After several days of 80 degree weather, many sets of tennis, doing “gymnastics” in a perfect temperature pool, delicious food, excellent company (Mom, Dad, sister Erin, and Erin’s new beau Dave) I thoroughly relaxed. Ahhhhh, feels good to get out of the daily patterns. It’s like hitting the “reset” button. Amazing how calming perfect weather is after weeks of rain, snow, and sub 45 degree weather (ya’ll outside of California are probably screeching “45 degree weather!?! You Wuss!!” ’tis relative, my friend, ’tis relative.

I had forgotten how fun a good game of tennis is–and what a head game it is. Back in high school I had a short-fused temper. (My Mom had threatened to pull me off the court during a high school match if I didn’t chill out and be a better sport!) While there is someone on the other side of the net hitting the ball back to me, my success is almost soley defined by how calm my mind stays (except on the 3rd day in a row of tennis when my long neglected tennis muscles finally gave out with a feeble cry, “Enough!”) As soon as I lose the objective vantage, which allows me to self-correct my strokes, and get down on myself, forget it. This weekend my Mom said she was grateful that we could have fun playing family doubles. I replied to her that I was so grateful she had driven us to all the lessons and tournaments as kids which allowed us to grow into good players so that we could play family doubles!

It’s now Monday morning and Erin is back in front of her 5th grade class at school, the folks back home, Dave at work, and I’m taking a day to meander through San Francisco on my way home.

I am so grateful for my wonderful family. I feel so supported in what I do, and feel the space and freedom to experiment free of their criticism and judgement. I am so grateful for my Dad’s patient listening, acceptance and good humor; my Mom’s spiciness, free laughter, and drive to go for what she wants; my sister’s open friendliness, sincerity, and dedication to fun. The energy of these qualities give me the strength and courage to make my way in the world. Thank you!!