Sanibel

Yesterday was overwhelming. So many wonderful comments, stars and hearts...my Red-Bellied Woodpecker needed a break. The paparazzi were hounding him, waiting for autographs (very hard to write with those little claws), the newspapers wanted an exclusive...he had had enough. He's gone into hiding, just like the celebrity he is.

I've been gone most of the day today, happily spending this Monday with my daughter's two children. Brody is the photographer I introduced a few weeks ago, and his younger sister is Sanibel.

She is four. Named for the place my mother loved, because my mother's name was a mouthful. And named for her own mother and me (her middle name is Rochelle).

She is one of the biggest reasons I retired as soon as I could. Four other grandchildren had been born, potty-trained, and started school before I had time to spend with them because of work. I have been part of Sanibel's everyday life since her beginning.

Today, as always, her sense of humor is evident. She decided she wanted to wear "The Birthday Hat" though the next birthday is weeks away. So she got it out and posed for two seconds, before I had to find presents to wrap up for her.

This website fills me with joy, for the friendships begun, and the wonderful artistry I get to experience every day. Thank you, all.