Le Petit Mitron

And other inspiring things of late (stream of consciousness style): Geoff got onto Radio Times yesterday. Both Marty and the guest said things like "That's a great question" and "your caller's great question." In Home meeting: "Whatever threatens your identity is what gives you your identity." All four of the kids charging uphill in the rain. Manny and Benicio walking 2 miles round trip between Caroll Gardens to Park Slope. Women from my Doula Training asking questions like, "How can I non-verbally assist my client who is a non-native English speaker when she goes into active labor?" and "If I bring my yoga mat, do you think I could nap on the floor at Harlem Hospital?" My little sis graduating with her double-masters at Penn and still being able to joke around about it. Manny and Benicio learning to finger-knit in their Handwork Class. That Manny, Benici and even Clara are beginning to learn the words to "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen. Ooh, and last but not at all least: Today, in the car, we were all grooving so hard to James Brown, Calliope wanted to bust a move so badly but was restricted by her carseat. Even so, she was kicking her feet and, I am laughing writing this, just waving her hands. I love that, when in doubt, while dancing, just wave.

Pictured above, In front of Le Petit Mitron Cafe in Narberth-- Clara and her pal Zady, whom we adore and want to inhale. Here, they have picked pansies. Note the pansy in Zady's right hand as it is around Clara's back. Also, notice Clara's raised flower-- if you can raise a toast to anything, I suppose that a deep purple pansy is as marvelous a thing as any. Also note the crumbs on their faces from a collectively demolished pear tart.

Bansanee: Reservations for All

When I was a girl, my mom wished for me the kind of beauty that you want to return to, the kind that invites you to look deeper. She must have wished it for Clara because lately she staggers us with her observations, "Dad, your eyes make me happy." Also her invitations to "Bansanee" (rhymes with Anthony, her favorite cousin's uncle). "Bansanee" is a place of Clara's invention. Apparently, it is a restaurant where the specialties are pancakes, meatballs, chips,and catsup. It is quite an affair to go there and every day she promises to take us. As in, "Guys, tomorrow we're going to Bansanee and you're gonna come with me!" Or "Manny, if you don't give me a turn, you can't come to Bansanee."

We scratch our heads over her ideas but cannot seem to take our eyes off her. Please forgive the braggy tone of this entry. I needed to write about this stage, how much I am enjoying this girl.