Circles of Life, Diamonds, and Ambulation

It was a big day today for Matilda.  She took her first walk up the block with her mother...got some groceries, saw the ladies at the market--they've heard a lot about her, so it was nice for them to meet the wee celebrity in person.  It's amazing to live in such a great neighborhood where you can walk up the street to the grocery store; where people know, care about, and watch out for each other;  where people value children, and their arrival in the community.   I have said many times that living in this neighborhood here--literally in the heart of the Twin Cities--is like living in the small town where I grew up--only difference being I can see the downtown Minneapolis skyline from my bedroom windows.  I largely have Emma to thank for that.  With her salon, she's one of the hubs in this community, and I wouldn't know nearly as many people or be woven so tightly into the fabric here if it wasn't for her.  

   

Also, I got to tour the new Twins ballpark today with some University of Wisconsin alumni friends...just an amazing place.  I can't wait to take Matilda there for her first dozen or two Twins games.  Walking around the unfinished shell--getting to walk in the future Twins dugout, standing out on what will be the infield--I spotted literally a dozen spots where I want to sit at a game in the sun (or the rain), and get a feel for all the nooks and crannies at the new ballpark.  Whether you agree with a tax that adds $0.03 to every $20.00 purchase you make in Hennepin County, just wait until you attend your first game there.  It's going to be phenomenal.  

Finally, sadly, Matilda also attended her first funeral tonight (actually a wake).  My good friend Rick from high school lost his mother this past weekend.  Betty was a very sweet lady, and it was sad to see her pass.  But there was something comforting or even awe-inspiring about having a 9 day old baby at the wake for a 73 year old lady...life goes on, despite all the odds.  Life wants to go on, impels us--tricks us, drugs us--into helping it go on.  I hope when Matilda buries me in several decades that her friends bring a newborn to dance with me on or near my grave that day.