Gratitude

Monday lunch with Deb at Cafe Gratitude.

I'm so blessed to have a friend like her...

Well, You Know...

Some things go without saying...

Birthday Girl

Tonight I got to celebrate the birthday of my dear friend, Laura, who turned 21 again...! I've known her longer than that, since my first year at UC Berkeley, where we met in French 101. It's so great to have friends to share more than half a life's history with, even if we can't always remember that far back...

One Fine Day

Strange, unexpected weather. Unusual cloud patterns. Spectacular skies. The day started out chillly but began to heat up quickly. One of those days where everything can change in an instant. Unbearably hot and humid by the end of the day, but beautiful. Really beautiful.

School's In!

It's official: as of today, everyone is back in school! Claire and Jack were so excited to put on their first-day-of-school outfits. They were allowed to choose the clothes for themselves and it's fun to see how they stay true to their own sense of style. Off they go, new lunchboxes in hand, and just like that, another year goes flying by...

Fawning Over Flora

These startling passion flowers are growing in profusion on a pergola that shades the walkway leading to our public library. I've passed them a thousand times, and even stopped to admire, but never thought to take a picture. The blossoms don't last long, but they're spectacular.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

My grandparents met in March of 1942 and were married five months later, 67 years ago today. I don't know if it's possible to describe what it was like for me, as a child, to hover in the bright aura of their love for each other. What I can tell you, even though Gigi is among the angels now, is that the glow of that devotion is as bright as ever.

I've heard so many tales of their romance through the years that I can see all the details in my mind as clearly as if I'd been there myself. They never tired of describing their courtship, usually finishing each other's sentences while they held hands. And now my Grandfather regales me with stories I've never heard before, such as the night he first kissed Gigi under the light of a full moon.

Happy Anniversary, Gigi and Grandfather. I think it's no exaggeration to say that yours is one of the greatest love stories ever told; it's certainly my favorite. You said it best with the words to that old song: "I'll be loving you, always. With a heart that's true, always. Not just for an hour, not just for a day, not just for a year, but always, always..."

Swing Out Sister

James and the little ones spent another memorable weekend camping at Kirby Cove, enjoying its dramatic straight-on views of downtown San Francisco through the Golden Gate. With some rope and driftwood they found at the beach, they were able to make a swing that kept the kids occupied for hours. The carefree joys of childhood!

Anchors Away

I like big boats and I can not lie...

Sailing On

Family and friends of Luis Arredondo gathered at the Emeryville Pier today to send him on his journey to the next world with a few meaningful words and some handfuls of rose petals scattered in the wind. It's a tragic loss: gone at only 38 years old, Luis leaves behind a young son. His beloved Ava said it best: be good to each other, people; life is short...

Camp Create

I'm spending most of this week photographing a summer arts camp, and Claire and Jack are having a great time joining in the plaster of paris mask making, the drum circle sessions, tie-dye shirt decorating, and creating mosiacs with things found at hand. But the best part for them seems to be all the wonderful new friends they've made. No one could ever call my kids wall flowers!

Found Objects

I love seeing what the kids bring home in their pockets when they return from their adventures, even if it's only as far as the backyard (where Jack unearthed the horseshoe). The beach glass came from Kirby Cove, the round rock from Angel Island, and the hawk feather from along the banks of the Klamath River. I'm glad Claire and Jack see the value in these simple treasures...

Butterflies are Free

Such a sneaky way to get the kids to eat more greens!

Natural Beauty

There were so many beautiful things to see

around our campsite on the Klamath River;

these are just a few of them.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

James and Claire enjoyed their last run down a stretch of the Klamath River just north of Mt. Shasta, where we've been camping for a few days with James' good friend Ken and his family. Bees, flies, thunderstorms, mosquitoes, and runaway campfires -- and we still had a blast! Ah, camping...

Tin, erm, Plastic Man?

Obviously not clear on the preferred uses for a funnel...