2000 Miles Away: October 2009

10.21.2009

Wolf Howling at the Moon

Our niece Sophie just sent us this wonderful drawing she made on the sidewalk. Isn't it fantastic?

"Now the hungry lion roars,

And the wolf behowls the moon."

A Midsummer-Night's Dream, Shakespeare

See you soon Sophie & Jack...

10.20.2009

To Solitude

O Solitude! if I must with thee dwell,

Let it not be among the jumbled heap

Of murly buildings: climb with me the steep, -

Nature's observatory - whence the dell,

In flowery slopes, its river's crystal swell,

May seem a span; let me thy vigils keep

'Mongst boughs pavilion'd, where the deer's swift leap

Startles the wild bee from the foxglove bell.

But though I'll gladly trace these scenes with thee,

Yet the sweet converse of an innocent mind,

Whose words are images of thoughts refined,

Is my soul's pleasure; and it sure must be

Almost the highest bliss of human-kind,

When to thy haunts two kindred spirits flee.

John Keats . 1796-1820

Dear Jean & Sonia: I found myself reminiscing; smiling at our memorable moments, wishing for more time together, and longing for that solitude this magical island brought. A little peak at what's to come here...

10.18.2009

Falling Leaves

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon Ill hear old winters song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Cest une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu maimais et je taimais
Nous vivions tous, les deux ensemble
Toi que maimais moi qui taimais
Mais la vie spare ceux qui saiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants dsunis

(Autumn Leaves: French lyrics by Jacques Prvert,

English lyrics by Johnny Mercer)

God blessed us with a gorgeous autumn day...

perfect for raking the fallen leaves.

the scent of lavender is still sweet on lavender hill

glorious maple

golden birch

little lady all dressed up for autumn

Wishing you a blessed autumn season.

With love,

Michelle & Patrick

10.17.2009

To Close September

So here we are... It's autumn, October, one month later, and I'm still playing catch-up here. I know you've been waiting patiently and expecting the next batch of posts. Thank you for not forgetting, thank you for understanding. Here they are, please enjoy... to close what was a wonderful and festive September!

Pretty Little Thing

Who's this pretty little thing? Beautiful, lovable Emma.

Picture this: Early evening, having spent the day preparing for a dinner party at home, I jumped into the shower to get ready for the night. My husband diligently studying at the library (or so I thought). He announces himself coming into the bathroom, "Guess what I picked up at the library?". I peaked out of the shower curtain to see him holding this pretty little thing--- smiling and laughing. I think I screamed, but I'm not quite sure. My first thought was, well somewhat panic stricken, "What? Why are you holding Emma and where are her parents!!!???" Of course they were just behind the walls laughing as they enjoy the surprise they've been planning for months. Extremely excited and still somewhat in a daze, I threw my bathrobe on and rushed into the living room...

How sweet it is to be loved by good friends who will travel across the seas to be together again.

Together Again

A lovely day for a stroll with the Rondeau Famille. This was a happy day. They'll be off to Florida shortly after this reunion while I'm off to California, but not to worry there will be fun times ahead when we both return to Linwood.

Sweet Dreams

I was greeted by Ate Delsa at the airport and we were both greeted by Kuya Dohn at the hotel where lovely cousin Ting-Ting was set to marry. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Kuya Dohn for hosting us always, we had a very posh room to share, sweet dreams indeed.

I dreamed of a wedding...

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,

A church filled with family and friends.

I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,

He said one that would make me his wife.

Author Unknown

Maria Christina & Jaime

September 12, 2009

Beautiful Bride

I am so proud of the woman my little (well, she's not so little anymore) cousin Ting grew up to be. I still remember her and Kat in their cute matching outfits and blue school uniforms dating back at least a quarter of century ago, that sounds so ancient doesn't it? So many fond playful memories with them. To briefly describe Ting--- a very sweet sister to Kat and Arianna, the most thoughtful daughter to my Ninang & Ninong, responsible, intelligent, caring cousin with an elegant sense of style, now a very loving wife to my new cousin-in-law Jaime. See for yourself... This was a wedding not to be missed.