lcrcmcrie

[lcrcmcrie]

Yes, exactly! The right things just fall into place. Oh, I absolutely understand what you mean! There's just some things you keep close to you because it's your passion even if it doesn't mean you're doing it every single day. It's true! They do, I think my daughter just loves books, she always has since she was little. I got lucky there. The summer months are always a good time, though. Lots of excitement!

When you feel passionate about something, you really feel passionate about it, right? I won't say that it takes over your whole life, but it does a pretty good job of trying! And it's okay, as long as it makes you happy. Well, hey, that's a really good thing, considering most of the kids I've come across have to be bribed into reading, I swear! That's the best, get all the work done, and then spend the rest of your summer just being a kid.

[lcrcmcrie]

Mhmm. I'm glad she can somewhat of a good influence on them. Helps that Colton likes to listen to her talk! Ahh, teenage love. I can see that, especially since I know they are close. Thank you. You've got this, we're going to get through it somehow. I know next year will be rough on all of us. That's just how it works, but we love our kids even if sometimes we do question every little thing. Oh I bet! Haha. Are you and all the kids excited for the big beach party coming up?

That's true, she can be very persuasive! And honestly, they probably need that. At least Colton, Shawn's a little more motivated, he's going into senior year, he's excited. Colton's realizing that Shawn's going into senior year, he's a step below, I think it bums him out to think that it's their last year together. Pretty much, yeah. Don't worry, I'll take good notes with Shawn so that I can help you prepare. And then we'll still end up in an existential crisis over it, that's how it always goes. Oh yeah, they're still asking for them every time we go to the shop together.

[lcrcmcrie]

That's kind of how I felt in a way, when I was back doing theatre. Well, more of I wanted to fall back into a teaching position, instead of being on stage. So I think part of it is us wanting to see others enjoy it; a different kind of enjoyment for ourselves. It's just part of who you are! She's told me she likes some of the books because they are challenging. She keeps up pretty well. Yes! I think so too. So that the rest of summer there's no worry about it.

Pretty much! Just in different ways. I went from wanting to ride them to being the person that teaches kids to ride them, so it's sort of a full circle moment when you think about it, which is nice. It's in my heart, I don't think I could ever see living life without horses being involved in one way or another, you know? Aw, I bet! Does she enjoy the summer reading list, or is it one of those things where the end of August rolls around and you have to remind her that she's got to do her reading? You get me -- isn't it better to get it done early and have more time to yourself?

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At least a nice little jog is just that... nice and little. Although an obstacle course really pushes the limits to those of us who are a little less flexible than others. That's a good question. Besides pickleball? Maybe track and field? I was decent at running because it didn't take much extra effort and I'm not the greatest athlete out there! Ha, well, pickleball is going to one day get into the Olympics I am sure.

No, no, me neither. Taking a nice jog around the lake, certainly, I don't have a problem with that. But I can't say that I want to do an obstacle course race again any time soon. If you had to pick any sport to play competitively, especially in this situation, what would it be? Any that you think you could excel at more than others? Besides badminton or pickleball. Unless you think that you could dominate at those! And then, you know, I'm not going to judge.

[lcrcmcrie]

I'm pretty sure she can talk them into it. The girl's got her way with words. There's time. Lily just likes to get things done so she can do everything else. Oh, that's awesome! I'm sure you all will have so much fun! We're almost there with our two. So they'll be getting all the prep classes talk, won't they? Getting ready for everything next year. I am glad you enjoyed it. Those slushies were pretty popular, weren't they?

I'd like to say the same about Colton and Shawn, 'cuz I know Cordelia's been pushing them to get it done or… started, but I feel like they're not quite as motivated as Lily is. But they've got time. We're going to be taking a family vacation sometime next month, I'll have them take the books along for the road trip. I don't want to think about it! And Shawn's going to be a senior -- which means we're going to be doing college visits. Yeah, the amount of slushies we went through last weekend is… well, it was a lot.

[lcrcmcrie]

Lara gave her a nod. The book had been one she had seen one of her students reading. So she figured it was one of an interesting subject. "I am," she nodded again. "I like interesting subjects," she signed slow enough for the other woman to keep up with her hands. She pulled out her phone and typed out the message as well just in case. Maybe she'd pick out another book or two now that she had a bit more free time between things. As the question was posed to her, Lara rubbed her hands together in thought. "Something that is good for summer," she signed. "Maybe to read on the beach?" she tapped her finger on her chin, then typed out the message on her phone as well.

After noticing the slow signing Siobhan nodded and lifted her hands to sign. She put the fiction on top of the nonfiction so she could do the signs better. Although a bit rusty she had taken ASL as an elective when at college and she was happy to be able to speak it with someone. "It does look interesting. I've heard of Kristin Hannah before but not with this book. Are you a fan of historical fiction?" From what Siobhan read on the back that was what it was about. She had been convinced to buy both which never took much and so 'In the Dream House' found its way into the book basket she took to shop. She flipped 'The Women' over to re-read the summary. "Alright now it's my turn to ask what you're looking for," Siobhan smiled.

[lcrcmcrie]

Mhmm. It feels that way, doesn't it? With a high schooler on my hands, it feels like her day is filled with so much, I have to work harder to keep up. My schedule pretty much revolves around her schedule. She has! She has a good group of friends around her. I'm making sure she's keeping busy. Livvy's got a good program. But Lily does love the horses and being around them. I think if she's not over there, she's around town somewhere being a typical teenager.

The magic touch! I thought so. What's so strange is how the breaks for school are getting shorter. I'm used to the ways where summer was a full three months; now, there's other breaks throughout the year, but it makes me glad I don't have to be the one in the classroom anymore. I would be clawing at the walls to escape. Ahh, I have no doubt. Has she found someone who's into the same things she's into? Harder than it seems these days; I know it takes a lot to be into horses as well, most seem to be pretty scared of them.

[lcrcmcrie]

That makes sense! So you've been around them your whole life, and it's been a big part of your life. The program is more like an extension of it. That sounds like fun. I can see why you stuck around with it in some way in your life, and why it is so important to you. She is! She's happy that she doesn't have to do more homework other than her summer reading list. Oh, mine too. I usually got up early anyway to work on chores, even during summer break.

I grew up riding, so I was around horses every day, but not the same way as we try to do with the program, it was all very serious, you know? Competing, doing events, traveling for shows. So I like letting kids see the softer side of horseback riding. Good, I'm glad! Is Lily very excited that school's out, doesn't have to get up super early every morning? That was my favorite part of school ending, was that little bit of time to sleep in, even if I was still an early riser.

[lcrcmcrie]

It did! I'd love to get back out in nature again. But maybe not running an obstacle course this time. I did enjoy myself, though. I wouldn't mind a different sport in the future! That could be really great as well, I think. A lot of potential! Badminton... maybe pickleball, much easier on the knees for those of us who need that...

Although washing all of that dirt and mud off afterwards sure felt pretty good, didn't it? I was relieved to get cleaned up after going through that! I think that it was the good kind of tired, like where you've earned feeling tired. Right, and if we end up doing a different sport next year… I'm kind of okay with that, too. Maybe a vigorous round of badminton?

[lcrcmcrie]

I'd hope so, and hope that others agree as well. She mentioned that to me as well. I think she's finished most of her summer reading so that she can have as much time as she wants to spend time with him and the rest of their friends. Can you believe they're already halfway through high school? Ooh, pizza is good. We had a lot of fun! We enjoyed the party, she enjoyed all the slushies.

Not a bad thing at all, you see it as a good trait that you have, which means it's a good trait for her to have, too. I know Colton's already talking up all these ideas he has for summer plans with her, so it sounds like they're going to be pretty busy. But it's crazy that it's summer time already, I can't believe how fast this school year ended up going. God, I hear you. I've mostly recovered, back on my feet, able to get out a bit this weekend. Mostly, the kids wanted pizza and ice cream, so we took them out for that today. How about you, get up to anything fun?

[lcrcmcrie]

Sometimes we do need a bit of adventure! Getting our hands dirty, literally, and getting covered in mud! I do feel accomplished. I was so tired after, but it was a lot of fun. I had a good time! Oh my, that’s definitely not me! Once a year is good enough for me.

Definitely a nice break in the routine, if not a bit tiring. But sometimes that bit of activity ends up being exactly what we need, too! So there's that. Do you feel accomplished? I'm not sure that I would want to do that again -- maybe in a year's time, but I think about people who do it all the time, and it's mind blowing that they can handle it!

[lcrcmcrie]

It’s fun! I love seeing the kids enjoy themselves. I think I would have loved to have something like that as well. Kids are much more observant, know more. They have more access to information, which is great! But at the same time it’s still scary. I’ve recovered! We’re just enjoying our weekend now. Yes!! I’ve got my dancing shoes ready for the big party tonight.

They really do, I see it every day with the ones that I work with at the program, but they're also very strong, smart individuals, and that's amazing to see. I feel like kids these days are a lot smarter than I was, anyway! Very good time -- have you mostly recovered, bounced back into the land of the living? I took me a bit to get adjusted, but I feel human again, and like I can walk on my own two feet. And finally feel like my feet can handle high heels!

[lcrcmcrie]

Lara poked her head around the bookshelf. She noticed someone nearby, also looking through the selection. It was a good weekend to be out and about. Her daughter was around with her friends, enjoying rainbow slushies and good music. So she took some downtime to take a look at the bookstore and maybe pick up something new. Stepping closer to be able to read the woman's lips, Lara nodded slowly. "I'd say both," she signed slowly, then looked over at the fiction book. 'The Women'. "I've been told this one is really good."

LOCATION: Pride Event around Bookends WHO: Siobhan and TBD WHEN: June 8

"This has been said a thousand times I just know it. But I really don't know where to start. I want to read more nonfiction but this one looks too good," Siobhan said. She said it to herself but then she also realized she wasn't alone looking through the different titles on the shelf. She glanced at them and smiled wanly and held up the two books as though she was the shelf display. "Maybe I should both but I don't want to be greedy. But I've been wanting to read 'In the Dream House' forever." That was the nonfiction book.

[lcrcmcrie]

I agree. Would it be too much if I said I’m glad she got that trait from me? She’s got actors’ blood in her. We aim to please. I agree. They’ve been friends for years. And playing with the same friend group, so it’s pretty amazing they’ve been this close for this long. I guess they’re really growing up now. Same with Lily. Colton’s got a good head on his shoulders, a great family. I’m grateful. Me too. I sometimes forget I’m no longer twenty when I try to do these ambitious things. Have you gotten out for Pride yet? It’s been so much fun!

She's got that kind of personality that makes people love her, so I don't think she struggled at all to fit in and make a life for herself here, you know? I'm beyond glad that she and Colton became friends, and yeah, the dating thing is a little scary, but if my kid's gotta fall head over heels for anyone, I'm glad it's your daughter. It went pretty well! Absolutely knocked me out for a couple of days after, but I was proud of myself for doing it and doing as well as I did.

[lcrcmcrie]

I think Merrock just has that magic touch. Then in a few weeks, it'll really start to feel like summer! I really am ready for school to be out. The community college is already on break. Now my daughter is looking forward to this being the last few days, she's been talking nonstop about summer break and spending time with her friends and boyfriend. You'll probably see her around.

Not that I'm complaining, and not that I'm one to talk about the weather, but how is it still so cool in June? Where's the humidity, the heat, the perils of summer? I almost feel like we've done something to deserve this, but whether it's good or bad, I have no idea. Are you ready for school to be out? I have a feeling the programme at Harmony is going to be swamped. @merrock .

[lcrcmcrie]

Yes! Surprising, right? Teens and young adults face so many unique challenges these days. I see it all the time in my classes as well. We as adults just have to go along with it. That’s good to hear! Sounds like you had a good time, and we both made it through the obstacle course! I absolutely agree with you, it’s also so nice to have a working shower.

Especially in a world where teenagers aren't always so nice! It's great when you know that you're raising one that's got a good head on her shoulders and a warm heart, too. That's maybe even more important than what's going on in the brain these days! It was great -- but man, am I wiped out, now. The lodging part was amazing, I shared a cabin with Cori, so we basically had one big sleepover, but it still felt nice to crawl into my own bed tonight, not going to lie!

[lcrcmcrie]

That’s good to hear! It sounds like things are going really well. I had fun at the challenge. It was a good idea to take us all up there and have plenty to do! I did compete, and that was one of the hardest things I’ve gotten to do, I think.

So far, so good! We've been very busy at the garage, a lot of people wanting to get out and ride, so they need that last minute tune up. But I'm very ready for the Challenge! I've been training for a few months, although I try to run regularly, anyway. How about you, does that mean you're competing?