Official Mommyhood Day!

One year ago today, I passed court in Ethiopia and officially became Liv Tunsitu's Mom. The best birthday present ever. I love you beautiful daughter.

God made you so so special.

Garden - Spring 2010

One of the things that makes my heart sing is that LT has men in her life who love her dearly. We were surprised today by Uncle Kris. Today's his bday and he was coming over so that we could go to an early dinner. Instead he arrived with a tub of fertilizer/dirt and told me that he and LT were going to start her first garden today. He brought over flower seedlings and I sat back and watched how they worked so well together planting them in the backyard. Bluebird was happy being a part of the activity and it was all just about the sweetest thing in the world. I can't even properly express my gratitude for moments like this. I can't wait to see if the flowers take off. It's up to me to make sure we water them every day ;) Stay tuned...

Smiley Saturday

The Bojia's

Spending time in Seattle with Yaddi and his beautiful family. Go to Yaddi's website for all the press on him designing the new African Union flag. Also stay tuned as I am honored to work with Yaddi on a creative project that I will be posting the details on soon. And yes, Yaddi painted the picture hanging of his beautiful wife Hewan. His art is all over the house - loved it.

tunsitu is 2

You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once.

-- Polish Proverb

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.

One is roots. The other is wings.

~Hodding Carter, Jr.

The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children

– Elaine Heffner

God sends children to enlarge our hearts, and make us unselfish and full of kindly sympathies and affections.

- Mary Howitt

Happy Birthday

...to two of the most important people in my life. My brother Andy's birthday is today and Liv Tunsitu's birthday is Tuesday. I see a lot of similarities in spirit between my bro and LT and it makes me smile as well as smirk. I have no doubt these two will be a FORCE. I wish we could spend more time with Andy (lives on opposite coast) but he is always in our heart.

This pic was taken in August...

and this pic was taken today...

This is a good representation of where she was and where she is now...

When I think about her birthday and her spirit, I'm so mindful of my role in shaping her life. I'm so mindful that I need to be an example for her. I think about the words I use and the energy I live with and the morsels of wisdom that I want to offer her. I think about her story --the beauty as well as loss. I think about her circle and how lucky we all are to have her in our life. I think about the power in her being and the grand honor it is to mother her.

I expect great things...it's part of my make-up. It's not because it's been all roses. I've had great sorrow and loss but I ALWAYS expect more than I can dream. When I think about my style and Andy and LT's spirit, this song feels right - the Amy, Andy, Liv Tunsitu Anthem -

Birthdays are about honoring where you've come from, growth, reflection and hopes for the future. Birthdays are about gratitude and alignment. I love that my two sweethearts share a birthday two days apart because these two people are my heart and soul and I'm forever grateful for them. To my two Piscean loves...THANK YOU!

Sleepless in Seattle

and reflecting...

This is the first time I've had to leave LT overnight for a business trip (or any trip for that matter).

Feelings that are attached to this - fear, guilt, worry, more guilt and the fact that I will miss

so badly it aches.

But then I stop and realize that I have these amazing people in OUR life -

And they afford me the ability to go away and have total faith that LT is loved and cared for 100%.

I lay here in my hotel tonight so thankful, humbled and inspired by my "village."

So thankful in all the rewards this trip has brought me on so MANY levels.

so thankful for my business partner & friend

so thankful for the most amazing night with Yaddi, Hewan, Becca & Issiah (my Ethiopian family).

so thankful that I'll see my baby tomorrow.

This quick trip has reminded me that letting go it sometimes just as important as holding on tight. The universe supported me on this trip and I can't find the words to express my appreciation.

Mommy/work balance can be a struggle. The internal turmoil regarding not being enough in either category has metaphorically kicked me on my ass over and over again. I know that it will reappear but for now...I will live in the peace that when I asked for support - we got it. and abundantly. (a nessesary lesson for a single mom, type A, control freak ;)

Tunes EDITED with soundtrack info

During my wait with LT, my friend Julie made me a "waiting" compilation CD. It was/is the best soundtrack ever and I listen to it all the time. In that spirit, for all those who have waited and ARE waiting, especially H, C & M, here's Colin Hay, "waiting for my real life to begin". xoox.




** And Julie has so generously offered up the details for her wonderful waiting soundtrack.

This Womans Work 3:40 Kate Bush The Sensual World General Alternative
Lullaby 5:54 Dixie Chicks Taking the Long Way Country
I Shall Believe 5:36 Sheryl Crow The Very Best of Sheryl Crow (Digital Version) Rock
Heavenly Day 3:47 Patty Griffin Children Running Through Rock
Shelter 4:39 Ray LaMontagne Trouble Rock
All My Days 4:57 Alexi Murdoch Time Without Consequence Alternative
Waiting on an Angel 3:55 Amos Lee
When The Stars Go Blue 3:32 Ryan Adams Gold Rock
Issa 3:10 Dobet Gnahoré Na Afriki Alternative & Punk
Today 3:27 Joshua Radin We Were Here Alternative
HOME 5:58 Bole 2 Harlem Bole 2 Harlem, Vol. 1 World
At Last 3:02 Etta James At Last! Jazz
This Woman's Work 4:28 Maxwell Maxwell MTV Unplugged (Live) Pop