Summer

I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity.
(Eleanor Roosevelt)

There is a lot being planned and all of the fun is about to explode. Lizzy arrives in less than a week, and AL & UM the week thereafter. This is too exciting!

India was booked yesterday. I will travel 3 weeks, spending the first 2 winding our way from Mumbai (Bombay) up to Delhi, and back down again to the wildly popular beaches of Goa. The plans are unraveling fast and we are engaged in lots of excited chatter as new ideas spring to life on how to spend our time. This will be the first place I will visit that I need to apply for a visa and prep my body to avoid illness. Hopefully, no "Delhi Belly" for me!

I fly direct from Mumbai to Chicago to be with my family and friends at home. My trip will be just over 3 weeks and spent entirely at the lake with my people. The lake is my home, of this I am more sure than ever.

It boggles me to try and wrap my brain around how incredible the opportunities I am afforded; still not clear of the line that separates when/if these opps are created for or by me. It's not so much the glamour of the travel, as it is the people and culture and nauture and languages and beliefs and religions and love and differences and wines and educations and familes and clothing and smells and weather and foods and sport and beer and challenges and experiences that unravel me slowly and steadily. For this, I am better able to serve those around me in a more honest light.

There is not a particular one to thank for this, although the first to come to mind are my mom and dad, who have given me the wings to fly so boldly, gracefully and lovingly. People often ask where my center comes from, and I always answer so quickly, "my mom." Every single one of you have influenced and taught me to be who I am today, now at this very moment. Thank you for loving me and giving me the space, love, and support necessary to move about so curiously, comfortably and confidently in this ever learning world.

My best to you... always.
kate
xo

The Birthday and St. Patrick's Day

The Invitation

The Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, 'Yes.'
It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done for the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself; and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
(The Invitation, inspired by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Native American Elder, May 1994)

Willi and Birthdays

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
(John Muir)

...And the fun continues! Skiing the Alps over Feb Break was somewhat of a life changing experience. We were in Baad, Austria with Outward Bound snowshoeing, sleeping in a hut, and skiing. It is hands down, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The rugged mountains, delicate snowflakes, and unforgiving passes only seize to amaze even the most seasoned of travelers. I had a moment apart from the group where I stood on the peak, overlooking snow-topped mountains for miles. I stood there, wondering how so much beauty can be created and I, of all people, am lucky enough to not only witness it, but use it! With my skis on, and my jacket zipped, I prayed. That's it! I prayed. I prayed for Alex first... knowing that the One in charge of all of this can most certainly take a bite out of the big C...

I was in a different place when I returned. Feeling refreshed and ready for the second half of our school year, I figured out that I need to be in a place where the outdoors are the attraction. I'm thinking oceans or mountains next... we'll have to wait and see what doors are opened.

We celebrated my birthday last week at the Irish Pub near our place. We are heading out tonight to Julep's NY Bar with 20 of my friends and colleagues. It will be fun to be with everyone together.

Kathryn bought me round trip to Madrid over a the weekend on June 12. Not only was this very thoughtful, but so generous as well! I am very excited, as only May does not have any definite travel plans yet.

Lizzy is coming at the end of this month, and April is Aunt Laura and Uncle Mike! I am SO EXCITED to see them and show them around my new "town!"

Hope all is well at home.
All the best,
kate xo