VANCOOVER, BC, CANADA

25 July 2016-  I love the Pacific North West

Jimmy Cunningham, a master mason, dedicated his life to the construction of the seawall from 1931 until his death in 1963 at age 85.

The seawall in Vancouver, is a stone wall and bike path that was constructed around the perimeter of Stanley Park to prevent erosion and create a marvelous site seeing bike, hike, skate path.  The path is about 30 Kilometers.  We rode our bikes about 10K- and found many beaches and adventures along the way.  Including Ruby Catherine's quest for mussels. 

Vancoover, BC Stanley Park beach

It was a hot day in Canada.  The sea breeze was helpful.

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA

Creek Street, Ketchikan, Alaska
Art Credit :  MA Clare

I am not much of a shopper, but I love walking on Creek Street- and all over Ketchikan for that matter.  As I strive to live minimally (less stuff, less clutter, less stress) and focus on the moment (what matters most)  I rarely shop-  except for groceries.  With that said chinookandcompany.com is pretty awesome.  Gourmet groceries.  Antiques.  Kavu sports wear.

Last summer I bought a blue Kavu skirt from Linda at Chinook&Company.  I now call it my uniform, because I wear it everyday. Chinook&Company is a small one person operation run by Linda Meuter, yet another tough and talented Alaskan woman.

This week I bought a case of this amazingly

delicious Sockeye Salmon.

           Elias coming out of Totem Bight Lodge

SKAGWAY, ALASKA 2016

We  took a ride on the rail Thursday afternoon, went back into 

Yukon, Canada-  Exquisite views.

The Friend Ship - Disney Wonder 2016

Alaska is a place of healing for me.  I am so thankful for the opportunity I've had to go there these last three summers.  Temperate rain forests, green, ocean, sea life, hiking, green.   Green is a color of new growth.  I have grown, and I continue to grow.  Growing hurts, yet, knowing pain has taught me to appreciate true joy.

The Friend Ship

The Disney Wonder really is an Amazing Friend Ship.  

Even these two rascles are Friends on the Ship.

We love to make new Friends.

Our trip wouldn't  be complete with out Ruby Catherine's
 dolly - Lizzy.  Lizzy (the doll) has been everywhere we go- 
or at least every where Ruby Catherine goes.
 We carry our Lizzy (daughter) in our hearts and think of her so often.

SGA's Stroke

Sweet Grandma Ardy had a stroke a couple of days after Grandpa's funeral.  She was taken to University of Utah Hospital.  She has lost her ability to speak and some control of her body.  Bless her sweet heart (seriously the sweetest).  She is a strong woman, 85 years and counting.  I love you SGA.

My Mom with SGA.

Road School Homeschool

Double Down Dog
Ruby Catherine and mom chillin at home.

We started school in June when the kids school year ended.  For the next year Eric and I are solely accountable for their education.   There is something really extraordinary about taking on that responsibility.  It is daunting, certainly not easy, yet, so rewarding.  I am excited and  nervous, but mostly excited.

As I work to create mindfulness in my own life, I am finding that as I engage in listening to the kids read I am really "in the moment", not distracted by my phone, or NPR, or anything.  Just listening.   There is something really amazing about the power of now,  I don't necessarily enjoy the content of  See Spot Run or  Pokemon comics, however, it is pretty wonderful to hear the sweet voices of my babies,  take in the sunshine, see their expression, and (my favorite)  their response to praise.  I can't think of a better feeling than seeing confidence and pride twinkle in the eyes of a child.

    So, living in a tiny space with minimal resources, spending your time working (teaching) for which your already paying taxes for someone else to do.  It isn't for everyone... Did I mention tight living quarters?  Well, surprisingly,  I am not alone.  I've found a whole community!

familiesontheroad.com
This is just one site that has been a good resource.

IDAHO:
We spent a week in Idaho-  Elias studied Lewis and Clark's expedition through Idaho,  the Teton Dam disaster of 1976, and made DIY quivers to hold his arrows.  He is a pretty good shot these days. We had school lunch at the park most days, and played with cousins and friends everyday.

Ruby Catherine read 20+ books, chased many chickens, and played with numerous babies- her cousin baby Henry most of all.  She even got to assist in changing some diapers (her favorite thing in the world). For the last two Christmases she has asked for only one thing:  Diapers.   I have never known a 6 year old to be such a motherly type.  She engages with babies, plays with them, keeps them safe, and of course changes diapers.  Sometimes I wonder if she is the real mother of the family. We already know that she is the boss. And I love this little woman more than words could ever express.

This Is Not The End

This is not the End

But a separation temporary.

Grandpa Henry is still with us, but in another realm. 

He is in a state of paradise, happiness.

No longer suffering or feeling pain, his faculties fully intact. 

Grandpa’s  watching out for his family especially for Sweet Grandma Ardy.

Loves light shines far beyond this mortal world.

And if we mindfully observe we can see the fruits of love, the blessings, the gifts produced by love.

Grandpa still has many gifts to share.

We can still see the blessings of his generosity, find humor in his wittiness, and follow the example of his kind heart.

I love you Grandpa.

When I was a little girl, Grandpa often gave me the job of rubbing his head in
exchange for a quarter.  This was his last head rub.  On me this time Grandpa.