4 Days in L.A.

I'll write more later but last week end in Los Angeles was fabulous. How fabulous? you ask. Pink martinis, ocean views, hillside houses, parades and my two best friends.

(OMG, I'm watching the SAG awards and Julie Christie is still stunning.)

Child of the Sixties

Yesterday on the way to school I taught Leah that old Arlo Guthrie song, I don't wanna a pickle, I just wanna ride on my motorcycle and I don't want to die... I just wanna ride on my motorcy---cle. It was so fun to seeing her cute little 6 year old mouth singing that silly hippie song.

This morning we listened to the Beatles' Rocky Raccoon. She didn't seem to embrace it as quickly. Mostly it just made her mad that she had forgotten her stuffed raccoon.

Good Genes

Happy Birthday Aunt Ella. Today is her 95th birthday. I haven't seen her in two years but at 93 she was healthy, happy and strong. I believe she is slowing down a bit. She sounds a little tired on the phone and her letters have a new, quiet tone. But she still lives in her one bedroom apartment down the hall from her sister my Aunt Pauline (who will be 99 in September!)

Aunt Ella stands out by her short stature. All her sisters are at least 5'8" and her brothers were all well over six feet. She is very generous and has a hearty giggle. Her beautiful thick gray hair is short and stylish.


I love her jewelry. I think she has kept every piece she's ever had. It's mostly costume and big and colorful. She remembers who gave her what and always wants me to select whatever I'd like. Today I'm wearing a small rhinestone pin in the shape of a flower that she gave to me last time I saw her. I have it on so that I will have her close to me all day. If I'm lucky, I will have inherited her strong genes.

Happy Birthday Aunt Ella. I hope to see you sometime soon.

Bliss

Finally a blog. I am just discovering them. I like the thought of a forum to explore life's challenges and routines. As an "older" mom I thought a blog would give me a place to collect my thoughts about the unique position I'm in.

My daughter, Leah, is 6. Seven next month. I am 51.

I have always been behind the curve, a slow starter. I hate that about me. I overthink everything which delays decisionmaking. By the time I realized I was getting a late start on motherhood, I spent too much time weighing my options and before I knew it, I was 44. I know most days I'm just a mom but at least once a week I'm painfully aware that I should really be Leah's grandmother!