Dan's People

ALL of us?

Don't tell my Seahawk - lovin' family!

Fourth of July remembered in September

This seemed like a lifetime ago since I'm just posting it now. It doesn't mean the memories have faded though - far from it. As you may recall, while Independence Day wasn't my favorite holiday growing up, it has now become a holiday that I wrap my family & I up with small town tradition and enjoy it to the fullest.We started the day biking in a caravan to the square. It's a bike ride I sometimes don't look forward to, a bike ride that I sometimes have to force myself to get through but a bike ride that was full of glee this time around. Our caravan was so huge that we were able to casually break into different groups; some powered through the ride focused with strong determination, some kept at an even pace and chit chatted their way to our destination while others strolled and absorbed the creek, the dry hills and the rows & rows of grape vines. Different attitudes but the same purpose - getting to the Independence Day Parade!
Then we staked our claim - took up space in the square, soaked up the sun, took in the sights & sounds and became one with the lawn. It was heavenly & exhausting intermingled and separate all at the same time.
How many times do you get to do nothing and everything simultaneously because you want to and not because you have too?!!!

I personally find bliss in occasions where I can contribute to conversations but in the same breath become void in thought and just be there - it's being comfortable with who I am amongst who I'm with...family provide me with that.

I enjoy knowing my daughters have that, too.

Our California summers were full of sights of helicopters overheard with water buckets. It was disturbing that this day wasn't of the exception...but it was our reality this summer.

And what's a family gathering without a friendly-competitive game of soccer :}
The "B's" celebrate a goal!
Then the culmination of an entire day's event ends dramatically with bright lights and booming significance. It's a blend of sounds mimicing destruction while displaying grand beauty.

The most satisfying part is having our secret parking spot where we can slip into right before the show starts and slip out right before the hordes of pedestrians! No, I would never reveal such a secret - but I will share one thing...Independence Day in Sonoma is a must!

More nights like this, please.

It was again one of those nights where all it would have taken was a nod and both of us would have been in PJs laying around the house.

That simple.

Fortunately it works the other way, too.
With a nod we were at Fr. Cyprian's Concert at Church.

"Leave the past in ashes and turn to God ~ return to God in tears and fasting"

"May all become compassionate and wise."

And just like that, we're rejuvenated.