F5

Growing up in the south exposed me to tornadoes– and the danger, wonder, panic, reverence, and fear that accompanies them.  Though Tennessee is not considered a part of Tornado Alley, I expect our family to huddle in the downstairs bathroom at least once a year as the sirens are blaring.  As I type this we’re under warnings for both severe thunderstorms and flash floods.  Hearing of the utter devastation in Moore, Oklahoma breaks my heart.  Text ‘redcross’ to 90999 to donate $10 to relief efforts through the Red Cross….please help if you are able.  I ask you all to send thoughts and prayers to Oklahoma.  Let those affected find comfort and healing as they rebuild, literally and figuratively.  These before and after photos take my breath.

"As dawn breaks, storm clouds roll in over a destroyed neighborhood the day after a tornado hit in Moore, Oklahoma" (EPA/ED ZURGA /LANDOV)

“As dawn breaks, storm clouds roll in over a destroyed neighborhood the day after a tornado hit in Moore” (EPA/ED ZURGA /LANDOV)

If you find yourself faced with a tornado warning TAKE SHELTER.  Identify the safe room in your home– a space towards the center in the basement or lowest level of your house, avoid windows and doors, and place as many doorways as possible between your safe r00m and the outdoors.  Know the safest places to be wherever you are.  Create a disaster kit and a family emergency plan.  Perform a yearly drill.  You can never be too prepared.

Every family should have an disaster kit and safety With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

On top of the mountain

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With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane

Solitary stroll

While the others worked on their respective projects I relished the opportunity to escape for some solo time. After pausing briefly to sit on a rock and take in the view, I attempted to meditate….but couldn’t get centered. For a glorious half hour I walked alone. Surrounded by nature I felt something that resembled peace.

West = Morro Bay / Pacific Ocean
Everywhere else = Paso Robles, Templeton, & Atascadero

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With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane

Paddle boats

Isn't this a great shot?

Six days ago we went to Shelby Farms for Christa’s going away party. Because I am awkward and antisocial, the idea of approaching the festivities without somebody on my team made me nervous…..so the three of us decided to kill some time until Ashley and Alana arrived.

This would be even better if you could see my face

Will and I took a paddle boat ride at Patriot Lake shortly before I got pregnant. Once we discovered we were expecting, one of the first things we said we wanted to do with our child was take them to Patriot Lake once they were old enough. Much to our delight, as long as your child sits in your lap and wears a life vest, there is no age limit. Needless to say Adam loved his adventure!  It was so rewarding to share this experience with him and check another activity off of our ‘family to-do’ list.

Once our delegation arrived we headed to the picnic area and enjoyed a spread from Jason’s Deli. Adam ran around with a fan pretending to chop down trees and I caught the ladies up on why my most recent tumultuous relationship went sour. Isn’t it so irritating when you love somebody you thoroughly dislike?  Enough of that….much luck to Christa on the next step of her journey!

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane