Art of Preparedness

La Joie

Life is a river. A never ending flow of surprise and reflection. Some surprises come wrapped in challenge and static. When an old and dear friend-the kind in which months and even years can pass with no contact for when at last you reunite it is as if no time has passed-drops in for a surprise visit, it is only pure simple joy that can follow.

A very dear friend, Brandon Hill, made his visit recently. Bringing with him the lovely mountain girl named Ty, we took our short time to the park at Kiya’s request. For it was Kiya’s introduction to the charm of “Brando,” and the two together quickly combined their powers. The day was hot, almost unbearably so. However it was of little concern as memories of yesterday and plans of tomorrow blossomed in the heat, beads of gratitude dripping from our chins.

A recent camping expedition challenged us with an interesting dilemma, “what do we do with a 2-year-old that wants to hike long and hard?” The answer of course is let her hike. Kiya was not to be stopped, not until roughly 13,000 ft. stood beneath her little feet. There were no waterfalls on this hike, but a dip in a cold stream sufficed.

Most impressive was her tenacity in the venture. Her enthusiasm only waned as hunger took over. Were it not for her tummy, she may have struck summit. Of special note is the fact that small erosion barriers, only a step for adults, were nearly full body climbs for her. And still she would not stop. Simply amazing.

Kiya, after battling her 1st 14′er, warily surveys the mountain she conquered at 2 years old.
Firmly held in hand, nature’s own power plant, Peanut Butter.

One of life’s simple joys is Korean family dinners. I have been to two in my life, and though the number is small, my memory of the experiences is anything but. The food never seems to stop coming, faces are always squished with the most delightful Asian smile, and hospitality in its truest form seems to dance around the room.

Recently Steph, Kiya and myself were invited to a friends of ours Grandfather’s birthday. This was Kiya’s 1st of many experiences with Miso and the like, and of course she was a hit as well.

Sometime during Steph’s pregnancy I found within my heart the very real desire to buy my soon-to-be-born child a pair of sturdy hiking boots. Girl, boy, neither mattered. It was simply determined that my child would be introduced to the glory of a good pair of boots at a very young age. Thus, upon Kiya’s “it’s waterfall time daddy,” comment last weekend I promptly rushed her to the nearest shoe store and found for her a pair of Keen hiking boots. They are purple. Which is a good thing. Especially when your name is Kiya.

The following day we all piled up, dogs included, and went to the nearest green space we could find. Kiya, two years-practiced with only Crocs was at first unsure of her new boots. However, a few rocks and a mound of dirt or two and she came to realize what I had hoped she would come to know…nothing beats a pair of good hiking boots!

Now, when I come home, she proudly stomps her feet and declares, “Hiking boots Daddy! Hiking boots. Time for waterfall!”

On December 12, 2008 the Moon was in perigee, meaning it was at its closest point to earth in a 15 year cycle. It also meant it was 6% closer than average, and so 11% brighter! It was also the night of a certain Christmas Party for a certain bunch of news hounds on a certain boat in a certain harbor in Ventura. And like all full moons, it certainly brought about the wilder side of the night.

This plucky photog was on the scene, and though names are being withheld for the protection of those captured here, their stories will none the less shock and amaze you.

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Ryan in Market

“Hmmm, Any apples I wonder..?”

“Must expend energy…must run up hill…get to stop light…must not stop…must not sit in car any longer! Must run, run RUN!!!”

“Hmmm, someone has been here. but who? “

To see in a child the discovery of the most basic principles of our reality, the “laws” that comprise our universe, is simply God’s greatest gift. Even better, these moments serve as gateways to our truest selves. “Good times” depend on the way you spend time and whom you spend it with; this of course is an obvious point. Best, I think by way of a huge realm of experimentation myself, are the times where in focus is present moment, where number is small, not large, where food is prepared, not bought.

Recently we spent the evening with the Keenans. Barbara prepared macaroni-&-cheese made with pureéd cauliflower. It was incredible. Nestled deep within every bite was a feeling I can only describe as mirth. During the course of the evening Kiya discovered a stuffed penguin, or rather a penguin discovered her…

“A penguin!?! Really? Here, in this room? No way!”

“Yep! Penguin wants to go home with you!”

“Yeah! Take me home!”

Dinner with close friends, especially those who have children is true delight.

Its been a while since my last post, and with good reason. Steph, Kiya and I traveled to Corvallis, Oregon to help my little sister, Jennie and her wonderful husband Geoff with the approach of their first son…Caleb James! Two weeks spent with them in their waiting, possibly the longest pre-labor ever recorded (just kidding) and we had to return the day before he arrived. Such is life and so it goes. Rather then break the days into seperate posts, as was my plan before leaving, I’ll simply post the whole take. Enjoy!!!

We arrive in Portland and Kiya is stoked!

Leaving the airport, the wonder of it all

Walk like an Egyptian

Kiya gets a new pair of rain boots!

Toy store…a child’s paradise

Frisbee!

The rocken-ist coffee shop in Corvallis, the “Purple Moon” 

Kika plays in the park

Jennie through Steph’s eyes

Aunt Jennie and Kiya envision holiday sparkle

Corvallis gains a Chipotle, nice…

Toy stores are cool, but a whole Jolly Jump playland, OMG!

Uncle Geoff is just as excited!

THE PLUNGE!!!

Held with Hands of Love

Kiya brings a laugh

Three

Fingers

Common Scene

Wind in her hair

What’s This?

You mean this comes in packets?!? By the spoonful? Yummm

Tie knot where? What? You’ve got to be kidding

Kite at the Beach

BEADS!!!

Closer now

Closer still…keep it up sister, you’re doing great!

Kiya wants to help her aunt Jennie too…fishies?

A visit from Missy: “You’re doing great, babie’s strong. Hang in there!”

When?

Monkey See…

At the airport again…Not here, not yet!

On a plane again.

And as we departed from Corvallis, leaving Jennie and Geoff to their greatest task, marveling to myself at the amazing thing we call birth, I overhear the stuartess talking to an elderly women one row in front of us. She’s 90 years old and this is her first plane trip, her second flight in her entire life!!!

I asked her about her trip and she stated plainly that it was time to see her great-grandkids, it was Thanksgiving weekend after all. From cradle to grave, thank you for this wonderful trip called life! And thank you Jennie and Geoff for blessing this world with the seed of your love, and for giving Kiya a cousin. God bless you three!