Party: Reverb10

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

I don't go to very many parties. That is not to say that we are not invited, it's just that most times something comes up that makes it where I can't get there. Lame I know but it's the truth. I did go to an awesomely wonderful party this year though. My longtime friend Sarah invited me to our friend's surprise birthday party. I hadn't seen Sarah in a long time and I hadn't seen Daniel and his mom Victoria in even longer so I was going to go to this party. I committed myself and demanded myself to go and hang out with my friends.

It was a Sunday night and it was a little bit warm. Bay Area late summer weather is either awful or beautiful. I get to Fruitvale in Oakland. Already the streets and the sounds are so different than where I live. There is life in the streets and it's beautiful. People walking in the streets, talking, laughing... Get to Sarah's house, she lived behind a tea house and see her and people i hadn't seen in a long time or just meeting for the first time. There is something about meeting people like this. They are beautiful and accepting. Wonderfully welcoming. It's a great feeling. The house is warm and full of laughter and the smells of carne asada, salsa, guacamole and beer. Reminders of home... Daniel arrived with his mom and it was heavenly! He looked great, Vicky looked great and the smiles on everyone's faces only showed how much love there was in that house. Hugging La V was the best. She gives these really great hugs. They last long after she lets go...

The party was a success. Daniel was pleasantly surprised and I was amazingly happy...

Wonder: Reverb10

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

The only way that I really cultivate my sense of wonder is through my children. Anytime we do something new, my kids have this really great way of expressing how cool they thought it was or their facial expressions or smiles just tell the story. It's awesome! I think that's the cool thing about being a parent. You get to do all the things you did as a child all over again and see the wonder of a common carnival ride in your child's eyes...