Extended Family

This began with the salutation "Dear Bella", but was not pursued because of the inevitable intrusion of the 'teachy-preachy' voice - boring, and well - she's much smarter than that, and should be receiving something far more fun - shortly.
Mel called yesterday. Her phone calls are an event in itself, since she is just discovering the translation of her thoughts into her day-to-day dialogue. In fact, THAT was what her call was about: how No, she is NOT the same person as she was in high school, that Yes she is discovering that she has a voice that is actually funny and interesting (sounds eerily familiar). Way to go, swell-Mel
Ate JJ & Co. are due at around 4PM. Most hopefully, post-PAGASA 2008 the visitation rhythm will establish itself. It's been TOO long actually, since the last one - and admittedly, without the logistics of the asawa* and the flirtation with being established Canadians, this rhythm could have been in full swing by now. But no regrets, no excuses - the Fatalism finds its way; 'it all happens for a reason, in its own time'. Now THAT'S a very very familiar tune.

*Tagalog for Spouse, male or female

Back on the Prairie

..and still under the Quincy Spell. I secretly hope, in the spirit of The Secret - that being in DC is in the stars for S&Me (and Pikabu!). No complaints about being a temporary Canook-Nanuk, not in the least, no siree... (we are NOT going there, not to the dead-end corners of the Boston v. NYC yo-yo). Besides, Canadians are really, truly, nice. They all smile, and seem ready to laugh at themselves when the moment allows. I can relate!
I am inspired and in deference to my sisterhood - thinking about Izz (Isa!), and Tina in London, how they are carrying on successfully in their respective life calling. Indulging in my sibling-blessing, I've been moved to write and create. It's a bit here-and-there, and still in the blind spot of 'what will this amount to? Can I actually make a living as a traveling artist? for which markets'. Of course, this all led to an afternoon sojourn to the EPL, where I read through some 'advice' books at a feverish tempo. Same conclusion: TBD. At the very least, the productivity batteries are re-charged, fueled by my overflowing heartfelt memories; THAT is the Quincy spell.
(also today - finally sent Mary Farmar's much-belated B.day card... hoping to see Timmie and JJ this weekend)

March 8, en route to DCA from Quincy

030808 @DCA
So it happened, the ‘baptismal ride’. On our way here, large pellets of raindrops falling on the car, “I don’ LIKE the big raindrops’ says Fia. It occurred to me, as we all joshed around in the familiar cheesy-corn WI humor, that the few occasions this occurred in my life, I was in a vehicle with people that I could spend the rest of my life with, to live and die for. I recalled the trip to Makabebe with Auntie B. and Uncle A, (and again driving on Whitney Way from a quick run to the Dollartree), and a lifetime of random situations with M&D and the PAGASA mission crew – and yes, with dear S. on our 2002 Thanksgiving road trip to WI via Buffalo. More recently, I took Bev & Russ to MSN airport for their trip to Arizona.

Rewind-
Back in my Quincy room, B. awakened prematurely from her nap, on the bed, still in pajamas. I had .. had.. a moment of emotion – thinking about our impending separation – Bro J does a pop-in: “Need any help?” in signature familial samaritanism.. and the emotion turned into tears - mini-aria moment: all for Bella? Of course, she turned belligerent and cried, cried – to the most functional limit of emotion a four-year old can express in utter sadness. “I DON’T want to go! I DON’T want to change! I want to stay here alone! I want to see Mama!” (the Aria peaks). I went ahead downstairs, adrift in the (familiar!) airport-bound tempo.
She and Izz then descend, fully dressed for departure, however still in tears… I requested to bring an apple for baon*, and she calmed down... We then proceeded into the car - SAFETY!
Perfect timing, right before the rain.

*Tagalog for packed food to-go