Great Fall Weather for Apple Picking

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We did our annual apple picking at Larriland Farm. Its always an excuse for us to clown around! Fall is my favorite time of year. 

Some pics from our July hike up Swallow Falls

A collection of pictures from our hike to Swallow Falls. I had no intention of going up but the daughter was feeling adventurous! https://stacy3583.wixsite.com/mysite/post/the-summer-climb-up-swallow-falls

Fun at Duran Duran concert

 

We had a blast at the Duran Duran convert which was at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The biggest surprise may have been the opening act, which was Nile Rodgers and the Chic. Talk about an amazing performance, they easily outshined Duran Duran. 

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— Stacy Mizrahi (@MizrahiStacy) August 24, 2022

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— Stacy Mizrahi (@MizrahiStacy) August 24, 2022

Chilling out on the 4th weekend

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We are chilling out in Deep Creek for the 4th of July weekend. Nice weather so far with zero stress. I like chilling on the couch but I have a sense that this will be the last time I’m this chill for a while. 

As my daughter says - Daddy you are OLD!

Someone help that old geezer with the candles, he might hurt himself!

Stacy Mizrahi and Letting Go of the Self

Recently I've been feeling my powerlessness and recognize that there isn't much I can really do about things that are 100% outside of my control. I'm coming to grips with the fact that a huge portion of my character is reactionary and wants to help in any way possible. Until recently, I've never questioned why. But one day I had someone ask, "Are you doing that for him or are you doing that for you?"

That was a pivotal moment where I had to stop planning things and start reflecting on intention. Even if my intentions were genuinely out of compassion, trying to think out the "why" was not an easy answer. There are some situations where I feel compelled to do what I can. I want to be a good father, a good son and a good person. But is my compulsion to do good things done out of a sense of stoic giving back or am I trying to tick off boxes in the righteous living  checklist? It sounds comical but intentions do reveal a lot! I have to confess that I wasn't quick to an answer. 

Sometimes what feels like duty and selflessness is often window-dressing for indulgence. I'll often put myself "out there" to try to help out others and catch myself going through mental gymnastics of finding some grace in the actions I'm doing. Hence, my motivations are actually for a feeling of accomplishment.  Other times I have no pretenses of anything other than getting something done for the other person - true altruism. Then there is a murky area where I might be "playing the part" - doing something I think I should be doing because that is what is expected of me. 

In the end I have decided that sometimes its best to lean in on the serenity prayer. Sometimes I have to accept the things I cannot change and accept the things I can.  I have to recognize when things are out of my control and that all the honest intention in the world won't make things better. I sometimes have to accept that even my best intentions likely won't change the course of events or improve any outcome. Instead, I have to invite the serenity in and know when my presence won't measurably improve anything. I have to be strong and learn to let go. 

Happy Mothers Day

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Happy Mother’s Day! We love the mom of the house and we send our love to the Grandma.