Guys! I had no idea y'all were here! (Thank you, Giovanna, for the heads up!) This old world is a magical place, you know? I've been thinking hard about so many of you this week. Giovanna, I still have your old phone number in my cell phone, and I saw it this weekend. It made me so homesick for you! And dmx, I thought of you this week, too, and wondered how your son was doing. Wow, I just can't believe the timing on this...

I don't know how on earth to sum up my life for the past couple of years. That's asking a LOT! Ha! Many changes, of course, since Tomas died and all the kids finished growing up, but you know that old saying: The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm still here at Red Oak Hill (my house and land, that is) and loving it more than ever. Ariel is coming home to get married in my back yard on September 4th! She and her betrothed will be here day after tomorrow! Actually, she's getting married in the treehouse that she and Tomas built together years ago, and thereby hangs a tale, but it's too long for this quick summation.

Ariel is working as an editor at LexusNexus in Bethesda, MD. She loves her job, which involves putting together collections of historical documents and writing introductions and abstracts. Laurel is married and lives nearby in Fort Worth. She just started college this year and has a 4.0 average so far. Remember when all she wanted to do is cook? Well, scratch that. Now she wants a graduate degree in counseling and intends to write a self-help book for rape victims! Hunter, meanwhile, is still at home (though probably not for long) and has become -- are you ready for this? -- a martial arts ninja-type guy. No joke. College is in his future, he says. He's just still not sure where or when, and you know me -- I don't get in a wad about these things. All in good time.

Me? Well, Bruce and I are still very much together. In fact, I finally quit fighting it, and we're officially domestic partners now. It's all going great, what can I say? I'm still trying to get back into a regular writing schedule, but Life keeps intervening. I broke my wrist all to pieces last year, and then my mom had hip surgery, and now Ariel's getting married, yada yada yada. SOON, though, I will be writing every day again.

Gosh, it's great to see some of these names again, after all this time. Can't wait to go back and read all the old posts and catch up on what you good folks have been doing with yourselves. I miss you all something fierce!

Fond memories,

Cerelle

The company Ariel works for is LexisNexis, NOT LexusNexus. I knew that. I'm just getting old and kinda dotty, I guess. (Sheesh!)

Cerelle

So glad you came over for a visit.

It's amazing how the years go by, Cerelle.

I so enjoyed reading about your children--how they have blossomed.
I have no doubt that they will fullfill all that God has for them.

I'm tickled, especially, about Laurel... boy, that is one tough, spunky kid. Where did she get that from???

Giovanna

What a treat to get an update. I send a hearty congratulations to you and your kids - job well done!

Can't tell you the times I've thought of you over the years. Unlike you, I do get my 'knickers in a twist' over just about everything with my poor son. But, I think maybe I can say I go one twist less because of your inspiration over the years .

I'm envious of Ariel's job - it sounds like a dream come true for a certain type of person. I enjoyed LexisNexis so much during the year I went to law school (during which the college paid the subscription fee!). What a change with Laurel - she's my inspiration. Her determination and your positive attitude toward her desire to forgo college and concentrate on her loves has helped me time and again. And, Hunter - what a crack up. Has he read Mark Salzman's IRON AND SILK (on audio tape at our library)? It's Salzman's account of living and teaching in China and finding a martial arts teacher while there - takes place during the 70's or early 80's I think.

It's fun to watch these young people find their paths, isn't it?

Hey, we're going to have make this an annual tradition - last two weeks in August . . .

(((HUG)))....I had heard about "everything." You are one strong amazing woman!! And Laurel.... what an inspiration. I feel privledged to have been in touch with you and the recipient of your families wisdom.

I am glad that you have found a partner to share life with once again. I hope he appreciates what he is blessed to be a part of.

Annette

Hi Cerelle, Did you go to SMU in Dallas? Did we meet in 1970 there? If so please let me know one way or the other. Thanks, Robert

Wow, Cerelle!

It's fantastic to hear from you. I had no idea that any of this was going on in your life - Tomas's death, a new love for you, and all the wonderful news from your kids. Ariel getting married - I'd love to hear the treehouse wedding story! Her job sounds engrossing, and what we all hope our children will find - work they love. It sounds like Laurel is in a good place, married, pursuing something she's passionate about. And Hunter the ninja-guy! How old is he now? Wow, how time flies.

Ah, I so miss Kaleidoscapes and all of you! There hasn't been another place like it!

My bunch are now 21, almost 19, and 13. Tim and Debby are in college, and Suzy is at home still. Tim and his girlfriend Megan are moving in together on May 1. He works in the IT department at his college, and also does a lot of "computer geek" work on the side. Debby is majoring in violin performance, and she also teaches violin. She's home in the summers, working as a naturalist at the state park near here. And Suzy has too many irons in the fire - she loves reading, horseback riding, art, soccer, nature, singing, piano, orchestra, volleyball, dogs, tv crime shows, and especially theatre - and that's just off the top of my head. And right now I'm heavily into gardening, turning my shady little acre into a woodland paradise.

I'm so glad you posted, Cerelle. Hey, everybody else - would you post updates on your families as well? I'd love to know what my old friends are doing!

Liz Messick