This is How it Begins...

...with a single, delicately tinted leaf laying on your front yard. Not having seen one for nine months it's as though you never have, and you pause for a moment to crouch over it and admire it's subtle merge of gold and red. The sun is warm on your back, and the cicadas are singing in the trees around you. If the children are near you call them to look at it with you, and they run over on bare feet to exclaim in wonder too, as though leaves that turn from glossy green to sunset are something they have never seen before either.



















You straighten up and squint into the top of the sweetgum tree to reassure yourself that all is still summer, and the tree obliges you by waving it's thick, fully leafed branches against the cornflower blue sky. Satisfied that autumn is definitely not on it's way you return happily to the illusion that summer lasts forever.



















But this is how it begins, this is the beginning. And also, the ending.
Tomorrow my babies start full day kindergarten, and my life as a stay at home mother - almost thirteen years, ends. This day has been coming for years, in all those small ways, and every time a moment came I would delight in its beauty, but not really allow myself to see that the accumulation of such moments would lead to a new season. And tomorrow I'll probably ask myself the same questions I ask when fall becomes an undeniable reality.
Where did the summer go?
Did I relish it properly?
And did I really take time to just enjoy its fleeting beauty?

I've Been Tagged (gulp)

I've been tagged by Tracy at Madquilter (thanks mum for dobbing me in) and it's taken me a while to respond because I've been away at school in New York. When I'm there the rest of the world just sort of falls away (it's lovely), but I'm back, and nervously contemplating what I will dare admit about myself.

I believe I have to list the rules so here they are:
Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Anyway, here's my bravely compiled list:

1. I wanted to be a photographer but spent too much time at the pub while I was in college and failed my courses.
2. I believe in karma.
3. I love music and singing but am totally tone deaf.
4. I was born in the year of the Rat.
5. My first car was a 1968 Morris Mini named Eliot but my favorite car ever was the Minor.
6. All my children were born at home.
7. I long to keep chickens and bees.
8. I got my nose pierced 16 years ago after drinking Guinness with a Scotsman named Ian, and I still love it.

Hmmm. Interesting how the list is bookended by alcohol-related life events. I actually drink very little any more, but clearly it had it's importance.

Well, I am new to this blogging, but will tag as best I can.
BuddyRooster,
Harley, say hi to the crafting ladies,
Maureen, my mum's dear friend,
St Fiacre's Acre

I'll keep thinking about the rest....

Summertime

Before I disappeared for three weeks to school in New York and left the family to fend for itself, I had the pleasure of finishing Belle's (ahem) Christmas present. It was a little late, granted, and she did ride me for six months, but the dolly turned out lovely, and I'm glad the girl insisted I meet my obligations. She's not going to be asking for many more of these, I don't think.


















The last week of summer vacation is almost upon us. Black raspberries are ripe at the ravine at the top of our street, and we have been indulging ourselves there, to the tune of aching tummies, stained clothing, and a dog with a thorn in his foot.



















Nonetheless, it's beautiful up there in the summer twilight - lush, green and golden. And a perfect berry? There's nothing like it.



















Another favorite summer destination, our friends house on Lake Erie.















Water, sun, happy dogs,















golden children,













corn and watermelon. A recipe for summer bliss.















As excited as some of us are about school starting, it would really be okay if these days never ended, too.