Letters For Lucas

Wonders, Mishaps, Blunders and Joy.. commentary on my life as a mom in the form of letters to my son

My Wedding Day

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I started participating in Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop over a year ago. My first entry was a post called Second Chances, in which I wrote about my wedding day.

I loved everything about that day at the time.

Now my memories are bittersweet because the day after my wedding was the last day I saw my parents alive.

Always up for a celebration, my parents thoroughly enjoyed my wedding day and were happy to see me happy. It was a day full of toasts and laughter, hugs and tears of joy. There was good conversation and sunshine. Todd and I were surrounded by all the people we love most in the world.

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Given there were only 27 guests in attendance and we got married at our home, the photographer we hired was a sweaty annoying mess, darting from here to there desperate for subject matter.

I suppose I can’t really blame him and in fact, today I’m grateful to him for capturing so many beautiful shots of my mom and dad.

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Candid, non-posed shots that I will treasure always.

And then there are these:

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Linking up with Natalie’s Down the Aisle.

Even though she only asked for our favorite photo – singular, I hope you understand why I couldn’t pick just one.

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Lesson Plans

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My son has already taught me so much in his short 26 months on earth; lessons I didn’t even realize I had learned until after the fact, some I desperately needed to learn and many I’m still struggling to embrace. I know my teacher has only just begun and there is much more wisdom to be gained, but in 26 months, here’s what I’ve learned so far:  

  1. Play, dance, sing, run, eat – essentially, do everything with abandon! 
  2. Find pleasure in the small things. There is wonder all around us, whether it’s an ant moving along the sidewalk, a water fountain, an orange tree, a song I’ve heard a hundred times or literally stopping to smell the roses. 
  3. Playtime and imagination are necessary for survival. Laundry, dishes and errands can wait, being silly cannot.
  4. Love. As boundless as I think my love for Lucas is, it grows each and every day surprising and touching me in ways I never thought possible.
  5. Roll with the punches, go with the flow and realize that plans change. Toddler time is different that real time and that’s okay. I’m learning to plan accordingly.
  6. Laugh more. Some words and sounds (typically of the bodily function variety) are funny.
  7. Patience is most definitely a virtue. This is one of those teachings I struggle with. Daily!
  8. Connection is key. Sitting down and communicating with others helps to see things from a different perspective and lets you know they care.
  9. Time flies when you’re having fun. Toddlers are only toddlers for a short period of time and every single moment should be appreciated.
  10. Every now and then, a time-out is in order. Breaks are good. Counting to 10, breathing deeply and full bodied Cabernets aren’t bad either!

What is your child teaching you?

 This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop,
Prompt 4.) 10 Lessons your child could teach you.

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Simple Things

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  1. a little me time
  2. a lot of us time
  3. a vase full of bright cherry sunflowers
  4. a book I can’t put down
  5. a full moon
  6. a colorful garden
  7. a round trip ticket
  8. a wink
  9. a front porch light
  10. a letter in the mailbox
  11. a promise kept
  12. a secret shared
  13. a child’s contagious laughter
  14. a perfect souffle
  15. a wishing well
  16. a meaningful kiss
  17. a quiet moment
  18. a kind gesture
  19. a new friend
  20. a car wash
  21. a door being held open
  22. a discount
  23. a green light
  24. a brilliant sunset
  25. a warm welcome
  26. a pair of worn in slippers
  27. a smaller size
  28. a new episode
  29. a great opportunity
  30. a hotdog at a baseball game
  31. a catchy tune
  32. a clean set of sheets
  33. a walk along the beach
  34. a ladybug
  35. a brighter shade
  36. a chance encounter
  37. a change for the better
  38. a hand to hold
  39. a view from the top
  40. a wagging tail on a puppy
  41. a Ferris wheel
  42. a fresh perspective 
  43. a full-bodied Cabernet
  44. a familiar touch
  45. a pile of leaves
  46. a second chance
  47. along hot shower
  48. a fresh manicure
  49. a visit to the zoo
  50. a smile 
 This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 1.) The simple things…

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Two Weeks From Today

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I can’t wait! 

Two weeks from today, we are going to be in…

And yes, Lucas is coming too. 

Happy happy! Joy joy!


This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 5.) On a piece of paper write down something that makes you happy…take a photo of your paper and voilà…there’s your post.

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Jet Setter

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Voluptuous and simple – the world is larger than one had thought. – Denise Levertov

I grew up overseas so I have been fortunate to see a lot of the world, but there are still places I want to visit.

Topping my list right now, in the order of which they may be visited, are:

Palm Springs – I know, I know, I was just there (read all about my recent trip here) and it’s only 90 minutes from my front door, but I am craving some consistent sunlight, lounging by the pool with the latest celebrity gossip magazines, a good book and yummy cocktails with cool names like “The Julie”; and some alone time with my husband. For the record, all the other destinations on my list will include Lucas.

Vancouver, Canada – My husband spent nine months in Vancouver several years ago and has always spoken so highly of his experience, the scenery, the accessibility to nature and outdoor activities and the people. The way he talks about it makes me want to go!

Greece – Ever since I saw Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mama Mia, I have wanted to go to Greece. All terrible movies, but the stark contrast between the gorgeous blue Mediterranean sea and white buildings, the rich history and authentic sadziki are all very alluring.    

  

My list of “must see” destinations is never ending… Croatia, the Galapagos, Ireland and Tokyo are high on the list too. 

I would also love to take Lucas on an African safari one day. There’s nothing else on earth like being within 30 feet of an elephant, lion, zebra or giraffe. To date, that has been my favorite trip. 
 
Where do you want to go?

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 4.) A country you would like to visit.

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GNO

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I have always been blessed to have a lot of friends in my life. Some of whom I would call as close as family ~ wonderful women that I confide in, trust, enjoy spending time with and without whom, I don’t know where or who I’d be.
I have friends from high school, friends from college, single friends, divorced friends, mommy friends, friends I gained through my first marriage, friends that I gained through my second marriage, colleagues that became friends, neighbors that became friends and one very dear friend, Sophie that lives clear across the globe.

I also have a ton of friends that I have never even met (yet), thanks to blogging and Twitter. 🙂

 

My core group of friends consists of five women I see on a regular basis… for play dates with our children, walks without them, lunch, happy hours, dinners and the occasional overnight escapes get-aways.

 
My friends and I like to celebrate each others birthdays in big ways, usually involving a trip. My husband always gives me a hard time about it, but if we didn’t, there’s a chance I never would have met him. More on that in a later post… 
Anyway, my last girl’s night out was last weekend, on an overnight in Palm Springs! We celebrating Lisa’s birthday, my beautiful underwater friend above. In fact, all the photos used in this post were taken over the weekend. 
We did what all good friends do; laughed, drank, ate a lot of mini cupcakes, talked about our kids, our jobs, our families, our spouses, or lack there of and had a great time. I’m already looking forward to our group’s next birthday… mine!
Apart from my friends, I’ve even luckier that my husband understands how important my friendships are. 
This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 1.) Girls Night Out! Describe the last time you got to hang out with your friends. What stops you from doing this more often?

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I’m Not Done

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For last week’s Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, I wrote 11 six word memoirs. I couldn’t stop at just one. To read them all, click here.

This week’s writing assignment is to elaborate. Rather than bombard you with 11 explanations, I have selected one:

I’m still a work in progress.

It’s very simple really.

I am not the same person that I was ten years ago, five years ago or even one year ago, in large part thanks to maturity, motherhood, devastating losses and some wonderful people I am thankful to have met along the way.

I am constantly evolving and growing and experiencing new thoughts and ideas (sometimes reluctantly), and getting better. I’m not done.

I meet new people all the time and try to expose myself to equal parts comfort and culture. There is a lot more of the world I look forward to seeing. I’m not done.

I have internal demons and I am my own worst enemy. I’ve learned just about everything the hard way. I’m proud, stubborn, love having the last word and have a difficult time relaxing. I have few regrets, wish I was more patient, struggle daily with trying to live in the moment. I have been known to drink too much, swear too much and be a real bitch when I don’t get my way. I am working on all of the above and I’m not done.

I love my family and friends beyond measure and take pride in my home, my word and compassion for others. I’m not done.

Some of my core morals and values are the same as they ever were, but with age I’m finding that I’m more open and (a bit) more flexible to other view points. I’m thirsty for knowledge and have a immense curiosity for the world around me.

I’m not done.

I’m not done learning, growing, creating, believing, feeling, listening, dancing, dreaming, reading, sitting, swimming, exploring, sweating, smiling, hoping, loving, living, being.

I’m not done.

I’m still a work in progress.

“I am a work in progress, dressed in the fabric of a world unfolding, offering me intricate patterns of questions, rhythms that never come clean, and strengths that you still haven’t seen.” -Ani DiFranco

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 1.) Last week you chose a six word memoir to share…this week elaborate. Tell us the story or thought process behind the sentence you wrote.

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Six Word Memoirs

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Traveled the world. Motherhood best adventure.Me, stress? It’s my middle name.

Increasing patience level is extremely difficult.

Life. One mess after another. Literally.

It doesn’t get better than this.

Anxiously anticipating this time next year.

Constant state of missing someone dear.

Another day, another carton of milk.

Thinking of the end and smiling.

Thank you for loving me, Todd.

I’m still a work in progress.

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 1.) Six Word Memoir: Write about a significant time in your life in just six words. Of course I couldn’t just have one…

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The Trouble With Trash

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I don’t recall having that many chores as a child, other than keeping my room clean; making sure my bed was made each morning and toys and things were off the floor and put away at the end of each day.

When I got to high school, it was all about keeping my grades above average and being home by curfew, a rule I consistently broke.

I do recall getting in trouble a lot, especially this one time I was on trash duty.

I loathed this task. I still do!

Don’t let anyone tell you different, trash is nasty, stinky, smelly and gross and trash duty sucks!

My job was to gather the trash from all rooms in our home and take it to the dumpster, usually just outside our house, but when I was sever years old, we lived in a cul-du-sac and the dumpster was (for some strange reason) several houses away. Maybe it was a communal bin or something?

I dreaded making the trek every single time I was faced with it.

Instead of making the complete walk, I found a short cut in the form of a neighbor’s storage shed half way between our house and the actual place the garbage was to go.

As you can imagine, it wasn’t long before my parents were notified of my dirty deed.

And not long after that, there was yelling and tears and then there was me on my hands and knees picking up every last take out container with food remnants, balled up piece of paper, yogurt container, banana peel, cans with liquid still inside, nail clippings, used Kleenex, Q-Tips and other unmentionables, chewed gum, egg shells, packaging, yuck, muck and every other disgusting item you can think of that we discard.

You see, while everything was bagged, it wasn’t tied shut. This was in the days before drawstring.

I threw up twice and I’m quite sure I wasn’t allowed sugar cereal or able watch The Donnie & Marie Show for at least a month.

I still hate dealing with trash.

This post is for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt #1.) Write about a time you got in BIG trouble as a kid.

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I Am A Real Housewife Of Orange County

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I live in Orange County so I come in contact with the type of women on the television show, The Real Housewives of Orange County on almost a daily basis. It’s usually when they are perched behind the wheel of their fresh off the assembly line Mercedes Benz.

These women are wealthy beyond belief, flashy, live in excess, completely phony, constantly in search of companionship and are terrible drivers!,span>

10 reasons why I could not be a real housewife from any county:

1. I don’t believe in plastic surgery. I’ve earned the wrinkles around my eyes, thankyouverymuch. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of plastic surgery, they’re real and they’re spectacular.

2. I can’t walk in stilettos to save my life. If I could, they’d probably lead me to a horrific death down a flight of stairs.

3. I don’t know any rock stars or pro baseball players, nor do I particularly care to. Okay, well, maybe I’d like to meet Dave Matthews …swoon…

4. I’m not a fake blond with god-awful roots. With all that money, you’d think they’d be able to keep those covered up.

5. I don’t have a designer handbag for every day of the week.

6. I truly enjoy shopping at Target.

7. I fly coach and usually accompanied by a toddler on my lap. Good times.

8. My SVU is really a glorified car. And it’s a hybrid because I care about the environment not just because it’s trendy.

9. I have a farmer’s tan instead of a golden brown hue evenly covering my entire body.

10. I don’t decorate my child. Lucas has never had hair products in his hair nor does he wear designer clothes. My husband would shoot me first!

Come to think of it, these are probably all the reasons why I’ll never be friends with Gwyneth Paltrow either. At least I’m not not the only one! 

Sigh.

I live in Orange County and I’m a housewife, so I hues that makes me a *real* housewife of Orange County. BUT, I’m the flip flop and yoga pants wearing, rolling around in the park with my son, play date scheduling, three days of unwashed hair-type instead of the television variety.

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 5.) 10 reasons why you could not be a real housewife from any county.

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