My Morning Walk "with" Mom

"Hi Mom....ready for a walk?" I said into the phone this morning. "Sure", was her reply. And, so begins our 'every couple of days' morning ritual of long-distance talking while I take a walk outside in my neighborhood.

I really enjoy this one on one time with my Mom, because, other than a few noisy leaf blowers, it is pretty much free of distractions. Mom and I cover a multitude of topics as we dish about family members (With our family...these discussions could cover the entire hour if we let it!)....our aches and pains (a close second after "family") ....how my Dad can drive her crazy at times (as I am sure she does to him!)....events that we have gone to (lately for Mom these "events" have become a lot of doctor appointments for her and Dad as well as a little shopping here and there)....TV programs that we have both watched...(especially the Reality Shows to which, admittedly, we are both addicted)...etc. etc. And, of course, being talkative women, we never run out of things to discuss! It is a really wonderful connection that I have grown to cherish. (We can thank Verizon's "Family and Friends" plan that allows us the ability to talk without worry about the cost. I think that I just made a commercial!!)

It is these little rituals that we have in life that make it so much richer. The gift of giving your time to your parents and being able to listen to their wonderful stories is so special.... (ok...so sometimes the same stories are told more than once...but I still enjoy them....almost like when you are a child and you want the same story read to you night after night...there is something strangely comforting about it.)

I count my blessings every day that we can share this gift of gab together...not just as Mother and daughter, but as best friends and confidantes. Thanks, Mom.

simple pleasures...

I am sitting here at my computer this morning and realizing that my mind is actually blank. I usually begin my day filled with so many thoughts as I begin to write in my blog....but, today seems different.

My cat has perched herself on my lap as I begin this morning routine. I can feel her purring as she curls herself up and finds that comfortable spot to relax in while I type away. Sometimes she will gaze up and watch the movement of the letters appearing on the screen...but, then she sighs and nestles back down contentedly.

Looking out my window, I see that we (finally) got a good rain last night and the yard has that fresh, green look of having just been watered. We are in a drought period right now and haven't had much rain in the last few weeks....so I am grateful.

My bird feeder is perched on the small tree in the middle of the yard awaiting its customers this morning. The birds have had to share their bounty with the many squirrels who also inhabit my yard. I have gone to great lengths to keep the squirrels from eating the bird's food...but time and time again they have outsmarted me. So I have given up on this idea with the hope that they will be courteous and leave some of the seeds for their winged friends.

I have sugar water cooling in the kitchen as the hummingbirds have emptied their feeder that sits outside my window in the sunroom. I have yet to see them eating their sweet nectar this summer....but, the empty feeder verifies that they are coming around.

Usually this time of the year my yard would be bursting with the magnificent colors of flowers ....however, this summer I have new creatures inhabiting my yard---rabbits! They, unfortunately, seem to be enjoying munching on my herb garden as well as the surrounding flowers. When I first spotted one hopping around, I remember thinking: "How cute...". I don't feel quite the same anymore.

Well, the sun is starting to filter throught the trees and I am realizing that I need to get out there and take my morning walk (another daily ritual ) before it gets too hot out.

I realize now that while my mind wasn't filled this morning it gave me a chance to sit here and appreciate the simple pleasures that surround me. And, so, the day begins......

...a country still struggling

July Fourth, 2006 Dear Buddha, As we Americans celebrate this holiday today, I wish that I could give you better news about the state of affairs in our country and world. Unfortunately, we are fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.....and extremists are still threatening us with terror.....lives are being lost daily all in the name of 'freedom'. The Middle East is still in turmoil....and, every day we hear horror stories about the suffering of people in places like Darfur. There are no easy answers to any of this....so, the struggle continues. As I await your birth, I can't help but feel some hope that, maybe, future generations will be able to live in a peaceful and safe world. Who knows? Maybe you will grow up to be a leader and help make your world a better place. I guess that all grandma's to be are filled with those desires and expectations of their children and their children's children....Maybe your generation can get it right. I hope so. "You may say I'm a dreamer...but, I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us... and the world will live as one..." John Lennon

Gizmo

This blog would not really be complete without a picture of my cat, Gizmo. She has helped me through a lot of life's challenges these past few years. She has been a constant presence and loyal companion in my life. I sometimes wish that I could read her mind...I am sure that if she could talk there would be lots of great stories to tell! She is definitely a 'senior citizen' and has slowed down considerably in the last few years. But, even at the ripe old age (human years) of 105....she, too, is "awaiting Buddha..."

Time flies when you're having fun....

I couldn't help but smile this morning as I pictured Adam, Jenny, and Buddha (and Oscar, the doggie!) celebrating the Fourth of July next year. If he arrives on schedule (are you listening Buddha?!), he will be about 11 months old by then. He will be sharing the 'scary excitement' of his first fireworks display with his mom and dad! It's funny how we mark a baby's first year in months....Each month brings about such dramatic changes in their lives....following us with their eyes, holding their head up on their own, sitting up, crawling, smiling, flipping over in their beds, laughing at our tickles, eating their first solid foods, standing up....walking, potty training (fun!), talking, etc. etc.!! That first year is so special and amazing. It seems as if everything that they do (from the most inane to the most astounding) is marked in time as a historic event. We adults gather around and find excitement in all of the 'firsts' that our new baby experiences.....cheering them on along the way. When I think about it.... this really doesn't end after the first year of life. We may not measure our children's accomplishments in months after the first year, we may not oooh and aaah at every burp (heaven forbid), but every step along the way is still so 'special and amazing' to us as parents. The passages in time bring about new and exciting pleasures that we derive from our children as we continue to watch them grow. So, when a baby is born, so begins a new life with brand new pleasures and joys. Good plan, God. : )

Once On This Island

I went to see a 'little known' musical last night at the local theatre. The crowd was sparse and only the middle section of the room was filled...and even that held a few vacant seats here and there. Being a Saturday night, I was surprised and saddened at the lack of interest and support that this play was getting. This was an older Broadway play that promised to be "...a true celebration of the beauty found in each of us...". With the exception of two of the cast, it was made up of all local talent. It was a story that took place on a Caribbean Island and was mainly a tale of the poor peasant girl falling in love with a rich boy. This forbidden love took them on a journey as they tried to face the social barriers of the community and culture in which they lived. The songs were not the type to be remembered after one left the theatre...but, their voices were so rich and resonated with such passion....their dancing was heartfelt, and powerful...and I was mesmerized by it all. My first thought was that why is it that the 'little events' that just come into the world quietly seem to go unnoticed....while the louder, more famously known ones seem to get the audience numbers? Here was this incredible gem of a production that, unfortunately, was missed by so many people. Life can be that way sometimes....in that it is so often, the loud, aggressive people who seem to get a lot of attention in the world....while, the softer, quieter, behind-the-scenes folks can get overlooked. It doesn't mean that one has more meaningful information to share...in fact, many times, it is quite the contrary. We just need to learn to listen more to what everyone has to say. As I said earlier, the play promised to be "...a true celebration of the beauty found in each of us." For me it kept that promise. I am so glad that I took the time to listen.

The Two J's

In a week I will be 'winging' my way to DC to spend some time with my real 'baby': my youngest son, Jeffrey, and his terrific wife, Janet. I can't wait to visit with them. Pardon me while I do a little bragging (it comes with my "Jewish mother" contract). These two are such incredible human beings. They concern themselves with the world beyond their own little safety zone and feel empathy for others who are not as fortunate. They do this by their awareness as well as their actions. I am truly inspired by them. I also can't help but admire how they make the people in their lives a priority. First of all they put a lot of time and energy into maintaining their past and present friendships. Knowing how important my dear friends have been in my life, I especially appreciate this quality in them. They also have a deep, authentic love of family as well as their own family histories. They seem to understand that it is important to know where you come from... and they passionately pursue the stories from the past as they look towards their own futures. They embrace their lives as an ongoing adventure that is always showing them new surprises and joys. What an incredible way to live. I have found that I am never too old to learn valuable life lessons from my children... Thank you, J and J for your wisdom and love.

Equal Time

This is Liana...Sharon and Gary's other granddaughter...how adorable is she?!?!...another little angel from Costa Rica that lights up the room. She is such a little 'noodle' and word has it that she is exceptionally smart, too. (could I have heard that from Abby (grandma) Sharon?) Scott and Gisella are the proud parents...and they, too, don't seem to mind being a part of my extended family as they share their heart and joy with me, too. I am so grateful and blessed. Scott and Todd are seeking fame and fortune down there in Costa Rica...Through their hard work, determination and great timing, they are both becoming savvy businessmen and making lots of great real estate deals. All I can say is: "Watch out TRUMP! The Cutter boys are on the move!!"... I am so proud of them. 

Gram and Grammie check out the sliding rockers at Babies R Us! 

 

The Maketunim

I will be sharing the grandparent duties with, not only Adam's dad, but also Judy and Jerry....Jenny's mom and dad....the Maketunim. To say that I have fallen in love with these two people is an understatement. It is as if they have always been part of my family. I feel so lucky to have them in my life....Going to Babies R Us with Judy was an experience of a lifetime. Not only did we spend hours (not to mention $$$) there...but, the store will probably never be the same. We tried out everything...including the sliding rockers (ahhhh) and marveled at all of the choices that new parents are now faced with. They even have this item called "My Brest (sic) Friend" which the new mom uses to hold the baby up when she is nursing. In my day (Oh G-d, did I really just say that?) the kids wore little white shoes that you had to polish daily because of the smudges...and the only outfits available for boys were those a train on it...and, if you breast fed...you held the baby up with your arms. (imagine that) Now, the kids can wear miniature running shoes, boots, docksiders, loafers, etc.,etc. And, the outfits! wow...so many cute selections....even famous designers have gotten into the act. You almost need a degree from Consumer Reports to pick out the correct stroller and car seat. But, when it gets down to it....what stays the same is what is really most important....and that is that this little baby will be ooohed and ahhhed over...photographed continually.....cheered on when he poops and burps....and most of all, loved. How nice to have so many people who will be falling in love with Baby Buddha. Watch out, kid. : )

 

June 25, 2006

It's true what they say about June busting out all over! Buddha is certainly growing....but Jenny and Adam are glowing! And, so is Grammie. : ) 

Introspection....

I woke up this morning feeling a little introspective. You know that feeling when thoughts are running through your mind without abandon and you can't seem to stop them? I was thinking about all that is ahead in life for Adam, Jenny, Jeffrey and Janet....and, Baby Buddha....so many life experiences! Having lived through the times that they are now in, I sometimes want to pass on all of my 'knowledge' (ha!) to them so that they may avoid some of the mistakes that I made. But, the truth is that they will make their own mistakes....they will find some bumps in the road....and they will grow from them just as I have. Sometimes I wish that I could go back in time knowing what I now know. That would be too easy, I guess....and what would I really learn if I had figured things out before they occurred? What makes life most meaningful is experiencing the mystery of it all....not really knowing what is around that corner. So, I will have to be content knowing that I can only sit back and watch them go through Life's many wonderful challenges on their own.....but, always knowing that I am here for them if they need me. And, of course, Life is filled with incredible daily joys, delights, and adventures that they have yet to experience. Being able observe my children having all of those moments is one of my greatest pleasures in being a mom. One thing that I know for sure is that we each are our own captain as we steer our way through Life. It is our responsibility to make sure that we take control of our own futures. Star Jones said it best yesterday, "I'm not sure what the future holds, but I am absolutely sure who holds the future."

A special day!

Today is not only Jenny and Adam's 8th Anniversary (!)....but it also marks the last time that they will celebrate an anniversary as just the two of them. Baby Buddha will now become a part of their celebrating....how nice. Of course, it will always be important for them to take the time to be a couple....not always as easy when children enter the picture.....but so necessary. Being 'mommy' and 'daddy' are important titles....but being loving spouses is what makes the family unit cohesive, special... and a soft place for Buddha to land. Happy Anniversary to my dear children....get ready for life to never be the same as you know it now. Hang on....and enjoy the ride!

Oh Maya....

Ah...sharing the joy! This morning I was delighted to have received some incredibly adorable pictures of little Maya....Sharon and Gary's granddaughter. I am one of the fortunate ones who has made the "Cutter Family Photo Mailing List" and I cannot tell you how honored I feel. Maya is the daughter of Todd and Ana and lives in beautiful Costa Rica. Her cousin, Liana, also lives near there with Scott and Gisella...and, is equally as cute and precious! (will include pix of her when I get some new ones!) Maya has this wonderful glow about her that just makes you smile....and that is exactly what I did when I awoke to these newest shots of her. While they get there as often as they can....I know that Sharon and Gary would love to have these little angels living closer. Of course, I tell Sharon all of the time that getting to Costa Rica from Bham is actually easier than getting to Minnesota to see my kids. It is actually the same amount of air travel time ( approx. 4 hours)....I just have to spend a lot of the day getting there...while they can fly non-stop. That all being said, we still have the commonality of too much distance coming between us as far as our kids go. As a parent this is part of the process of 'letting go' and cheering your kids on as they find their own way in the world...even if it means that they are in another town.....or (gulp) another country. No one said that it would be easy...but you get through it with all of the modern technology that is in our hands today....and share the joy via electronic means until another trip can be planned. Who knew that a little computer chip could lessen the enormity of 'distance' and bring us closer to the ones we love (and miss)?

 

The Great Grandparents

...After getting a comment from my Dad on my blog, it made me start thinking. So, what was it like for my parents when they were awaiting the birth of my first child, their first grandchild?

Just like Adam and Jenny, I was living far from home so they didn't have the pleasure of sharing my pregnancy on a day to day basis. Of course, the Internet was just something that no one had heard of yet....so, the only communication was via phone. And, that phone was not portable....and certainly not cellular.

While I know that a grandson is about to be born.....they didn't know the sex of the baby until the doctor exclaimed, "It's a boy!" after the birth.

But as I look as these pictures, I see the same joy on their faces as I am feeling inside in anticipation of Buddha's arrival. I have actually studied their pictures as I think about them being around the age I am now. And, so it goes....the circle of life...

"Are you talkin' to me?"

This picture shows how Jenny got the nickname "Talky" !! Surprisingly, it still holds true today (!) ...as well as her absolutely, incredible singing voice. That lucky baby....he will have his mom to sing him lullabies and his dad to play the guitar. Of course, then there is the issue of Adam's new set of drums. Hmmm, I wonder how long they will last when Buddha arrives on the scene? "Shhhh, Adam, the baby is sleeping!"...

Baby Jenny

So, what is this much-awaited baby going to look like? I am hoping that he will be a wonderful blend of his parents. Here is a baby shot of Jenny.....how can we go wrong? The bottom line is that we are talking cute and adorable here. Spoken like a true grandma. : )