There is no art either good or bad, but thinking makes it so

Dad still gets the attention of the local paparazzi. He does his best to ignore it but when they come on the property, it's a bit harder.

Mason is growing like a little weed. A very unstable little weed,  he's still finding the whole walking thing a bit much.



-------

First thing in the morning and my baby bro is ready for action.

Dad and Shannon were up till late, talking about something, they weren't stirring in their bedroom yet. I decided to get Mason out of the crib.

It was past time for his bottle. The poor little mite was very hungry.

Once he was done with the bottle, it was a quick dive into the toy box to grab his favorite toy. He loves Mr Bunny.

I went over to Founder's Park after grabbing a bite for myself. I found most of Clayton's family there.

Clayton was at a table playing computer games, but I didn't feel like talking to him. I was still miffed that he'd ditch me for work then blame me that we didn't have a good date. Honestly, boys.

So I decided to talk to Clayton's older brother Derrick.

"Hey, Derrick, what's happenin'?"

"Not much. You?"

"Just chillin'. You still seeing my cousin Lizzie?"

"Umm, well, yes. Sort of."

"Sort of?"

"Well, there's this other girl. I really like both of them."

Grr, boys, who needs them? I decided it was time to go home.

Dad and Shannon were doing some morning chores so I sat to play with Mason for a little.

"No sweetie. The square peg goes there. It doesn't fit the round hole."

A little while later, Dad finished having a crew set up a block of stone for his next sculpture.

Now was going to be as good a time as any to talk to him. Before he gets so engrossed that nothing will break his concentration.

"Dad, can we talk?"

"What about Kitten?"

"Well, that boarding school. I've made up my mind."

"So, what's the verdict?"

"Well, if you are sure we can afford it, I think boarding school would be a great way to get out of this place."

"Kitten? You sound upset. "

I told Daddy about Clayton, about Mom, well, about everything. It all just spilled out, a cascade of words and finally tears.

"Kitten, running away isn't a real answer. Life hurts, sometimes." He sighed. "I did love your mother you know."

"Dad, I promise, it's not just running away. The school sounds great, way more interesting then the public school here. I think I'd enjoy it." Dad gave me a look. "Ok, it is a bit of running away too, but please Dad?"

"I doubt this will change your mind, but Clayton is just taking after his father. Thomas never could resist trying his luck with a new girl but his wife Zayne has never said a bad word about him. He always comes home, Zayne is the only real love in his life." He looked at me attentively. "There's no turning back once you're enrolled. Are you positive?"

"Yes Dad."

Dad went into the house for 15 minutes. He gave me the thumbs up when he came back out. "All set. They send a taxi for you tomorrow at 9."

I spent some of the day sorting my clothes. Some of the stuff, I wouldn't be caught dead in.

Most of the day was spent doing the usual things. Dad had a major fit when the sink broke, again.

Dad and I had a jamming session in the evening. Music is supposed to be one of the schools best subjects, I think that's going to be so cool.

Dad put Mason in his crib. Mason's favourite bedtime story is "Goldilocks and the three bunnies". Dad is an impressive reader, he does all the voices.

Shannon cooked ratatouille for me. Dad must have told her it's my favourite dish in the whole world.

One thing, Dad and Mason won't be starving while I'm gone. Not with Shannon here.

I have a feeling I know what Dad and Shannon was discussing the other night. Shannon's been hinting that another baby would make her very happy. It won't be long until Mason goes to school.

She might just have persuaded Dad that he wanted a bigger family.

Monday morning, my last few hours at home. I played with Mason for awhile.

Dad came out to see me off.

"Now Kitten, we aren't made of money, but if there is something you really need, let us know. I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks Dad."

"And you write home. Or call home. Or both."

"Yes Dad."

"I bought you a little present."

"Oh Daddy!"

"Thanks so much Dad. I'll call and I'll be home before you know what happened."

Then the taxi pulled up and I was on my way. A new school, a new adventure.

I miss my family already.

---

Bonus pics

Camera peek-a-boo trying to get a snap of Johnny reading to Mason.

Leonardo as a teen. I must say Brooke and Hans kids were all winners.

Poor Johnny. He spent a lot of money on that rock to sculpt. The little gem stone he got here when it broke doesn't even slightly cope for the value.