Moon dreams....

"I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it." Albert Einstein

Lots of people make a list of things they want to do before they die. I keep such a list. It changes from time to time, but bit by bit things are getting scratched off as I find ways to make my dreams come true.
Maybe it's a mid-life crisis that is to blame for the ambition I've had the past few years. But one dream persists and here it is:

I want to moon Amtrak.

I want to stand waiting by the railroad tracks until I see the train approaching. Then I want to drop my pants and bend over as the Amtrak train passes by.

And I'm not alone. Each year HUNDREDS of people come from far and "wide" (excuse the pun) to flash their butts to a passing Amtrak train.

As described on EccentricAmerica.com:

"This has to rank among the wackiest event to ever have originated in a bar. Moon Amtrak draws hundreds people to a chain link fence between the Mugs Away Saloon and the railroad tracks on the second Saturday in July. Otherwise respectable people then do something they normally wouldn't dream of doing - they drop their drawers and "moon" the two-dozen passenger trains that pass by that day. When it gets dark they moon by flashlight and by lanterns hung on the fence, hundreds of bare buns glowing in the flickering light. The mooning, which has been going on since a bar challenge started it all 25 years ago, draws crowds to both sides of the fence. The trains are booked solid months in advance for moon day. No one actually sponsors or organizes this event; it just has a life of its own."

When I first found out about the national "Moon Amtrak Day" I was living alone, separated from my husband, looking for fun things to do in reclaiming my life. What better way to demonstrate my newfound freedom? It was something he'd NEVER do, never be part of. He wouldn't judge those who do it or criticize the event. It's simply not his style. He's a very reserved, proper, modest, wholesome kind of guy. And I can be those things too. But come on... doesn't it sound FUN?

I decided I'd do the "Moonlight Moon"... it's hot in July in California. And last thing I needed on my pale, delicate derriere... which has NEVER known the sun to cast a single beam upon it... is the acres of sunburn I'd be sure to get.

Yes, my buns would be toasted. And because I've never mooned anyone or anything in public before, I'm a little bit shy about it. I'd feel less exposed under the cloak of darkness. I'd feel a bit more anonymous, with just a flashlight aimed at my butt.... my grinning face and eyes full of wicked mischief would be hidden in the safety of night.

And I'd wear a thong, a little one, something pretty, maybe something fun. My cheeks would be free and that's what counts, right?

I had finally found a friend to take the road trip with me, but she lives in another state and we couldn't seem to make it happen. It's still possible... but even if it doesn't happen with her, it's something I'm determined to do before I die.

Holiday magic, in the least expected places....

Somehow, the holidays have become so chaotic. It's so nice to pause awhile and just enjoy TIME spent with loved ones...

Becki and Hope stopped by Christmas Eve. It's over a year since they've lived here. For the first four years of her life, ours was the only home Hope knew. She still remembers much of her time here, things she did here and how things were.

She ran into the bedroom and squealed "Remember I used to love to jump on the bed?" Of course I DO!!! Oh yes, she was quite the jumper... and she still is!

Here she's coming down for a landing....

Then a backward summersault....

Finally after a lot of jumping, we posed together....

Two silly girls... lots of giggles. This picture of her is so cute, that great big mouth! We were having the best time!

In my opinion, everyone in the world should know a child... and experience the world through that child's perspective for awhile, with complete abandon. It makes me think that the hours in the kitchen, and all the other holiday preparations, don't truly give us what we need most... those moments of magic and free-flowing love when we pause and enjoy all they hold in our hearts.
We open many pretty packages, but the best gifts are not found in boxes tied with ribbons. Look around... then feast on all the rich, deeply satifying moments we've been given to feed our hungry souls. The best presents of all are as those we love, and those who love us.

More to come... it's late and I'm very sleepy....