Bring it on, paint!

I always feel like I don't know what I can and can't do with Lola as far as art projects go. I was reading Kelle Hampton's, "October" post and was inspired!

Something beautiful happens when Lola paints. It could be how animated she becomes or the eardrum busting sounds of excitement that come spewing out of her little mouth. Or it could be all of the above, embraced by the sweet arms of innocence.

 Painting with Lola is a hassle, I'm not going to lie. She gets paint everywhere and I have to keep an extra careful eye on Miss Sneaky because she always, always, always tries to eat the paint. It is a challenge for me to let go of the reins and get in the back seat when art time rolls around. But allowing Lola to go wild and explore her  independence with the medium is the only way she will truly grow with confidence. Her painting skills and control with the brush have really improved and she is showing promising signs of being the next Georgia O'Keefe! And in setting her free, something truly magical is bound to happened every time.

 Like I said, Miss Sneaky! 
Yes, I decided to snap the photo rather than stop her.

These are the same big browns she gives me every time it's time to clean up.

After a good coat of varnish and the twist of some green pipe cleaners...the finished product!

Tights & Boots

Although the days heat up a bit like late Spring, Autumn has made its way to Sacramento! I see it all around me. Leaves are changing. Falling. Becoming subject to complete and utter destruction as boot-wearing Lola walks by. I really love the way this time of year makes me feel. There is something so comforting in layering up and going for a stroll.
Last week, Lola wore tights or boots just about every day. Her personality seems to change quite a bit when she is wearing her boots. It is always easy to get the first on, the second is a struggle, but once they are zipped up, the transformation. She suddenly becomes "Lola, destructor of all things", going out of her way to deliberately step on her (poor) toys. She emphasizes every step with the little thump of her heel. Each step, moving her towards her goal, seek and destroy. But nevertheless, tights and boots do add the finishing touches to her, rather, candid moments.

 Happy Fall!

Goodbye, Summer!

This always happens. The calendar days advance, proving that the next seasonal chapter has arrived. Summer kicks it into high gear, trying desperately to keep the hearts of its followers. The days heat up to an ungodly temperature and my little chicken bakes because this mama forget the sunscreen!

We spent the end of last week sweating it out at the park, living like we were young, deep in the heart of Summer. It took months for Lola to gain the courage to go directly under the fountain's water, but she knew it was just the way to get cooled off. We took long walks, making it home just in time for the heat's high peaks, red-couching it under the air conditioner.

I will miss the season's farmer's markets. The familiar-faced vendors. The freshly baked goods. The ripe, delicious fruits, and the vegetables, in search of the perfect adventure-seeking buyer . I really stepped out of my comfort zone with vegetables this year. From great to not so good, the golden beets, the variety of figs I had never tried before, the bok choy flowers, silk squash, and the bitter melon ...It was great experimenting and indulging in you, locally grown produce. I will miss the Summer's heat on my back and the sun on my face...but I'm ready for the next phase!

Stir It Up, Little Darling. Stir It Up.

I could not believe my eyes! I took Lola to the park last week and saw this!

 It's true! Lola is a master chef! She spent the time stirring, adding, and sprinkling as if she were creating the most perfectly delicate cake! Her eyes were so focused and by the time we left, her technique was perfection!

This got me thinking. Even though I love our small little hole in the wall of an apartment, Lola really does need a space of her own. And by that I mean, I want her to have a space of her own so I can make her one of these!Or one of these! Or one of these! And along with a brand new kitchen, she is going to need the freshest groceries felt can make, so I'm going to want to get her these! All along with the cutest chef's hat and apron! Can you see it now?!

Here are a few "extra" shots of her that day...just in case you need a little more Lola in your life!

 You all know how I'm a sucker for a good hand picture!

My Fraulein Maria Moment

The past couple weeks have been pretty dark. Weeks that seemed never ending. Weeks I couldn't wait to be done with only as they had just begun. The days all combined, one after another, and whether it was exhaustion, the heat, or just the changing of the seasons, I do not know. All the while, my days continued, sunrise to sunset, and still no joy. And then one day, it happened. I don't know how "it" came to be, but there I was. And boy did I have it! 

I felt just like Julie Andrews in The Sound Of Music in that famous opening scene that pans to the hilltop, zooming in and displaying beauty, and contentment.  And then the voice. The voice that utters belief with those few words describing fully the way my heart is feeling now.  I had my Fraulein Maria moment.

And though I wish I were as elegantly classy as Julie Andrews, pulling off that super short bob, with the ability to belt those notes so effortlessly, after that long trek up that  hill as she clearly did, I have my own song to sing. My song lies in my heart and is sung everyday because I have Pieter and Lola. I have a wonderful support system, loving me unconditionally, always encouraging and reassuring that I will persevere. And I have.

The past couple days have been wonderful- truly wonderful. Lola brings me so much joy! She has so much personality and is one clever little cookie.

We have made a habit of going out to breakfast Saturday mornings, since Pieter has been working lately. We pack up all our "going-out-to-eat" essentials, Lola's new Little Suzie's Zoo Autumn themed books, and enjoy a shared breakfast outside at Pronto. I think Lola really enjoys outdoor seating and seems to be a little calmer than when we sit inside. We get our normal corner table, surrounded by big red umbrellas. They play a variety of jazz and Edith Piaf, which never gets old. Lola seems to enjoy their selection of tunes and does not hesitate to express herself with movement, shimmying and shaking in her high chair. And after the most delightful breakfast, we make the walk home and settle down for some snuggle time!

 

 

I need to keep in mind that whatever it is I am feeling, whatever the emotion, it is what I do with it that matters. I need to remember to keep trekking up that hill. There is a quote in the movie that reminded me of my difficult times this past week and the new perspective I should seek, should it happen again. And though it is somewhat out of context, it still speaks to me.

"You cry a little and then you wait for the sun to come out. It always does."-Fraulein Maria

And for all of you Sound Of Music lovers, some movie trivia, courtesy of IMBD.

Celebrating Annalisa

Today marks seventeen wonderful years that I have known my sister. It's amazing how fast the time has gone by, from when she was only a little baby, to "my princess", transforming into a beautiful, young woman, and my best friend. I remember loving her so much when she was a baby, dressing her up like she was a little doll and having that good ol' fashion love/hate relationship with her when we shared a room. I remember the way she always wanted to tag along and pow-wow in the room when I had friends over, and that time I was so upset with her because she used my flat iron to "straighten" her Barbie's hair (Ha! More like melt it right off!) I remember the yellow piece of paper I got in the mail when I was away at college. The funny picture of two sisters sitting, arms around each other and her barely-legible print that read, "I saw this picture of two sisters. It reminded me of us." I remember the way my eyes flooded with tears. It being the pick-me-up I needed to get through finals week. She has always been my constant reminder of the good in life, and how easy it should be to love unconditionally. 

I rarely miss living in Southern California, except when I am missing family and friends. Then I miss it. Terribly. It has been hard to be away from her these last couple years. Today was a rough one. I wished that I could have been there today, to welcome her from school, showering her with gifts. With Love. I really wished today that she would just know how special she is to me. I wish that I could be there to celebrate all her achievements. I know, though, that these are only the markers at the beginning in her race, in her success. She will go far!

Annalisa has always been very supportive of who I am. And even though we have our falling outs from time to time, nothing takes away from the love that is deep down at the center of it all. She is a true friend, my best friend, and I know she will always be there for me. Happy Birthday Annalisa! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Year Five

We are rolling around the time where Pieter and I will be celebrating yet another anniversary. I can't believe it's that time again. While sorting through pictures of Lola, I stumbled upon some early photos of Pieter and me, when our relationship was just a wee little thing. It is always nice to look back on pictures and remember. Remember the good times, the great times, and what we thought were, the rocky points of no return. But here we are, practically five years later, through the long-distance relationships, the break-ups, the make-ups, our pregnancy with sweet Lola, and her long awaited arrival. Here we are, another year, easier than its prior competitor, and sure to be outdone in 365 days!

 So here's to the good ol' days, and the wonderful days to come! Happy (soon to be) anniversary, babe! I love you!