"To My Child"

I just dropped off my five year old at Kindergarten. He is the youngest of five children and has been my best pal, side kick last five years. Surprisingly, I did not fall apart and cry like I thought I might. We walked together, took as many pictures as he would tolerate--like five, then when I tried to kiss him goodbye, he refused. That just about floored me. He said in a very exasperated voice, "Mom!" Which implied: "Don't embarrass me. I'm a big boy now." I was sad, but understood. His Father was proud of him refusing our usual hug and kiss. Now I'm exasperated!

I love this poem written by Anne Campbell and published in 1965 in "The Treasure Chest"--a book I inherited from my Great Grandfather, Moses Elias Gifford after he died--also a writer.

You are the trip I did not take;

You are the pearls I cannot buy;

You are my blue Italian lake;

You are my piece of foreign sky.

I really don't consider my children a sacrifice, but a beautiful gift. However, I do believe when we have children sacrifice is necessary. We will likely sacrifice time, talents, and personal pursuits for the benefit of our children more than we sacrifice traveling and things. But every sacrifice for our children is worth it when we do it in the spirit of boundless love.

San Antonio, Texas 2009

My husband and I spent four days in San Antonio, Texas. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt along with the Dallas Cowboys Professional Football Team. The cowboys were in pre-season training, staying at the Hyatt and practicing in the Alamodome. We were not there as football "groupies" though there were many there that were. This was an awards trip earned by my husband, Joe. He's an investment adviser and works for Mass Mutual.Way to go hon!

We walked up and down the River Walk, went to two IMAX theater movies, The Alamo and Under the Sea 3-D, strolled around the city, and even went to the Alamodome to watch the Dallas Cowboys practice. But the most thought provoking and interesting thing we did was visit The Alamo. If you've never seen the 2004 version of the movie The Alamo starring Billy Bob Thorton and Dennis Quaid, it's time to send for it with NETFLIX. It is a quick history lesson regarding the stirring, epic events that happened at The Alamo in 1837. "Remember The Alamo!"

I'm Blogging!!

Lighting

1. Turn off the flash. Natural lighting is Rembrandt's lighting. Shoot in the shade, on a porch, in a door way and in the morning and evening when shadows are long and light is pink and lavendar in the morning and golden yellow in the evening. About an hour or two after sunrise and before sundown. Take advantage of cloudy days. The cloud cover acts as a great big light diffuser. If you shoot high noon, you will notice harsh lighting and racoon shadows under your subjects eyes. If shooting indoors, find a north facing window or a window in which the sun is not shining directly in. Make sure your aperture is nice and open and your subject is close.

Broccoli Salad

4 cups broccoli, washed and cut into chunky pieces

8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup red onions, chopped fine

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds, shelled

1. In medium sized bowl, combine ingredients.

2. Pour dressing over broccoli and toss to coat. 

3. Refrigerate one hour before serving.

Dressing

1 cup miracle whip

2 Tbls. plus 2 tsp. sugar

2 Tbls. white wine vinegar

1. Whisk ingredients together in small bowl. 

2. Pour over broccoli and stir to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour for flavors to develop.

If you need a salad for your next pot luck, try broccoli salad. It is a crowd and family favorite.

Madi

My Groovy Children