A Mermaid's Tale about Family

The ones we’re given, the ones we choose

Hey Friends,

I’m no place I can narrate this week, so “random narrator” will have to do.

I made the pilgrimage north this week to spend some time with my mom for her 86th birthday before flying off to Kansas to visit our Siobhan for the first time. It’s a long drive from Dana Point to Cottonwood, and it’s best done with a stop in the middle at Mission Del Oro in Santa Nella. We’ve grown to love that stop, and Mike and I both use it if we’re driving solo or when we’re driving together. This time, it was just me. As I sat in the courtyard of the refurbished mission having my halibut in picante sauce in the surprisingly fantastic restaurant, I thought about family, and what that really means. I thought about my gratitude surrounding all the facets of family, for better or worse. I thought about the life cycles, the newborn grand babies, the child in grad school, the child building his own family, the aging parent. Our evolving Imrama.

Happy 86, Momma!

I’m an only child raised primarily by an only parent. Dads were in and out, but when I look back at the overall core group, it was me and Mom, and much of the time, just me. So from a very young age, I found family in friends. I still do that. This trip, I got to spend Halloween with my adopted (by me) little sister, Sadie. We have a very similar scattered history and though we met as adults, I feel we have known each other for a lifetime. We understand each other. Here we are in search of peace and love.

Groovy, Baby.

As you read this, I am holding my newest family member born last week. Her momma tells me she’s dreamy to hold, and I will know this by Monday. I’ll also be playing with this T-Rex, and he will have some light up dinosaur rain boots he’s just going to love.

Make me a T-Rex, Dad. (We just roar at each other.)

Family. What a treasure. Roaaaarrrrrrr!!!

Where in the world is the mermaid? Lawrence, Kansas

It’s interesting that we will be in Lawrence, home of Jayhawks, on election day. As this is the most consequential election in our lifetime, to be in the heart of what was known as the Free State during the Civil War, feels poignant. This is a place near where my mom lived as a young child, so the unlikely fact that my son and his family ended up here fascinates me. Known for its sunflower display in September, Lawrence has the vibrance of a progressive college town, and I feel grateful we will spend these two weeks with family.

Through Kai’s Eyes

When I’m with Dad, and Mom goes places, I take Mom’s spot in the bed. I get right up in those pillows like she does. Dad and I like it because we can spread out and snore as loud as we want to. It’s our bachelor’s night, and boy do we live it up.

Finally, I can stretch out!

Mystical Mermaid Musings: Diving Deeper Into You

I’ve been thinking so much this week about how easy it is for humans to waste their energy on worrying: worrying about themselves, their families, the world, all the things. I’m guilty of this myself. I think most of us are. But it really does more damage than good to throw that type of low-vibe energy at a thing.

Instead, we are so much more helpful if we can see the thing knowing that whatever happens, we are living in a benevolent universe (often wearing the mask of chaos) and setbacks are set ups for something better. All well and good, these platitudes, when you’re in the middle of the mud. In fact, being reminded about this reframing process is annoying in those moments. But the truth is in those moments, we need to remember this the most.

My childhood home backyard. Fall is the best in Nor Cal.

What in your life needs to be reframed to better serve you and all those around you? We all have something. Identifying yours, and finding new eyes, will make your days happier and your energy better.

What Stories?

“Shrinking” is a sitcom about the therapy life. Season 2 is now out. I watched an interview with Jason Segel who said he and Harrison Ford have the same relationship in real life as their characters have. That makes this even funnier to me. And as I have a child becoming a therapist, these dynamics hit home.

This week’s Haiku

Slow Good, by J

Anticipation
Flittery fluttery heart 
Hugs that wait for me

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Thank you for being here. May your week be filled with all good things.

Oceans of Love, Jamie

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