this is living

Luca and his summer crew, gearing up for the warmth, excited to be mostly naked and free for the coming months.

We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. - Charles Kingsley

I'm starving

and this is what I want to eat:
Cranberry smoothie with activated buckwheat, grapes and banana slices.

pink

images from here

This is for my dear Selene. Because I miss you, because I love you, because the world is sending you extra love and energy at all times, and I don't ever want you to forget it.

So readers, send sweet Selene all your support. Please.
xo

made of love

Sometimes I see pictures of this child and I am brought to tears. Happy, love-filled tears.
He's such a character, he's such a strong force, he has everything one must possess to be a powerhouse.
And when you talk to him about the world, when you ask him his opinion, he will tell you. Without question, he knows.

He possess this rawness I love most in people. It's not about what he has, possession wise, obviously. it's about what he is at his core. That's what I live for. That is what I yearn for, more of it. Realness.

I don't need to have friends who all carry the same bag, as girls often do. That doesn't inspire me. Anyone can buy the newest it bag. What interests me are those that have an innate ability to live from their core. They are individuals, they are not ordinary, they are often crazy, they are real. Precisely the quality Luca exudes now, which I pray he always has forever on.

lovers in love

from here

Imagine spending all day at the beach with your boyfriend, your skin soaked up by the sun and then when it get’s a bit cooler you and him just lay on bed, still warm from the time at the beach and your hair still salty from the sea and you just fall asleep perfectly.

heart at home

image from here

verde

images from here

Some days it's yellow. Others it's black. Unexpectedly it's currently green.

Five green things I am loving now, below.

a dose of sea

images from here

at the sea, again. feeling great. but missing my boy...life can be tricky like that.

oh please please please

ahh, Christian Dior Resort 2014. I am obsessed with this dress. I need this dress in my life. 

DIY

image from here

This is such a sweet idea for a kids room: painted wooden clothes rail. Pretty self explanatory, really. And so sweet to hang beautiful clothes or objects found.
Thinking after our construction/move this summer, I may have to decorate Luca's room with this.

Heart tree

Love from shab in San Francisco. So sweet.

Babes

The thing I keep obsessing over with being a mom is how much we impact these little beings.

I read recently that a child's heartbeat slows down when hugged. So during a temper tantrum or crying fit of any kind, grab and hug close.

I also read that children who grow up with parents that flirt and tease one another have a greater ability to feel compassion and empathy.

But one of my favorite parental lessons came when I was told children who role play and express themselves through dress up develop creative skills and personal understanding quicker.

So many lessons, so many interesting facts and ideas. Mostly though, so much fun. The interest and happiness I see through luca and his daily observations really keep life interesting for me. He and I racing on the street bike vs scooter. Running full speed in the apartment, flying into home base on the couch. Snuggling for story time each and every night. Lessons for him are just as good for me.

Motherhood. Who knew it would be this grand? Wow.

“Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be,"

-Clementine Paddleford