BALLERINAS IN B&W

I was the girliest of girly girls when I was little, doing gymnasts, twirling a baton, and taking dance. By the time I was in high school, I had my heart set on becoming a ballerina - even in pointe with a private instructor. But alas, I did not continue on my path as a dancer. Regardless, I dreamed of the day when I could enroll my girls in ballet. Since the fall, both girls have been taking ballet with Miss Erica and have absolutely loved it. But, as with virtually everything else in life right now, covid-19 has thrown a wrench in the plans. Suffice it to say, I adore Zoom ballet because it allows me to sneak in and capture my little dancers in the middle of their lesson without actually interrupting class (too much).

365.4: WEEK 17

This week was difficult. I was suppose to be in Disneyland with two of my closest friends - a trip we'd been planning since August of last year. At this point, who knows when that trip will happen. For now, we wait. And fill our time with other things. Dying the girls' hair pink for fun. More Zoom ballet (which will never get old!). Planting flowers for Earth Day. Feeling emotionally shot. Getting away to Show Low for a girls' weekend. Going on walks around Fool Hollow Lake. Finding some normalcy.
*Let me just note right here, right now, that our girls' trip was not done recklessly. I have been self isolating for weeks. My friend and her live-in cousin have been self isolating for weeks. Was there risk? About as much as going to the grocery store since we have all remained healthy since before covid-19 flipped the country upside down. I have no regrets - this getaway was a balm for my mental health.

April 20th - April 26th

365.4: WEEK 16

Another week. Planting new flowers. Repairing bicycle wheels. Wearing a silly hat for kinder Webex. Playing wii one on one. Feeling all the feels over isolation. Running 4.2 miles for this year’s virtual Pat’s Run. Escaping reality and getting lost in the charm of Miami.

April 13th - April 19th

EEEEEASTER

Easter this year looked a bit different than it has in years past. No large, extended family gatherings. No nice, new dresses or shirts and ties. No church services. Easter this year was simple. Luckily, we were able to continue with our annual tradition of dying eggs. I was able to snag a couple of PAAS kits at Fry's on Good Friday for half off and they were a hit. We've tried a variety of methods to dye eggs over the years - methods that have involved shaving cream or craft paint (thanks to Pinterest). Honestly? PAAS kits are easier, cheaper, and yield the brightest colors. I'm grateful that this tradition was uninterrupted.

And, of course, Easter Sunday...