The kids and I went to Alabama in early June, before the full moon and the Venus transit of the sun. We had a glorious time. When I scanned the pics on my iphone I was completely enamored with the colors.
The South is energetically very special. It feels like a place of sweet birthing. It is raw and open hearted, sometimes fearful and rude, it's like a child, making big mistakes in the effort to grow into a richly experienced adult. I love the history and the nature. I love the warm humid air. I love the sweet southern drawl and I most definitely love to be called "Darlin'". Here are a few "postcards" from the warm, barefoot southern ease of June.
 |
| Kieran and Aidan in velcro suits at the Exporitorium in Mobile |
 |
| Down by the water's edge in Steph and Ted's backyard |
 |
| The bluebird box is housing a nesting pair of bug-eyed flying squirrels with a watchlizard |
 |
| Alex models ALL of the sweatbands I brought Steph for her birthday |
 |
Kieran couldn't enjoy the pool until she had cleared every single large insect and frog from the pool,
carefully rescuing all who had signs of life |
 |
| Aidan reading, poolside |
 |
| Dock at lake |
 |
| My beautiful daughter |
 |
| My sister has found her fire at 45! |
 |
| Only a little while more of this |
 |
| Real gator just in its habitat. This is not a zoo. |
 |
| Dont swim in the brackish water or the lakes. Gators own those waters. |
 |
| I love the history in Mobile. This fort was built before the revolutionary war. BEFORE America became America. |
 |
| Tiny frog |
 |
I loved the stir this picture created. Kieran's friend Erin has an app on her ipod that changes hair color.
I asked her to do me purple. I've always wanted purple hair.
I got more comments and "likes" on FB than I did on my major fossil find. |
 |
| My boy is special! This is a baby slide in 24 inches of water. |
 |
| Kieran is in heaven with this little tree frog in her hair |
 |
| She was careful to relocate her new friend to a safe spot on the dock. |
 |
| Aidan was elated to find his own frog |
 |
| Kieran wanted to hold it (of course) |
 |
| Who wore it better? |
 |
| One of the things I have learned by visiting the South is to not judge, but to approach each thing with the unbiased eyes of a child. I even took a shot of the target cucumber myself. I'm not a natural. |
 |
| We drove to Seaside Florida. The kids ate grilled cheese at The Meltdown |
 |
| I am so fortunate to be present for all these precious moments. |
 |
| The sand is a course, white sugar. The water is warm but refreshing. |
 |
| Steph said we could NOT go to the beach here (under the freeway bridge). She said it was too redneck for her. I think the ziplock baggie full of live hermit crabs on somebody's cooler did it for her. |
 |
| "What the heck! MOM!! Aidan is getting his shorts wet!!!" |
 |
| a great place to build a castle |
 |
| and ride a wave |
 |
| I'll be 44 in September! |
 |
| Me and Steph |
 |
| Cousins |
 |
| This pic exemplifies our three nights in the Destin Hampton Inn behind the outlet mall. We were all six in one room. |
 |
| I took candid shots like this because they always complain that they didn't have fun, but they seemed to almost always be laughing. |
 |
| Kieran's first ride on an electric scooter |
 |
| Morning |
 |
| I loved playing tennis with Steph. Again, I just cleared my mind of fear, self criticism and payed attention to the ladies around me, Voila, I can play tennis! |
 |
| For some reason, we all love the Bass Pro Shop. Well, Aidan loves it. |
 |
| At the movies |
 |
| still smiling and laughing together. |
 |
| Mindcraft in the kitchen |
 |
| Ari was busy working. I had to steal this shot in between Aidan's shooting practice. |
 |
| Steph, Ted and Indie had to attend a wedding on our last night. |
 |
| I took the kids out to dinner at the Oyster House. It was a perfect evening. |
 |
| This gator tried to surprise Aidan |
 |
| On the way to the airport |
 |
a moment captured in an airport.
I love my life. The colors of June have been beautiful.
~Shelley |
