's day to give me images that I will treasure for the rest of my life.  I am so lucky that she is my friend.  I can't really say she is so lucky to be my friend, but I hope that she thinks she is a little lucky to know someone who has such a pretty mother.

Vacationing on Dauphin Island

Last week I was on a much needed vacation to Dauphin Island Alabama.  I went with my baby sister to see my mother who had been wintering there.  I love Dauphin Island.   Actually, I love any place that is warm and welcoming in the middle of winter.  I am sure there are more posh warm weather destinations, but the slower pace suited me fine.  Our hotel overlooked a bayou and at night I could walk over to dock and watch the stars while enjoying a night breeze.  I loved the break from my life.

The island has a civil war fort, a bird sanctuary, and lots and lots of gulf views of gulls, breakers, ferries, and oil rigs pumping up black gold.  Some places you could even see large pieces of equipment working on cleaning up some of that black gold that wrecked so much havoc on the gulf last year.  A part of me would love to live this kind life, but I know within a week I would feel trapped by this thirteen mile strip of land.

To break up the monotony we went to Mobile for a Mardi Gras parade.  The floats were wonderful as they rained beads, cups, masks, toys, and moonpies down on the crowds.  I caught many beads and a few moonpies.  This parade was probably the largest parade I have ever been to and honestly it wasn't really that big.  Mobile is very serious about their Mardi Gras season, apparently this parade was one of several.

I made it a point to get into the party celebration and be-decked myself with beads and a very fabulous pair of shades. 

Parades and sandy beaches aside the best thing about my trip was spending time with my mother and baby sister.  They are two of my favorite people and hanging out with them is always fun.  We shopped, we ate good food, and just enjoyed each others company.  Mom came home from her winter break and we are all at our respective homes with memories and some fun photos to remember our good times.  I love vacation.

Day Fourteen: Gratitude

My cup of gratitude runs over with people, I love. Today it is my baby sister, Jessica. Jessica is half my age and I feel like I helped raise her in my own bumbling way. My parents adopted Jessica and I was at the hospital the day she was born. She was a tiny red-haired moppet with a temper to match. I have the distinction of being the one person that could calm her temper when she was growing up. She definitely taught me patience.

Together we learned about gargoyles, Cahokia mounds, and warrior princesses. I got to sit through a Spice Girl concert. We walked the streets of the French Quarter openly staring at the goth children dressed in their dark finery. Recently, we have supported each other through my Dad's illness knowing we are not alone in our worry for his health.

I have loved spending time with Jessica and watching her change and develop into a young woman. I am always astounded by her often unique character and individual fashion taste. She is an original. Our relationship is a partnership of sisters, we learn so much from each other. I have taught her to love sushi and art. She has shared her extensive knowledge of music with me and introduced several good groups with me including my favorite, Vas. She keeps me current and I hope I keep her grounded.

Today I sat at lunch with her and her boyfriend, Will. We talked about their plans for the future which might actually take her far away from me. The plans tugged at my heart, I want her to travel see the world and find happiness, but so far from me? However, I know near or far she will always be my baby sis, and I will always be grateful for all the love she has brought into my life.