Hard for me to believe that this is the first post of 2014. Not an indicator that so much has happened that I haven't had the time to sit down and reflect. Nor is it an indicator that so little has happened -- I would most certainly propose the former. Our family has gleefully absorbed some spring weather the last few weeks, which truly has saved anyone's psyche after the bitter, cold, and snowy winter PA shook down on us. We also have welcomed another "bump" in the road - baby bump that is! Expecting #2 this September, and it will be the family's first boy. Both families, actually. I, with three sisters, and Mike with a sis of his own, my dad's first reaction was also that shocking realization: "A grandson!! Wow, what do I do with a grandson?!"
Mike's reaction was actually somewhat similar to Gramps' statement. Contextually different, Mike wanted another daughter, to which most friends, peers, and colleagues scoffed, "Really?! Don't fathers always want at least one son?" Anyone who really knows Michael, however, could never dismiss his sensitivity and affection for his baby daughter (or, yes, his beloved dog and wife). He's really surrounded by women most of the time, and so that was my understanding of his desire for another girl.
Hubs and I took the day off together to find out "Peanut's" gender and grab a late lunch to celebrate - whichever blue or pink bundle the stork was planning on dropping by. So, as he deliciously dipped his roast beef Au Jus, I inquired tentatively, "You sure you're okay with a boy this time?" The conversation, as rich as our desserts, was insightful for us both - more so than I expected having known the mind of this man for over a decade; his answer was surprising but sensible. Thoughtful and rational. But still a mystery to me somewhat. I've never doubted Mike's capabilities to be a good dad, as I had seen the way he takes care of so many beings in his life - from friends to puppies to well, you name it. And the way he is with Elle is authentic and genuine and proof of this philosophical pudding. He will bring all that much more curiosity and love for our son, and I can't wait to see him have a 'little man' under his wing. *Unfortunately, his reason is not mine to exploit, so if you'd like to know what his hesitation was all about you can ask him for the juice!
------------------------------------------
So, why the 'Egypt' titular reference, then? As I was on a glorious, breezy, sunny, fresh walk with Winnie and E this morning, my nose brought me back to childhood, raised in earlier years by the comforts of rural Maine. We lived on Egypt Road, in a paradise of ferns, wild blueberries, deer, and moss. My sisters and I were inseparable usually - with one another and Mother Nature herself - and the aromatics from today were reminders of all that exploration as a kid. Today when we returned home, Windsor lay on the grass chewing a tennis ball while Elle and I played with sidewalk chalk, stopping only now and again to munch some goldfish. Barefoot and boisterous, Elliot decided to take off under the front yard maple and feel the lawn under her toes. Her inquisitive stares back caused me to think, was this what my mom experienced with her 4 wood nymphs? I merely nodded with a smile to "okay" whatever question Elle was asking of me, and so she continued to roam the lot (albeit smaller than our kingdom on Egypt), picking up sticks and offering them for Windsor to chew on. The moment was so peaceful and heartwarming. It appeared like one of those full-circle moments under which I was spellbound, gazing upon my little own bean in a way I presume most mothers/parents do. Today I saw myself within her, and writing about it now brings some small, happy tears to my eyes.
Hopefully more news and reflection will present here sooner rather than later. Professionally, I am forging ahead, and I will be happy to share that news soon. But, if you have the chance today - no matter the weather - get some air in your lungs and moss under those toes!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday, December 22, 2013
the wholistic cleanse
Coming near the end of the year, the arbitrary culmination of a calendar to which we humans subscribe, though Mother Nature and her other creatures carry on seamlessly, it becomes natural for me every 52 weeks to feel the presence of an emotional purge and cleanse. At times, yes, physical too - I have fallen into the trap of pressured resolutions including being another populate at the local gym on January 1. Becoming more active, of course, is usually an "up" compared to wherever you were before, so I can't knock anyone's real hopes for increased health and well being. But as I've noticed throughout 2013, my mentality (fluctuating as our recent weather forecasts in PA!) rules the power of my attitude and perspectives for upcoming goals.
I recently read someone pose the question: What if, instead of crossing items off our bucket list, we work in general towards becoming a better human? Much of what I found this year to be challenging my emotional and psychological harmony was that certain things, or certain events in my life were perceived to be "wrong " or "inopportune" along my path envisioned. So, when confronted with the roadblocks, my brain started to scramble and tears began to unfold. I truly believe in the universe giving us what we can handle, or at least, later on the lesson to what we might have questioned about a given experience; in the tough moments, however, this is difficult to remember.
Overall, I have fewer tough moments than precious and provocative ones. Part of which, is due to the ability to frame positively the goings-on in my life. Working with clients this year has significant challenged that, as I have written in other posts about comparing my work and my life, to their status and/or problems shared. But, being a better human is not about being better than. It's not about being "more" or "less" or even "equal" to the other. It's relative to only yourself. Just as we are responsible in our choices to be happy/sad/destitute/resentful/grateful, I will be better only by moving towards.
I deliberately say "towards" not "forwards," as I have found that progression in becoming better in anything includes some setbacks. This mantra is also often applied to the physical - weight and energy and my liking for my appearance is an ebb and flow, too. Emotionally and mentally, it doesn't seem any different. I have a tattoo on my ankle, a Chinese symbol representing "knowledge," to engage my ambitions of persistently moving towards. It reminds not only my right foot ;) but my soul that becoming better includes constant learning.
So, I hope this time of year brings as much joy to each of you as it does for me; I get all giddy in the nostalgia of family-laden festivities between Christmas and New Year's. Each has always meant more to me than the presents and sparklers. And I encourage joy for each of you, and to take hold of it wholly and purposefully when you get up every morning. Being better, can mean simply to be self-aware. Give yourself the choice and credit to own your feelings! You will be amazed with where they take you...
I recently read someone pose the question: What if, instead of crossing items off our bucket list, we work in general towards becoming a better human? Much of what I found this year to be challenging my emotional and psychological harmony was that certain things, or certain events in my life were perceived to be "wrong " or "inopportune" along my path envisioned. So, when confronted with the roadblocks, my brain started to scramble and tears began to unfold. I truly believe in the universe giving us what we can handle, or at least, later on the lesson to what we might have questioned about a given experience; in the tough moments, however, this is difficult to remember.
Overall, I have fewer tough moments than precious and provocative ones. Part of which, is due to the ability to frame positively the goings-on in my life. Working with clients this year has significant challenged that, as I have written in other posts about comparing my work and my life, to their status and/or problems shared. But, being a better human is not about being better than. It's not about being "more" or "less" or even "equal" to the other. It's relative to only yourself. Just as we are responsible in our choices to be happy/sad/destitute/resentful/grateful, I will be better only by moving towards.
I deliberately say "towards" not "forwards," as I have found that progression in becoming better in anything includes some setbacks. This mantra is also often applied to the physical - weight and energy and my liking for my appearance is an ebb and flow, too. Emotionally and mentally, it doesn't seem any different. I have a tattoo on my ankle, a Chinese symbol representing "knowledge," to engage my ambitions of persistently moving towards. It reminds not only my right foot ;) but my soul that becoming better includes constant learning.
So, I hope this time of year brings as much joy to each of you as it does for me; I get all giddy in the nostalgia of family-laden festivities between Christmas and New Year's. Each has always meant more to me than the presents and sparklers. And I encourage joy for each of you, and to take hold of it wholly and purposefully when you get up every morning. Being better, can mean simply to be self-aware. Give yourself the choice and credit to own your feelings! You will be amazed with where they take you...
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
paradoxical
Sometimes motherhood is damn hard.
Phew. Like most tough things, but real things, this too can be good to get off the chest. I never doubted it would come with challenges; I worked with children for years informally and professionally, but at the end of a long day, even the frustrating children went home with someone else. And I can't deny that I haven't said it before - but more in passing or in jest, certainly not in such a serious tone that would identify deficit in one entity I was sure of all of my life. A tone that would prove guilt or failure - two major themes of my personal self-destruction over the years, and to confess to it fully would generate a catharsis by which I might not be prepared to stand.
The pressure of the word is large in itself. I actually just Googled "motherhood," and it includes the verbatim, boring phrasing: "state and/or quality of being a mother." And then, just thrown in all casual, I see by the relative quotations section: "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." [William Ross Wallace] Holy cheese, no wonder I am (and so many others) are in such a flustered flurry! "...that rules the world." ??? Okay, so his poem is in praise, but, come on. Us women - I, woman - fear most in life my own let downs. *Note: yes, most of that is still on me, outside of this subject alone, and for another post(s)/mental health professional to help me work through*
This morning, over your homemade eggs and cinnamon rolls, dear Elliot, you decided I was not to be a part of what was intended to be a family breakfast. Moreover, when I am struggling to put in your hair elastic - which, I'm sorry, may as well be an Olympic sport without the addition of you throwing your body around in the high chair like an ocean seal - you are also complaining to your Papa, trying to hit me, and sometimes bite. And this is the hard part on which I am already ranting?!?? Crap.
--------------------
Cut to 5:15 pick-up time.
My heart mellllllttttssss. With a knock-knock on the door to her classroom, I hear one of her teacher's sing, "Elllllee - who's here?" Surely both of us with eyes darting, searching the scene for one another, only to embrace with the glimmers in our pupils, and cheeks raised in smiles, dear Elliot, you squeal with glee. You sit kicking again in a high chair, although this time it is surely out of joy, and my body fills with it thereafter.
We sing together in the car ride home, talk and jibber-jabber about our days, like we're lifelong friends, and have escaped any sort of confrontation from the morning of (which perhaps, was in my own head). Paradoxical, motherhood is. On to a bath, splishin' and a'splashin', and finally snuggled up with some books to tuck her in. Feelings overwhelmed and deep breathing continues from other daily missteps, but this journey of being a parent is at least more understood for tonight.
Phew. Like most tough things, but real things, this too can be good to get off the chest. I never doubted it would come with challenges; I worked with children for years informally and professionally, but at the end of a long day, even the frustrating children went home with someone else. And I can't deny that I haven't said it before - but more in passing or in jest, certainly not in such a serious tone that would identify deficit in one entity I was sure of all of my life. A tone that would prove guilt or failure - two major themes of my personal self-destruction over the years, and to confess to it fully would generate a catharsis by which I might not be prepared to stand.
The pressure of the word is large in itself. I actually just Googled "motherhood," and it includes the verbatim, boring phrasing: "state and/or quality of being a mother." And then, just thrown in all casual, I see by the relative quotations section: "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." [William Ross Wallace] Holy cheese, no wonder I am (and so many others) are in such a flustered flurry! "...that rules the world." ??? Okay, so his poem is in praise, but, come on. Us women - I, woman - fear most in life my own let downs. *Note: yes, most of that is still on me, outside of this subject alone, and for another post(s)/mental health professional to help me work through*
This morning, over your homemade eggs and cinnamon rolls, dear Elliot, you decided I was not to be a part of what was intended to be a family breakfast. Moreover, when I am struggling to put in your hair elastic - which, I'm sorry, may as well be an Olympic sport without the addition of you throwing your body around in the high chair like an ocean seal - you are also complaining to your Papa, trying to hit me, and sometimes bite. And this is the hard part on which I am already ranting?!?? Crap.
--------------------
Cut to 5:15 pick-up time.
My heart mellllllttttssss. With a knock-knock on the door to her classroom, I hear one of her teacher's sing, "Elllllee - who's here?" Surely both of us with eyes darting, searching the scene for one another, only to embrace with the glimmers in our pupils, and cheeks raised in smiles, dear Elliot, you squeal with glee. You sit kicking again in a high chair, although this time it is surely out of joy, and my body fills with it thereafter.
We sing together in the car ride home, talk and jibber-jabber about our days, like we're lifelong friends, and have escaped any sort of confrontation from the morning of (which perhaps, was in my own head). Paradoxical, motherhood is. On to a bath, splishin' and a'splashin', and finally snuggled up with some books to tuck her in. Feelings overwhelmed and deep breathing continues from other daily missteps, but this journey of being a parent is at least more understood for tonight.
Friday, October 18, 2013
my neighbor's fence
"They bought what?!"
"She gets to stay home with her kids."
"Wow - they are going on another vacation!"
So easy to be a nosy nellie, a materialistic voyer sometimes. Be it of your friends, colleagues, coworkers, neighbors - even your family. Or is it just me? No, I'm pretty sure part of our human instinct is to drive for more, and yes, sometimes at the expense of our own appreciation for what is right in front of us. Maybe it's a survival method. Healthy competition. Striving to succeed by envying another's accomplishments. Envy is supposedly a deadly sin, but if it eggs on your determination and desire, maybe a little isn't so bad. But the thing is, how do you know when your envy has turned to jealousy, or turned completely to self-deprication?
Recently I (re)encountered a famous quote, with a unique and fresh twist applicable to today's lesson :) : "the grass is greener where you water it." I not only like this quote - I crave it and try to use it personally and professionally. For so much of my own life, I didn't fully understand the concept of self-care, or even personal accountability for my actions and reactions to a given situation, or social milestone. Being in love for the first time at 15 was the "deepest" love I would know, and then breaking up from him was my "most devastating" loss. I wouldn't ever again find the kind of love I envisioned when I was young.
I gained a bunch of weight after that breakup, turning to food for comfort and fulfillment. I began journeying quickly the defeating path of low self-esteem, poor body image, comparison. Sara Bareilles sings, "Compare, where you are to where you want to be, and you'll get nowhere." And so for almost four years that mindset kept me at a minimum. I was able to wade in my misery and justify my deficits by looking forward to a happiness that no Carly really deserved. Comparing brought on further sadness and pushed off any unattainable dream. But was this truthful? That kind of sentiment and self-loathing may feel valid enough to fill a void for a time, but I would gladly hug and tell that adolescent self with affinity and assurance now: "the grass is greener where you water it."
Working more today in the field of psychology, I am consistently reframing the negative-feedback mentalities of clients who lack what is viably most important in progress - faith in oneself, insight. Biologically, there is sufficient research supporting that depressed brains are different than non-depressed brains. Psychiatry can initiate for some to help the self-regulation of healthier cognitions and maintain a stability, if not also improve. Psychology can offer tools for clients to function in collaboration with the medication, and perhaps provide even more long-term effects of mindfulness through several modalities which stem from meditation, positive thought, and living presently. How very Zen, no? How very gracious and applicable to those seeking (or simply needing) empowerment by way of their own accountability. Their very own grass watering.
I don't believe, as noted above, that comparison is necessarily a bad idea all of the time. Like most things, moderation is a friend. It drives us, it feeds that ambition for more and general greatness. Mike (the forbidden love that I did not know I deserved as a ripe teen) will remind me that his actions and work for our family is to help us feel security and have the things he knows he wants to offer us. That work becomes his drive. In many regards, during our near decade together, I've acknowledged this quality about him, but did not mirror him in mindset. Maybe it's our asymmetry and balance of ideas or values that helps us work so well. But I've also noted our perspectives together act less like a see-saw, fluctuating between us, and more like a meeting of the minds.
Be it in your personal or professional realm, in your love life, your health, your wealth, consumption, or simple pleasures, do not fear the comparison or drive for more, but do remember you are where you are, and who you are only now. Graciousness can go a long way. It's not only the drive up or forward, but the reflection on those "below" or "behind" to appreciate my belongings and myself. I aim to grow, and with that I hope to be watering whatever I can to nourish and quench this soul.
"She gets to stay home with her kids."
"Wow - they are going on another vacation!"
So easy to be a nosy nellie, a materialistic voyer sometimes. Be it of your friends, colleagues, coworkers, neighbors - even your family. Or is it just me? No, I'm pretty sure part of our human instinct is to drive for more, and yes, sometimes at the expense of our own appreciation for what is right in front of us. Maybe it's a survival method. Healthy competition. Striving to succeed by envying another's accomplishments. Envy is supposedly a deadly sin, but if it eggs on your determination and desire, maybe a little isn't so bad. But the thing is, how do you know when your envy has turned to jealousy, or turned completely to self-deprication?
Recently I (re)encountered a famous quote, with a unique and fresh twist applicable to today's lesson :) : "the grass is greener where you water it." I not only like this quote - I crave it and try to use it personally and professionally. For so much of my own life, I didn't fully understand the concept of self-care, or even personal accountability for my actions and reactions to a given situation, or social milestone. Being in love for the first time at 15 was the "deepest" love I would know, and then breaking up from him was my "most devastating" loss. I wouldn't ever again find the kind of love I envisioned when I was young.
I gained a bunch of weight after that breakup, turning to food for comfort and fulfillment. I began journeying quickly the defeating path of low self-esteem, poor body image, comparison. Sara Bareilles sings, "Compare, where you are to where you want to be, and you'll get nowhere." And so for almost four years that mindset kept me at a minimum. I was able to wade in my misery and justify my deficits by looking forward to a happiness that no Carly really deserved. Comparing brought on further sadness and pushed off any unattainable dream. But was this truthful? That kind of sentiment and self-loathing may feel valid enough to fill a void for a time, but I would gladly hug and tell that adolescent self with affinity and assurance now: "the grass is greener where you water it."
Working more today in the field of psychology, I am consistently reframing the negative-feedback mentalities of clients who lack what is viably most important in progress - faith in oneself, insight. Biologically, there is sufficient research supporting that depressed brains are different than non-depressed brains. Psychiatry can initiate for some to help the self-regulation of healthier cognitions and maintain a stability, if not also improve. Psychology can offer tools for clients to function in collaboration with the medication, and perhaps provide even more long-term effects of mindfulness through several modalities which stem from meditation, positive thought, and living presently. How very Zen, no? How very gracious and applicable to those seeking (or simply needing) empowerment by way of their own accountability. Their very own grass watering.
I don't believe, as noted above, that comparison is necessarily a bad idea all of the time. Like most things, moderation is a friend. It drives us, it feeds that ambition for more and general greatness. Mike (the forbidden love that I did not know I deserved as a ripe teen) will remind me that his actions and work for our family is to help us feel security and have the things he knows he wants to offer us. That work becomes his drive. In many regards, during our near decade together, I've acknowledged this quality about him, but did not mirror him in mindset. Maybe it's our asymmetry and balance of ideas or values that helps us work so well. But I've also noted our perspectives together act less like a see-saw, fluctuating between us, and more like a meeting of the minds.
Be it in your personal or professional realm, in your love life, your health, your wealth, consumption, or simple pleasures, do not fear the comparison or drive for more, but do remember you are where you are, and who you are only now. Graciousness can go a long way. It's not only the drive up or forward, but the reflection on those "below" or "behind" to appreciate my belongings and myself. I aim to grow, and with that I hope to be watering whatever I can to nourish and quench this soul.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
perhaps i'm a teacher?
Summer hiatus! What can I say. With clinical begun in May, the work force/schedule a-changing due to office expansion, the day to day has become routine and cumbersome at times. Fortunately, we were able to sneak a week of family time in Maine, New Hampshire, and end it in PA for a "stay-cation" wrap-up. July included Yarmouth Clam Fest, re: diaper derby (!); this is a race for tots ages crawling and up, with heats, winners, and wow! the audiences! Much larger than anticipated and it was as hilarious as we could imagine. Not to mention that (un)fortunately Elle did exactly what we expected. Sat still. Yup! In her heat of 11 babes, just 2 moved forward, or at all, and were declared winner for the next round. Like usual, Elliot seemed content in just observing the scene.
NH we celebrated Mimi's 60th and had a surprise guest list and lobster dinner for her. E got to meet more new family members and enjoyed her travels, despite the constant car seat. Overall, she and Winnie as co-pilot were true champions. It was a nice switch up in the middle of this heat!
Today, though, as it has been off and on, was an autumn tease. Despite August being the "Sunday of summer," it was lovely to have windows open, spread mulch in the front yard among the annuals, and absorb cool breezes under the shade of our maple. Picked up lil E from daycare, splashed in the tub, and am now sipping on a pinot grigio with library read in tow for my next book club get together come October. Just needed a pumpkin spice latte to make this a real fall day!
Lastly, looking forward to the next 24 hours, because as of 7:44pm tomorrow evening, Elliot will be officially 1! As she itches to walk, there's not much to fear less the impending play of tag and chase! Can't believe what 365 days on this earth means for our darling daughter, and I am thrilled to discover what else she will become in the coming years.
NH we celebrated Mimi's 60th and had a surprise guest list and lobster dinner for her. E got to meet more new family members and enjoyed her travels, despite the constant car seat. Overall, she and Winnie as co-pilot were true champions. It was a nice switch up in the middle of this heat!
Today, though, as it has been off and on, was an autumn tease. Despite August being the "Sunday of summer," it was lovely to have windows open, spread mulch in the front yard among the annuals, and absorb cool breezes under the shade of our maple. Picked up lil E from daycare, splashed in the tub, and am now sipping on a pinot grigio with library read in tow for my next book club get together come October. Just needed a pumpkin spice latte to make this a real fall day!
Lastly, looking forward to the next 24 hours, because as of 7:44pm tomorrow evening, Elliot will be officially 1! As she itches to walk, there's not much to fear less the impending play of tag and chase! Can't believe what 365 days on this earth means for our darling daughter, and I am thrilled to discover what else she will become in the coming years.
Monday, June 3, 2013
green thumb in progress
Finally collected up some homegrown lettuce - salads abound! - and herbs tonight from the two, small garden beds we have in the backyard. Last year at this time, we had been in the house around a month, and we were gearing up for a week in NE where M and I call home to see family for a week. The garden then, as it unfortunately is now, was slightly slimmer pickin's than I intended; fortunately last year I had the lovely excuse of being a new homeowner and 7-month-along pregnant woman to not let it get to me. This year, the excuses rise from a 6-day week schedule, and, well, you know what I might say - no excuse! Let me just be gleeful that I harvested something tonight that will be a delicious accompaniment to some meals in the coming weeks. There is still much of a summer/fall to grow other yummies, and other years ahead to plot and plan more accordingly. Next year, even the lil' Elle bean can help rake and sow.
Without falling privy to the negative comparison of, and rather rise to the aspiration of my grandmothers and own mother - and quite frankly, my sisters and friends - I do intend on growing goods at my home for years to come. The food plants and vegetables seem more intuitive to me. Create dirt base, plant seed, wait and eat. The perennials, annuals, shade-forgiving, and sun-fearing attention to detail is less up my alley or intrigue right now. The seller of our house did us much good by taking care of overall landscape with low-maintenance nourishings. Hostas, rhododendron, daylilies, rose bush, etc...plants that even Mike and I would need more skill than not to harm their survival. And yet, I learn each year and each season the tricks that can help. Trimming plants down to keep them in line as the spring wears on, instead of waiting until the fall to contour them. Watering enough, but knowing that Mother Nature has her own special pours on hand. When in doubt, call your mom and ask :)
What's more, is the feeling of growing vegetables with the simple joy of doing it, and by happenstance reaping the benefits of good eats which economically are a good fit. Mike and I are in constant - aware, not anxious - communication about our monies and financial future as a family. As the two of us, it was easier to let things slide more often; but a pup and a baby can tack on unforeseen costs that don't slide away from our minds as easily! Minor, but helpful, the garden is a symbol of so many nuances: love, health, determination, and gratitude to name a few. Just as I am loving my library fix every couple of weeks for the escape into good reads, with the economic benefit and subsequent bonus of the nostalgic, musty aromas within the pages and binding. (Don't have an e-reader yet, and I believe I would find it a challenge to succumb to it.)
A lush life led here so far in PA, and we've so many seasons ahead to thrive!
Without falling privy to the negative comparison of, and rather rise to the aspiration of my grandmothers and own mother - and quite frankly, my sisters and friends - I do intend on growing goods at my home for years to come. The food plants and vegetables seem more intuitive to me. Create dirt base, plant seed, wait and eat. The perennials, annuals, shade-forgiving, and sun-fearing attention to detail is less up my alley or intrigue right now. The seller of our house did us much good by taking care of overall landscape with low-maintenance nourishings. Hostas, rhododendron, daylilies, rose bush, etc...plants that even Mike and I would need more skill than not to harm their survival. And yet, I learn each year and each season the tricks that can help. Trimming plants down to keep them in line as the spring wears on, instead of waiting until the fall to contour them. Watering enough, but knowing that Mother Nature has her own special pours on hand. When in doubt, call your mom and ask :)
What's more, is the feeling of growing vegetables with the simple joy of doing it, and by happenstance reaping the benefits of good eats which economically are a good fit. Mike and I are in constant - aware, not anxious - communication about our monies and financial future as a family. As the two of us, it was easier to let things slide more often; but a pup and a baby can tack on unforeseen costs that don't slide away from our minds as easily! Minor, but helpful, the garden is a symbol of so many nuances: love, health, determination, and gratitude to name a few. Just as I am loving my library fix every couple of weeks for the escape into good reads, with the economic benefit and subsequent bonus of the nostalgic, musty aromas within the pages and binding. (Don't have an e-reader yet, and I believe I would find it a challenge to succumb to it.)
A lush life led here so far in PA, and we've so many seasons ahead to thrive!
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