beach beauties

July 2009 English Bay

a year ago....

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the day Wade cut off his dreads. He had been growing them for 7 years. He did it to raise money for our dear friend Sandra, creator of the dreads, godmother, doula, photographer, family to us. Sandra had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was both unable to lift her camera (and hence work) and her arms to do dreadlock maintenance.



We had a birthday party and a fundraiser for Sandra to help her cover her living expenses during treatment. We had hoped to raise a thousand dollars. The dreadlock auction alone raised $2845.00



Sophia refused to get rid of the dreadlocks. They are still in a plastic bag in her closet. I can't look at them, it grosses me out entirely.



My brother Matthew mc'ed the auction and did an incredible job. We were utterly, completely, entirely amazed at the response. Sandra is such an incredible person and her generosity and the good that it unleashed was overwhelming. All tolled, the fund raising came to just over $13,000.00. The story of Wade cutting his dreads for Sandra made the local news. We thought it was just a party and a haircut. By the grace and joy of God, it turned out to be much, much more.

This, friends, is what Oprah likes to call "the ugly cry".

Today, December 8th, is Sandra's birthday. I'm overflowing with gratitude (and tears) to be able to write these words: Today she is cancer-free. Happy Birthday sister-friend. I love you so.



Wade is more handsome than ever. He says except for his short time in Thailand this past summer he's been cold ever since. Good thing Sandra bought him a nice warm, scarf.

I CAN!

Today while getting Eleanor dressed she pulled out a whole stack of shirts. I said, "Eleanor, you only need one shirt."
E: "No, Mum, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!"
M: "You can't wear five shirts Eleanor, how about two?"
E: "No, Mum, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!"

Mum helps Eleanor tastefully layer 2 shirts.
E: "No, Mum, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!"
M: "You can't wear five shirts Eleanor."
E: "I CAN!"
M: "You can't"
E: "I CAN!"

I then choose to walk away.

I was wrong actually, she can. Here she is wearing 7 shirts simultaneously...

...while triumphantly eating Hawkin's Cheezies.

She gets an idea in her head, and she sticks to it. Right now, it often vexes me, but I gotta say I really like that in a girl.