Learning to be Chinese

Dear Friends,

I have not been ignoring you! You've been in my thoughts, but I've been trying to relax in my new fabulous home and recover from the exhaustion of moving -- taking in the mountain air and views in the lounge chair.

However, Grandma and my great aunt Helen would have none of it:

They taught me what Chinese discipline and hard work are all about:

When I was not sweeping the patio, I was training to be the next Michael Phelps. I understand the Chinese treat their victorious Olympians very well. (Maybe they're even allowed to have a second child?) Although I may not have Chinese citizenship, I feel sure China will grant it so they can dream of medaling in swimming in 2012. I look fabulous in red.



Yes, if you do the math, I won't be old enough to compete -- but as you know, that doesn't stop the Chinese.

--Maddie

July and August at a Glance

What can I possibly do to catch up after so long away from the keyboard, and so many miles and so much water under the bridge?

I am overwhelmed.

I remain full of surprises:

(Farewell, 1162 Russell! Farewell, Georgia!)

And the world, blessedly, continues to surprise me:

(Hello, Descanso Gardens! Hello, California!)

I remain cool:

(I have no idea what this picture is. In fact, I assert that it was Photoshopped.)

I am still a party animal, as I demonstrated again at Uncle Jerry and Aunt Olivia's wedding:


Perhaps most importantly, I am still fabulous... and California has only augmented my fabulosity:

(Thanks for my Paris Hilton shades, Abbey! The future is so bright that I will need them.)

--Maddie

I am still alive

I got this message today from Gandalf:

Dear Maddie,

It has been a month since you last posted anything on your blog. Were you so swept away by your first kiss that you have lost interest in communicating with the grown-up world? I would have expected that in 10 or 12 years time, but are you extraordinarily precocious in this respect, too?

I know that you have made a big move to a new home. Those of us who are far away would love to have some photos and hear your perspective on your new digs.

Eagerly awaiting some further postings.

Love,

Gandalf

Therefore I will soon tear myself away from the Summer Olympics (and from performing balance-beam routines on our rolled-up carpet) and return to blogging.

--Maddie