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My First Ocean I was 6 when we moved to NYC and I saw the ocean for the first time.  This crooked photo shows my brother and me, in the sand on Staten Island Beach. I remember the sand wasn't pretty, but it was oh so fun, digging! Tortuga So, today we spent part of the day on a beach in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. I didn't see a single adult or child playing in the sand, but I knew I needed to get in there and dig a while.  I had no shovel or bucket, so I used my hands. Then I made a little sea turtle... or tortuga. Don was lounging elsewhere, so I took a pic of my tortuga with my cell phone. A young Mexican couple seemed very amused and offered to take a photo of me with my very lame creation.
So happy to have celebrated 60s, with sand and turtles!
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Cozumel, Mexico Today is Easter and Don and I are in Mexico. I didn't pack an Easter hat with ribbons, or a pastel dress.  I had no white gloves. Those are the things I most likely wore when we went to mass in Staten Island, when I was 6. But, I put on a dress and a straw hat and we headed to Iglesia San Miguel at 8:45. Where is Everyone? The doors were open, but no bells were ringing. There were white flowers and music, but only one lone worshiper in a pew. Don removed his hat and I kept mine on, with a smile. A smile, recalling how as a child, I often forgot my hat or scarf as we raced off to mass. I would end up with my dad's handkerchief on my head. (I never understood that head-covering rule as a kid!!)
It turns out we had arrived an hour early. We didn't stay for mass, but I did the things I remembered proudly doing as a 6-year-old... dipping 2 fingers in holy water and crossing myself... genuflecting... sinking my knees into the cushioned kneeler to say a prayer. Then I studied the windows and ceilings, which is what I did, back when mass was in Latin. And I think my stomach growled the same way it used to, when the family waited until after mass for breakfast!
Who says you have to have eggs and bunnies to celebrate Easter like a 6-year-old? Kids on a Plane Today we flew to Mexico. I was delighted that the 2 children across the aisle, were happy and well-behaved. They enjoyed themselves the entire flight, without any help from the parents seated in front. The brother and sister, oohed and aahed during the take off and landing. They sang songs, drew pictures, played with their stuffed animals and even chanted some little ditty that I couldn't understand, since I don't speak Spanish.  The enthusiasm of the kids, reminded me of the excitement I felt when I flew the first time. It's not easy to recapture that, but I tried. I leaned into the window and I observed and pointed and sighed at the color of the water. Then, I was distracted by the kids who had begun laughing, as they noticed the air sickness bag in the seat pocket. Celebrating with a Surprise I decided to be amused by my own airsickness bag. I grabbed a pen and did some decorating, as a friendly surprise for the next passenger!  I hope a 6-year-old child discovers my holiday greeting... or at least a business traveler with a good sense of humor.
A Camel Kiss I remember when I didn't mind getting my face covered in dog slobber. Animal hair, dog breath, stinky fur... it was just all part of loving animals.  So, a couple days ago, I let myself enjoy hugging, petting and feeding some pretty fun creatures at Exotic Resort Zoo, near Johnson City, TX. I managed to get kissed by Gomar the camel, and I didn't say, "Yuck!" My Favorite Beast This sweet donkey wasn't up for a kiss, but we had a nice chat.  If only I'd been the size of a 6-year-old, I could have hopped on for a ride!
Dandelion Memories I probably picked more weeds than flowers as a child. I'm sure I wasn't the only kid who demanded to know why dandelions were mowed down. They made such pretty chains.
There weren't any dandelions, when I filled my vase this morning. But I did find yellow wild flowers.
No Picking 6 year olds, also don't get it when they're told not to pick wildflowers. Picking bluebonnets is against the law in Texas. But I was enjoying a 6-year-old moment. Plus it was in our yard. And an old Horsey! I spent my birthday exploring the Texas Hill Country with hubby, Don. Dirt roads, wild flowers, lunch in the old German town of Fredericksburg... It was pretty perfect. But, it was the ice cream shop that gave me my first "Party Like a 6-Year-Old" celebration!
Not only did I indulge in the sweet treat that I adore, but I got to enjoy the vintage horsey, out front. Had Old Paint been a little less aged and wobbly, I would have climbed on and gone for a ride. Instead, I treated two young sisters. Watching them take turns, giggling on the leather saddle, was almost as fun as riding myself!
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