Capitalizing on a three day weekend the best way I know how, I flew back to Denver to see the nephews. The whirlwind trip was over far too fast. Somehow, these two little souls resurrect a piece of me otherwise inert…the piece that dies with each new medical setback & my ever reducing scarred countenance…they make me want to hang on, if for nothing else, to see to it that they never experience any of my pain. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I Love them!
My mother and sister decided they just couldn’t live without me. (translation: two busy Colorado moms needed one night away near a beach and I happen to be near one). With a mere 33 hours to accomplish the SaMo/SoCal experience, my skills as host would be challenged to the max. Fortunately, Google Maps and I are best friends. After plugging in some necessary sites (Marina del Rey, downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, and more), an itinerary was in place. As tour guide, I couldn’t disappoint…and what kind of tour guide would I be without proper equipment?!
With itineraries in hand, an iTunes playlist queued up, and a hidden microphone amplifier ensemble under my driver seat (which would debut unexpectedly at just the right moment: “Goodmorning everyone! How are we all doing today? Welcome to California! My name is Amber and I’ll be your tour guide this weekend…up on your left you’ll notice…”), the weekend was sure to be a hit. Yes, we crammed in as much sightseeing (and cliché tourist poses) as we could. It was a blast!
We relocated! Murphy and I made the big move to California and our family is complete again, reunited with Craig who had already relocated.
A 16 hour drive became a 20 hour excursion due to a horrible tractor-trailer collision near Mesquite, NV which closed the highway for 4 hours. Mangled, twisted metal was everywhere, a semi-truck went into the ravine, and 300 gallons of diesel fuel spilled. It was so strange to be parked on a highway stranded with tons of other strangers at 1 AM, not fully knowing what was going on. The only light came from other truckers’ illuminated red brake lights. There was no way to escape or detour for most of us because of a ravine on one side and rocky terrain on the other. So we all just waited, pacing the dotted line, staring up at the stars like campers. At 5 AM we got going again and drove past an eerie sight of large cranes rescuing the semi. I was relieved to read later that everyone made it out safely.
So, here we are! Already my skin is soaking up the new environment with hopes that sea level, humidity, and a thicker atmosphere with less winter UV preserve the unbroken cells I have left. Thanks California, for pimpin’ my DNA!
Over-do for a night out, I couldn’t say no to an invitation, & I’m glad I didn’t. These ladies shared their evening with me, & I won’t quickly forget our lively conversations!
Five is my favorite number. A month ago I noticed the car was approaching 5,000 miles. An impossible thought occurred to me to plan to take a picture of the display representing all FIVES. Wrap your head around…trying to get the car to go exactly 55 miles per hour (without cruise control)…at 5:55 AM or PM…when the odometer hits 5,555 miles…at the exact moment that the trip-dometer hits 555.5 miles…with the temperature showing 55 degrees Fahrenheit! (while driving South which would be represented by an S…the letter looking most like a five…while the transmission would be in Sport mode…also reflecting an S).vvLONG STORY SHORT: I would have approx 5.5 seconds to nail this picture since there was only a 1/10 of a mile window at highway speed.
This morning was THE MORNING of the event. In the darkness, I departed with sidekick Murphy in tow, excited by the cool and damp air. Here is the result….
The temperature a few minutes before, AND AFTER, was a spiteful 55 degrees, however for this shot…it is what it is. As for the blurriness…blame the excitement, or the frustration, or the highway, or the early hour sans-Starbucks. Lastly, the cardinal direction of South suspiciously went missing from the upper left corner. Apparently the car isn’t a morning person either.
Getting kids to sit still for a family shoot is a hilarious prospect. I think the best part about this shoot is all the pictures I’m not posting…all the faces…all the emotions…what a riot! I love my nephews, especially after this experience.
One of the best pick-me-ups is to surround yourself with glowing people. Jamie is expecting baby number two, and working with her and her family brought me much joy!
“The Original Scale Miniatures”…MicroMachines! After two decades of not seeing these, I was elated to see them turn up in family storage bins.
Our Murphy: Here he is, five years, eleven months, and two days days old. 16 hours of rest a day + 8 hours of guard dog watch, walks, and play = one fulfilled pup.
