Commencement?

Evan asked me today why graduation ceremonies are called Commencement. I explained that they signify the beginning of a new life. He wasn't buying it. At this moment in time, it seems he is focused more on the fact that something pretty big has just ended.

I know how he feels.

Fortunately, today I had enough on my mind that I honestly never had a chance to get truly emotional during Evan's commencement. I felt a little teary happiness when I got some thoughtful texts, and I was so happy in the middle of the program when I realized that all the siblings and the granddarling were watching online the live stream of the ceremony. Once again through technology, we were all together as a family for a few moments. I physically felt joy vibrating in me about that: my parents here with me, and everyone else taking time from their day to tune in. Since that was the best we could do, it was actually perfect. Especially this face.

A and A watching graduation streaming live.
Baby is apparently amazed that Evan graduated. 

So, yes, I should back up a bit. Today Evan graduated from high school. The last couple of months have included all the milestones leading to that moment: AP tests, proms, photos, parties, awards ceremonies and the like. Interspersed throughout has been the process of Evan planning and executing his Eagle Project, which will take place on June 7. He has to finish before he's 18. He's researched 3 other Eagle projects over the years, and finally he found an organization that stuck with him. These have been heady days, intense, joyful, busy, and stressful at times. See?

Prom times

Award Ceremony times. He got a couple of nice academic awards. 

Heading out the door on his (and my) last last day of school. 

I never took a first day of school picture this year, so instead we captured the
last day. It seemed fitting. 

At Ravens Stadium for the Lacrosse National Championships.
Ev's favorite sport.
According to my phone, he was actually playing the game.  Ha. 

So, as the finale to these moments and so many years, yesterday was just really fun. My parents, the best grandparents on the planet, went to my nephew's high school graduation in Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday night, then got on a redeye so they could be here on Thursday morning for Evan's day.

It was raining, so we did not do our usual graduation photo shoot on the lawn at Merriweather, but we did get the moment recorded. Congratulations my dear youngest boy! This is an ending, but it really is the beginning also. I can't wait to see where you go from here!

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A Morning in Pictures

I've been doing little of personal writing in the last months. I have a million drafts, but can't get them focused and finished. So, I decided to tell you about this quiet morning in my house with some immediate photos. All of these were taken in the last hour. These are the things on my mind, but now it's time to get going.

It rained this morning. Taking this photo was an exercise in selective focus, which is
something I wrestle with. Should I notice the beauty of the raindrops or the clutter
on the porch outside? Or the muddy pawprints that remind me I need to wash windows?

I have to finish planting today. This is some kale that is none too thrilled to still be in a peat pot, but look how beautifully that drooping leaf captured the drops of water. 

The sun has already returned, which means my day needs to get started.  I love mornings, but I want them to last all day. I want to "dwell in possibility."

Another kale is waiting more patiently.  I am glad that I can see and capture the beauty in these delicate purple-green curls. 

This is a box of junk I need to dispose of quickly. Some of it is fabric and some of those pieces will become simple skirts and scarves, some will go away.  The bubble wrap reminds me that I need to get two packages mailed today. And a letter. 

I'm working on staining and finishing a spinning wheel. It needs to get done soon as well.  I have been itching to spin. And I need to be able to walk around in my studio again. 

The window of my studio. I love these colors but am wondering if I'll ever use this yarn. It might be time to let it go.  I just profiled a designer for my website and she spoke of the simplicity and austerity of her surroundings. Mine are not so. Sometimes I like the clutter for its color and story-telling. Sometimes I want everything gone. 

I have been sewing on those fabrics. 3 scarves and a skirt so far. Today though, the machines are put away so I can do other things. I'll sew again next week. 

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