It's A Family Affair...

Well readers this weekend is the Rickert Family Reunion. The first of its kind. My cousins and I, the Reunion Committee, have spent months sorting and finalizing details.

All Images © Simone Rene 2011

This Friday we will head over to the WEEKSVILLE HERITAGE SITE (http://www.weeksvillesociety.org/ ) where my great grandparents lived.The staff has helped us plan the visit and for many it will be a home coming and for some a lesson in our family history.

On Saturday close to 200 family members (about 1/6 of the total count of that tree at this time) will come together at Hechscher State Park ( http://www.longislandexchange.com/parks/heckscher-statepark.html ) to enjoy a day of food (AND OOOOOH there will be food!), games and family. We will share and record family stories, collect data to add to the family tree and take photos so to leave a trail for family to come.

My family has been here, in the US, in New York, in Brooklyn since the late 1700s. We have stories, records, proof of who we are and where we came from. Many of our family members are just learning of our rich heritage and the reunion is a chance to share it. Planning this event was a promise made to my great grandmother long ago. So Nana Rickert, we did it!

Video Music Break

LEGO to the Bronx Zoo

this summer to oooh and aaaaaaaah at the LEGO creations after we ooooooh and aaaaaaaaaah at the real wild life exhibits.....

http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/zoofari.aspx

Recent Lesson #1

I have learned to say I am sorry and I have learned to say those words when I truly mean them instead of using them to pacify the person or situation at hand. I have also learned to say that I don't understand what I have said or done wrong instead of apologizing for something I truly don't feel sorry for in hope that a lesson can be learned. Sometimes those apologies are for refusing to accept anything less than what I want in my life. My refusal to take less than what I want isn't about having material goods, it is about being treated with respect and honesty and taking action to define the perimeters which will bring those two things and better into my life. This may sound arrogant but it is not meant to be presented that way. Instead consider it a truth presented in a direct and as-it-is manner.

Recently I met someone who I was truly attracted to. Unfortunately he and I approached each other in ways that clashed. The sexual energy and familiarity was intense but our cultures, experiences and personalities definitely played a heavy hand in our interaction. Despite the attraction like water and oil we did not mix well. We communicated differently, had different understandings of what we were gifted with was and because of the easy familiarity we felt toward each other fell into comfortable behavior that reflected our past relationships and issues.

It was brief and intense encounter and a situation in which I had to say no to pretty early on or chance trying to conform both myself and his will to what I want rather than who and what we are. I can admit this and accept that it was over before it truly began. It doesn't mean I am not affected by what happened. It doesn't mean that I don't feel a series of emotions tied to the loss of possibility and a person that I shared such an intense connection with. I know some of you reading this may be thinking "she didn't give it a chance, relationships are about compromise" but in the end those in that relationship should hold the same definitions of a relationship and of the roles we each play in it as a guide to where they are going together. We did not.

Trust me, this admission doesn't make me happy but to be honest it doesn't make me sad either, but it does feel right. There is no need for apologies from either of us.

Still Breathing....

All Images © Simone Rene 2011

Sorry readers (those of you still out there), I find myself less inclined to consider trends and bargains these days. Instead I am trying to be in the moment with those who choose to share their moments with me. I am still knee deep in sorting the continued journey of my life. I continue to cull and let go of things and people with intent and purpose. And because of this continued effort life has taken on a bit of the simplicity that I have been yearning for; I am grateful. 

Of course I am not totally free from the complexity and drama but for some reason I am more willing to remove myself from the craziness that can overshadow and distract me from the act of doing and being. Instead of being part of the play I am learning to say my truth, stand or leave and let what will come of it come. And it isn't easy. I am constantly "talking" to myself, reminding myself that it is OK not to buy that item just yet; it's OK not to allow someone in my life for more than the moment shared; it's OK to  just lean into the moment in solitude and silence; It's OK to just be.

Enjoy Your Day!

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