Fall Shots

"I love school!"

first days of montessori school

Camping Trip

Birthday Pixs

Summer Update

*"Fourth of July Snail"
*Giddy up!
*Beach Playground with Mum
*Pretty Ballerina at Nanee's

first cut, finally

After two years and nine months, we finally gave in and took Stella to get her first haircut! First, a picture before the locks were cut (little orphan Stella?). Then, at the beauty shop... and finally the new do.
And yes, she is wearing her hand-knit sweater.

winter wonderland

As you can tell, I don’t spend much of my time blogging; it isn’t a priority of mine. I probably will type a few more entries during the summer months, but 12 months of the year my priority is being the best partner and mother possible, as well as educate 21 darlings. Did I mention living an authentic life, not one consumed by technology? But, I find myself wanting to feel closer to friends and family located in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, California, Alaska, and ?????. I often wonder what your lives are like. This is my attempt to bridge the gap, and hopefully you will email me and tell me what you are doing. At the end of a week’s vacation from school, Kelly and I dropped Stella off at her Pepe and Gigi’s house where she had a slumber party with her six year-old “hero” and 17 month-old buddy. Then we headed off to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Staying at a lovely Inn in Eaton, NH. We shopped, slept (that never happens anymore!), and relaxed. The highlight was snowshoeing in the White Mountain National Forest. This is my second favorite place in the US (first being Acadia National Park). I feel fully alive in the woods. The feet of snow and mountain lines were gorgeous; I would have loved a professional photographer’s camera. The silence was awe-inspiring. The endorphins were a rush. I’ve enclosed a picture of the two of us ice climbing the Champney Falls (at the conclusion of a steep hike near Mt. Chocorua.

Just kidding! Anyway, this is what we do in New England during the winter months. Can’t wait to hear from you. (eshepherd@maine.rr.com)

sobering

In the last 20 months, we had 7 deaths in our lives. First was my biological mother (someone who never could give me what I needed) whose life was cut short due to cancer at a young age of 50 something. Then was our best friend Tazmin (Kelly's Comrade who lived an awesome, full life). My 100 year-old Grandmother, who I am still learning about to this day, died peacefully. Tragically, the man who visited my Grandmother two times a day during meal time and was just about to retire at age 65 perished in an automobile accident that left everyone asking "how" and "why." My father and I were back to having a good relationship and because of his death, I've learned more about how wonderful he truly was. And he absolutely adored Stella! Next was Kelly's favorite aunt, her father's favorite sister and one of ten siblings. We had just visited her in Boston three months prior and had no idea that her life would be taken so quickly. Kelly's friend and client died next of a sudden death. And then Eric, my cousin, tragically took his own life. He was a victim of a disease called depression. He left his wife and two young children. I know that he must have been in hell in his mind.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell everyone that these deaths have made me truly realize, to my core, that my life is wonderful, but short. Now I wake up excited to live each day like it will be my last. No regrets! I am at peace with who I am and I no longer feel angry with anyone. I’ve never felt more at peace with other people, the world and myself.

So here is a little Shaker poem to think about ...

Improve each Moment

Improve each moment as it flies,
Now in this blessed day;
So run that we may win the prize,
There's danger in delay

This day, this hour may be the last,
For death is sure to all,
And not a single minute past,
Can any soul recall.

O Lord, may every breath be drawn
In prayer, in thanks or praise,
That I may say, when time is gone,
I've well impro'd my days.

-Millennial Praises, Containing a Collection of Gospel Hymns
Hancock, Massachusetts
1813