Peace...really!

Peace, yeah, that's still the thing. The Holy Grail that we just can't seem to get closer to. Sierra, who's about to turn four, has recently become a fan of the bonky head guys, those monks in Monty Python's Holy Grail who chant and then hit themselves in the head with a sturdy piece of wood. I can't help thinking that we humans are a bit like that. We say our lines over and over, pausing only to hit ourselves in the head.

Sierra is a joy to spend time with. XTC sang Every minute spent with her's a bulging wallet. In fact all of the lyrics to "The She Appeared" sum up my feelings for Sierra. What happiness to pick her up at pre-school and have her run into my arms with a smile as big as the sun.

Jack's voice is so low, folks who call our house wonder who that man is answering the phone. It's strange living with a tall basso profundo who used to be this size of a loaf of bread and ask to play Thomas the Tank Engine. Stranger still is looking at Jay, a long haired seventh grader who looks and acts like I did back when the first Star Wars movie came out. I feel like Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Past when I bump into my former self when we crash into each other on the way to Tutu's cookie tin.

Most of the members of our house are in good stead, but Gramma Betty is fading fast. She will turn 90 at the end of December, and her decline is hard on us all.

I'm always telling folks how busy we are, but 2005 makes past years seem like a lazy afternoon with a good book. Things are reaching their crescendo now as we have one last crazy week before flying off to California for the holidays. Away from all these house projects, school events, and lists of things to do.

All my resolutions will be about making our world more peaceful. I hope you are on that path, too.

Jim

Here's a brief rundown on where the family is at as 2006 approaches:

JACK
~ enjoyed roles in Godspell, The Importance of Being Earnest, and the Laramie Project
~ traveled to Rapa Nui and Tahiti with school group
~ A junior is looking at colleges
~ got certified in SCUBA; in process of getting driver’s license



JAY
~ learned to SCUBA dive with dad at many island dive sites
~ played water polo and swim team for Punahou
~ seventh grader
~ climbed mountains, sailed boats, and starred in a play at Camp Treetops in New York



SIERRA
~ moved up to the age 3 group at Kuapa Preschool
~ sings and plays piano
~ still likes sign language
~ swims like a fish



JIM
~ jobs included teaching at Punahou, leading Hawaii Writing Project, and teaching guitar at Camp Treetops
~ teaching sixth grade at Punahou and playing in bands
~ released solo album called “Mist” and played gigs in several cities (www.jimsmart.net)




SHARI
~ working as a substitute between massive home improvement projects
~ enjoyed teaching marine biology at Punahou summer school and crafts at Camp Treetops
~ inducted to the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame