33:365

What a busy, busy, day. I managed to get about 3hrs of sleep... and have been going ever since; in spite of having tried to take a nap at one point...

But it's been a good day. AND... it has been an even better one for my son... who bought his very first car today. He weighed all his options... figured out his budget.... made a plan... and went for it. All in a quite logical fashion... course... what he probably fell in love with ... is that it's a 5 speed and has a kick butt stereo and comfy seats. It is a super sexy... fuel miserly... affordable hunk of steel. Seriously. I hope he has as much fun with it; as I did with my first car.



First cars are like that. In fact.... firsts of any kind are awesome... (usually)... if only in the newness of things. I remember all too well the sheer joy in having new found freedom to basically go when I want; where I want... and not having to worry about catching a ride or whatever. And I am sure he will also feel the crunch when it comes to making his payments and buying his own gas and insurance... but that is part of life. At least... for alot of people. And it will make him stronger, and more independent... or more confident in his abilities and self sufficiency. And that is all good.

I feel like my kids are growing up so fast... and flying out on their own.... and all-in-all... doing OK.

Like the photo above... soaring high... and shining so bright.... and I couldn't be happier for them. I know... sappy....but true.

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

getting the garbage out

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

...the sky is very overcast here in ABQ.. and frankly, it looks like it may snow. I am not ready for winter. I want my fall back. I admit... I have been feeling quite behind and melancholy of late. ...too much to do, not enough time to do it in... not enough ambition either way....

I have been trying to force myself into happiness... but it's not working today. Short of an infusion of super strength prozac... not sure what would work. My kids are growing up and moving out. It is that time. The time I thought would never really get here. And now I am worried. Did I teach them enough > Did I love them enough> did I show them how wonderful the world is without making them naive to the badness of life... And the big question... what will I do without them around. The boy has a job, a girlfriend, is in college part-time and is saving up to move out. The girl, although a year younger.. already has plans in motion to be on her own come spring. Full time college, and making her way in the art world.

The hubby and I are fixing up the house in an effort to sell... and move. But where?

We are trying to pay off all of our debt.

We are downsizing and organizing.

It's like we are on the brink.. but who knows for what.. or where.. or when.

And for today -- it just seems to be an almighty effort just to get the garbage collected and to the curb. Some days are like that.

I will make coffee.

Photos for today's post are from a gorgeous Buddhist shrine that is literally in the middle of what used to be Indian land, now part of Petroglyph park. It seems so out of place, and yet, so perfect. I took these photos as the sun was coming up on the mesa.....