Opus the Penguin

One of my favorite cartoons of all time was Bloom County. Opus was (and still is) my hero. He rocks! To this day I still get a big smile out his philosophy.

Pausing on a Sunday

I often think of Sondheim's lyrics from Sunday in the Park with George--about pausing on a Sunday. The habit for the past few decades of my life has been to arrange my week around Sunday services. Prior to my service at University Congregational Church I was singing with College Hill UMC or attending other services in Wichita.

What I have found is that by basing my week upon a rhythm of celebration, prayer and reflection on Sunday, I can frame my week in a meaningful manner. That by joining the cycle of a church's calender--its celebrations and solemnities--its rituals and rites--its music and words, I actually am able to make my days mean more than I feel they otherwise might.

I confess that there are as many ways to know the divine as there are human minds capable of embracing the concept of a "God". I believe that those who choose to follow the teaching of the Buddha have found a path to the divine that works for them and their world. I have watched devout Muslims practice their peaceful faith in manners that make meaning for them and their world. And the same is true for any who choose a faith path to follow in this world--a religion to help them make meaning for their life.

Even the most dogmatic of fundamentalists have found a way that works for them (although I disagree with their desire to force ME to believe in THEIR path to the divine or the misguided concept that there is only ONE TRUE WAY to the divine). I even applaud those who do not have a faith journey--who choose to believe in mankind or another form of secular system. If it works for them--if it helps them make their journey through their life have meaning--I applaud it. I am especially proud of our new president for including people who choose to not follow a religion as part of America--because they are. It is time to get past Church/State arguments and let these two institutions work as they do best--separate and free.

For me--the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth have proven to be the best way to know the divine. And so I join with like-minded people in a beautiful building and enjoy their music and company and worship. I apply these teachings to my life in a manner that helps me make meaning out of a more and more complex world. I find comfort in the tradition, the ritual, the rhythm of Christian belief. And I will take from the other faith systems any teaching that helps make me a more peaceful, loving man. Anything less can not be divine--surely, it must be profane.

Peace!

Paul

My balcony, my bike and my life....

I am writing this sitting on my balcony outside my OKC apartment. I've never had a balcony before and I find that I enjoy it very much. I just watched a beautiful Oklahoma sunset (even though I still think our Kansas sunsets can't be matched) and am waiting to go to a movie with a new friend. Directly to my left is my ancient 10-speed bike that I have had since I was in my early 20s. I took my first OKC bike ride earlier and my legs are still reminding me that it has been far too long since I have ridden. (Mom, I rode through very populated residential areas and made sure I had loaded up on carbs!).

The apartment complex is not too busy tonight, a few folks wandering by with their laundry for the washers nearby. I splurged and found a local laundry that does bundle service (it is just up the street from my new dry cleaners) so I am ready for the week ahead. When I left Coe Drive I promised myself that I would NEVER do laundromats again and I have managed to keep this promise. I pay a little extra, but it's nice to not have to worry about laundry.

Tomorrow morning I will return to Mayflower Church and hopefully won't have to leave before the sermon as I had to last week (my cough returned!). I have come to the conclusion that whoever had this apartment prior to me had CATS--and LOTS OF THEM. Anyway, as my titer is rising, my cough is decreasing.

The first stars of the night are coming out and I am thinking of Josh and Channa on vacation in the Philippines.....remembering the lovely balcony of their Izmir apartment that over-looked the Turkish countryside. I am thinking of Pokey and her girls playing around their new house. I am thinking of Val and all of her family in Wichita, busy with their Saturday night. I am thinking my Mother and Step-father in Derby. And I am thinking of my tribe--all of the people whom I love and who love me in return.

I feel a wonderful sense of calm returning to my life after the tumult and disorder of my move down here.

This place feels right.

I am where I am supposed to be.

And that is such a wonderful feeling.

PAX

Paul

My New Job

I am REALLY glad I took this chance. I feel this is a great place for me to be at this time in my life. Woohoo!

Pax!

Paul

The little house on Coolidge

So....I am sitting here in a very empty little blue house on Coolidge street. The van and my car are packed....and I am saying goodbye to Wichita. I am filled with so many emotions. I moved into this house with such dreams and plans--but, life is funny and the universe had other plans for me. And my dreams and plans have been altered and I am charting a new course. So, I have to share the last verse of the Hardest Part of Love...because it is so true:

It is only in Eden grows a rose without a thorn.
And your children start to leave you on the day that they are born.
They will leave you there to cheer for them, they will leave you there to mourn, ever so....

Like an ark on uncharted seas their lives will be tossed.
And the deeper is your love for them, the crueler is the cost.
For just when you think they found themselves--is when you fear they're lost, oh....

But...we can not close the acorn once the oak begins to grow....
And we can not close our hearts to what they fear and need to know...

That the hardest part of love.....
And the rarest part of love....
And the truest part of love....

Is the letting go.

Peace and love and many blessings to Wichita and all of my family and friends who live there.

Paul

Oklahoma Ice Storm 2009

So...I started my new job at ITT tech yesterday, went to lunch with some of the new managerial team and was sent home at 3 because of a terrific ice storm that hit. The college is closed today as well. Turns out that it's ok....I have tons of unpacking to do and company policy reading to catch up on.

Last Friday WATC honored me with a really terrific go-away reception and on Sunday my church gave me a beautiful and meaningful farewell.

So, here I am--ready, prepared and excited for what the future holds.

Peace,

Paul

Blogging

I was reminded (gently) that if one has a blog and others read it, one should be a little better about posting in a more timely manner. Thanks, David! So, I will try to get back in the habit of regular posting.

To catch you, the gentle reader, up: I have accepted a dean position at a technical college in Oklahoma City. I moved most of my household down there yesterday and will move some more down today. I deliver my person to my new employer tomorrow morning.

WATC hosted a wonderful going-away reception Friday afternoon--I was so honored!

This morning I am singing a few "farewell" songs at the church I have served since 1995. It is going to be a morning of memories and goodbyes and I am mentally and emotionally prepared (yeah, right!).

So....I start a new chapter in this wonderful life of mine. I am a very lucky man. I will continue to be grateful for all that I have, all that I love and all of those who love me back.

Pax!

Paul

Life is what happens to us....

...while we are busy making other plans! Forget my previous post. New developments in my life! I have accepted a job offer in Oklahoma City and move there this weekend. I will post more later when I get settled in OKC.

Peace!

Paul

Paul's Spring Theater Work

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. University Congregational Church. February 19, 20 and 21. 2009. I am music directing and conducting this delightful, breezy show. Come see it!

The Tempest. Wichita Center for the Arts. April 15-19, 2009. I am playing Antonio, a wonderfully corrupt politician. This production, adapted and directed by my old friend Shaun-Michael Morse, promises to be a terrific (dare I say important?) theatrical event. Don't miss it!

One of the enduring joys of my life is my theater work and the fact that I get to perform with Wichita's amazing theater artists. Wichita is blessed with an abundance of talented, passionate performers, directors and artisans. I consider myself very lucky indeed to be able to add my little part....Carpe Diem!

Pax!

Paul

Some Thoughts for the New Year

The universe will provide everything you need, but not everything you want. Listen to your friend's advice, then do what your heart tells you to. Work is work and play is play, but sometimes it's OK to play at work. When I sing, I feel closest to God. God loves it when we sing and make music. The Buddhists speak and teach of the "Middle Way"--between mortification and hedonism. I have found that walking in the middle is not the same as not living an exciting life--it is living a life excitingly. Balance is important. Love is more important. When, at the end of your life, and you are looking back, did you make the loving choices? Love, actually, is all around.

Pax

Paul

Some Christmas Thoughts

Maya Angalou writes that once we realize that the world owes us nothing, then we realize that everything we are given is just that--a gift.

What are my gifts from my world?

My family--this group of people has nurtured me since I appeared on this planet and continues to give gifts to me. My mother and step-father love me unconditionally and let me know it often. They support me in all of my endeavors and only want blessings in my life. My sisters and their amazing families continue to amaze and delight--these women are building such lives for themselves and it is always a gift to watch their children and grandchildren grow and move into the world. My younger brother and his wife and two daughters in China give a gift every time they share a picture or write an email or say a prayer....they know what they mean to all of us! My aunts and uncles, cousins and extended family members, step-sisters, step-mother and everyone else connected to me by blood or marriage give the gift of their time and presence in my life. It is always greatly appreciated and loved. Even the memory of those no longer with us is a gift. It is a gift to remember their love and works. Thank you!

My tribe--Those people who have chosen to remain in my life through our various connections whether from college, a past love affair, a chance meeting or random attachment. That you remain in my life is a constant and visible gift--one that echoes through every aspect of my life. You challenge me, lift me up, give me wisdom and advice, provide succor and amusement and basically show me new ways to love. Your lives give this world much--you are all professionals, immersed in the various rhythms of your lives and yet always manage to create our symphony when we are together. And for those of tribe who have moved on, whether through estrangement or death, your vast energy and presence leaves a void that we will never fill--we just gingerly dance around it, look in, remember, laugh and love and eat some more.

My church--who would have ever thought that I would finally realize the need for a church in my life. What a gift! This congregation supports and loves me and lets me share my gifts with them. Talk about a theological win/win situation!

My work--the simple fact of being present in the world of WATC is a gift that grows me professionally and intellectually and is one I cherish deeply.

My theater friends--the gift of your talents (and that I can share in those on occasion) is one of the highlights of my life. I know, at the end of my life, on looking back, my theatrical experiences will be some of the brightest stars in my memories.

My city--what a treasure Wichita is! What a gift to live in such a vibrant, beautiful city! Such a well-kept secret--do we dare let anyone know? They might move here and ruin it! Or possibly, add their own gifts to our community.

So, I guess the reason for this post is gratitude. I am grateful for the gifts that are present in my life, in my memory and in my heart.

Peace and love,

Paul

Paul and Shanna and Indiana Jones

Today at lunch at Sabor in Wichita, Shanna and I were chatting away when she leans over and says to me...."I think that's Harrison Ford at that table". And sure enough it was....I went over when I had a chance and told him how much I loved his work and shook his hand. He was very kind! Too cool! I knew that he came to town often because he flies Cessnas....anyway, I return to our table and Shanna immediately asks if I told him that Millworth was my favorite song he sang. Man! Make one innocent mistake and it haunts you your ENTIRE life!

PAX

Paul

Upcoming Performances

Hey all....I have two fun Christmas performances coming up, both on Sunday, December 14th:

10:30 AM--The Many Moods of Christmas, at University Congregational Church, 29th and Webb

4:00 PM--A Christmas Soiree', at Grace Presbyterian, 5002 E. Douglas

I have performed in the "Many Moods" numerous times and it has become a holiday favorite. 30+ piece orchestra and terrific arrangements of familiar carols, this is a terrific morning of music.

I have sung with Ron Daray for his "Christmas Soiree'" for a number of years. This is the second year at Grace (he recently changed churches) and it is an opportunity to hear some unique arrangements of carols and holiday music with a nice sized ensemble, brass and strings. It has always been one of my favorite gigs of the year! Come and hear both!

Peace,

Paul

More pics from 12 Passage Beslay

Above is the living room of the apartment.

Above is a decent view of the cute cuisine (kitchen).

Above is the guest room where I slept when I was in Paris.


Above is the view looking south from my balcony.

9 1/2 hours on a plane

OK...those of you who know me know how much I dislike sitting still. I do everything I can to keep from getting into situations where I have to sit for prolonged periods of time.....so, why then, do I willingly sit myself into a very uncomfortable chair with room for 6' of 6'3" me...and then hurtle across the Atlantic for 9 and 1/2 hours???? HMMM? I know my brother really wants me to visit him and his family in China....but, man, I don't know if I can do much longer than that!

PAX!

(Oh yeah, I am sitting in O'Hare waiting for a flight to Wichita....in 4 hours....remind me why Wichita is called the Air Capitol of the World? Hmmm? It sure ain't easy to get to!)

Saying goodbye to Paris

Here is the front of the apartment building at 12 Passage Beslay where I have been sleeping while in Paris. I leave the city tomorrow to return to the US. Sigh.

I have such an odd range of emotions--but ultimately I am so pleased with the entire trip. It has been such an easy thing! I can't wait to do it again...and soon....with anyone who wants to tag along!

Pax!

Love!

Paul

Debra's visit to the US Consulate

This was taken right after Debra got all of her paper work signed so that she and Marc can get married. Marc is a GREAT guy and I am so happy for them both! They will be setting up house in the tiny village of Berniere sur Mer on the Normandy coast. Wish them the best!

A visit to Pere Lachaise and Georges Seurat's tomb

Thursday out and about Paris with Debra

St. Martin du Vivier

Ok...the little hotel I found for my side trip turned out to be so freakin' charming! It was nestled in the hills above Rouen, and once I figured out the bus system, I was minutes from everything I wanted to see. I spent a good deal of time in the ancient cathedral--lit lots of candles and said lots of prayers for all of my peeps. There is something eternal about these places...they even speak to my protestant soul! Don't tell Rabbi!

Peace and love,

Paul

Pics from around Rouen and St. Martin du Vivier

Pour Christina et mon classe!

Tuesday in Rouen

Today I took the train (and why the hell don't we have a decent train system in the US? HUH??? The Europeans have this amazing system and can get anywhere cheaply and quickly)....anyway...today I took the train to Rouen. My hotel is actually a village over in the charming hillside town of St. Martin du Vivier. I plan on exploring both it and Rouen all day tomorrow. I am staying at the Best Western La Berteliere and it has this pastoral inn quality that has me already in my PJs and ready for bed. I ate at my first 3-star restaurant tonight (and l'addition proved it!) and it was so delicious. In fact, I have yet to have a meal that wasn't tasty. Even the McDonalds fries I ate one day were really great. I think it has to do with NO preservatives and NO high fructose corn syrup. These people know how to eat! AND I have yet to see a single FAT French person. There are some thick folks, but not like we have in the states. I really think there is a link between the preservatives the US puts in its food, and how fat stay in our systems. ANYWAY, enough of that.

Peace and love,

PJ

Being a new diabetic in Paris.

It turns out that Paris is a GREAT city in which to be a diabetic. There are pharmacies on every corner and they each have at least one English speaking clerk. I bought some glucose tabs, but have discovered a tastier way to raise my blood sugar. The one time my blood sugar got really low, I didn't panic, went to the closest boulangerie and had the most delicious crepe du chocolat. My blood sugar was fine tout suite. In fact, I have yet to run a high blood sugar this entire trip, and while I know it makes my mom a little nervous, I just make sure I have a pastry shop or bakery in sight AT ALL TIMES. Delicious! (I know the amount of physical activity I am engaging in keeps my blood sugar in the mid to high 90s usually.) OK--enough about my diabetes!

Pax!

Paul

Monday Morning

Place de Bastille with Mitterand's 70's National Opera in the background.

Rue de Charlemagne in the Village de St. Paul. A quaint neighborhood near the Marais. This morning it was filled with energetic high-schoolers heading to their various Lycees.


Exterior of the Picasso Museum. Inside were some wonderful Gauguins and of course tons of terrific Picasso works.

Sunday in Paris

I awoke to the sound of hundreds of church bells ringing all over Paris--calling the faithful to worship. I slept in. I'm on vacation. I'm sure God will understand...n'est pas?

The picture above is from the most amazing market on rue de Richard Lenoir. I have never seen so many people shopping in one place. It was fabulous.

Afterwords, I took myself to the cinema to see the latest James Bond flick and let my aching feet and legs rest a bit.

A plus demain!

Pax.

Paul

A funny tale....

So today while I was looking for Shakespeare and Co. (I got off at the wrong stop and was, yes, once again, lost) I found a small bookstore where the proprietor was setting out his books for the day. In my very best attempt at politeness (and in my limited Francais) I told him I was lost and asked for directions to the road that Shakespeare and Co. was on. Imagine my shock when the THICKEST Texas drawl I have ever heard came out his mouth and said "Straight ahead two blocks and turn right". I would NOT have been surprised had he added a pardner to the end of that. Just goes to show....you can't tell a book seller by his french apparel.

Pax!

Paul

Saturday Afternoon at the Arch de Triumph

Paul at Shakespeare and Co.

Thank you, Bill, for the heads-up!

rue de la Huchette

Notre Dame

More pics from Friday

Vendredi

Friday morning near the Eiffel Tower.

A special post for my French class

You all will appreciate this little story:

My first night here, while dining with my friend Debra and her boyfriend Marc, I was telling a story about when Debra and I were in college and how I was a real "a**hole" one time at a bar. Well, I ended up calling myself a word similar to the French word for a**hole instead of an a**hole and the look on Marc's face was priceless. He was too polite at the time to correct me, but was so curious as to why I would compare myself to a duck. Finally, he started laughing, made the correction, and since then I have a new nickname....yes, both of them now call me "The Duck". I am just going to play it off as my secret spy call name.

And that's---the rest of the story.

Peace!

Paul

Ce matin a' Paris

This morning I have spent most of my time exploring the neighborhood. The apartment is on Passage Beslay in the 11th arrondiesment. The church in the preceding picture is Saint Ambroise and it appears we are enmeshed in the St. Ambroise parish. I got wonderfully lost earlier when I was looking for a bike shop--but never fear--my language skills actually worked! I stopped into a small bookstore and got directions. Of course, I had to ask 3 more people, 3 more times before I literally stumbled onto my street. But nevertheless, I made it home. This afternoon we are getting my train tickets for Rouen next week and for Debra's trip to Normandie tomorrow. Au Revoir!

Pax

Paul

The view from my balcony window in the 11th.

Premiere Nuit A' Paris

Tonight Debra and her boyfriend Marc took me to this terrific Senegalese restaurant for dinner. A wonderful first "official" meal in Paris. We sampled a variety of traditional dishes and then went to Sacre Coeur to take in the night view. What an amazingly beautiful city! My trip is off to a great start.

I promised my mother I'd get her a picture of the Mona Lisa....so, this one's for you, Mom!

Debra's lecture this afternoon centered on French restoration art--I learned so much. It is one thing to read about a picture or have a prof lecture you--but to have the work of art in front of you as a very knowledgable teacher helps you make connections--not only to the work but to the times it was created in--well, to me THAT is the true art of teaching.

Pax

Paul

J'arriverais!

I landed this morning at 10:30 and promptly went to the Louvre to attend a class given by my friend Debra. I am about as exhausted as can be....so I will post more later!

Pax!

Paul

O'Hare on a Tuesday afternoon

Well...the first leg of my trip was just fine. No complaints. Sitting at O'Hare waiting on a transatlantic flight. Woohoo!

Peace and love and more soon...

Paul

Countdown to Paris

Ok....the packing is almost done. This time tomorrow I will be in the air on the first leg of my Paris trip. I am scheduled to arrive at Charles De Gaulle around 9 am Wednesday morning and a shuttle will take me to Debra's school. Stayed tuned for more updates!

Peace and love!

Paul

Last French Class

Tonight was my last French class before I head to Paris (on Tuesday). I was a little sad to say goodbye to this fun group of people...but happy to know I will probably see them next semester. It was enjoyable to recall my French vocabulary from my KU days and I feel pretty confident in my language skills for the trip. It was an excellent lesson in being a student again...I forget how hard it can be to learn something new--and the very uncomfortable chairs didn't help any. Anyway--I will be posting regularly about my Paris adventures right here...so stay tuned!

PAX!

Walt Whitman on Election Day

ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER, 1884

If I should need to name, O Western World, your powerfulest scene and show,

'Twould not be you, Niagara - nor you, ye limitless prairies - nor your huge rifts of canyons, Colorado,

Nor you, Yosemite - nor Yellowstone, with all its spasmic geyserloops ascending to the skies, appearing and disappearing,

Nor Oregon's white cones - nor Huron's belt of mighty lakes - nor Mississippi's stream:

This seething hemisphere's humanity, as now, I'd name - the still small voice vibrating -America's choosing day,

(The heart of it not in the chosen - the act itself the main, the quadrennial choosing,)

The stretch of North and South arous'd - sea-board and inland - Texas to Maine - the Prairie States - Vermont, Virginia, California,

The final ballot-shower from East to West - the paradox and conflict,

The countless snow-flakes falling - (a swordless conflict,

Yet more than all Rome's wars of old, or modern Napoleon's): the peaceful choice of all,

Or good or ill humanity - welcoming the darker odds, the dross:

- Foams and ferments the wine? it serves to purify - while the heart pants, life glows:

These stormy gusts and winds waft precious ships,

Swell'd Washington's, Jefferson's, Lincoln's sails.

Uncle Walt

Halloween

I just had the best time with Dominic and Ronan tonight...we went trick or treating and then hung out at Stan and Sue's house...(the boys' grandparents) and it was such a beautiful night. One adult was dressed as Michael Myers and he really gave Ronan a scare. He retreated to the porch for the rest of the night and talked about the mon-ter. Really great little guy!!!!

Pax!

Gas Prices??!!??

I just filled up my little Ford Focus for 20 bucks at $1.98 a gallon. How long has it been since I have been able to do that??? Granted, I receive a 10 cent discount for using my Dillons card at Kwik Shop...but still....amazing!

Prepping for Paris

OK...my trip to Paris is a little more than two weeks away and I am starting to get very excited about it. I will be staying with my old friend, Debra Thimmesch, from Nov. 11 to the 22nd in her apartment in the heart of the city. I have been a little anxious about taking this trip with my new health issues, but after careful study and reflection I have decided to go. I ain't gonna let a little diabetes stop me from doing what I have planned for my life--and I have been planning this trip for almost a year now! I plan to post daily to this blog while I am in Paris and will keep you updated on my adventures! Yahoo! And....let's see.... j'ai sera a' Paris bien tot! And I am tres psyched about it!

Pax!

First Post in a While

So....I have been away from posting for a bit as I get my footing back on this new life of mine. Today I started feeling more like my old self--which is good. It's been a tough couple of weeks and I have been filled with amazing feelings of doubt and regret and sadness. Having said that, I also have been blessed with the gift of amazing friends and a wonderful family, so the journey thus far has been better than it could've been. Thank God for that! I will post more later as I continue coming to terms with this new development....

PEACE!

Life is what happens to us...

....while we're busy making other plans. No? Got some great pics of my brother and his family in China....one is posted.

Instead of bemoaning the fact that they are 1/2 a world away, I need to celebrate every picture they send me. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I really need to pay attention to today--which I spent with various tribe members in a variety of amazing activities. Instead of waiting for my future, I need to continue to make it happen--moment by moment, day-by-day, relationship by relationship--life is good.

PAX!

Mary Jane Teall Awards

So....I just won Best Actor in a Comedy/Drama tonight for my work in "Moon Over Buffalo" this summer and I am genuinely humbled. The ceremony was very cool and it was such a wonderful celebration of live theater in Wichita. I am so honored to be a part of this amazing community of talented people.

Pax!

Mom at Botanica

Every year my mother has a booth of her art at Botanica's Gallery in the Garden. You can actually see her booth here: http://www.botanica.org/

I always look forward to this event (I help her set up and tear down her booth) because I get to see her new work or her works in progress. This year she had two beautiful new pieces that reflect a different tone for her. The first was a study on layered stones that was magnificent, but my favorite was a complex study on leaves that was so understated. I say complex, because when you first glance at it the painting appears very simple, but the more time you spend examining it and being pulled into the study, the more detail appears. It is a very splendid work of art and I am so proud of my mom who painted it!

PAX!

Closing night

I posted a little while back about "opening nights" and how I love the excitement and momentum as we rush towards the first night of a theater project. Tonight we closed "Tuesdays with Morrie" at my church, and while I was disappointed in the small crowds that attended, I am very proud of the show. That I was able to hold my own with Tim Robu meant the world to me! I mean that guy can act--even tonight we were discussing one of our scenes and he hit on some terrific motivation for me that helped me nail it tonight. Anyway, I loved being able to do this show and I hope Tim and I can maybe work on it again in the future.

PAX

Counting down to Paris

I can't believe that I will be in Paris for two weeks in November. My last trip to Europe was amazing, but not taken during a particularly good time in my life. Don't get me wrong--I loved it--just not what happened on my return. Anyway, this trip will be completely different...staying with a dear friend....no plans at all for anything--just going to wing it. Oh...and I started my French class a couple nights ago....FUN!

PAX

How do I say....

.....how grateful I am for my tribe? My family? My friends? My life? I suppose I could start with a simple....thank you. All of you....

What a way to burn....

In spite of copious amounts of sun screen, I have managed to get some sun--but you won't hear me complaining--it feels GREAT! Today we were visited by old friend Gary and new friend Phillip. Old friend Betsy left shortly after lunch (she is trying to get back to Houston before Gustaf hits) and then there are always lots of sunny, funny young people around as Q's daughter Julia has her teenage friends in and out of the house. We are getting ready to grill steaks for our last official meal together as the rest of us will begin our various travels early tomorrow. I do know that I have soaked up enough sun and love to last me to our next gathering.

Peace and love,

My tribe...

This place and my friends are so very good for me....I have spent the entire day in the pool as old and new friends have dropped by...or landed at the airport....or driven up from Houston....it's an odd mix of comings and goings as we all spend time together. Happy in each other's company. If only the ENTIRE tribe were here....but then, where we we put everybody????