Summer Vacation

Please notice that this is not a "Chapter" post. My life is so full and busy with friends, family, and hobbies that there is much to write about outside of the grief and sorrow that is for Julia. Episodes of sadness and grief are temporarily taking a back seat to life, laughter, and sunshine. I will still have "Chapters" to write about: for example her headstone will be in in a few weeks, and milestones will come and go throughout the next year that I'm sure will be considered "Chapters" in her life, but for now I am tucking her into my heart and it is time for me to live my life.

First of all, I have been very busy working on the front porch of my house. I have a large south facing front porch that gets sunshine all day long. My mom and I have spent many hours perusing flower shops for good deals on pottery and plants. The front porch has been the setting for many wonderful conversations and peaceful moments. It's fun to rock back and forth, sipping lemonade and watching the flowers grow. It is also sheltered somewhat from the rain and I like to take a heavy quilt outside and watch the raindrops pitter patter on the flower petals or curl up with a good book. Because I don't have a garden space this year, I am trying container gardening. It is too early to see the fruit of my labors (literally) but so far the plants seem to be thriving. I have planted two tomato plants, three bell peppers, a box of onions, two cucumbers, and several different herbs.

Many people gave Jacob and I beautiful flower arrangements in memory of Julia. The hanging baskets and geraniums have made a beautiful addition to my porch. We were also given 9 roses which we planted in front of the porch. They are a variety of species and colors and I look forward to some warmer weather when they will bloom. Roses hold a special meaning to Jacob and I because it is my middle name and we often use roses to symbolize our affection for one another. To all of you who donated to this beautiful memorial garden, I thank you!

(Oops! Please tilt your head to see the picture!)

Second, is books! Reading is the best way to spend summer vacation. My sweet friend Crystal lent me more books than I will ever be able to read in a life time I'm sure! Many other friends have stopped by with books and book suggestions and my sister in law and I made a trip to the library the other day where we also stocked up on some summer reading. In the last three weeks I have read:

• Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
• The Street Lawyer by John Grisham
• Joy Cometh in the Morning: a Story of Healing from the Loss of a Child by Fran C. Hafen
• Dancing in the Light by Anita Stansfield
• A Dance to Remember by Anita Stansfield
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosney
• Set in Stone by Linda Newbery

Finally, I've started exercising again. Just like last summer, my friend and I are determined to see improvements. Even if we haven't improved physically, I know this has been great emotional therapy for both of us. We get up and go every morning at 7:30. Hopefully soon we'll be back at the canyon though I need a little more time to prepare before I take on that challenge!

The next weeks are filling up with barbecues, birthday parties, picnics, and bicycle rides. Yea for summer vacation!!!!