autumn leaves

girl with broom

it's not easy getting a picture of k these days, the main reason being that she doesn't want me taking pictures of her and looks with disdain and annoyance whenever i come around with my camera. nevertheless, being a mom, i am quite intrepid when necessary and can move quickly myself if the situation calls for it. i was able to snap a few photos of her after the show, and after observing them i was struck by her similarity to her nonno: both of them move faster than a speeding bullet, both carry various oddments in their back pockets and hang essential tools from their belt loops, and both are most happiest when working on an important task at which only they (really!) excel (and are in a position to tell everyone else what to do), while simultaneously laughing with friends.

opening night for the rivals

this is a homeschooling production of richard brinsley sheridan's play the rivals (first performed at covent garden in 1775). k has been stage managing and handling props and lighting design. for some of the actors, it's their first show, for others, their 5th or 6th. accordingly, there is a marked difference in projection, enunciation, motivation, and responsibility . . (learning lines and blocking, attention span, punctuality . . etc.) what makes up for these different levels of ability is . . . . heart; from the actors and techies, and from the director and producer and parent helpers. it was an inspiring production and one I was happy to see.

morning after

we got to bed so late last night that c fell asleep before she could open her final birthday gift . . an american girl (samantha) mystery book. it was opened this morning with xena as witness.

birthday bike ride

we managed to get ourselves out for a bike ride today. it was beautifully sunny and incredibly warm . . . and the bike path was quiet! so different from the summertime.

it's c's birthday. she's 10 now. a decade old! time goes by fast.

jack o'lanterns

we bought our pumpkins for half price on our way home from connecticut. they were finally carved this afternoon into a grinning jackanapes and winsome kitty cat. we also ate a delicious pumpkin pie!

halloween at the ballet class

m cleaned up a pretty fairy skirt that k had made a few years ago for a halloween at her ballet school. she found a nice set of fairy wings that you can even dance in, and she was set. i didn't get to see her in the full costume as i was at third street for c's repertory class, so i'm glad g took a picture. let's see, i think the first young lady on the left is a chicken . . then comes my lavender fairy, then vampire ballerina, and finally spider ballerina.