on the plane

Above: Benicio is wearing a flight suit that I wore as a kid. I actually wore it to dance class at Suzanne's on Cumberland St. Here, the garment is worn for its purpose, on a plane by the cockpit. It's full-length, complete with the bell-bottom cut.
Below: Clara and Elli on the flight to SF. Clara says, "Where did we leave my friend, Elli?"

Beatty's Par Avion

Writing on-location from our hotel in SF. We got here on Wednesday afternoon. We left behind the ice storm back on Burbridge St. Barely made our flight. Benicio, Calliope and I in the jetway running in stocking feet to catch it. Geoff made a harrowing sprint with Clara, Manny and all our carry-ons in a big jingling, disgorging jumble. The kids were giddy and nonstop with the nervous commentary: "Mom, this is the plane ride! We're on the plane now! Look, a table! Look, my seatbelt! Here's yours, Clara!" We milked every cent of value from that airline ticket. Maximizing every second of time you were able to move freely about the cabin. Calling the flight attendant on numerous occasions (only once intentionally). Elli, my neice, joined us in Chicago and proceeded to read "Oh the Places You'll Go," "Socks" by Beverly Cleary, feed yogurt and essentially save us for the rest of the flight.

I forgot what a rush traveling is. Our show is literally "on the road." All the things in your control. All the things just barely outside of it. Descending hills that are all acute angles with a double stroller keeps me trusting the Lord and biting my lip. My Mom says, "Don't cease prayer if you can." I listened to my friend Meredith's voicemail message twice, "You'll see it's going to be great. Your kids will love every minute of it." They are, oh man, they are.

homeschool semester 2

So I will follow you wherever you go
If your offered hand is still open to me
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one
So you've been where I've just come
From the land that brings losers on
So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
'Till peace we find tell you what I'll do
All the things I own I will share with you
If I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We'll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one
Holy man and holy priest
This love of life makes me weak at my knees
-the Kinks