Birthday

Yesterday, August the 13th, was my 38th birthday. It turned out to be one of those simple, perfect days that I will probably remember for a long time (it reminds me of the day Vashti was born). We woke up to a beautiful, warm, sunny day (the previous day had stayed cool and cloudy with occasional soft rain). I baked a chocolate cake (the first time I have baked in our little convection oven), and I was happy to see that it baked very evenly. Brian and I went for a walk and enjoyed a leisurely yoga practice and meditation together. During our practice, the resident falcon circled above us and even managed to do a spectacular dive right as we rested on our backs and looked up. Afterwards, we ate lunch, went for another walk, lounged around, and then cooked quinoa chili for an early dinner. After dinner, Brian and I walked down to the lodge while my dad hung out with the kids. As usual, we had the whole place to ourselves. We played three games of pool while listening to classic rock music and then played ping pong (it felt very 80's and was a lot of fun). As we headed back to camp for chocolate cake we decided we should get gear for mini-golf so the kids could burn off their sugar buzz. Brian gave me a piggyback ride across the parking lot, and we felt like kids goofing off. For the third time this week we lit candles and sang happy birthday (Vashti is very into candles). The cake was delicious with a very rich dark chocolate glaze. After cake we played mini-golf and I got a hole-in-one on the very last (and one of the most difficult shots). We had a nice walk back to camp and enjoyed watching the bats fly above us.

Brian and I have been reading a book called Respectful Parents Respectful Kids. It blends ideas of interconnectedness and the importance of true co-operation for the health and sustainability of families, communities, and the whole world with Marshalll Rosenberg's style of Nonviolent Communication. So far, I'm enjoying the book, and I'm feeling very thankful for being at a place in my life where I can take care of my own needs so that I am able to better meet the needs of our family and kids.

From where I am sitting outside I can see my dad and Shanti canoeing across the placid lake. It is another beautiful day (the high is supposed to be 87 degrees). I am thinking of all my beautiful friends, and hope that you will all take the time to do something nice for yourselves today. I had another lovely yoga practice this morning, and now I'm going to head off to play with Vashti.

The soul empties itself of all its contents in order to receive the being it is looking at, just as he is, in all his truth ---Simone Weil