Back to Nature

Last week Rick and I joined my friend Betsy and we took a field trip with the kids to the Crowley Nature Museum. There was a guided nature walk for kids so they could become "wildlife detectives". He talked with them about fossils, bones and animal tracks then we set out on an adventure. We looked at tracks on the ground and talked about what might have left them, we saw a Bald Eagle flying to a nest, sand hill cranes, egrets, lizards, insects, and kept a keen eye out for other critters (hard to spot with three boys running ahead). He was great with the kids and the adults had fun too but for me it was a moment to reminisce about my past.

I attended a wedding there once a few years ago but had not been on the property since I was in Jr High. My Jr. High agriculture teacher and one of the people most responsible for who I am today was the Late Bill Crowley. His family has owned the property for generations. He was the type of teacher (and parent) who inspired and challenged you, never settling for less than your very best, always there to guide you in the right direction. He was respected by everyone and as he taught me about animals, horticulture, and science he also taught me how to speak in public, how to be a leader and gave me enough self confidence to last three lifetimes. When I was a Senior in High school he filled in for my father on a very important day and the accolades he gave will be with me forever. He died 23 years ago in a plane crash on the way to Tallahassee while preparing to retire from a lifetime of teaching.

So while Reece and Rick got back to nature I got in touch with my past. It's the kind of place that you just want to linger at. Most visitors think its "Old Florida" but I know the reason is that the spirit of a wonderful man is at home there. I hope someday my boys will have a teacher as good as him and I hope that I can strive to parent the way he did.

Thanks Mr. Crowley

If you want to visit www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org

Summer

I know it was here just the other day
the start of Summer was on the way

The beach, the park, the pool did you say
all fun things to fill a long summer day

Visiting friends, some travel not far away
we have so many hours to waste in a day

But today I awoke and much to my surprise
Summer was gone like a quick sunrise

Now it's the last minute crunch to get ready for school
backpacks, pencils and other colorful tools

Gone are the days of jammie's till noon
It's rise and shine have to be at school soon

It's hard to let go of the things left to do
guess that's why next year we get Summer too

Wait just a minute I thought of a reason
to smile again about this Summer season

It's Florida you see and that means just one thing
We enjoy Summer year round and that's a reason to sing

PS. better start Christmas shopping

"I miss myself"

While putting Reece to sleep a few night ago he was saying that he wished he could be bigger like me and daddy...I told him that I like him just the size he is now and that in fact I miss my little baby and he replied with "I miss myself too". I was amazed that a three year old could have such insight because there have been many instances when "I miss myself " too. Can you relate? Sometimes when we get busy or overwhelmed it seems we just want to reconnect to ourselves so we do things to get back in sync with friends, family and spouses. It's not that I don't love and appreciate what I am or have now it just it easy to forget about who we are and what our mission is. So the next time you are missing yourself take a few moments to rejuvenate and fine you again...I'll bet you smile.

Here we go! It's about time I started keeping track of this life I love...although sometimes I have to remind myself. It's so easy to get caught up in the chaos of life that we forget the basics...food, shelter and health. I have so much more than the basics and for that I'm eternally grateful. I was asked recently about a mission statement and I got to thinking "what is my mission"?. It use to be easy...get an education, find a job, enjoy my husband, spend time with friends and live happily ever after. I got the education, got the job, enjoy my husband, adored my friends but ever after has a lot of forks in the road....aka KIDS. Now I don't have the job and friends are distant memories of people who use to share my life (thank God for that husband). In short my mission has taken on a whole new meaning but I have yet to give it a solid foundation...I'm operating without a valid statement, one I truly believe in, one that makes my heart sing, one I look forward to everyday. So for me today begins a new journey to make a statement. I don't want to picket any cause or walk the beach in a thong...I just want to selfishly do this all for me. I'm looking forward to the journey.