7/25/16, The heart of summer
Hi Everyone,
I hope the summer is rolling out well, and you’re having fun, taking some time off, and enjoying family and friends. Hot weather, good times, maybe some swimming and sunning, fishing, whatever seems like fun to you. I love reading in the summer, when I take time off from writing for a few weeks.
I’ve just had my annual one week vacation with my 5 younger kids (the older 3 are married and have their own plans, the younger 5 are single and still join me for their vacations. And I’m well aware that I’m very lucky that they do, it’s generous of them to give up vacation time to be with me!!), and the time is always infinitely precious to me. For a brief week, I get to wake up every morning and know I will see them, we can have breakfast together, lunch, and dinner, laugh at old stories, share what’s going on, we can slouch around, be lazy, sleep in the sun, share gossip, or hopes and dreams, or admit to disappointments or mistakes, and for that one week, we have the luxury of time, we don’t need to rush or go anywhere, we just hang out. It’s especially precious to me, and reminds me of when they were younger and were at home. Precious days, which fly by too fast. While we’re busy driving car pool, doing school pick ups, and mountains of laundry, getting them to soccer practice, the orthodontist, or ballet class, we don’t realize how fast it will go, and be precious memories one day. I cherish each moment that they’re around. And then suddenly, the week is over and they’re gone, back to their busy lives, and I go back to the typewriter, to fill the silence in the house. I don’t think our kids ever realize how much we miss them when they’re not around. And living in separate cities now, makes the time together that much more meaningful, since we can’t just drop in on each other, or go to the hardware store or a movie together. We plan it months ahead. I’ll get a second round later this summer, and get to spend a long weekend together for my birthday, but the annual summer vacation together is very sweet and a real gift for me.
We spent our week together in France, and there is no denying that it is very tense there now after another recent attack. My kids were even more aware of it than I am, since I live here and am getting used to the changes we live with now. It was sobering to be at the airport, with soldiers every 3 or 4 feet, each one holding a machine gun with their finger on the trigger, ready to shoot into the crowd at the first sign of an attack, their captains watchful, each one holding a pistol, also at the ready. The ease of the most recent attack, with a rented truck used as a weapon to drive into a crowd and ruin more than 300 lives, has made people nervous and wary. We stayed at our hotel, didn’t wander around nearby towns as we always do, and we always go to a nightclub and go dancing once during the trip, and we didn’t this year. It just didn’t seem smart in the circumstances. The country will recover, but for now people are justifiably worried and frightened. For us, and for me, it’s home for part of the year, so it made sense to be here, but I worried about my kids flying in and out, and they were brave to come, and concerned.
But in spite of that, they swam, and we lay in the sun, we ate too much, laughed and kidded each other, played Scrabble and cards, ate dinner late and talked for many hours, and shared news about our lives, and of course I always give unwanted advice, and forget at times that they’re not kids anymore, a failing that most parents are guilty of. We’re a big family so there’s always a lot to talk about.
Now it’s back to work for me, and for them. But even a week together puts new life into all of us, and brings us closer, and reminds us of how much we enjoy each other……the house is much too quiet today……I’d better get back to work and start typing again!!
Take good care, have some fun….we all need it, and you deserve it!!!
much love, Danielle
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Hi Danielle. Its was fun to hear of your summer holiday week with your “children”. They will always be as children to us in some ways. I too have my son on a one week holiday this week at home rather than the hustle and bustle of a work week…sharing, swimming and having relaxed, casual meals with us. Our children are our jewels,aren’t they? Enjoy your writing and I hope that that task keeps you fulfilled immeasurably while you are apart from your kids. Peace,love, happiness and blessings!
Hi Danielle – so good to hear about your life & family. I’m sure its very difficult for everyone during these rough
times. Right after 9-ll when I lived in the bay area I was sent to work at Lawrence Livermore Lab on the giant lasers
they were building. The US was on high alert – I was dispatched to work as a millwright on the lasers. When I approached the Lab – I was pulled over by some guards who held machines guns on me. That was a real experience. The world has changed alot since 9-II. I’m glad your able to enjoy your family in these difficult times.
I watched a concert in the Netherlands on the internet that was beautiful – with lots of people enjoying themselves.
Its always a pleasure to hear about your adventures. I will be starting your new book soon – looking forward to it
cheers – mike
Always love to hear your adventures with your children, as I was an only child and have no kids of my own. So vicarious thrill to read, even if you all just stay at home.
You are deeply blessed!
“But in spite of that, they swam, and we lay in the sun, we ate too much, laughed and kidded each other, played Scrabble and cards, ate dinner late and talked for many hours, and shared news about our lives, and of course I always give unwanted advice, and forget at times that they’re not kids anymore, a failing that most parents are guilty of. We’re a big family so there’s always a lot to talk about.”
Sounds beautiful, Danielle. This shows that the simple things can be the most important and memorable. If your prayer tonight is thank you that is enough.
Perhaps your advice is not so unwanted. It may just seem that way.
A friend of mine and I were talking and we both agreed that we needed our parents more later in life than in our earlier days. But that was not a possibility for us.
Perhaps I can live vicariously by losing myself in your writings.
Always enjoy your books and writings.
Keep Shining!
Truth, Wisdom, Love and Sincerity, to ALL Mankind.
Rob Scott
Oaxaca, Mexico
Hi Danielle,
I was thinking of you and praying that you were all right during all the chaos in Paris. I know that part of the time you live there and I was praying you and your family were safe. I am a huge Sylvester Stallone fan and I read that he and his family were flying down to Nice for his birthday which is July 6th. I’m sure that he and his family were safe also. The world is a different place now. I worry more when my children go to places and pray for their safety. I know we can’t just shut ourselves up in our homes, that would be what they want, but being vigilent when we are out and about can help. Glad you had a good summer. I was dealing with a skin condition and didn’t enjoy the summer at all. Especially since I live near the beach. I only walked there once this year. But I am getting better and hope next year will be a better one. So like you said back to work. Take care and be safe! JM~