Bags and more

 What a crazy few days it's been. Last evening was the topper (so far). We had a bags tourney extraordinaire. Eli and me vs. Cal and Emery vs. Chris and Toni in a double elimination format. Don't ask me what that is; all I know is we lost the first match against Cal and Emery 21-1 and still had a chance to come back. Our second match vs. Chris and Toni, I notched a couple of "corn holes" and earned the nickname Suzi Buckets. We lost 20-7 or something like that. By the last match up (obviously, we didn't make it there), the entire Fam had formed a cheering section for their favorites and it was exciting beyond exciting. Cal became Baby Buckets and Emery was the surprise Ace, who kept up with the Wily Veteran Chris, eventually taking home the invisible trophy and bragging rights for next year- or 4th of July.

Sibs just wanna have fun

Good sportsmanship is always appreciated

We had so many laughs- one of the most raucous was Betsy's failed attempt at taking a panoramic picture of everyone, which contorted Eli's face in a most uproarious way. 

Solitude

 I have had a lousy sleeping (or non-sleeping) pattern lately. But this early morning, I took a break from my usual busyness that afflicts me at 1-2-3 a.m., and ate a cinnamon roll and had coffee on the front porch at 3:30 a.m. It was raining, and just the most peaceful, quiet feeling. I decided that I can eat sweets and decadent foods if they are really, really good, and Aly's cinnamon rolls are really, really good. So I savored the roll and the rain and my thoughts. Never mind, I had indulged in Aly's unbelievable lemon cake layers, filled with strawberry compote and lemon cream cheese buttercream, iced with vanilla swiss meringue buttercream just hours earlier (har har).

This peaceful early morning time is needed since I have been so surrounded by people non-stop since June 16. Six days in a car, sleeping in a room, and gathering with extended family members I have not seen in decades, or am just meeting. It takes a lot out of me. I had one walk by myself in those six days. When I got home, I went straight back to work, and some of my houseguests were here, and will be here until July 8th or 9th. That's 23 days out of my normally serene and slow lifestyle. I love and want them here dearly, but I crave and need my alone time, so here I am. 

Eli just came downstairs, fearing someone was breaking or wandering into the house. I told him this is a regular pattern for me, and I will probably go back to sleep in a bit and have some interesting caffeine induced dreams. 

My creative juices are flowing, and I think that wakes me up, too. I was inspired on my trip by some small local businesses that have the feel I am drawn to. If nobody took risks, nothing would ever get done. Creatives would not create, niches would not be found, positive energies would not flow out and spark new energy. 

Challenges and Opportunities

 I was able to start my creativity group and have had two meetings so far. My expectations have been exceeded. Six women attended the first group, 3 for the second. I have heard interest from others who were invited. People are busy, and summer is vacation time for many. That's why I am excited to have had as many come as did. I know I am starting to explore my creativity in a different way, mentally. 

I'm a little disappointed that my goal of 50% BIPOC was not met. I think I can grow my relationships in this area in other ways. I just have to set my intentions and take the risks. I have started this process. 

I am happy to be where I am in life. The obstacles I imagine do not have to hold me back. My artist's date to Springfield was satisfying and poignant. I thought of the many places and times I had with Adam in the city, and how that day was his birthday, and we should have been together. I broke down after picking up my food at Little Saigon. It was one of the best ways to honor him on the day he started his life on earth.