Give a kid a camera and let her play...And among the 20+ pictures that need deleting, you just might find a masterpiece!

Photography by Genevieve Marin, age 3

One more thing for the day....

Hairdos! Sierra and I treated ourselves last week to new hairdos! Girls like to live on the wildside. Both of us made pretty severe changes and it feels GREAT!!

Here I am! Scroll down to the picture of me in the truck. That one was taken two days before this one. I know the background on this shot isn't ideal--nice garbage can behind my head!--but you get the idea!

I guess it's kind of hard to see what Sierra's new do is...hmmm, let me find another shot...
Here we go. This is a great shot of Sierra with Amelie--the sixth Marin baby--I LOVE this haircut on Sierra. It is a little girl cut for my little girl.

Old Blue!

My dad has this truck. It was my grandfather's pick up. I think the first truck my grandfather ever bought. It became my father's truck when my parents were newly married. It never had a working radio that I can remember. Instead, we would sing, "I've Been Working on the Railroad" at the tops of our lungs all the way to town--Mom harmonizing to the tune her children produced. My brother, sister, and I all learned how to drive in this truck--3 speed on the tree. We drove mainly through the fields, but my brother and sister both took turns driving this truck to school during their high school years. We hauled a LOT of wood in the fall in the bed of this truck. I spent hours as a little girl behind the wheel while it was parked in the yard, pretending to drive that truck all over the continental United States.

Old Blue had been parked in the woods for many years until last summer when my dad got a wild hair up his you-know-what and called the country mechanic. In turn, Old Blue is road ready! Nothing has been done to restore the body, but the shifter was moved to the floor instead of the steering column and our trusty country mechanic did whatever country mechanics do and got Old Blue purrin!

Well, I insisted Dad drive Old Blue last week to retrieve my car from storage. And let me tell ya, I had a permanent smile the whole while!!

Here's Dad getting ready to go! (He has a permanent smile behind the wheel too.)Here's my self-portrait while riding in Old Blue! My brother arrives for a visit next week. I can't wait to take a picture of him driving it!!! I only wish my sister was coming too. Can you see the photo-op now--all three of us in Old Blue. I can hear "I've Been Working on the Railroad" as I imagine it! Ahhhh, the glory of childhood memories.

SugarLoaf Mountain

One of Rio's busiest tourist attractions is Pao de Acucar--Sugarloaf. Last week, before venturing to the north of Brazil to visit family, my friend Tania stopped for a few days in Rio to see me and Sierra. It was a busy bunch of days with the end of the school year activities and preparing to travel to the states for holiday. However, we managed a morning visit to Sugarloaf while she was with us. Seems ironic actually, we have lived in Rio for two years and this was the first visit up the mountain for me and Sierra. It is amazingly beautiful!

Here are me and Sierra with the statue of Christ behind my head. You can barely see the little outline of Christ's figure in this photo.But, I think you can make it out a little more clearly in this one of me and Tania.This is the marina of Botafogo. The landscape--my my my--always amazes me. It doesn't matter how many times I see the awesome landscape here; it takes my breath away.

Festa Junina

Festa Junina(Portuguese: June Festival) is the name of the annual Brazilian celebrations which take place in the middle of winter (in the southern hemisphere June and July) and are most associated with the Brazilian Northeastern area, but celebrated in the whole of Brazil, mainly on the days following the Catholic feast of Saint Anthony, John the Baptist and Saint Peter.

The Brazilian north-east is largely arid or semi-arid. These popular festivals not only coincide with the rainy seasons of most states in the north-east but they also provide the people with an opportunity to give thanks to Saint Peter and Saint John for the rain. They also celebrate rural life and feature typical clothing, food, dance (particularly quadrilha, which is similar to square dancing), and music.
Usually taking place in an arraial, a large, open space outdoors, men dress up as farm boys with suspenders and straw hats and women wear pigtails, freckles, painted gap teeth and red-checkered dresses, all in a loving tribute to the origins of the music, and of themselves.

Luisa and Sierra during their festa junina party at school.Giulia, Luisa and Sierra during the party.Sophie, Sierra and Luisa during the party.

The Life of a Teacher...
I am finishing my 13th year as a secondary English/Language Arts Teacher. Amazing to think think that I have had a career for so many years--college feels like last year still. Incredible to think how old I have to be in order to have 13 years under my belt--I swear I turned 29 on my last birthday.
Well my students these past 13 years aren't the only ones learning. I have experienced some lessons along the way too.
This year the following lesson is the one that stands out the strongest for me:
Don't be sad because something is over; be happy that it WAS!
Here's to a healthy and safe summer vacation for students and teachers alike, around the world.

The BEST book I've read in a LOOOONG time!!

If you haven't read this yet, buy a copy!! It is the most remarkable, inspirational, true story I have read in ages!!

Sierra and I were lying on the bed this morning and commenced the following series of metaphors for each other. It all started when I said, "Come here princess." Sierra followed with, "You are my queen Momma. The queen of my castle."
A moment of quiet and then she started rolling...
You are the...
cheese on my macaroni.
the pesto on my pasta.
the cloth in my shirt.
the sheets on my bed.
the pillow under my head.
the stink in my fart. (both of us cracked up laughing on this one)
butter on my bread.
the salt on my french fries. (we don't like ketsup)
the time in my clock.
the mango in my fruit salad.
the sweetener in my coffee.
the mentos in my pocket.
the book on my shelf.
the granola in my yogurt.
the belt around my waist.
the frame of my photo.
And Sierra insists on including...the snot in my tissue.

She's back!!!
Sierra returned in one piece today. I missed her so much. We are heading to lunch so she can tell me all about her adventures.

After about 30 minutes browsing through photos on the DI website (www.globalfinals.org) I found this photo of Sierra during the opening ceremonies. Hmmm, the biting of the fingernails indicates one of two things: boredom or nerves. Ahh, my little angel. And judging by the pink boa around her waiste, her hands ARE the ones behind Shaysann in the parade pictures below as you can see the pink boa on the right side of the picture. I know my child's hands! hehe. I can't wait for her to get home Monday to tell me all about her experience. I'm calling in sick since they return at 7:55 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies!She is somewhere in this group, however, I cannot find her head or her feet, but I think her arms are behind Shaysann on the right side of the photo. (Same with the picture at the end of this post.)

Things are in full swing in Tennessee with over 1,000 teams from around the world together in Knoxville for the celebration. DI is a cool thing for kids! I talked to Sierra for the first time last night. She sounded good. Sounds like they are busy busy busy every day with camps and activities and events and party after party. She seems to be having a great time. Yesterday they went to a museum and of course THE MALL where she reports to have only bought a couple of "little things".

However, she said, "Mom, when we go to the states next month, will you PLEASE buy me Super Mario Bro. for my DS?"

Of course I said, "For SURE!!"

Today her team will participate in their Instant Challenge, and tomorrow her team will present their Central Challenge.

Ela Foi! Para Estados Unidos! AWWWW...I was thinking just now in the taxi on the way home from the airport, "When was the first time I rode in an airplane?" Unless I'm totally wrong, I was 18 or 19 before I took my first trip by air. All previous trips had been road trips. I think the first flight I ever took was for my nephew's baptism in 1992! Well, times are achangin ladies and gentelmen. Living abroad has done that for us by and large. I have to say, I'm starting to get used to the airport. I don't have the same uneasy anxiety in prepartion anymore. (Joe might argue with me on this one.) Oh, don't let me fool ya, it's still there some, but not nearly as bad as I had it 2 years ago.
Sierra, in her 9 years, is a seasoned traveler; however, she suffers my flight anxiety, that is for sure. My poor little girl hardly ate anything all day today as she waited for departure time.
Global Finals are this week! And if you don't know what that is, check out: http://www.globalfinals.org/ Her team placed FIRST at the Brazilian Destination Imagination Celebration in March here in Rio, earning the rite to participate in this year's Global Finals Celebration in Knoxville, TN! Sierra and I spent the weekend packing and preparing and reminding her to listen to the adults/chaperones and getting excited, and tonight she is off.

The fact that she barely ate all day didn't stop her from smiling and running around the airport with her team mates during check-in. They are pumped! Joe is one of the co-managers and will meet the team in Knoxville Monday. The kids are looking forward to seeing him. I'm happy that he's able to participate in Globals. They worked hard together this year. He deserves it.

As for flying, I guess with all of the technology we have today it's no wonder my child is far more traveled than I was at her age. It makes the world seem small. To think, I'm ALL the way in another country from my daughter this week. What would my parents have thought if they could have said that when I was nine? Makes you wonder.

4th Grade Music Concert--Blue Moon

One of Grandma's favorite songs is Blue Moon. Sierra's class sang this song this year for their Music Presentation. This if for you, Grandma!!!

Daily Gratitude Entry...
Today I am grateful for:
a little girl who brings me breakfast in bed for Mother's Day.
secure employment, putting food on the table and a roof over our heads.
the ability to think, ponder, wonder, dream.
having good female friends.

Daily Gratitude Entry...

Today I am grateful for having spent mother/daughter time preparing dinner with Sierra.

Succumbing to Brazilian life

I have finally broke down. I did what I have been saying for almost 2 years I did not think I would do while living here. I have finally cracked. It has taken over...and I am ecstatic.

I hired a MAID!!

Now granted, she will only work for me one day a week, and I am requiring more of her than simply dusting my ceiling fans, so for all practical purposes we will call her our new do-everything gal.
The new do-everything gal will work for us on Fridays. She will arrive after we have left for school and immaculately clean our apartment before we return from school in the afternoon. During the day, she will specifically iron my clothes, go to the farmer's market for fresh produce, and chase the dust bunnies from the corners of our humble home. Her day will not end there, however, after we are finished with our school day the do-everything gal will stay with us to keep a watchful eye over Sierra as I take a moment to recouperate from what are often long days at work. On Saturday mornings, she will walk to the local bakery, pick up a few loaves of fresh french bread for us (their mini ones, not full sized), and prepare a pot of coffee for me before going home.

All of this for $65.00! Very much worth it.

She comes highly recommended from my good friend Francesca. She worked for Francesca for almost six years. She was released from duties only because Francesca no longer needed a maid as well as a nanny. Francesca was sorry to see her go, but the budget was not accomodating employing two people. Sierra grew fond of this new do-everything gal quickly today when we met her for the first time, and both Sierra and I are looking forward to our first day with her tomorrow. I will leave work tomorrow afternoon knowing I will walk into a sparkling, clean house. I will be able to rest for a moment before endulging in an afternoon walk by myself along the beach (I'm in dire need of "alone" time of late). I will return home to shower and change in time to leave for my monthly book club meeting worry-free, knowing that Sierra is in good hands in the comfort of her own home.
The silver lining my friends. I am learning that life is all about the silver linings. Find them! Where ever they may be. Cherish them! Celebrate them! Smile for the simple things.

Just wanted to add a few more photos from Mara and Rodrigo's wedding night. It was a fun time. Not sure how to make a couple of them bigger. I am a basics computer operator. Bear with me. Find the magnifying glass. Skip these photos. Whatever works for ya. Enjoy!

Kris, Mara (the bride), Me, Lena

Me, Liana, and Alvaro

Suzanne, Mark and me.

Ok so I haven't posted in awhile. Things have been a little crazy. We had this long Brazilian holiday two weekends ago, and we were off from school Friday through Wednesday. During that time, we relaxed, enjoyed Angra, and prepared for Joe's departure. This past week, we had a random Thursday holiday but worked today--Friday. I feel completely out of sync. When I woke this morning, before my alarm, I seriously needed about 5 minutes to remember what day of the week it was and where I was supposed to be. I think starting next week,. we will have two full weeks of classes without much for schedule changes, so I should be back to normal by next Wednesday.

In the middle of all of this, Joe decided it was time for him to take a break from Brazilian life. He has been investigating different educational options for the past couple of months, and he still isn't decided about what he will do. However, in the meantime he is hanging out with Dana and her family in VA, working for my brother-in-law and re-acclimating to American life. It is an adjustment to say the least.

Our friends Mara and Rodrigo were married last Sat. in a beautiful bilingual Catholic wedding in this amazing old church in the center of the city. The reception was up in a neighborhood called Santa Tereza--considered to be the last real Bohemian neighborhood in Rio--with spectacular views of Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. It was a bit strange attending without Joe, but I was in the company of many great friends and overall the evening was lovely. (I should photoshop Joe into this picture of me before I left for the wedding.)

Here are a few of the ladies from school--Parrish, Suzanne and Ana. It is always fun to have events like this with colleagues, seeing everyone dressed up, hair done, and with make up is a welcomed change to the daily grind we normally find ourselves in.

And the events just continue...Taking advantage of the Thursday holiday, I decided to prepare a Mexican style dinner for a few friends Wednesday night since I have this absurd amount of flour tortillas stashed in my freezer. It was phenomenal! I have started cooking again since Joe is no longer here, and I have to admit, I really enjoy it. I had forgotten how much fun it is.

I have to say I outdid myself on this meal. I prepared: beef tacos with all the fixins, chicken fajitas, spanish rice (from scratch not a box by the way), and fresh guacamole. It was divine.Throughout the Mexican fiesta, Sierra and her friend Luisa played with the digital camera in her room, creating their own unique "photo shoot". This shot is one from that series. I can hear the laughter ringing through this picture; her smile is so big.

So we find ourselves in the weekend once again with very little plans other than to relax and read and be...moving one moment at a time. We have faced some intense and serious decisions in the past 2 weeks. What I have learned is that life is largely unpredictable. We assume that every thing is status quo, moving along as planned, but without any warning, things change. Learning how to react to that is the challenge we face. In the meantime, remembering all that is good and all there is to be grateful for is of utmost importance.

We had a 5 day weekend starting last Friday! Today is the last of the five day stretch. We took advantage of the days off and ventured to Angra dos Rios just south of Rio for 3 days with our friends Alvaro and Liana. A couple of days on the boat, evenings listening to the ocean slap the shore, and great company. This place is a great place to be during vacations. Too bad we have to work to sustain ourselves.
Sierra is very patient when it comes to waiting to leave for the beach. She finds a comfy place, tests out her sunglasses, keeps her beach bag close at hand, and reads the latest tweener news to prepare.See the orange/red colored house in the middle (behind the bonfire smoke). This was our quaint home for 3 days. Right on the water, the mountains behind, and tranquility surrounding. Ahhh, Angra dos Rios.
Nothing like a little carnival fun after lunch. It's the indoor version of the dunk tank! Plastic balls instead of water. Liana taking aim; Sierra taunting from her post.
... and just as much fun as the dunk tank with water when you fall in.
There's no place better than the Green Coconut for lunch. Sitting on the grass, eating Lula Frita (Calamari) and visiting over an ice-cold Chopp.

Sun or clouds, Sierra LOVES the water, the boat, the time with friends, and of course, the camera!!

Minnesotans For Global Warming Song

This is for my friend Tammy who has been suffering through what might be the longest winter in MN history.