The Gift

We danced together at his wedding, my son and I, for a split second of eternity. If all eyes were on us, I didn't notice, because I only had eyes for him. My once small boy - a married man now with dreams of his own.


We danced together, my son and I, to a song of his choosing. A poet in his youth, a singer in his teens, he does not regard music lightly or use words frivolously. Which is why I knew our song would come from his heart and speak to mine - and be classic rock and roll. 


Simple Man 
Lynyrd Skynryd

Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this 

It'll help you some sunny day.

Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman, you'll find love
And don't forget son,

There is someone up above

Chorus:

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son

If you can?

Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son

Is to be satisfied.

Chorus

Boy, don't you worry you'll find yourself
Follow your heart, lord, and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son

Is to be satisfied.

Chorus

Baby be a simple, be a simple man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man


© DUCHESS MUSIC CORPORATION; LONGITUDE MUSIC CO.

Valentine's Day at Arizona Biltmore

It seemed like the Wright thing to do now that we're wintering in Phoenix. To celebrate Valentine's Day at the Arizona Biltmore, where we spent our wedding night almost 34 years ago. 

My love affair with the Biltmore began long before my wedding day. As a young girl growing up in Phoenix, I was intrigued by the exclusive palm tree-lined entrance where only the privileged seemed destined to enter. Luxury estates marked the road to the hotel, which stood at the end of the trail like a queen on her throne. The Biltmore was the place of legends.  Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned at the Biltmore, Marilyn Monroe swam in the grand pool, Hollywood luminaries wined and dined there and US. presidents stayed there. The iconic hotel was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, designed by a protege and formerly owned by William Wrigley Jr. of the chewing gum fortune. It was a straight shot down Missouri Avenue, minutes from where I lived, but world's apart in grandeur, wealth and celebrity. 

Wedding Day

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. 

"The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." - Rumi

Nick and Lizzy

Katie 

Jeff and Marianne 

Just needed a little loving care

It stood neglected but never totally forgotten in the garage along with other boyhood treasures: the rusty old '64 schwinn that lost it's luster and pep over the year.

The formerly cool paperboy bike was replaced by swifter, streamlined racers with shifting speed gears and "stop on a dime" hand brakes.

But nothing truly loved is ever really abandoned forever.

89 years young my mother is

There they were gathered in the playroom, pulling out hats and musical instruments, giggling and planning a show for Yiayia's birthday. Out they came, the granddaughters, singing and dancing, illuminated by their youthful beauty and exuberance. Confident. Lovely. Magical. Adding an exclamation point to the day!

I remember Nick and Katie doing the same thing with their cousins at Donner Lake, with Samantha and Jack in Green Bay or Hinsdale.

Young kids love putting on shows like they love drawing. Before the fear and awkwardness sets in, before they worry about how good they are. If only they (we) could always live so confidently, singing and dancing with abandon.