taking time ~

She is growing up way too fast.  My little crumb is now a very independent 4-year-old, and I'm loving every moment of her.  My selfish urges have gone into overdrive, and I do not want to miss a moment of her sweet life.  She is my buddy 24/7.  We get each other {okay, maybe I get her much more than she gets my need for a coffee break, email time-out, or the general boring pesky grown-up stuff}, but in general we have fun. A lot of fun.  

Just today, we discussed a favorite book in detail and why she loves it.  She then asked why I like to read it to her.  She's curious, she cares, and she can hold up her end of the conversation.  Good traits/skills I wish to foster and make sure she keeps forever and always.  

Time is passing me by way too quickly.  If only I could stand still and just be.  Be free like her.  I guess what I really want is for my Gaia Miette to remember these early days with her mama.  Mostly, I want her to have fond memories with me.  Recollecting some of the joyous times like when I helped her plant the "frijoles", search for worms for her 'worm farm', hula-hoop blunders {that would be moi}, singing "someone's in the kitchen at Gaia's" until we are hoarse, and snuggling in the mid-afternoon because what she needs most is her mama.  

I count my blessings to be able to spend 100% of my time with my one and only girl.  Believe me, we do without a lot to make this happen, but there is nothing I value more than my crumb's happiness.  So I'm going to treat this "full-time job" with the utmost respect and take a sabbatical from this space for a while.   

She and I have a whole world of blossoms to explore, so we hope you will understand... 

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

les fleurs

"Can I pick a flower? Just one, please?"  Her big blue eyes dance with delight with each new bloom she passes.  The girl is obsessed with flowers.  A four-year-old who cared more about the pink and purple flowers at her birthday party than the cake or presents.

Every morning she wakes and lazily smiles at the bedside vase filled with her latest picked treasures.  Recent gatherings have included mustard grass, daffodils, tulips, and daisies.  Today, we planted poppies around the grand ol' walnut tree in the garden.  Our porch steps are an eclectic mix of pots filled with an array of brightly colored annuals.

Noting this extreme interest in pretty petals, we have started a pink field journal to document her lovely findings ~ the special day of discovery is captured with a brief phrase or story to describe the reason the particular petaled perfection was chosen.

I love that she takes time to stop and smell the roses {and pick a few} along the way.

[Claude Monet ~ Poppies, 1873]

~ 4 ~

Today, our crumb turns 4.  

Over the weekend, we celebrated her special day with all her favorite friends, pale pink frosted cakes, and magical gardens to roam.

She is a well-rounded one, our girl ~ pink, frills and princess play combined with a cleverly fun personality, powerful determination, and all sorts of monkey business. 

We cannot get enough of her.  Seriously, each year gets better and better.

Happy Birthday Gaia Miette ~ you are our earth, sun, moon, and stars.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Magical ~

I believe her day sparkled and shined.

[Union Square, San Francisco ~ Christmas 2011]

When it rains...

....total cuteness abounds!  I have to admit, my girl has made me love the rain again.  What used to be a total nuisance, now is a playful pleasure. 

The forecast is predicting a fair share of rain drops throughout the weekend, so look out puddles, our eyes will be on you!

Balance ~

Sometimes, it's the little people who remind us of the big things in life.

I'm going to start maintaining a bit more balance in my every day.  

It's definitely a must for overall happy.

TATTLY ~

Ever since Swiss-Miss introduced an array of cleverly designed temporary tattoos, we have been hooked. 

They last for at least a few days and are definite conversation starters.  But then again, aren't all tattoos {permanent or non} attention getters?   No matter which side of the ink you are on, one thing is for sure, tattoos tell a story.  

What about you ~ inked or not? 

giddyup ~

This weekend was filled with all sorts of outdoor goodness ~ farmers markets, gatherings with new and old friends, small town parades and festivals, and a horse named Darby.

I can't stop thinking about this handsome guy.  So majestic and aged to perfection at 28 years of life, and oh those eyes just melted my heart.   Thankfully, Darby belongs to my good friend, Jacki, which means we can have a riding rendezvous often. 

Tell me, are you a rider or prefer to admire from afar?

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Falling for Fall ~

My little boho girl.  

Well, almost.  She does still kinda go a little cookoo bananas when she gets too dirty, but for the most part, she likes to roll in the sand, dig her hands and feet deep into the dirt, and learn everything possible about the creepy crawling creatures in the garden. 

She and I was a bit sad to bid farewell to Summer, but we are okay with it now.  As soon as the cool nip cut the air, I immediately switched from green tea to chai tea, and she started pointing out pumpkins instead of pools.  My friends, this is the open-arm signal for Autumn.  Bring on the OktoberFests, the pumpkin patches, and the harvest baskets full of bounty!  

Seasons are a good time for change, and my girl and I are ready to indulge in some new territory together.  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Inspiring Creativity ~

Imagination is the great spring of creative activity ~ the fountain of artistic fantasies which are the daydreams of children grown up.  Paradoxical as it may seem, the right way to conceive and practice art, regardless of the degree of efficiency, is with the viewpoint of a child.

 ~ Edgar Payne

A few weeks ago, we attended the Catalan Festival, and every single one of us within this family of three had the. best. time.  Incredible music, soul-touching dancing, bright sun shining day, endless flowing of bubbly, and memories being recorded through art.  Sean's idea to encourage our crumb's artistic interests ~ a journal, paintbrush, and watercolors are always at the ready for when she feels inspired to paint.  

A very fine chip off the old-papa tree, don't ya think?  

Friends ~

On Saturday, we took a drive through the wine country to visit with our city friends who were enjoying a Healdsburg holiday in a very cool modern barn.  

A grand time was had by all; especially two very cute little girls who have been friends since 6 months of age when they 'met' in a mommy and me swim class.  I believe they need bracelets or something adorable that has BFF on it because these girls are definitely the best of the best, for no matter the time distance between their last fun and play, they pick up exactly where they left off: non-stop smiles and giggles.

  

That's the wonderful thing about true friendships, they withstand the test of time and continue to grow stronger as the years go by.  Friends are definitely one of life's greatest investments because the yield is generally a happy return.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Simple Little Pleasures ~

 

She likes fresh flowers beside the bed.  

She tells me they make her dreams sweeter.  I believe her.

And for this reason alone, I will continue to fill my great-grandmother's pitcher full of the most fragrant and beautiful blooms I can find because it makes  my crumb smile.  

Simple little pleasures are what life is all about, non?

[Reverie-Daydream Image] 

A Key Role ~

It warms my heart to see the beautiful relationships growing between the little crumb and the men in our family.  There is no doubt, she is a papa's girl.  When he is by her side, her soul reaches new heights of happiness.  She has his mischievous {in a good way} ring-leader qualities, and she can make any room her stage with all the occupants within hanging on her every word/action {just like her charismatic papa}. He invests time in her, listens to her every word, and worships the ground she walks upon.  She will always save her last dance for him, and him only.

Her grandfathers also play a key role in her life.  They have taught her how to fish, catch lizards, hit a golf ball, ride a bike, and use tools to 'fix' stuff.  Most importantly, unbeknownst to her, a healthy, respectable, adoring outlook of the male variety is being established. Every moment she spends with these strong, skilled, gentle, loving men is special and adds another layer onto a growing foundation of honor and trust. 

She and I are lucky girls, and they are amazing men who deserve to be celebrated every. single. day.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

 

Lean on me ~

I hope she always knows she can lean on me.  I would give her the world, a world of only happiness and love, no pain or sorrow.  I'll teach her all I know and then learn everything else right along with her.  Her dreams, I'll help her catch them.  Her fears, we will conquer them together.  Ups and downs, good and bad, happy and sad, we will make it through every moment in time...

Forever and always, I'll celebrate and cherish us, two souls connected by a bond stronger than any other on Earth ~ a mother and her child.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Friendship

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, 

and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

~Thomas Jefferson

[reverie-daydream image]

~ Trois ~

Today, you are 3.

Your sweet, sunny spirit lights up our world.

~ Happy Birthday Little Crumb ~

Tink, Tink ~

 Our perfect package of tricks and treats!

~ Happy Halloween ~ 

[DIY Tinker Bell costume + images by Reverie-Daydream]

Fast Forward to Fall

Now that Summer has officially signed off, our arms are wide-open in acceptance of Fall!  Is there anything better than the change of seasons?  Autumn provides such a golden crispness of color and harvest ~ a fresh start to looking at the world through a 'new lens'. 

Bring on the pumpkins, apple picking, chai tea lattes, cozy sweaters, and a kitchen filled with the aromas of roasting root vegetables and chunky soups.  Fall is here, so put on those boots and let's go!

{Georgia} Peach

Did I ever tell you I'm a Georgia Peach?  Yes ma'am, born and raised in the South ~ sweet tea, pecan pie, bless your hearts, and endless how-do-you-do's ~ I'm a Southern Belle through and through, and I need my juice-running-all-down-my-chin peach fix, so we are heading to my sweet home Atlanta for a dose of heat with a big dollop of humid on the side (a definite welcome after ten San Francisco Summers!).

The crumb will be spoiled by all her grandparents (and great-grandparents), play non-stop with her cousins, and learn to chase 'lightning bugs' like the best of them (her mama is a pro!).  I'm looking forward to the memories that will be made and re-living my favorite summer adventures with one cute little bumpkin by my side!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Through My Papa's Eyes ~

Dearest Papa,

I was given the blessed gift of your eyes,

To see this world around me,

My hope is that I will learn through you

The appreciation of all there is to see.

Will you teach me to see all the colors

In the world from an artist’s point of view?

And when I travel the world with you,

Will we share the joy of everything so beautiful and new?

Will you help me to understand and

Appreciate the differences among human kind?

Most importantly, will you please

Teach me to have a very open-mind?

As I take my journey along life’s path,

I hope you are beside me each step of the way,

To show me how to love, listen,

Dance, paint, laugh, and appreciate every day.

I look forward to the many times you will

Take me by the hand,

And show me all there is to see

Of foreign cities, seas, and land.

Because looking at the world

Through my Papa's eyes,

Must be this little girl's

Greatest prize.

Je t'aime,

Gaia Miette

[Reverie-Daydream Image]