December Daily® 2014 | Day Twenty-Two And Twenty-Three

Today I'm combining my Day 22 and Day 23 of my December Daily® album into one post partly because they feel like they go together and partly just to get them up here on my site. I'm working on the last two days today and hope to share them soon as well.

Days 22 and 23 for me were at the beach with my parents. Aaron joined us on the night of the 22nd and then we drove back home on the 24th. Here's a look at those two days in my album:

Mom and I went to see Wild on the 22nd. We had both read the book and were looking forward to seeing the story played out in the movie. I think I wrote about it before on here but maybe I didn't - I had a bit of a hard time getting through the book because the main character made me so mad (who the heck walks the PCT without preparation and planning ahead). And then I kept getting mad at myself because I was being so judgmental. Sometimes we just have to set out without knowing how the story is going to end. Duh. I think the reality is that there are themes in the story that hit close to home for me in recent years - not literally but more figuratively - walking a new unknown path, letting go of control, loosing and looking for and discovering yourself, fear, loneliness, the evolution of our own personal story, etc.

Bottom line. I liked the movie.

That photo of my Dad on the bottom shows him cutting up meat for Shabu Shabu (a traditional Japanese dish that I love having with my parents). It's so him. It's actually one of those photos I think I'll treasure for a very long time. I find myself keenly aware of the fragility of life as I myself get older and I'm doing all that I can to really treasure and celebrate my parents while we are here together on earth. They are such real people - imperfect and awesome and I'm so thankful that they are mine. Getting to go and spend time with them by myself is such a huge gift to me. Our conversations - so often rooted in family stuff and our own histories and future and the things we let go of and hold on to - are so important to me even when we disagree.

My parents are awesome examples of love and forgiveness and forward movement.

Visits with my parents always include at least one walk on the beach, pretty much always with camera in hand.

I love listening to them tell stories about this beach and I love watching them as they look through the lens of their camera to document the changes they see from a storm or things they want to show their elderly neighbors or just something they think is beautiful. I love how they notice things and want to document them.

Yeah, not a lot of questions about where that comes from for me.

In those top pockets I included the movie tickets and then a collection of stars - punched and other ones that were on my desk. Those glitter chipboard pieces totally got used this year.

Definitely want to frame that photo of me and my Mom. Thanks Dad.

Just a bit of writing on my photos for Day 22 - simple and easy.

After our beach walk and after Aaron arrived we went out to see the lights.

That top left photo includes silhouetted profiles of Aaron and my parents. On Instagram I added a caption that mentioned yesterday and today. That spot is a favorite for me to capture - in this one I also love that just off the center to the left are two hibiscus blooms that decided to bloom on the days we were there.

On the 23rd we took Aaron to the Sheep Ranch which is a private section of Bandon Dunes (the short story is my Dad worked out there at one time). We hit balls and walked around and had putting competitions and marveled at the view of the Pacific Ocean.

It was a really great few days with my parents and Aaron.

I also wanted to share a shot of my workspace from when I was at my parents. I took a big basket down with me that included my December Daily® kit, my lap top and my Epson PictureMate Show printer. I shared this photo on Instagram and got a bunch of questions about the printer. It's the same one I've been using for a few years now and I love it. I use it here at home for printing all my 4x6 photos and smaller. Usually it's just hooked up to my desktop computer but it also travels pretty well. Highly recommended if you are looking for an at-home printer.

SUPPLIES

SHARE YOUR DAY 22 AND/OR 23