Leadership Parenting

Nitai is 21 today. The baby has grown up.

He's got chalk on his shirt from rock climbing. We frequently venture to the kitchen for ice cream breaks, bumping into each other at midnight. He plays flute, harmonium and sings like a dream, belting out heartfelt names when we do kirtan in the evenings. He's bright as a whip, loves studying, works hard and gets paid $$. But he will only do that which lights him up and follows his calling. He hates too much public attention. Which is too bad because he will always be our baby which means we're always gonna be pouring attention on him ;) He is so full of 'nakhras' antics .. Every day with him is like April Fool's Day lol.

21 means he's officially an adult now and our parenting babies journey is done. 21 means he is clear on his values and as he explained to me, "they all respect me for my standards, Mommy."

I'm so grateful to be blessed with my boys... they make me who I am. I can't wait to follow them now, as they show me how vaishnavas live and play in this world. Krishna by their side, always and forever.

Happy birthday, babudu. May all your dreams be fulfilled. May you dance in life's storms and find the deepest truest love in the names of our dear krishna.

💕✨💕

Thank you Laxmipriya Anna Peñate for the perfect yummiest cake.

We voted!

Hey dear Facebook family,

I need your encouragement and love.

I know I've been quiet and a bit AWOL for some time. Rupes' health and my own health needed my attention and life changed somewhat. All with the knowing of everything spiritual watching over us, we are okay.

Through it all, my second book proposal was accepted by my amazing publisher on Gaura Purnima Day ✨💕✨ woohoo!! This second book will be for teachers, guided by the bhakti path.

The first manuscript -- full final rough draft - is due this Monday, June 3rd -- less than one week. 👀

I've had back to back trips last weekend after the school graduation and this upcoming weekend as well, for trainings and workshops for Leadership Parenting. Now I'm stuck with a high fever and heavy flu/cold. (Rupa's got it too.)

With less than one week to finish this first manuscript. Eeeek.

Y'all know I'm not the sort to complain about colds; life has given us way more to fret about than that.

But I would just love some of your happy, sparkly blessings to come my way, so that the words I write can have value to those waiting for them. So many teachers need support, and I've had the privilege of being at one of the most powerful schools in this life - with the wisdom of generations of educators to share.

Just wanted all y'all's prayers and blessings so that I can meet this deadline with ease.

Amazingly, June 3rd is also the appearance day of Srila Vrindavan das Thakur... ✨✨✨ who is a chief biographer of Lord Gauranga, and considered the gaura-lila-avatar of Srila Vyasadeva, the literary expansion of the Supreme Lord and the compiler of all the Vedas. (No I didn't choose that date!! It's been kinda phenomenal.. All these magical due dates for this new book.)

So yeah... I need to trust in Their desire, to meet this deadline with happiness and faith, and to swim and dance in the love They share for all parents and all teachers.

I'd love to read your encouraging words or quotes... author life can be kinda lonely at times. Your blessings will keep me going on this sometimes rollercoaster of a life.

💕✨💕 Thanks in advance.

(Here's some pics of last weekends connections - some deep and beautiful friendships made in the hills of Northern California...💕)