How do you make memories?

What do you remember from the holidays?
The moments fly by so fast. It's busy and it's a blur.  But when all is said and done, the memories remain. They live on and become tradition.  I hope they were good, happy ones for all!

My family is big on making memories. We have many simple but cherished holiday memories that got  started by doing something one year and then repeating it the next year and the next. Suddenly it's tradition ... and looked forward to, which is fun.

Fun and ... bleep! Ok, moment of truth: there's a lot of yin and yang to all  this tradition making. Keeping up can be exhausting. Each year seems busier. If I don't keep up the tradition, what'll happen? Will somebody be disappointed or hurt?

But, how can we make room for the new, if we never let go of some of the old?
Note to self: it's okay to let go of a grown over tradition. Hey, even Disney stopped the Submarine Journey (remember?) to replace years later with the new Finding Nemo ride. Its cool.

Our family's latest, newest tradition surrounds our local Nutcracker. We were so excited when our Dance Studio started performing it three years ago. In year one, my daughter danced the role of Snow Queen and we all were very proud. Then in year two, Tom and I joined the act as parents in the Party Scene. Added a whole new dimension to our lives for a number of weeks! I know my husband never ever thought he'd be dancing a Minuet onstage in a BALLET. At least he doesn't have to wear tights.

Now we've danced our second year. Part of the joy is being privy to rehearsals. I love watching the parents and children having fun together. There are dads who have been lifting dancers for many years. They're good sports who enjoy a laughing, joking camaraderie among themselves while being very dedicated.  The small children flit about and seem to be lost in the moment. The boys love playing naughty boys and the girls love being little ballerinas.

 The older dancers make you sit up and pay attention. Each dancer has auditioned for her role and worked since August. Each one. It is a lot of work. And stress too.  I watch my daughter's concentration and dedication with wonder! She's now dancing the role of Sugarplum Fairy. I'm only beginning to understand some of the anxiety that can accompany dancing a solo. On performance night, it's all on their shoulders: being the vision & making the magic. Striving for perfection is a lot of pressure on a young girl's shoulders.

However, a good AUDIENCE makes it all worth while. An attentive and  appreciative audience melts away the stress and makes a performers heart glow. A full house is bliss.

My soapbox for the day: LOCAL doesn't just mean produce. It also means musicians, actors, dancers, stagehands: all people who are doing something they love and will share it with you. Local theater and arts create stronger, more satisfying communities.

Don't hesitate. Just go! It's simply win-win.
 
What's your favorite way to support your local arts community? What kind of memory does this make for you?

What were you Thankful for?

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. It was busy! Today is quiet: a day to avoid the kitchen and reflect. (I'm quite thankful for the leftovers. It's one of the bonuses for hosting a holiday.)

I'm very grateful for those who joined us yesterday for food and fun.  I'm thankful for a break in routine. Oh, and my camera! I really love my camera and the surprises I occasionally find there:

On Thanksgiving our dog Chloe got to go for a walk and bury her nose in the snow. She loves the snow!

Our dog Dillon has a different nature: he waited patiently thru Macy's parade and then came alive for the Dog Show. In case you missed it, he could probably tell you who got 'Best in Show'.

One more time:

Chloe, the outdoor girl-dog, happy in the snow:

And Dillon, our tv-watching, couch potato guy-dog:

On another day, I'll share a story about our coffee drinking cat, Joe.

It's a crazy bunch.

What did you give thanks for on Thanksgiving?

What does platinum mean to you?

Platinum could mean a whole variety of things, from credit cards to wedding rings. But for me in particular ... and a bunch of my dance-lovin' friends ... it means 'The Best!'.
'Top Award' 'Highest Honor', 'We LOVE you' ... get my drift?

In October we attended Hollywood Dance Experience-Take 3 in Seattle and The Dance Studio girls competed. They received a Platinum Award for the dances they performed!!!
Were they happy? Oh yeah!

It's just so wonderful to be recognized and honored. It's something we all like.

Who will you honor today? Who will you recognize for a job well done?

Can you hear the crashing surf?

Ever been on vacation, soaking up the sounds, smells and sights, just wishing you could take it all home with you? I have. Actually, I am. On a mini vacation. Right now. And I'm trying to figure it out:  how can I keep this with me?  This feeling of being in a good place.  

Take a photo for my mind's eye.

Listen. Imprint. Remember.

All the souvenirs in the world won't do what my mind's eye can do.

Surfline photo/Brian Jeffrey

What's your favorite vacation sound?

Are your feet happy?

Have you noticed more and more feet fotos out there ... in the world?

People seem to have a fascination with their feet, their constant and trusted companions.

                 ... and now that I think about it, feet are kinda fun!

Feet go places.

They help us relax.

They hang out in the sun.

And they are adventurous.

What's not to like?
about feet, that is!

What have your feet been up to lately?

Really? October already!

What's your story on fall? If you're like me, there's a good chance you haven't had enough beach and sunshine. Yet whether or not we like it, fall happens. Every year. Herbst. Autumn. And It's got its own thing going on.

Like the colors. In the perfect world (that I don't live in) I'd do dreamy things like take lots of walks, cook up big pots of soup and spend time every afternoon reading. Outside in crisp sunshine.

In my real world, I'm happy to find a moment to sit down with a cup of tea and flip through my summer vacation pics. Australia still has me in it's grips...

Really, do it. Getting run over on holiday sucks!

On vacation I like to take photos of signs. Don't really know why, just know that it's something I do.

... ever hear of the irukandji?

Perhaps because the signs help to tell a story ...

 and later help me relive the excitement ...

and the joy... (everything I need, right cheer).

... and remind me how much I love Ozzieland!

What's your favorite fall ritual?

Aussie Animal Friends

Some say, a zoo is a zoo is a zoo - nothing really unique to a particular country. I, however, beg to differ. We visited 3 zoos in Australia and our experiences at each were wonderful.

10 reasons why:

1. Unique back-drops. Lucky Ibex at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

2. Different dress codes.  Here ankle bracelets were the trend.

3. Visiting with really cute, very adorable residents.

4. You gain a better understanding of local customs (ahem).

5.Folk-songs begin to make sense to you,  ... or not.  Kookaburra sat where?

6. You learn new facts, like: Cockatoos talk too!

7. You get to commute the way the locals do.

8. You discover new animals you want to take home.

9. You have interesting convos with locals
(why are you here, do you have any food for me?).

10. You're reminded that there are some things we all share.