It's been awhile, so I'll be brief on words and big on pictures

 (which, it's been said, each equal a thousand words). 

Here's what we've been up to:

Lemme just get this outta the way. I have 'tude now.

Attitude, that is. I can give it. Mom and Dad reign it

in pretty fast, and I don't actually use it very often,

but the point is, I'm not wee babe, anymore. I have

strong desires and real disappointments and 

sometimes, it's hard to find the best way 

to let people know about them.  

 I am learning new words

and keeping up with my sister in new and 

fun ways. We play together more every day

and make each other laugh. Sometimes, I make her cry,

but she usually has it coming. 

This is a letter that I, Winona, composed to my wee sis this 

very evening:

 "Dear Jezebel. Please stop screaming.

 If you don't, I'll have to walk away. 

Love, Winona"

We love to make music together. 

But, let's be frank: I'm the one taking lessons and sometimes,

an artist needs her space. 

That's cool, Winnie. Whatever. I'm up here messing up your stuff.

 

Or, setting us a Tea Party. Wanna come?

Oh, let's just play another duet!

Or, decide that although that was a nice story about Martin Luther King, Jr. and all, Mom, we're really excited about Valentine's Day and here are your valentines that we made you while you were at work, 

and here is the present we wrapped (all their hair clips and bands wrapped in some cloth from my sewing stash)...and...and... and...it's a SURPRISE VALENTINE'S PARTY!! 

So, what's a mom to do? The Poetry Slam in honor of MLK at the theater was not enough to distract her. Valentine Party it was... cake and all. I think Dr. King would have approved.

As you can see, it's been a lot of at home time. Mostly, we're waiting by the phone, hoping to hear that someone has seen or has our dog, Lucy, who went missing on January 6th. We keep the hope that she'll come home...and in the meantime, the desperate hope that she is warm, healthy, fed and loved.

And, life goes on, surprise Valentine's Parties and all. Counting our blessings and 

praying for Lu!!!!