11/52 – From little things
A portrait series of my children, once a week, every week, for the next year.
Anakin: Pappa comes home from work and you run towards the car as he pulls in. The pride and joy on your face as he lets you help him park the car (several times) and toot the horn. It’s one of those things isn’t it, a childhood ritual of sorts.
***
Isis Indigo: Your tiny little feet. Imagine one day (far too soon) these feet will grow big enough to hold your weight as you take your first wobbly step. I cherish all your newborn traits as long as I can. Like how you curl your toes over my lips as I kiss them. How soft your hair is, like tiny feathers and the little fluff on your ears, just like your brother had. The dimples between your knuckles, oh they kill me with their cuteness. Your toothless new smile, baby wrinkles and that smell, that sweet indescribable smell I fear forgetting. Because like the song says from little things big things grow and you, my girl, will grow big and strong and I never want to forget any of it.
***
I’m really hoping to catch up to the current week soon. Every time I decide to get on it someone cries, needs boob or whatever else little ones need you for, which is just about everything these days. I suppose we’ll get there eventually.
9/52- The best sleep
A portrait series of my children, once a week, every week, for the next year.
Anakin: Look at you. You’ve grown so tall over the summer. Probably even more so in my eyes. I have to admit I have days where I miss you so much. You’re right here with me but I miss you. I still try my best to let bedtime be all ours, just yours and mine. We sing and we cuddle in the dark. You want me to lie in your arms, you hold me tight and breathe into my hair. It makes me feel so strange to have you comfort me like that, and I wonder for how much longer I’ll be blessed with being wanted so close. Our bed is my favourite place in the house because we all share it. It’s always messy, always full of pillows, blankets, books and toys, but it speaks of love. It speaks of family. And it tells the story of how the best place to be is together and the best sleep is found next to the ones you love. I hope you’ll want to sleep there for a long time yet.
***
Isis: Sweet little baby yawns. I’d forgotten how much life revolves around sleep when you’re so little. Your sleep, my sleep, or lack there of. You’re still just a newborn, you still just want to be held. For every sleep. My arms are sore and my back aches, but I still hold you. Time passes so quickly when you watch someone grow. Every day comes with a new adventure and hopefully brings us a little closer to more rest.
I never seem to learn how to rest. Or to ask for help.
***
7/52- Let me hold on to you
A portrait series of my children, once a week, every week, for the next year.
Anakin: You have the sweetest nature, the gentlest soul. I see how hard you battle sometimes with jealously and hurt, but you never linger on the bad for too long. It’s been a strange time for us all. So much has happened the past few months, so many emotions still to process. I’ve cried for you more than once. Cried because my arms aren’t long enough, my lap isn’t big enough to keep you both as close as you need at the same time. I’ve cried because I’ve been too tired to give you my all, cried because for three years it was just you and me and I had all the time in the world just for you. I’ve cried because you’re still too young to understand that my love for you has grown nothing but bigger and stronger since your baby sister arrived. And I’ve cried because sometimes not being able to do everything for you kills me.
***
Isis: I’ve lost track of time since you arrived. Every week is significant because you’re a week older, yet every week flies by in a blur. I so desperately want to hold on to every second before I blink and you’re no longer a newborn. As much as I love this time I am also grieving. Grieving because we will never have this time again, because every first with you is also a last. My last pregnancy (most likely), my last birth, a last first meeting. There are days I just want to sit and stare at you all day, run my fingers across your face, tracing everything before it’s gone, before it slips away and turns into something new.
***
5/52 – Even monsters brush their teeth
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the fourth year of his life.
Anakin: I was going through and re-organising my various costumes one night (as one does when one is massively pregnant) and came across this mask. I remembered taking a photo of you with it on your head when you were a baby and took it into the bathroom to show you. You had just finished your bedtime bath. As soon as you saw the mask you wanted to wear it while brushing your teeth. You admired yourself in the mirror and we all had a good giggle at just how creepy it looked.
Little did we know that hours later we’d be welcoming someone else into our family…
4/52 – Tivoli
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the fourth year of his life.
Anakin: I remember the thrill of going to the amusement park when I was little. (Who am I kidding, it still thrills me.) The smell of popcorn, the sights, the sounds, that feeling you get in your tummy when you’re on a fast ride. Eagerly awaiting to grow just that little bit taller to be able to go on the next one. We’ve taken you a few times now and you have that same look on your face. You go on the same rides every time and love it just the same, every time. This is just the beginning, my love.
3/52 – Summer delight
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the fourth year of his life.
Anakin: Such incredible joy from such a simple thing as running naked through the sprinklers on a hot afternoon. You were a bit hesitant at first before throwing yourself head first into the cooling fun. Your grandma and grandpa sat on the porch mesmerised by your delight and laughter. None of us needed anything more than the simple pleasure of watching you.
2/52 – Childhood memories
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the fourth year of his life.
Anakin: There’s something so quintessential about taking a bath in the sink when you’re a kid and you’re on holiday, and having a photo of it. These are your future childhood memories, keepsakes we’ll treasure long after your hands have grown big and your skin starts showing the map of your life.
***
I’m weeks behind in posting these, but I aim to start playing catch up asap. It’s been kind of nice to not spend any time by the laptop for a few weeks. Unplugging feels liberating and has made me keep my focus where it’s been needed. But I’ll be easing back into it now, with some pretty big (or little news) to share.
xx Dida
1/52 – New beginnings
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 4th year of his life.
Anakin: Delightful and three. You’re a ray of sunshine, you really are. You’ve been spreading your love and joy to everyone we’ve been around over the last couple of months, never holding back and always thrilled to see them. I keep falling head over heels in love with you. I can’t believe how lucky I am to get to be your mother, to be the one you snuggle up to at night and the one to wake up next to you each morning. You grow funnier and more fascinating by the day. I couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve navigated the recent weeks.
***
I’ve had a bit of a laptop break over the past weeks and it’s been fantastic hence not getting to any wedding post of yet. But I’ve finally decided to kick off the 52 project right where the other one left off which means I’m still a week behind in posting. Rather than follow the calendar year I follow Anakin’s year which starts the week of the 23rd of December. When his baby sister is born I’ll most likely just add her to where we are instead of trying to juggle two different projects with different weeks. Looking back over last years 52 project I know it’s something I’ll definitely want to continue. It’s more manageable than the 365 was and priceless in terms of documenting a year in a life. If you’re thinking about doing something similar I’d say jump on the wagon! You won’t regret it. Document your own year, your dog’s, your partner’s, your food, whatever. It’s worth it. I’m looking into having mine printed as a book, but these days my brain is a little busy with trying to focus on the new baby due to arrive very soon. I still can’t get my head quite around it, but I can’t wait to meet her.
I hope you’ve had a fantastic festive season and a happy new year so far!
xx Dida
52/52 – On the cusp of three
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Three days shy of three years old. We had a small birthday party with dinosaur cake and ice cream in the sunshine. You kept busy mowing the lawn, being a “working man”, which is your favourite game to play these days.
How fast this year has passed, how crazy it has been. I can’t believe we’re at the end, of this project and of the year. You’re 3 now. A few short weeks away (we hope) of becoming a big brother. I’ve still yet to decide if I should kick the 4th year 52 project off right away this week or to wait. Perhaps I won’t decide for a while, but I’ll keep shooting to have the options.
***
We’re in holiday mode these days, but I’m hoping to find some time in the midst of everything to write a bit about the past few weeks. It’s a story certainly worth telling and I’d love to share some photos from the wedding with you. If you’re curious for a glimpse into what’s been going on you can find me on instagram as didajenta.
I hope you’ve had a great festive season! And here’s to hoping 2015 is the best one yet.
xx Dida
51/52- Family
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the third year of his life.
Anakin: It’s been a tumultuous time for you for the past few weeks with so many people around. But how much love and how much happiness there has been (and still is)! I see you blossom, but also struggle and sometimes it is hard to be the buffer between you and all the commotion. You are so loved by so many. How lucky are we to have family that flies all the way across the world to be with us and celebrate our wedding?
***
That brings me up to date again with the project and only one week to go. I’ll be continuing this next year too, but have yet to decide wether or not to start on Anakin’s third birthday or to wait until the baby is born to do them both.
There’s much to tell from the past few weeks. It’s been full on to say the least, but love prevails and we did get married despite some very intense drama leading up to it. More on that soon!
50/52 – Digger
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the third year of his life.
Anakin: curious eyes and a finger up the nose. Grandma supplies the haircut while you dig for treasure.
49/52 – Jammin’
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the third year of his life.
Anakin: hanging out with grandpa playing your new guitar. Your favourite song to play so far is the “pizza song” (Turbonegro’s The Age of Pamparius).
48/52 – Drummer boy
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Getting your beat on at Playfest last weekend at the Yamaha stand. Keyboards and drums, fun for everyone. I bet there will be some musical instruments coming your way over the birthday/christmas bonanza coming up.
47/52- Five weeks shy
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Five weeks shy of turning three, which means five more weeks (technically four since I post these the week after) until we wrap of the 52 project for this year. Three. I’m not sure years have ever passed so quickly before, nor have they ever been so rich and meaningful. We’ve started talking about your birthday. You want a T-rex cake, a new crown and have a clear list of things you’d like.
Tomorrow marks the start of a hectic time for us all. I wonder if you know how much laying down next to you each night and waking up to your warm hands on my back every morning is as important to me as it is to you. As much as I am your shelter and even more so these days, you too are my shelter from the storm.
46/52 – Here comes the sun (and the heat)
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: at your happiest running around outside in the buff watering the garden without a care in the world. This is the beauty of childhood. The freedom to explore and to be just who you are, safe within reach of those who love you.
***
I cherish every moment these days while we are still just three. Before the wave of events, visitors and baby, just us three. Things are changing fast. I often find myself navigating unfamiliar territory parenting an emotional toddler. I’m not a big stickler for rules, but rather for framework and for safe and loving boundaries. And of late this process has involved some unlearning of things that have come before (personal past experiences or observed “old school” ways) or un-hearing of advice and opinions that don’t mix with my chosen way of parenting. My best advice to myself these days, and what I live by, is always follow your heart and act with love. More on that soon.
45/52 – Big brother
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: In a few short months you’ll no longer be the baby, but a big brother. A big boy, about to turn three and about to have your life turned upside down by the arrival of your little sister. I don’t think you quite get what it involves, but your affection for the baby bump makes my heart explode. I get your apprehension, I’m a bit apprehensive too, but we’ll do fine. We’ll do better than fine. I have no doubt you’ll make the very best big brother.
***
It’s been a turbulent time with big emotions for a little person. For us all really. So many things happening at once; my partner finally returning, wedding preparations, baby preparations, birthday talk and getting ready for two months of overseas visitors. It’s a lot to take on for someone not quite three, it’s a lot to take on for me too. I’m finding myself pulled closer as Anakin has become terrified that I will leave him, even for an hour or two. I’m also receiving a lot of anger and confusion in response to everything going on. It’s becoming clearer to me how carefully we need to navigate the next few months ahead, always making sure that number one stays, and feels like, number one. Keeping routines, slowing down, not taking on too much. And most importantly, never, not even for a second, let Anakin feel as if he is being set aside from us, from me in particular. He is so protective of me these days, perhaps aware in some sense that soon he’ll have to share. After my partner was away it has become even more important for him to know that we are here, that I am here, to take care of him. So whatever is going to happen over the next few months, this is my main focus.
At 28 weeks I get easily tired. Without a rest when Anakin naps I’m not worth a dime come three o’clock. Sleep is broken and allusive, but despite the general forgetfulness and pregnancy brain, I am feeling great and still thankful for the time we have left as just three. I too am finding myself overwhelmed by everything about to happen, perhaps even a bit scared. Scared that I won’t be prepared to be the mother of two, that I’ll be too tired from everything happening before the birth, that there will be no break between visits and birth, that she’ll come early, that she’ll come while we’re away and so on. These kinds of thoughts race through my mind more often these days and I occasionally struggle to keep them in line. I just have to remind myself to keep breathing and that whatever happens I’ll be able to manage. Learning hypnobirthing is really helping as I find I can calm myself quickly if I remind myself just to breathe slow and breathe deep.
As chaotic as our lives will be it will also be a wonderful time shared with family and friends. It may all happen at once, but they’re all good things, the best things. Wedding, birthday, baby… bring it.
44/52- Puppy
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: I barely took any photos last week of you, of anything really. This was from the only photos I took that week after we came home from open day at the gym. Your first ever face paint, and oh how you loved it. It was a perfect day of laughter, sunshine, ice cream and games.
***
We never made it to the airport last Saturday. There was no pappa to pick up. I woke up to the news of him not being able to fly with his passport due to a rip in the ID page on Friday. It was the start of a few very bumpy days. Anakin had been crossing off days on a calendar and we had talked about the airport all week. He woke up to chaos and a very sad and very tired mamma. I’ve never seem him quite like he was that day. He was unsettled and afraid of me leaving him behind at childcare. It took a lot of reassurance, some time, a few books read on the sofa and a special trip to the toy library to be able to leave him there. His disappointment and hurt was written all over his face as he clung to me. Unable to articulate how he felt he was left with acting out. But we made it through. My partner ended up having to go to Norway to get a new passport and we ended up with another week on our own.
We’ve both had colds and I’ve been incredibly tired, but as much as it’s been hard it’s also been a very special time. We have a special groove, Anakin and I. And he really is the sweetest boy. I wake up to him snuggling in next to me at night, pressing his face against my back and hear him whisper “I’ll take care of you, mamma”. He tells me he loves me several times a day. When he calms down after he’s been upset he holds me and says “I’m not mad at you, mamma.” I’ve put in a lot of work towards how we deal with our feelings the past couple of weeks, particularly the not so great ones, and it’s paying off. For us both.
I tear up every time he holds me and says ” I will always love you, mamma”. Or when I say goodnight at bedtime and tell him I love him and he replies that he loves me too before he adds “And I love you (baby’s name).” After we told him her name he has bonded with her quite a bit. (We want to keep the name a secret, but it will be near impossible once family arrive for the wedding as Anakin refuses to call her by anything other than her name. Oh well.)
Often over the past couple of weeks I have been overwhelmed by this feeling of being eternally grateful and incredibly lucky to be Anakin’s mamma. And this time alone has also shown me that out of the few things I may occasionally do wrong (and I do fail sometimes), I have done, and am still doing, so many things right in my journey through motherhood so far. I only have to look at Anakin to know this. I hope some of it stems from the incredible respect I have for my son as a person. I hope it stems for my unconditional love, my patience and continuous efforts to let him be as close as he wants and needs. I hope I never forget the look in his eyes when he sees me naked after a shower and how he comes running to be held close and to feel my skin next to his. When my son looks at me in awe and tells me how beautiful I am I can not help but feel just that. And when I look at him I don’t just see a child I see a person with every right to be heard as I have so I do my best to listen.
Tonight our big wait ends. My partner will be back. Although I’ve been careful to not say much in case something else should happen I sense Anakin knows as he is still not asleep and it is way past the time he usually goes down. I suspect we’re in for a few days of incredible joy, but also a bit of punishment from a little one who does not like to be left. If he does fall asleep I can’t wait to see his face in the morning when he wakes up to find his pappa next to him. I can tell you right now it’ll make me cry. I for one am insanely excited to hear that door open in a bit. I do fine on my own, but there will always be something special about the love of your life and father of your children returning home after being away. As it should. So as tired as I am and as much of an emotional roller coaster as this has been, tonight I just feel lucky. And excited.
43/52 – Whispers
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Sharing secrets with pappa and Elias, the boat, in the bath before the big (temporary) goodbye.
***
Just a couple more days now until we get him back. Saturday we’re getting up at the crack of dawn (like we always do) and heading to the airport to pick him up. It’s hard to tell who’s more excited. 10 days isn’t a long time, but for a couple of days it has felt like forever. It almost went too well for the first half. Then exhaustion, colds, heat, little sleep, a busy schedule and no break didn’t play nice with us for a while. Add pregnancy hormones and the general bodily havoc to that and you’ve got yourself a bit of a land mine. But we bounce back, like we always do. I’ve sure longed for a big glass of wine more than once though. At least there are cookies, strawberries and ice cream. And a break within reach. Just a few more sleeps.
42/52 – Grateful
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Sitting on a ball watching pappa fire up the first BBQ of the season on a sunny afternoon.
***
I’m filled with gratitude these days, wishing I could hold on to every little moment. It’s been a turbulent week. My partner flew out to France for ten days and it’s been tough for our little man to cope with it all, before and after. But in all the chaos, the tears and the hurt, there has been so many moments of honest beauty, of true connection and of growth for us both. I’ve readjusted our days to make sure my focus is where it needs to be at all times. I make sure I rest when Anakin naps, that we spend lots of time outdoors, that dinners are quick and easy and that I take the time to explain what’s going on. It’s not much different from how our days usually are, but as Anakin is feeling fragile and sad his anger becomes explosive and every little thing takes more care and consideration. And a thousand kisses. And as I get easily tired from it all I need to make sure I navigate our days with more care. And so far we’re cruising. The other night he laid down in my lap and just cried after a minor meltdown, his little body shaking with every gulp of air. He was so heartbroken because he could not understand that pappa wasn’t coming home for a few days. After he calmed down a bit he looked at me and said: “I love you even though I’m sad, mamma.” My heart broke and burst at the same time. Earlier that day I’d said what I try to say every time he loses himself in anger, “I love you even though you’re angry.” As much as he’s been full of hurt, he’s also been so full of love. And we’ve strengthened our connection in a big way. I’ve noticed that my head has been a bit off and on of late, hormones and all things wedding and baby has taken my focus away at times, but these past few days has re-grounded me and I’m so grateful.
I watched Anakin run down the street this morning on our way to the shop in the sunshine. He had dressed himself in his winter hat, his winter shoes and his mittens. It was far too warm for it, but he was laughing and absolutely carefree. His well-worn tights slightly sagging and his nappy bum wiggling. I couldn’t help but smile and laugh with him as I thought to myself “this is it. This is what I live for.” And I desperately wanted to capture the moment, but chose to stay in it instead of taking photos or filming. And I’m glad I did. I wanted him to see me and to remember me walking with him, smiling and laughing, carrying the sticks and leaves he gave me, just being there with him. That moment was pure happiness. That moment was perfect.
So as I sit here pretty tired from the day I feel so grateful. For our beautiful son, the absolute light of my life, for my best friend who I get to marry soon, for our unborn daughter and for the life we are building together.
41/52 – Connect
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: The days are getting warmer and we’re enjoying more time outside. Our days are still planned around that vital afternoon sleep which I am even more thankful for these days. You’ve been having long sleeps too, without them a massive nighttime meltdown isn’t a maybe, it’s a certain. As you’re getting closer to 3 it’s easy to get tricked into thinking you can handle more than you can. We’re learning fast that we need to hold back. You’ve been going to childcare on Fridays for about a month now and we’ve figured out that the day has just been too long for you. You’re usually quiet, but content when we pick you up and you love it there, but lately I’ve noticed you’re also dead tired and feeling disconnected. By dinner and bath time all hell breaks loose. The meltdowns are long, hard and painful, most of all for you. This Friday night was no different. But this one was particularly bad after a couple of days where we were all a bit off beat and perhaps not all winning. You desperately needed to cry it all out while feeling safe. After a long struggle I finally got you to relax, wrapped up in my arms. And you cried so hard. No anger, just so much hurt. And once it was all out we could reconnect and start over.
What is this trend of wanting to tip the cradle over so early? Push our children out and away, say “stand on your feet, grow up, be independent” when they are still just children? I hear people say things like “It’s so good for you to be away from your mother” and I wonder how disconnected these people are with reality. Or questioning why our son isn’t in childcare full-time. It’s true, we are looking into getting him in another day or so, but seeing how hard Fridays are, I am filled with doubt. Connection and dependence isn’t a bad thing. Feeling safe and connected is what gives my son the freedom and the confidence to roam. It’s why I can leave him without him feeling abandoned, it’s why he loves people, it’s why he is so free.
Why are some people hellbent on fostering and celebrating disconnection and perhaps more importantly, why do they feel they can comment on such things to our children?
40/52- weekend treats
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: A little scruffy after a good nap. You wake up all cuddly, a bit needy and ready for your weekend treat. It’s modest and simple, sometimes no more than a few biscuits or some tangy, natural snakes and a few nuts, or if we’re extra lucky some M&M’s (or as you say; mememem’s ) and some apple cider. It’s our special weekend time. We sit down, have a chat and work out what we want to do for the rest of the day.
39/52 – Night-time
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Bath time, bed time… these rituals we’ve had since you were born that have slowly evolved, slowly (yet way too fast) seen you grow up and more independent. I know, I say this a lot, but you’re growing up so fast. But it is also at night-time I most often see how little you still are and how much you are still my baby. Too tired, too overwhelmed, you sometimes fall to pieces and the only thing in the whole wide world that will soothe you is being wrapped up in my arms while we ride it out together. I think we both need those moments just as much as we need the laughs, the hugs and all the good times. Perhaps it is in those fragile moments I grow the most as a mother.
***
I started writing a bit this week, but I’ve been too tired to finish anything. By nap time in the afternoon all my good intentions vanish and I’ve just needed to relax and catch up on rest. I’m not very good at resting or taking it easy, but the past few weeks have been brutal and made me realise I can’t keep this up. It means things slow down and take time, but I just can’t keep pushing myself. I’ve tried to keep activities local and to half days. I try not to do too much housework, which is hard when everything desperately needs a good clean. I’ll vacuum two rooms and have to lie down because I’m just out of breath. It so different this time around. The baby is much more active than I can remember Anakin being. Perhaps it is just that I feel it better this time around, but it’s always on the move. It’s so far down that I can pull my shirt up and see the pokes from the outside already. Driving back and forth to Bendigo today to take down my show was hard. The baby was pushing down and making it so uncomfortable to sit that I started wondering how on earth it will feel by the end. Please, little baby, use the space that’s there while you have it. You can’t stay doubled up at the bottom all the time!
38/52- Urban traveller
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Any excuse to catch the train is a good one for you. You absolutely love it. As I still don’t have a license we’re mostly urban travellers when we’re just the two of us. Last weekend we spent an afternoon in the sunshine with some friends and their new baby. You were ecstatic running around their backyard playing with the dog, a wheelbarrow and some pieces of wood. Having to catch the train there and back was just an added bonus.
***
I’m still without a computer which makes things trickier these days. But in some ways I’ve loved it. I like to unplug. It helps me refocus and spend more time doing things I love and that frankly are far more important. But I’ve been itching to get some time to write so hopefully this coming week I’ll get to scratch that itch.
We did our weekly shop today. After getting what we could at the market we went to the supermarket. As I was walking around gathering things and talking to Anakin it struck me how incredibly happy I was and how lovely it was to realise that in the middle of such a mundane task as shopping. Anakin was bubbling with happiness over a new digger we’d just picked up for him. He woke up earlier this week and told me how much he wanted a big, new yellow digger. He didn’t need one, but when we happened to stumble upon a really good, cheap one today I couldn’t help myself. His joy pays for whatever he gets over and over again. He’s not the kind that gives a new toy an hour of play and then forgets about it. He adores it, he takes it to bed and it is his prize possession for months on end. Believe me when I say that there’s usually a lot of construction vehicles taking up space in our bed before I move them to make room for myself at night. I can only imagine how happy he’ll be if I can find the book Goodnight, goodnight Construction site.
37/52 – Getting ready for the show
A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for the 3rd year of his life.
Anakin: Helping out while we hang my assessment show, Tales of Transformation, in Bendigo. You never stop amazing me with how incredibly easy you are to take places. It was a long day and a late night, but you were a true champion all the way through. You rarely complain, you’re rarely in a bad mood and you always delight whoever has the pleasure of spending time with you. I couldn’t be prouder, my love. (Photo by my partner.)
***
Thank you for your well wishes and kind words after our last post. I really appreciate it. It’s so nice to hear voices from “the other side” of the screen. I’m largely without a computer these days so my replies are slow and so is my posting. There is so much I’m still waiting to share once I have a laptop and a few free afternoons. I’ll get around to sharing my work soon as well, both artworks and from the sewing machine.
Don’t be a stranger.
xx Dida
Adventures in Jedi 