Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt

 Shadows stretch the truth. They distort. They misrepresent. They mock. They play with reality. It’s almost as if shadows have a secret knowledge.

I’m forever fascinated by the way shadows can terrify, amuse, and fool us.  They alter our perception.  They show us a dark side and a beautiful side.  They silhouette us as they see fit.

My son took this photo of a random woman in Punta Cana. Her profile is perfectly poised with drink in hand. I’m envious.

Here’s how I find my cat, Bella, most mornings - positioned behind the blinds just watching the world go by.

Here’s more of Bella’s window on a bright morning.

Thanks, shadow, for making me tall and skinny!

I know I’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating. Does this motorcycle really think it’s a giraffe?

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Powerful Women in my Bathroom

As I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that I have a collection of strong women scattered around the room.  I think I must have subconsciously been drawn to these ladies for their soulful self-assurance.

We couldn’t resist this very pregnant beauty from Punta Cana.  We fell in love with her faceless strength and determination.  Many of the Dominican dolls don’t have faces to represent ‘one people’ – a fusion of cultures, races, and religions.  There’s no model of what a woman should look like; they celebrate diversity by not complying to a standard of beauty. Now that’s power!

This goddess of summer has the ultimate freedom to traipse around the garden half naked.  Who doesn’t respect that? Just wish I could find winter, spring, and autumn to keep her company.

I don’t even know what to say about this lady. The title of the picture is “Contentment.” Read into that what you may.

Her eyes mesmerized me.  I don’t know who she is or where she’s from, but I love her message – Belong to Yourself. Plus, she matches my towels so nicely!

And finally, here’s little Amy, aged 2, kissing Joey, aged 1 ½.  This was 20 years ago. She was ahead of her time.

Stay strong, ladies!

Another Year - Filed Away

Is it just me, or are the years flying by? It seems that I just started a new section in my file cabinet to make way for 2011. And now, here I am clearing space for 2012.

As I was rubber banding my old records, it occurred to me that I could stuff a year of life into a few inches of folders. All the routine recordings of life. Repairs made to the cars (and ourselves).  The rejection letters, the acceptance letters, the bad news, the thrilling travel plans, the financial ups and downs.  Post cards from friends, a graduation program, my dad’s obituary. Evidence of the days gone by. Proof of passing time.

All those rubber-banded bundles remind me that life is so short.  Why not have a say in making 2012 a better year?  Surround yourself with positive people.  Eat better. Rise to a challenge. Exercise more. Vow to forgive. Travel. Take a chance. Give someone a hand. Question what doesn’t make sense. Stay true to who you are. Do something for yourself that others may consider foolish. Love your family and friends.  And believe in the infinite possibilities of what can be.

When I Say Zip, You Say Line

That was the chant of our tour guide, Patrice Jean, who would guide us through the jungle and up the muddy Anamuya Mountains of the Dominican Republic for our zip line adventure.

This all sounded so fun and carefree when I first mentioned it to my kids a month ago.  Sure, mom will zip line with you! Did I forget that I was terrified of heights?

Patrice Jean told us that we were his “fam il lee” and that he was our poppa.  He would pull coffee bean plants from the open bus and describe how they are harvested.  He would tell us tales of his childhood in Haiti. Twice we got stuck on huge rocks up the slippery mountain, but poppa told us not to worry and we didn’t.

Then we arrived at the top of the mountain and poppa turned us over to the zip line crew. I began to shake as they outfitted me in my harness. I guess there was no way to back out and save face at the same time.  I went over in my mind to keep my elbow pointed, my knees up, my ankles crossed and to only pull down on my brake glove if they signaled me to do so.  If you brake too soon, you have to turn around and manually hoist yourself to the platform. Plus they called you a loser. Before I could psych myself out, I was on the first of 12 platforms and they sent me on my way soaring through the treetops.

I don’t think there’s a word that describes the mixture of fear, exhilaration, elation, and sheer terror that was coursing through my body. The worst (or best) was platform 11, which was one of the longest lines in the world. For a full minute and 17 seconds, I tried not to look down, instead focusing on the sky and the big black bird that circled nearby. Apparently, I missed a beautiful river and amazing views, but all in all, I was happy that I took on the challenge.

I hope poppa was proud.

One Morning in Punta Cana

Even though I’m the type to stay on the beaten path, I’m drawn to things that are a little offbeat.

For instance, I wonder if these ducks are constantly ducking the security guys at the pool.

This little hut on the beach just seemed so iconic.  The word cana is a name for the type of palm tree and leaves that are commonly used for roofing.  Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone had a cana roof over their head?

Speaking of the cana, I loved seeing this boy climb a particularly beautiful bent palm tree. 

These oars seemed like little soldiers lined up and waiting for action.

And finally, our shadows were just too funny to ignore.

All in all, a nice morning stroll.

Decorating When Your Budget Won't Budge

A baby shower for twins in December?  Our job was to kick it old school and get creative in combining the holidays with ‘his and her’ décor.   These two watermelon baby carriages are festive, right?

You can pretty much throw anything on a little Christmas tree to play up your theme. Construction paper stars look rustic and beautiful and cost next to nothing.

What better way to frame the future?

Maybe a little holiday humor?

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care. My daughter just added stickers for their names (so as not to lock the parents in on their handles).

One last holiday tip I heard this year. Turn a wreath upside down and fasten it to your light fixture. I know, I know – I should have added a pink and blue ornament, but at least it gave my neglected wreath a new purpose in life.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Single Red Leaf

Last month, I drove up my driveway and saw how vibrant this burning bush was. Fall was in the air and the energetic colors were out. I was inspired to capture a picture of this flashy example of autumn.   

About a week later, look what happened. As the tree was preparing itself for winter, one leaf loitered for days and days. I came to appreciate its resilience and defiance as I stepped out each morning and marveled that it was still there.

I can’t decide which is more beautiful.