Practically Perfect In Every Way--Our Palm Springs Weekend

2 weekends ago Aaron and I escaped to Palm Springs.

When you have 4 kids, getting a weekend away requires more than a little bit of planning.

It took 2 sets of grandparents, an aunt and uncle, another aunt, and a dear friend to get all the kids taken care of for the weekend.

In the week leading up to our getaway, my mom fell and had to get her finger stitched up and a split in her chin glued together, my mother-in-law developed a terrible case of bursitis, my sister and brother in law were expecting 3 visitors and a dog to spend the weekend with them in their already crowded house, yet they all still said, "yes!  drop off the kids."

And then Davy got a high fever, a terrible sore throat, and wouldn't sleep at night.

It seemed the stars were not aligned in our favor.

He was a little better by Friday, so we decided to go for it.

(I never would have done that with the 1st kid)

Leaving much later than originally planned, we headed out.

At the last minute, Aaron decided we really had to drive the Falcon to Palm Springs, so we squeezed the whole fam in the wagon, and dropped the kids off one by one.

Driving in the Falcon always attracts a lot of attention.
But when it is loaded with 4 kids and a bunch of vintage suitcases in the back, we attracted a LOT of attention.
All told, we spent over 2 hours in the car, just dropping the kids off at their various destinations.

I was still pretty worried about leaving Davy, but he turned into a different kid the moment he saw my Dad, his best friend.
He squealed and laughed and played, and was happy as a clam.
My parents assured us everyone would be fine, and shooed us off with instructions to come back as late as we wanted on Sunday.
With a deep sigh of relief, we were on the road!
Maybe it is just me (but I pretty sure it is a universal Mom thing) but I find it so hard to let go of the guilt whenever I leave my kids behind.
And I don't mean I feel guilty about leaving my kids.
I know they are fine, and that it is good for us all to have a break from one another.
I mean the guilt I feel about everyone who is watching the kids, that Davy might keep my parents up all night, that Lilly will fight with her cousins, that the boys will ask for too many snacks, and all sorts of other ridiculous scenarios I create in my head.
It took the entire drive for me to really relax.
The moment we pulled off the freeway and Mt. San Jacinto loomed over us, the light from the full moon hit the mountain and lit up all the snow.
"Oh look!" I cried.  "It's so beautiful!  It's magical!"
And it was.
It felt like that moment happened just for me--a reminder that we were really there, somewhere so different from home and our everyday life, and that I should soak it all in, and enjoy my time with my best friend.
So we did.
.........................................................................................................................................................
We rolled into Palm Springs at 9 pm and ate dinner at a restaurant called Birba.
Not only was the food fantastic, but the people watching was extraordinary.
It was Moderism Week in Palm Springs (the reason we were there) and that night there had been all sorts of fancy parties where people dressed up in their mid century best, and had cocktails in places like Frank Sinatra's house.
For reals.
How cool is that?
I think Aaron was in heaven looking at everyone dressed up in fabulous plaid jackets and gorgeous, full skirted dresses, looking like they walked right out of 1962.
It was a fun night.

The next morning dawned sunny, clear, and Palm Springs beautiful.
I was so glad Aaron chose to drive the Falcon.
It was the perfect way to get around PS, and she looked right at home amid all the mid century architecture.

Seriously, isn't she just the cutest?

We went out for coffee and breakfast and then headed out of town for a hike.

Since we always visit Palm Springs in the summer, we never get to see the mountains covered with snow.

It is a really beautiful sight.

This was our first hike in PS.
Summer temps aren't conducive to hiking, so we never get to do it.
Aaron dressed for the occasion in an ascot, and a sweater tossed jauntily across his shoulders.
He spurns modern day hiking gear, and things like cargo pocketed hiking shorts.
His response to my,"That's what you're wearing to go hiking?": "What would Cary Grant wear if he was hiking?"
I love this guy of mine--he makes me laugh.

We hiked 4 miles along an amazing palm oasis in the middle of the desert.
It was astonishingly beautiful and one of the most favorite hikes I have ever done.
I'll tell you all about it in my next post.

We did a lot of looking at gorgeous vintage goods, but not a lot of buying.
We have enough vintage stuff now that things have to be a great price in order for us to add to our collection.
Or it must be something we don't have and is on the list.
We didn't get anything, but it was awfully fun to look.

On Saturday we spent the afternoon at the vintage trailer show that was part of Modernism Week.
It was so much fun.
Just look at this little beauty.
We got to walk inside all of them, talk to their owners, and dream of the day when we'll be sitting inside one of our very own.
It was fun to be around a whole bunch of people who geek out over the same things we do.
There will be lots more pics of my favorite trailers over at Picnics in the Park.
Be sure to check it out!

I even had a celebrity sighting at the trailer show.
Charles Pheonix!
He was really nice, admired Aaron's ascot, and was super excited that we lived in one of So Cal's original 50s suburban communities.
We speak the same language.
I love Charles!

But you know what the best part of the day was?
Just cruising around with my man.
He was in his element amidst all that mid century coolness.
We laughed a lot, held hands, sat close on the bench seat in the Falcon, and had entire conversations without being interrupted once.
It was glorious.

Sunday morning dawned clear, windy, and cold, (for us) but still sunny.
We admired the pool from inside the warm house.
It's pretty wonderful to have generous friends who let you stay at their Palm Springs house because otherwise you could never afford to visit Palm Springs in the high season.
Thanks you guys!
We even had a view of the snowy mountains from the breakfast table.

After a visit to a vintage garage sale, and coming very close to purchasing a 1962 Shasta trailer, we went for another hike.
This one was the beginning of the Cactus to Clouds hike, and it was 1.5 miles of straight up.

It's an 850 elevation gain in only a mile and a half.
If you go the whole way, it's something like climbing 10,000 ft. (makes the 850 seem pretty lame, right?)
Doing that whole hike is now on my list of life goals.
It was a lot of scrambling over rocks, but the views were breathtaking.

And then, breakfast at my favorite spot.

The rest of the day was spent tooling around PS, doing a tiny bit of thrifitng, (not much to find this time of year) and leaving as the sun was setting behind the mountain.

This was the first time we'd been away for a night since my birthday, last August.
And it was the first time we'd been away for more than 1 night in probably 3 years--maybe more.

As hard as it is to make it all come together, getting in the time together away from our kids is really important to keeping our relationship healthy and strong.

Also, it is a lot of fun!

Thanks to all the fine people who made this trip possible.
We owe you big time.

Palm Springs, we love you!

Love from,

Greta

Sick Day

After 2 months of seemingly endless sickness in this house, I've finally succumbed.

I went to bed last night having had sneezed a few sneezes, and blown my nose a few times, and was confident I'd wake up sick.

I did.

Being up from 2:30-4:30 am with a hungry and playful Davy didn't help.

It wasn't bad sick, but my head was stuffy and achy, my throat sore, and my body tired.

I declared a sick day.

I never take sick days.

Seriously.

I have thrown my back out and crawled around the house with a newborn in my arms, because I don't take sick days.

Literally crawling.

With a newborn.

Not smart, but I tend to not ask for help when I need it, or take care of myself when I need to.

I'm trying to be better about that.

Thus, I did this today.

And you know what, it was marvelous.
Knowing the week ahead wouldn't allow for much sick or rest time, I knew today was the day.
Rest is one thing I do not get enough of, (who does) and it is the one thing that I knew would help me feel better the fastest.
So I rested.

Aaron took all the kids out for the morning and I watched the final episode of Downton Abbey season 3.
Lame.
And then I slept for a long time.
After they all returned, Davy napped, the kids played quietly and nicely, and I stayed on the couch, and read all the issues of Bon Appetite that I haven't been able to read in months.
Side note: 4, 6 and 8 are marvelous ages.  All can play unassisted, make snacks unassisted, eat unassisted, use the bathroom unassisted, and allow Mommy to lay on the couch for hours, and not get up cause she is sick.  Someday Davy will be 4.  And I'll miss his babyhood, but I realized today there are some things to look forward to.

I also spent more time on Pinterest today than I ever have in my life.
It was fun.
It did confirm my suspicion that Pinterest is a gigantic time suck.
Because we all know that none of us are ever going to make all those recipes, crafts, or buy those outfits.
Still, I didn't feel guilty about it because I was having a sick day.
(you can find my boards here)

I did pin some good juice recipes.
I found one that is supposed to help with a cold.
I made it right away.
Because I am slightly obsessed with juicing.
2 carrots, 6 kale leaves, 1/2 a lemon, a knob of ginger, 1 clove garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Yowsa!
Did that ever clear my sinuses!
The carrots did mellow out the other stuff, so it really wasn't that bad--it just had a kick.
Would you believe me if I told you my nose is no longer running and my headache went away?
(but my throat is still sore and my body achy and tired)
I am really in love with juicing.
My friend warned me of turning into this.
The video quality is poor, and Jim Carey annoys me after a very short amount of time, but this still made me laugh.  
Promise me you'll cut me off when I start juicing dirt.

I even managed to get some blogging done.
I edited the pictures and blogged about our Palm Springs trip last weekend: two hikes, a vintage trailer show, and some other fun stuff.
Check back in this week--you'll find new posts up on both my blogs!
Wonder of wonders.

I didn't manage to get the bathroom cleaned today, but the beds were made, floors swept, dishes done, and the house isn't a total wreck.
It might have been the best sick day ever.
I'm tempted to have one every month--sick or not.
Now I need to go to bed or I'll end up staying up too late like I do every night and all this resting today will go to waste.
Come back soon to read all about beautiful Palm Springs!
Love from,
Greta

When You Have to Make Some Happy

This morning I walked outside and picked 5 oranges from our tree.
I came back in, washed them, pulled out carrots and greens from the fridge, a cucumber, and a lemon.
I piled it all on the counter and put together the parts of my juicer.
It requires a little elbow grease and patience.
I had to peel the oranges, get a knife out to trim the carrots, and cut the lemon.
Meanwhile, there were eggs boiling on the stove, and toast toasting on the griddle.
And, my 2 littlest people had pulled up chairs because they are still enthralled with our new juicer.
They were in my way.

I had to reach around them, pull the knife out of Davy's hands, remind him not to touch the juicer, make them get down while I poured the boiling water from the eggs into the sink, I had stand just right so they could see the juice pour out of the juicer.
And to be quite honest, I was a little annoyed by their presence.
I wasn't in the best mood.

Despite a great start, yesterday grew difficult and ended badly.
None of it was anything extraordinarily bad-- just the kind of things that make a day less enjoyable, and then make it easier to indulge in a bad attitude.
Do you find that the little problems are more often the ones that bring you down?
When I find myself facing something truly difficult or big, I call upon God, friends, and the remembrance of comfort in hard times past.
But these little things I try to get through on my own, wallowing for a while, and then pressing on, and not really growing, or learning, or changing from them.

I stepped back from the juicer to make everyone's eggs, and when I was done, I took a minute and I looked at the two of them.
The sun shone through the windows, lighting up my kitchen like it does every morning.
I love that.
And I loved the way the two of them were so thrilled to watch me push oranges and kale down the mouth of the juicer until the muddy juice poured out the bottom.
I can learn from them.

There are a lot of little annoyances in my life.
But there are also a lot of little joys.
I remembered this quote and how much it resonated with me the first time I read it.
"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."
My life is pretty full of common things.
Dirty dishes, dirty diapers, dirty laundry.
Crumbs to be swept, meals to be made, manners to teach.
At times I want to run away.
I just grow weary with the never-endingness of it all.
Do you?
But then there is that moment when I step back and I choose to look at the beautiful things that make up my world: old books, coffee, flowers on the table, blossoms on my peach tree, kids sprawled on the floor drawing, my baby boy giving me sticky kisses, sunrises, sunsets, and many more.
And I remember it is not my circumstances that make me happy.
It is what I choose to do with them.
It is not the things I have, or don't have, that make me happy.
It is the people who inhabit my life, and the way we live life together that make me happy.
Sometimes, in the midst of life's little problems, it is hard for me to remember these things.

I am grateful to live with 4 little people who find such excitement and joy in the smallest, most common thing, and therefore make it easier to remember.
Because I'll need help remembering.
The baby is still going to knock carrot pulp all over the floor, and the 4 year old is going to spill her juice, and the moment I sit down to eat the 6 year old is going to say, "I'm still hungry, Mom.", and I still have to take everyone to Pep Boys to charge the car battery that died last night, and the windows are still covered with snot and dirty finger prints.
My life is still happening.
I'll have lots of opportunities to seek joy today.
And this is the mindset I want to have, regardless of what comes my way:
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24)

Wishing you joy today.
Love from,
Greta

Remembering This Moment: James Does Palm Springs

Aaron had to deliver some paintings to Palm Springs this weekend. (see them here)
It was supposed to be 65 and sunny, so we thought we'd make a family day of it and go for a desert hike.
I found some amazing sounding hikes described here.
We planned on doing hike #4.
(Aaron and I hope to do #1 on our own first, and see if I can manage it with Davy on my back, and also if the kids are ready to do a slot canyon hike yet.  It sounds really great--I'll let you know when we do it)
I was looking forward to the day.
Alas, Davy and Lilly were sick in the night and it didn't seem like a good idea to hike with a feverish baby, who'd alsobe dripping snot down my back the whole time.
I was kind of bummed.
But James went with Aaron.
And they had a really, really great time.
I'm so glad it worked out the way it did.
It would have been so different for him with all of us along--more chaotic and less relaxing--that's just the nature of doing anything with 4 young kids.
Instead, James got to soak in the environment, architecture, art, and even the food in a way that he really appreciates.
He got to spend the day with his Daddy, who understands him so well because they are so much alike.
They understand each other in a way no one else does.
He's an old soul, that 8 year old boy of mine.
And, no surprise, he's turning into a real mid century aficionado.

When they got home, I asked James if he liked Palm Springs.
"Oh Yeah!" he replied.
He loved the store that's selling Aaron's paintings, Just Modern, and told Aaron, "Just Modern is different than I imagined it would be.  It's a really cool store."
Aaron took him to see this bank, a  famous piece of mid century architecture in Palm Springs.
James was blown away and described it to me with great excitement.
He also loved the visitor center.
He loved seeing the snow on Mt. San Jacinto and was pretty sure that after about a 3 hour hike, he'd be in the snow.
The giant windmills intrigued him.

Yesterday he was still thinking about the trip.
"It was such a clear day in Palm Springs.  We could see for miles.  I still remember everything.  I can just see it in my mind."
One of my favorite things about James is his love for discovery.
Whether he's learning a new idea, hearing a new story, or visiting a new place, he's always interested.
Because it was just he and Aaron, they could take their time and really spend time soaking in this place he'd never been before.
It was the perfect kind of day for James.

After delivering paintings, and driving around a bit admiring mid century architecture, my boys went to the ACE for lunch.
True to form, James wanted to check the whole place out.
He also wants to go back and stay.
"There are 2 pools there, Mom," he told me.  "One is for parties and playing ping pong.  And the other is just for relaxing.  It's really cool."
He really appreciated all the interesting details at the ACE.
That boy is just like his Daddy.

This is my favorite picture of the day.
He's 8 right now, but looking at this picture I can see him at 20 or 40.
And also when he was an infant, eyes wide open, taking it all in.
Oh my James, I do love you so.

His review of the food and drink at The King's Highway:
"Mom, the ACE hotel has reeeally good chocolate milk."

Since I was missing out on the trip, I asked for a souvenir.
My men did not disappoint.

This may be my favorite photo booth strip of all time.

There's such a tug of sadness on my heart as I watch my babies grow up.
But there is also something pretty wonderful about watching them turn into real people, with their own thoughts and ideas, interests and the things that make them who they are.
When James was only a couple of months old, a checker at Trader Joe's looked at him and his eyes wide open take on the world.
"He has an artist soul.  I can tell already," she said.
I think she was right.
How fortunate am I to be married to, and now mother to, such creative men.
It makes for a really interesting and beautiful life.
Happy days indeed!
Love from,
Greta

*All the pictures were taken at the ACE hotel in Palm Springs.  Including the photo booth strip, because they have a photo booth there.  Which makes it one of my favorite spots.

Count Your Blessings

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

(Thornton Wilder)

I have had a heart full and a heart heavy these past few days.

Full of the goodness in the simple and beautiful things that make up my life.

Heavy with the weight of sadness for lives lost and pain being suffered.

I processed my thoughts in my usual way, with words and pictures.

On Saturday I posted this picture and these words on my FB page:

Thrifting and coffee today with Aaron and Davy.
These are some of the sweet and simple pleasures of my little life.
All day long I thought of those families who would give anything to have their sweet and simple lives back, and my heart grieved for them.
Life is a vapor and we mustn't take our time here together for granted.

I also posted this:
I spent the last 2 days with only this little guy at home with me.
I love our full house, and all the joy my kids bring to one another.
But I also loved the time spent with just David, focusing all my attention on him, and remembering the days that seem so long ago when I was a new mommy to just 1 little boy.
Time goes by so fast.
I am terribly emotional right now, feeling so grateful and sad at the same time. 
Sometimes all you can do is weep with those who weep.

In the wake of tragedy, it is easy for us to stop and count our blessings.
We really remember to be deeply thankful for all that we have.
But unless we are directly affected by the tragedy, in a short time our lives move forward, and we allow ourselves to become immune to the tragedy, and beauty, that is all around us, all the time.
I don't think it is purposeful.
It's just easy to do.
There are a lot of distractions that keep us out of touch with the things that really matter.

One thought I've had as I've reflected on the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School, is that I need to feel this deeply for the pain and suffering of children everywhere, not just the 20 who lost their lives there.
My heart should ache for those 20 little lives ended too soon, and for other little lives that are hurting the whole world over, because that aching will be a call to action.
It will cause me to count my blessings.
And it will cause me to step out of my little world, and make a difference in the bigger world around me.
At least that is what I am hoping.

My kids were sick with the stomach flu this weekend.
I was literally up the entire night on Saturday with William.
He threw up for hours on end.
I laid on the hard wood floor next to him all night long, freezing cold and horribly uncomfortable, because he wanted me to be with him.
And as I laid there, I cried for the mommies and daddies who would give anything to be laying on a cold, hard, floor next to their sons and daughters.
They would love to listen to them breathe, rub their back when while they threw up, and wouldn't mind cleaning out the barf bowl over and over again.
And then I cried for all the little boys and girls who were laying in bed alone that night, wishing for a mommy to lay next to them and hold them when they were sick or afraid.
I was grateful that I had William, and that he had me.

The next day I counted my blessings when they boys felt well enough to "play".
Even though playing only consisted of laying on the floor, halfheartedly pushing matchbox cars and building Lego creations.
This is not our norm.
We are fortunate to be healthy.

This morning, when the pile of laundry waiting to be folded grew and grew, and tired kids lay sprawled all over the living room, I was grateful for the luxuries I often take for granted, like Netflix, and a washing machine and dryer.

And when this little boy finally came down with what his siblings all got, I was grateful for wood floors that are so easy to clean up.
I was grateful for the new blanket sleepers I found at the thrift store this weekend, because he was going through clean pajamas at a record rate.
I was grateful that I didn't have to worry about the stomach flu having dire consequences for my little boy--just minor inconveniences for me.

And at the end of two days taking care of 4 very needy little kids, I thought of all the people who are full time caregivers.
They care for elderly parents or children with special needs.
I can look forward to the cabin fever ending, knowing I will get a break from the nursing and tending to so many physical needs.
But they won't.
It made me mindful.
Mindful of the ways I can reach out to the people I know who are in that position.
And even to those that I don't know.

It's almost a new year, and time to take stock of things I'd like to do differently.
My hopes are big ones.
I've decided I don't want to be immune--to the beauty or the tragedy.
I don't want to be complacent.
I usually find it easy to seek out the beauty in my daily life.
But I tend to shield myself from the tragedy.
I don't like thinking about the hurting and the pain so many suffer because it makes me sad and uncomfortable.
Instead of shying away from it, I'd like to help people who are hurting.
I am going to keep counting my blessings.
And I am going to feel life: the pain of it, the laughing, the tears, the joy, the sadness, and the beauty.
I am going to remember.


It's easy to let the darkness in this life weigh us down.
We can easily give into feelings of hopelessness.

It's much harder to fight against that and be a force for good.

I pray I can be a force that lives out the truth of this, one of my favorite Bible verses:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

I found this quote and am so inspired by the truth of it.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”  Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

And when I don't feel I can live up to that lofty goal, to let the hard things in life shape me into someone better, I draw strength from these words, one of my most favorite of all hymns, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.
"Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love,
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, 
Drive the dark of doubt away,
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day."

Today I am counting my blessings.
Love from,
Greta

I'm Shamelessly Proud of My Man

Aaron had his art show opening on Thursday night.

If you don't follow along on Picnics In the Park, you might not have known about it.

With my limited postings these days, I don't think I mentioned it here.

I posted a bit about it on Picnics last week.

Despite my limited mentions of it, the show was the biggest thing going on over here for quite a while.

Every night after dinner, Aaron would brew a pot of espresso, do a little before bed wrestling and reading of stories, kiss the kids goodnight, and then I'd push him outside to his studio.

I took over bedtime, and many nights fell asleep cuddling with someone or another.

When I'd wake up sometimes a half hour, or several hours later, Aaron was always in the studio, painting away.

The most fun part of it all was that every morning there would be something new for me to see.

With each new painting he'd be more excited for the next one.

It was incredibly wonderful to see his passion for painting coming back to life.

But, in spite of his renewed passion, he'd wonder on occasion if his paintings were any good.

Were they "art'?

Would anyone take him seriously?

I tried to remind him that he couldn't paint anything other than what was in him.

After all, when you try to be someone other than yourself it's obvious.

Besides, I love who Aaron is, and I love that who he is comes out in his art.

I know some people just don't get a painting of a trailer, sunglasses, or a beach with a rocket ship sitting on it.

I know some people like Thomas Kinkade, or Wyland.

We all have different ideas of what makes up "real" art.

But trailers, sunglasses, and rocket ships are all Aaron.

And so he went with what he loved.

And the paintings kept coming.

As the show date grew closer, there were days when I knew he felt a little bit nervous.

Putting your art out for the world to see is a way of exposing yourself.

It is making yourself vulnerable.

I was confident that the night, and the show, would be really wonderful.

But I wasn't the one putting my art up on the walls.

So all I could do was offer encouragement and assurances that it would be wonderful.

Of course, it was wonderful.

Really wonderful.

So many friends and family showed up to support Aaron.

He was touched.

And very grateful.

The whole night he had a grin on his face.
And I knew how happy he was to be there.
I knew he was happy that he had made the time to paint.
I knew he was happy with his paintings and that people were enjoying them.
That was the best part of the night for me-- to see the man I love so happy.

When Aaron is feeling especially happy he likes to give speeches.
Good thing he is an artist, otherwise he might have pursued a career in politics!
He gave a little speech that night to some of the people at the show.
It was sweet, and real, and from his heart.
I can think of other times he's made speeches, always when his heart is full and he just has to share what's in there.
I love that about him.

At the end of the night he was exhausted and exhilarated.
And I was so proud of him.
I don't say often enough how much I think of my husband.
I speak of the kids always, their creativity, their sweetness, and how much fun they are.
Much of that comes from their Daddy.
He infuses our home and our lives with all those things.
He works a lot.
All day, all week, all year.
Not a lot of vacation days.
His evenings and weekends are not spent pursuing his own "things".
(well, except for the Craig's List hunts for a vintage trailer....)
He doesn't sit on the couch watching football games and telling the kids to leave him alone.
Instead he wakes up early on Saturdays to take them to the skate park.
He is always working on a house project, detailing my car for me, or helping out with baseball practice.
In short, he lives his life to take care of all of us.

But he has this part of him that longs to make things.
Where, though, does one find the time to make things when one works full time, is a husband and a father of 4?

We all know, whether you have 1 kid, 5 kids or no kids, a full time job, or a part time job, life is busy.

It is hard to make time for the things you love to do.

But he did it.
He made the time.
It was a sacrifice, of course.
Our garage and yard can attest to that.
He followed the passion in his heart and made things.
He made cool things, just like he wanted to.
And yes, I am shamelessly, ridiculously, enormously proud of him for it.

You did it, Aaron.

It was wonderful.

And so are you.

Here's to lots more late nights, art shows, and happy speeches.

I love you.

Love from,

Greta

*Thanks to the people who took pictures of the show.  I was so busy talking that I hardly took any.  I'm glad there are some to document the night.

PS.  When was the last time you bragged about your man?  
Or woman, or mom, or dad, or best friend?  
You know, someone besides your kid.

You should try it.

Call them up and tell them, or write a note, send them flowers, write a blog post, a Facebook post, or paint them a picture.

I often think of this post, and how easy it is to let time pass and never tell the people we love how much they mean to us.

Do it, friends, before it is too late.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to tell the people in your life that they matter.

I hope you will.
I know they'll love hearing it.