My Greality

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Wild Blue Yonder-Ponderings about my Dad

My dad....

Crank it up, Dad

I could feel him on that pass.

My dad and his love for flying. Can't be matched. For as long as I can remember, my dad has talked, breathed, bled airplanes. When we were small and even into our adult lives, driving in a car with my dad always led to an airport. I have been in every small, broken down airport hanger west of the Mississippi...and even a few in Mississippi. Long before there was Internet so he could check, his basic instinct of all that smells like airplane fuel, could guide him blindly to the next small strip of blacktop at the end of a windsock. It seemed it was always hot, your legs sticking to the plastic chairs in the "office" (usually just a small room right of the hanger door) and the coins he gave each of us bought us stale peanuts and a pop in a glass bottle. I didn't understand as a small child what I do as a grown adult. I was watching... and learning too, about how a passion and love for substance turns into a lifelong quest, not for perfection, but for pure joy, gratification and solace.

He builds and rebuilds old airplanes, venturing into exotic places like Mexico to old crash sites to find the parts he needs. His latest project is coming to a close, I see the excitement in his eyes and he tells me about his plans for the "test flight". I love that sparkle when he makes me go into his "hanger" he just had to have on his property, in the middle of the night (cause that is when I arrived), with a flashlight to see the engine he just rebuilt. I don't understand what I am looking at but I understand what it means to him.

His prominent affection is crop dusting. He is the best I have ever seen. I always said when I grew up I wanted to be a flagger for my dad. I had not had the chance to photograph and preserve for all time, his passion. He went along with it "cause there is that one field that needs spraying". As I felt him pass me that day in the field, hearing the deafening roar of his Supercub, I could sense his pride in a job well done, his excitement for living his dream, and watch his true love holding him in the palm of her hand...

and I wondered what it must feel like to soar.

I love you , Daddy.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Is it Spring?

Winter has lingered on and wrapped itself around me like an old blanket. I see glimpse of affirmation in a few warm afternoons, but I wonder. My promise of spring came not in a bloom in my garden but a self purchased gift from the produce section of the local grocery. It's spring to me even if it came in a cardboard box from Ecuador.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Letter to Dane-Leaving for Army Basic Training April 23

I want you to know how proud I am of you. Your choice to serve our country is a huge one and one I know you don't take lightly. Whey they say "the price of freedom isn't free" I know the true meaning. The sacrifice you make wont be easy but know I am here at home, cheering you on, praying for your safety and longing for your homecoming.

Jordan and Dane

Dane and Dad

Dane and Bradley

The time we've had together since you moved home has been a blessing. I love that you love to sleep in late, that you help me with laundry and dishers. I love that you are a giving, loving, kind spirit, always with a easy smile. I love your layed back attitude and you are easy to feed! I adore your corny jokes, they make me giggle every time. I cherish the moments we get to spend together alone, our little catch me up chats and our heartfelt discussions about life. I will miss you from the very depths of my being and soul.

I am so excited for you to start this new part of your life. It's going to define who you will become but never lessen who you already are. Live every moment, soak in all the adventures and remember to listen carefully in the quiet of the day or night and you will hear me whisper "I love You".