I have been swimming in different pools with my favorite little fish, remembering how much I loved water and swim team while growing up, and feeling proud to watch my children move in the same direction.

I have been camping, loving the smell of the outside world, enjoying watching my children make instantaneous friends with complete strangers, sipping beers by the campfire for hours after the kids collapse in exhaustion.

I have been spending time with my siblings and parents at various birthday parties and gatherings and am constantly reminded at how they are all my closest friends.

I have been building friendships with amazing women on the coast.

I have been searching for sea glass and failing practically every attempt. I am learning about tides, rock washes, new beaches, and the beauty in small objects.

I am practicing patience, quiet voices, and trying to calm throughout the day.

I have been watching my son day in and day out. His mannerisms, expressions, amazing smiles, conversations with his buddies, the games he creates, the questions he asks. He melts my heart every.single.day.

I have been watching Kate dance, make silly faces, develop a wonderful sense of humor, and love everyone around her.

I am waiting to welcome my friends' babies that will all be born this fall.

I have been soaking up the sun when it makes an appearance in hmb, and equally enjoying the cooler foggy days.

I am creating things with my hands, heart, and head, something I never knew possible.

I am lowering my expectations (of everyone), letting go of painful things, trying hard not to assume, judge, or jump to conclusions.

I am trying to talk less, talk slower, and use a filter more when around people who may not love me unconditionally.

I am enjoying each day as it comes.

I am watching the moon wax and wane, and focusing on one area of my life with each new cycle.

I am watching our garden grow, and smiling while the kids eat an entire lettuce plant straight from the earth.

I am almost always either playing, thinking, reading, creating, talking, listening, observing, and above all just being.

So, if you are not sure where I am or what I am doing...if you try to call and I don't answer...I may be sneaking up to Mendocino, or down to Monterey, kids in tow, trying to find the best glass beach in Ca.