family time

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” -Desmond Tutu

It’s the last day of July and I realized I haven’t posted this month. I recently got back from a special trip visiting family in England. Here is a collection of memories captured in our hearts:

Anxiety before traveling soothed by precious times with family
Cooking vegetarian meals from around the world together
Dancing to Bob Marley while cooking – “Don’t worry be happy”
Singing to the Beatles bringing back childhood memories
Letting go of worries, embracing family love

Sweet experience of picking Georgie up at school seeing kids run with delight when teachers point to their family
Enjoying a polo match together listening to the thunder of horses’ hooves
Flying paper airplanes with Georgie giving them back to Uncle Gary for reconstruction
Watching Georgie and Uncle Gary walk hand in hand

Feeling comfort from being together
Walking around Stroud taking in its old history and charm
Strolling through a peaceful walk at Rococo Gardens in Painswick
Shooting pool, bowling together, celebrating my birthday on the last night
Pleasure of being in the moment, not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow

“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.” – Emma Goldman

My spark of inspiration today is from the warmth of friends we visited this past weekend in Virginia. With roots in Columbia and Venezuela, their lives are enmeshed in the cultural tradition of strong family connections. Their three daughters are kind-hearted and gentle spirits who enjoy doing yoga and meditation with their Mom. Although we haven’t seen them much over the years, we are their extended family. When the youngest asked her Dad, “What are you doing Papá?” he replied, we’re sitting outside talking with our friends.” She corrected him and stated, “You mean our friends.”

We were all able to let go of life’s hustle-bustle and relax for three days. We stayed up late and slept in even later. We feasted on eggplant and zucchini lasagna, chilaquiles, and tortes made together at home, then dined by the river side in the shade of willowy trees. I helped make granola for the first time and later smiled watching the girls bake cookies while singing a Venezuelan love song. Walking around the neighborhood, we kept track of the number of squirrels, birds, butterflies, dogs, and different states license plates. At the park, I ran for the swing and floated high in the sky as if I were a little girl again. We jiggled on the wobble ride to the Beach Boys’ Fun, fun, fun song. We meditated, contemplated new opportunities, and focused on the importance of mindfulness. It was refreshing to just enjoy simple pleasures of life.