Wild horses on the moors at Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England. Sheep also roam freely here.
Today I took my daughter Jordana to the airport. We've had such a wonderful two-plus weeks, it was hard to say goodbye. And there were a few frantic moments when both of us thought we missed that opportunity, due to security measures preventing ticketed passengers from exiting into the terminal. Eventually we met at passport control. As usual, I couldn't suppress a few tears.
Jordana is in her last year in college now, successfully following her own path. Much of her time in Paris has been spent in various museums, bookstores and a mosque, conducting research, photographing Islamic art and collecting fabric samples for the collection she will design. And of course there was shopping, always shopping. We stayed up late into the night chatting and watching DVDs while she sewed or embroidered and I helped scan documents or print photographs for her project.
Jordana has had to be very strong and independent, with David and me an ocean away. I have to say that I am knocked out by the wise and wonderful young woman she has become. I have learned so much from her. In case you didn't notice, I am a proud mom! Alas, we were so busy photographing everything else, we forgot to take pictures of each other. In any event, Jordana will be home in December; not long now!
Ever since we returned from holiday in England, I've been busy - first with guests, then with my daughter. I've afraid I've been remiss in responding to email and comments and in keeping up with other blogs. Yet I still have a packed schedule: routine doctors' appointments; a houseguest from Italy and visits from more blogging friends, as well as late-September brocante events at Chatou and at Vanves. In addition, I have hundreds of photos to upload, several posts and articles to write and -what I'm really supposed to be doing with my time - finish the book! So please bear with me while I practice my juggling skills.
Thank you all for the thoughtful birthday wishes! You - and Jordana - helped make it a very special day! Happy fall (or requiem, as my poetic friend Maddie prefers)!
Tara!!!!!!!!
She looks just like you - she is such a beauty!
Does she design clothes or...?
Let me know when her designs are for sale:)
hugs to both of you:)
Posted by: maddie | 13 September 2007 at 20:09
How wonderful Jordana was able to visit you for your birthday, though I know how hard that must be to say 'au revoir' - December will be here before we know it, though. Hope you can find some time for you, too, busy lady! ((HUGS))
Posted by: tinker | 13 September 2007 at 14:44
Tara I am so glad your beautiful daughter was able to be with you this summer and back home this winter. I know having her with you for your birthday was the greatest gift. You have raised an incredible daughter who I have no doubt is who she is because of her Mother's love and example. Warm embraces and kisses to you my friend.
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 13 September 2007 at 14:30
i know the angst of parting from your child...but i also know te joy of watching them become the people they were intended to be...strong, independent, passionate women...enjoy your requiem...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 13 September 2007 at 13:54
Ah, you must be so sad to say goodbye to your lovely daughter for a while! She is very strong indeed to cope with the separation, isn't she! As always, beautiful photos!
Posted by: Sophiehoneysuckle | 13 September 2007 at 13:42
Tara,
It must be hard to say goodbye to your daughter, after spending such quality time with her. I don't know how you do it. I have a hard time sending my kids to school in the morning. I can't imagine seeing one walk onto a plane. But since you have obviously done a fantastic job raising her, and she seems very goal oriented and serious about her work, you will see her come into her own and that has to be rewarding. How proud you must be!
So glad you had your time with Jordana, (the beeee-autiful woman!) and now maybe you can catch up with your deadlines etc. It is nice to get back on track.
Your photo is gorgeous, I can almost sense the mist in the air. English air "appears" to be so much nicer for the skin! LOL
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 13 September 2007 at 13:21
Sounds like you had a a nice visit! Glad I'll be taking up more of you time very soon :) BTW...what do you think of Vanves?
Posted by: My Melange | 13 September 2007 at 13:20
How lovely are our reunions with our loved ones.
Your daughter is beautiful and I know you are a proud parent
just as I am.
Love and hugs and kisses to you.
Love Jeanne
X0X0
Posted by: Jeanne | 13 September 2007 at 12:12
Remember when you could walk right up to the gate with the one you love? Watch them get on the plane- it's an era isn't it? Sort of like typewriters.
Hope your fall isn't too busy.
Posted by: ren.kat | 13 September 2007 at 11:28
Tara,
Your chatty, back fence missive made me smile.;) I'm glad you and Jordana had a fabulous time together.
rel
Posted by: rel | 13 September 2007 at 11:08
saying goodbye for a longer period to your baby girl on an airport must be so difficult. i'll be facing the experience one day as well. she's such a beautiful young woman tara! you did very well!!
Posted by: marita | 13 September 2007 at 08:08
Hi, Tara-- As I read this post, it reminded me that I will go to Boston in a few weeks and see my mother, who is 97. Amazing! She is still writing to us each week, and manages to keep everyone in our family pretty well connected. It is interesting to consider what it must STILL be like for her to wave us off when we leave our visits with her. Even now.....
You brighten and enlighten my day whenever I stop by your blog. Take care and remember that Jordana will do beautifully in Savannah, and then return for another visit. You are both blessed! Your fan, Joan
Posted by: Joan | 13 September 2007 at 07:26
Jordana is beautiful.You have good reason to be proud of her. You have been so busy yet you stopped by and left a lovely comment on my new blog. Thank you so much.
Posted by: gemma | 13 September 2007 at 03:31
You have such a beautiful daughter, Tara. And your relationship with her sounds like a wonderful one. You are two very lucky women! :)
ohhh...and those wild horses. I can't tell you how much I love wild horses.
Posted by: Jessie | 13 September 2007 at 03:22
It's wonderful when your children grow up to be strong, independent, and, best of all, happy! It adds so much to the time we spend with them.
As you know, my own son finished his growing up quite a long way from home, too, although not quite as far as Jordana. They learn so much in that process. But it makes the time together very precious, doesn't it?
I'm glad the two of you had such a lovely time together. Here's to Christmas :)
Posted by: Becca | 13 September 2007 at 02:44
Tara I am happy that you and your daughter had some quality time together. It is never easy saying goodbye to our children even if it's for a little while!
It seems there is never enough time. I too struggle to get everthing in during this past summer and it seems that visiting blogs gets put on the back burner when prioritizing.Oh I think we'll catch up eventually.hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 13 September 2007 at 02:03
Oh, it was so nice to get to link over to see the stunningly beautiful Jordana.... She is young and fresh yet sophisticated all at once... Wild horses....Makes me think of a song.... Iknow how my mother feels, when we all go.. relaxation and sadness all bundled into one... Besos from hear to there and back again!
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 13 September 2007 at 01:49
Qué preciosa foto ♥
Posted by: Jackie | 13 September 2007 at 00:09
This is a lovely photo and such a heartwarming post.
Posted by: yolanda | 12 September 2007 at 23:54
Wow! December isn't too far away. How exciting is that? You are always very busy so I'm sure this has just been a bit busier!
Posted by: Mary T. | 12 September 2007 at 22:33
Ce n'est qu'un aurevoir...
You deserve the Proud Mom title! xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 12 September 2007 at 21:36
You have a daughter to be so proud of. I am sure you are saving the moments with her in your heart bracelet.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 12 September 2007 at 21:18
Jordana is lovely, Tara! How lucky you are to have each other. Thanks for the reminder of what raising daughters is all about. It's easy to forget as I tend to fuss at my girls (aged 6 & 8) rather than celebrate them, and my son, these days. K.
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 12 September 2007 at 21:08
Your post today is so warm and touching...I remember how my mom 'let go' of me as I was growing up and as time passed, rather than 'parent-child' relationship, we became 'friends'...when unfortunately I lost her..
A mother daughter bond is always so beautiful (incidentally, just read about a beautiful mother daughter tradition at Robyn's blog (gardenrooms)]
Posted by: Bhavna | 12 September 2007 at 19:20
What a beautiful young woman she is. I feel for you--I hate saying goodbye--even for a little while.
Posted by: Becky | 12 September 2007 at 19:10