Daughter, Granddaughter and I left yesterday morning.  We had a planes, trains, automobiles, and even a couple of buses kind of day (Not to mention hauling luggage up two flights of stairs in the Baltimore Amtrak station because the elevator was broken.  Somehow I never manage a trip without doing that.)

Today I went to a preconference day hosted by ACCESS and NAECTE.  It was interesting, which I’ll write about another time as I’d like to do some research on the presentor.   Daughter and granddaughter went off to the Natural History Museum joining me later for the Exhibit Hall Opening.

20,000 people who work with young children.  You would think we could at least move a few mountains together; but somehow we’ve not managed this on behalf of these young children.

On Thursday, we are presenting a workshop called “Saying ‘yes!’ to physical and vocal expression with your preschoolers.”  No one told us we’d be practicing saying “yes” to all our mistakes before we even got there.

• SerahRose left the cord to her laptop at home.  Don’t worry, she has the mouse.
• Sharon forgot paper. Just to write on. Plain old paper.
• We have a handful of prospecti (we’re going to pretend that’s the plural for prospectus) for the book “Preschool Players” but we neglected to print out one very important inclusion…our CVs.
• SerahRose only has about 20 biz cards in her purse.
• Sharon forgot her vitamins.
• Neither one of us remembered to go to AAA for a tour guide book, or even a map, so we are at the hands of the concierge.

But we’re still smiling, and letting go, which is the essence of saying “yes.”

Ah, and the wee-one is fast asleep in bed already so we’ll all wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after all is said and done.

My own children started there in 1980 when it still had middle school (and maybe high school) age children.  It was then what was called an alternative school — and it was fabulous!  A place that has been lost to the No Child Left Behind act and standards set by everyone; even NAEYC.  We were all either a director, administrator, or teacher (and parent) at the school spanning probably 20 – 25 years.

Somewhere between 5 – 8 women gather at the home of one of us (she retired to Cape Cod).  We pick up our conversations where we left off the year before!  We talk books, spouses, children, and now grandchildren.  We talk about the state of the world, the children we once taught and cared for, and this year, of course, the Presidential election.  We’re all voting for Obama, in case you wanted to know.  (By the way, go to Children’s Defense Fund and you’ll find some interesting stats on how the current candidates voted for children during their political career.  If you are in the profession of early care and education, Obama is the only one who consistently voted on behalf of children and their families.)

We shop too, no surprise there for anyone who knows us!  We went to Wellfleet’s Oyster Festival and downed some great oysters caught by our hostess’ grandson.  And, our favorite visit is to  Jules Besch Stationers.  This is the most amazing stationery and card shop anywhere!   And, we go to eat in Provincetown and shop there as well.  I always buy Salt Water Taffy to bring home.  Cabot’s on Commercial Street has the best taffy I’ve ever had – and I’ve tasted many!

It’s a long 4 1/2 hour drive each way for me; but I try to go every year.  These women are amazing, intelligent, strong women.  Women who care about the earth, the children, and each other in a way that is often not appreciated by some.  Our lives are busy, way too busy.  This kind of connection between women should be in our lives each and every day.  I love these women and am joyful that I can count myself among the group.  I wish for every woman these connections.  Take care of yourself and make them — this is the kind of friendship that is good for the soul and mind.