In the Light of Hope and Gratitude We Walk

Earlier this evening Maxx, Allison, Shannon and I met many others at Uncommon Ground to light the handmade lanterns and begin our gratitude walk. It was magical. Many said they came to see the little ones and how important it is to see their awww and how amazing that is. There was a story about a lantern told and then songs began as we walked our 3 blocks to the garden. It was so beautiful to see those lanterns in the dark and enjoy the night in a magical place. How grateful I am to be able to give and have this experience with my beautiful son and my amazing friends who rekindle my spark every day.

At times our own light goes out
And is rekindled by a spark from
Another person Each of us has cause to think
With deep gratitude to those
Who have lighted the fire with in us
-Albert Schwitzer

Above is Maxx's lantern as he is walking around the dark garden. Beautiful.

I walk with my little lantern,
My lantern walks with me
In heaven, the stars are shining!
On earth, my lantern shines too.
In darkest night, it guides my way
Glow little lantern glow.

Ribbon for the Sophia's Garden

There has been wind that the University is not going to develop this piece of land the garden is on after all. Something about the development has been canceled. So instead of a new building or to keep the garden they are going to use this beautiful space as a staging ground for large construction equipment for the demolition of the building just to the east of the garden.

With this news has come some activism from not only the school, but the entire surrounding community and students of the University. We have joined in.

One of the University students came up with the idea to tie a ribbon on the fence to be your voice. Today we tied our ribbons.
Thursday is a lantern walk from the Uncommon Ground to the garden...starts at 6pm if anyone wants to join us.

Viva la Sophia's Garden!!!

Wet Day, YAY!!!

It is wonderful how your little one can change how you are seeing the day.

Me: "Awww man, it is raining."

In my head: In and out...wet and dry...the buses will be crowded...my hair will be wet...I need to invest in some rain boots...don't forget the umbrella...aww the umbrella...up and down...it is cold today too...cold and wet...pack extra clothes and socks for Maxx...

Maxx: "Cool! I can wear my puddle boots to school! Don't forget to pack an extra pair of Saaahhh-Oxx. Let's go, Moam!"

Me: "Cool! Let's go get wet!"

Maxx: "Yeah!"

He embraces every thing and has so much fun. Me too!

Maxx Sitter Extraordinaire!

Tuesday was such a hectic day with balancing work-hood, mommy-hood, wife-hood, and parent to a preschooler hood. It was a grab and go, in and out, up and down, fast and furious, good and bad, emotions rise and fall, bus and El train, walk and cab it, very extreme preview of what school days will be like. Kurt and I attended a "Welcome Parent Assembly Dinner" and "Parent Teacher Night" at Maxx's school.


But the best part of the day...
Was being blessed with having a friend you can trust with your child...

Maxx came home WORN out and he is the child that energy never stops... until his head hits the pillow... so I can only imagine how Miss Shannon felt on Wednesday.
They went shopping at the Asian markets, made vegan pizza and vegan chocolate chip cookies, walked Miss Debbie's "girls", read, and played outside. Shannon not only provided Maxx with a safe loving place away from us...she created an adventure filled with thoughtful planned out activities...Jam packed!!! This is much more than we could have asked for, and we will forever cherish the time given and memories Maxx made.
Shannon you are the best!!!

Urban Walk with Maxx

We saw Elvis...

and checked out the head lines on the Red i.

Cars zoomed past us
we looked both ways,
a gust of wind from the city bus
we crossed the street when the "walking man" light came on
To the park we were headed on this cool August evening

Just a summer walk in our 'hood

Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, and eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson