As summer rolls on it has been fulfilling in so many ways.
Especially, I must say, connecting with and hearing from so many
former students. You are and always will be "My Cuties"

Hearing your stories and thoughts and motivations that made
a difference make my 35 year career all that more rewarding.

YOU are the best. Congratulations! Good luck in following your
dreams and for another group on their way to college.

Take each step and embrace. Thank you for your love and
relationship. Learning should always be all it can be.

You are (and I always told you so) unique and special!!!!

With Ruth and Grant, myself and my husband, Dave.

This was such a precious evening to long be remembered. We celebrated life, memories, camp and the "family" of all of us campers and more. The stories, the days, the history and life on the ranch.

I treasure that evening and every day and summer at Calamigos. We miss you Grant. Especially his phone calls as we planned that evening to get together. And, even the thoughts we shared of one day writing about Calamigos....

For some reason, some people wrote responses to this message of a year ago. They came today. So, yes, emotional, and also..the thought that maybe some of us should reconnect and gather together. Keep me posted and ;-)

Congratulations to Boris Brott!!

His music, creativity and joy are astounding...always reaching so many.
Last year Dave and I were his guests at the Synmphony and it was a toss up - whether to watch him conduct or the musicians. A maestro extraordinaire!!



http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/926639--boris-brott-to-conduct-for-the-pope

The world is a vast and amazing place here, there and everywhere.

This picture depicts a day that included a surprise to me - to be on the grounds of the French Ambassador in St. Martin. All just because...the little things that are so special. The wonder of the view and the colors + the experience. (I had shown this view in a destination lecture of the island - not knowing I would actually have an experience to be there.)

When I spoke at Conejo Open Classroom Monday night, Misty arrived to surprise me as it had been years. She made my night! Misty was in my class in 2nd grade and now a high school junior she came by with her wonder I remember of years ago. The timing! rewarding...

Then I spoke for Open Classroom Tuesday and I shared a story of the little things that children remember. In the courtyard I used to lead a slide type line dance for the entire Conejo School of 600. My point was that children of all ages and levels and backgrounds can share joy and experiences. Those moments of carefree excitement and sharing.

After I went to a local restaurant and a young woman, Catherine, came up to me. "Hi. I was never in your class or program though I was a student at Conejo Elementary when you were there. What I remember most is a school dancing together and sharing smiles and the fun rhythm."

The little things! We remember them and they make a difference!

Martha Abbey Miller is an enncounter of a life time. She has the extraordinary ability to portray a character in history so that one comes "alive" in our hearts and memory.

Last night WAN (Women's Artistic Network) had the fortune once again to view this one woman show.

Taking on the life portrayal of Anne Frank is difficult, emotional and something we all need to see to remember....to reflect...

Martha brought tears as we heard the words of Anne...the beauty of her diary and the sadness of a life lost. (So many loves and lives...the sad truth of history.) As she spoke and turned the pages of a "Diary" and books of history from the words of many, one could almost feel as we visited with Anne ourselves.

Thank you for the opportunity. What a beautiiful rememberance and an eye opener as well.

Thank you to all for a year of making a difference. Together we can!

Life is about experiences and the passion of enjoying what you do.

2012 has welcomed me into the hearts of cities, organizations, churches, temples, schools, communities and places near and far.

All of this gives me great JOY!

Global Dining with AAUW is a chance to experience the world without even a passport!!

We had a fabulous lunch put on by Leydy at La Carreta in Thousand Oaks. She explained all of her homemade traditional delights.
Authentic Salvadorean Cuisine at its best!

~~~
Want to join in on the "world" right here in our Conejo Valley? Next time is December 3rd at N'Awlinz. The staff is expecting us with samples of southern hospitality andd Cajun food. Contact me to join on in. This place is new and outstanding = the staff and the food!

We can all find moments in each day that bring a smile and appreciation of joyful living.

This was 6 a.m. on a California beach. The sounds of the ocean and the reflection. The quiet of the early morning and a new day.

Summer is here and that means Body Surf competition for Dave.
His passion for the water. The joy of the ocean and all related!

I love this picture because it shows southern California with three generations together. Grandson Jared, Son-in-law Jose, and my husband, Dave. Jared beginning more exploration of surf and Jose connecting with the ocean.