Everyday Hero

After my grandson left to spend father’s day with his dad and grandfather, I treated myself to a matinée of “Man of Steel” at the nearby theatre.

When I was a little girl, my parents took me to see “Superman” and the movie had a profound psychological effect on me.  I remember playing with my sister and young friends – in our imaginary games, I always wanted to be Lois Lane and have Superman as my boyfriend.

As I grew up and my real life loves didn’t quite fill Superman’s boots, my dad was always there to comfort me.  When my fiancée left – on Father’s day, no less, Dad arrived with his pickup truck to help us move.  My heart was breaking, but he was a calm force in a roiling sea of emotion.

Last year, as I told my parents that my marriage was ending, my dad was my rock once again.

It is no small thing to be a father.  I think it is a gift that does not always sit comfortably on the shoulders of those on whom it is bestowed, but on some men, fatherhood gives them wings.

Thanks, Dad, for being my everyday hero – for believing in me when my confidence waivers, for holding me up when I begin to fall – even as a middle-aged adult, I feel supported by the love you share.

Happy Father’s Day.

My Hero

Chill in the Air

Chilly day with scattered showers.  My grandson and I enjoyed a late morning movie – “Star Trek: Into Darkness” and then headed back o the house for a late lunch/early dinner.

Now we’re having a “Falling Skies” marathon with a fire warming the living room.  I know soon I’ll be wishing for a cool day, but today, I’m  grateful my dad fixed the fireplace 🙂

The Fire is so Delightful

Making a Splash!

Got a surprise call yesterday afternoon from my grandson who asked if he could come visit for the remainder of the holiday weekend.

Hadn’t planned on a visitor this weekend but I also didn’t have fixed plans, so I jumped at the chance.

We took advantage of the beautiful day by going on a long walk to the nearby parks.  For our final stop, we enjoyed the Bark Park at Tanzanite Park.  Earlier this year, other dog owners told me about a place in the park where the dogs could go into the nearby water.

We decided to give it a try – I’m so glad we did.  Beatle has always been a water dog and she went straight for the pond.  Cricket we enticed by throwing a tennis ball into the water.  Here are some of the highlights from the soggy doggy afternoon at the park.

Otterly Fantastic

One of the things I most like about where I live is the abundance of parks surrounding my neighborhood.

Tonight, on my walk with the dogs, I not only saw the bees, birds, and dragonflies that I love, but also a river otter!

I still hope to get a closer shot before the summer ends, but I was so happy to see this swift swimming little critter and have enough time to get the shot.

Here are some other treasures from my walk.

 

Getting My Ducks in a Row

After working another long day, I decided that I needed to get out of my office and go for a walk.  Today is back to warm temperatures and even though I try not to walk the dogs during the hottest parts of the day, I attached their leashes and headed into the sun.

Most of my photos did not come out well – it was extremely bright and I just couldn’t get things into focus.

This shot did come out better than the others and it reminded me of how very much I need to get my life back in order – I need to get my own ducks in a row.

While I know that this week will be another tough one, I need to put myself back in control.

Look out world – I’m not treading water!

Summery Sunday

Not only did I treat myself to a morning matinee of “Star Trek: Into Darkness”, but I also took the doodles for a lovely walk this afternoon.

The movie was fantastic.  In fact, I already want to see it again!

After the show, I enjoyed the beautiful weather and managed a few good photo opportunities, too.

Point Reyes Adventure Day

Enjoyed an amazing Saturday at Point Reyes National Sea Shore with the photography meet-up group.  I’d never been here before and it was magnificent.

I like this group because I learn while getting to experience places and things I might not have before.

We experienced winds of over 40 miles an hour, so we were not able to descend to the lighthouse – next time I go, I hope to do so.

From what I was told, the climb is the equivalent of 30 stories, which is why there are resting stations along the path.  I think it wise that the descent was closed because of the wind – I imagine I would have blown off the cliff on the way down.

Unfortunately, I could not stay until sunset.  I did stay about 4 hours, enjoying a picnic and lots of photo opportunities at Drakes Beach cafe, the lighthouse, and Chimney Rock.  Here are a few other treasures from the day at the shore.

Sweet T

Nine years ago, my sweet nephew Tyler arrived on the scene.  I can hardly believe that he is already 9 – here he is being held by my dad over the Memorial Day weekend in 2004.

Tyler and “Opa”

He was just here in April visiting – I enjoyed my time with him and continue to be impressed with how grown up he is.  He is totally a rock star in my book.

Today I got a text message from my sister.  Most of his presents arrived – the present not pictured, a great white shark 3-D puzzle arrived later in the day.

Presents!

I wished that I could be there in person like I was last year.  Still, I loved getting the picture and knowing that my nephew loved the gifts.  Hopefully he felt me sending great birthday vibes across the miles to my favorite Sweet T.

Walk in the Park

05122013, a set on Flickr.

Missing Mom today. After calling her this morning, I took the doodles for a walk to see what treasures the day held in store. Here are those treasures.

Gatsby a la Baz

The spectacle of Baz Luhrman’s  “The Great Gatsby” cannot be understated.  The screening I attended this morning was attended by a gaggle of choir-istas sporting feathered and sequined headbands.  I felt rather underdressed, myself.

Although I didn’t dress for the occasion, I loved nearly every over-the-top minute of this film.  Not exactly the Gatsby of my literary memory, the film resonated on the same emotional frequency.  I really loved Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway and  Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker.  Other than Leonardo’s final “Daisy”, I felt lost in the spectacle of the movie.

I also loved the soundtrack – more than I guessed I would.  The hype over the music made me imagine it would feel contrived or forced, but it worked in a way I didn’t expect and resonated with me emotionally.

I’m glad that I spent my “entertainment” budget on the cheap show this morning.  It was a show worth a full-price ticket.