Seabrook, an All American Cutie Pie

For this 4^th of July Blog Post I want to share Seabrook. Our clan drove over there the other day on the Washington Coast. It really is a happy place and we especially loved the nature hike, playground, beach, and the zip line.

To say the least: walking the coastal sidewalks in this community will ease your stride and loosen your load. There is nothing hectic or city about it. Ocean breeze with a hint of coastal mist brings out the best in everything. It was so nice to be there because it brought to life a laid-back summer flair, perfect for the beginning of summer. Overlooking a grey sand beach Seabrook perches on a coastal bluff. The surf pounds, the wind blows, and children squeal with excitement as they jump in the waves. My favorite thing about Seabrook is the simplicity, order, and slow pace which is a rare comodity:

*Bicycles Galore

*Sidewalks Everywhere

*Everything Nostalgic American

*Craftsman Architecture (love the attention to detail)

*Wood Shakes and Decorative Lattice

*Happy People

*Beautiful Scenery and Coastal Breeze

What a beautiful spot! I hope that we will make it back again for an All American Cutie Pie visit soon! Happy 4^th!!!

The Voice

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau

Yesterday, I was walking through the park with my son in hand. He was decked out in his swimsuit, flip-flops, and signature towel. We were off to his daily swim lesson at the outdoor pool. A man was walking toward us with the hugest grin. I thought, "Oh my, what's next, does he think I am cute, really?" Then he began to sing. Whoa. He serenaded me with a love song as he walked towards me. He sang loudly with hand gestures and emotion. In reply, I smiled and waved. (Turning 40 makes one appreciate such adoration). He sang his heart out as if he really meant the words. With a smile my swimmer and I went to the pool. During lessons I went to QFC to return some videos. My serenading dream-boat was on his way out at QFC! He quickly said to me, “I sang pretty good didn’t I?” I agreed. He said, “I know; I should be on the Voice.” I beamed and said, “Absolutely,” and headed down the path to the pool. With a big grin and fearlessness, I could see him trying out with all of his heart - I can only hope for kindness from the judges. This guy was dancing to a different drummer. Stardom was his destiny! 

When I think of the turns that life takes I wonder if sometimes we think that our song is the only one worth singing to; our rhythm the only good one.  I like the quote from Thoreau, which encourages us to make room for the music of others. What is the narrative that they are living? What is stirring them to press on? Maybe we don’t care; but at the same time unless it is unlawful or just plain wrong we shouldn’t sit on the high seat of judgment.

The other day I passed a man wearing shabby clothes, looking thin, and un-kept. Yet, in his arms was this little precious baby, maybe 2 months old. He was bouncing her and giving her 1,000 kisses, truly a love-struck dad. His complete focus was this little one. As I passed, I smiled and cooed to the baby. He looked up, so proud. I thought, truly this man was the richest man around! His rhythm was giving him the dance of joy. This made me so happy I could almost hear the song.

I am reminded time and again not to look down or up at others. I am reminded to appreciate the unique quirks that folks have. Embracing who God made them to be is good. The journey is not to a similar pace. We all move to the beat of a different drummer. So let’s embrace the music of our lives and others’ lives and maybe one day we will see our love-struck buddies on the Voice.

Give space. Give time. Give freedom…so that you, and others, can hear and see the quirky beat of the Drummer playing our tune.

Top Ten Ways to be an Awesome Dad

10. Keep your kid(s) alive. 

9. Feed them and do the dishes:)

8. Tell them real stories about your life.

7. Involve yourself overwhelmingly in their interests - even if what they do doesn’t interest you.

6. Protect them from snakebites, lies, and other bad things. 

5. Comfort them and be kind.

4. Put your kid(s) to bed and pray with-n-for them.

3. Teach them something daily. 2+2=4 or ix.4ac/2a=?.

2. Involve your kid(s) in what you enjoy doing.

1. Help them know why they are alive.

End of School Year Madness

I can feel the summer breeze, walks by the water, blue skies, and the laize-faire summer way of life coming my way. The end of the school year is almost here - only 2 ½ more weeks! I am seeing that, all around me, it is not just this school year that is ending - every activity that I ever signed my kid up for has a final, a celebration, a graduation, a performance, or an evaluation.

Plans need to be made, outfits have to be organized, the camera needs a tune up, and all the doting that I have flows freely. Unless the unthinkable happens, grrr:

The ballet recital is the same day as the dance recital.

The breakfast birthday party for my child conflicts with the math entrance exam for my other.

The softball season could turn into All-Stars.

The 5^th grade pool party is in the middle of the preschool graduation.

“How will I handle this?” But there’s more...

The camera crisis heats up as the parent organizing the end-of-the-year slide show says that many of the pictures that I uploaded for my child are blurry. Something needs to be done fast!

Track season races to the end but clings on as districts approaches.

It continues: four wonderful birthday parties to attend, a t-ball celebration, a bunny-hutch warming, and the throwing a wedding shower the day after school is out planning is underway.

The car breaks a tire joint (or something like that) and while getting fixed the axle brakes.

I completely fall off the workout bandwagon!

Year-end parent-teacher meetings and teacher placement requests are due to prepare for the coming year.

The volunteer request comes out for the classroom event. I notice the email; enough said.

Oh dear, Father’s day is approaching.

On another note, childcare must be found: It is hard to sit through a two-hour end of the year school music concert when you are 5.

The music teacher wants a re-commitment for fall including our desired lesson times. Okay, this is a big deal - what is the fall schedule, anyway?

Dentist: why six months ago did I schedule four dentist appointments at this time? Note-to-self: next year, schedule differently.

And all of this is done in the midst of my “normal” life and “normal” work and “normal” responsibilities. Every parent does it. Yet, through it all, it seems that all of the doting in the world wins the day.

I realize that, when the rubber meets the road, I love this life, even this season of life – the end of school year. Okay, maybe I am starting to sound wacko.

I take all this in with some sort of unrestricted jubilation as I see the milestones waltz by before me. I see the joy on little faces. I see my everyday life that I live the rest of the year - the hum-drum and seemingly rhythmic parts - turn into a celebration as things come together. I get a new camera. The car gets back on four wheels. We decide not to pursue all-stars. Childcare comes through, I hope.

The ballet and dance recital conflicts are resolved through friends with a video camera, although disappointment lingers on that one. Sometimes I just need to “let it go,” like Elsa. Sometimes, “almost-perfect” is just right. With thanksgiving all of the doting, remembering, and celebrating brings me closer, and transitions me, to a new way of life and a new chapter.

Summer break beckons!

She calls out – “I am coming soon. Meet me at the beach!” I hear her ahead of me. In the midst of the flurry she promises blue skies, even as ending the school year keeps me hopping, for now.