Loic's 15th

Finally started the blog as a dedication to my sisters whom I fear I have neglected of late and have always been my inspiration.

06.09.2009 Hamburg, Germany.

Today we celebrated Loic turning 15 years old. And we recount that mad dash to the hospital in Grandpa Luckmann's tan metallic Holden after my waters broke as I was ironically in the process of mopping the floor for the fourteenth time that week, Steven was up on stilts rehearsing our latest stage show with my stand-in, a curvy 5 foot 10 stuffed doll in a gorgeous pink georgette gown, when we timed our arrival for the change of guard in the maternity ward and I am trying to inform nurses and wards-men that I am booked to have a cesarean the next day as I have a breeched baby. But after a quick check on a guernsey in a corridor they announce my baby has now turned itself around and I would indeed be having a natural childbirth.

Of course I was not prepared, I mean I was prepared with the attractive maternity nightie, hairdryer, baby clothes, truck loads of novels, massage oils, aroma candles, music choices, toiletries but not for the actual birth! I had stopped reading the chapters about breathing and pushing once they told me the baby was breeched expecting just to lie down and go to sleep, something I can do exceptionally well without practice. But the body seems to know what to do if you just let it so I let it and except for a few strong grabs of Steven's blue checked flannelette shirt, it all went rather smoothly.

To this day, Loic continues to astound us with his ability to improve his position in life with his determination, hard work and focus. And from that tiny long baby he has grown into a tall, handsome and confident teenager. And we are very proud.

After celebrating four previous birthdays on the road with Varekai: Columbus, Sydney, Perth and the never to be forgotten Duisburg...... with a fistful of memories we fast forward to Hamburg. Today Loic awoke very happy, happy to be in Hamburg and not Duisburg, and continued this joy with an early morning ride with Steven along the Alster River, having one of those father/son discussions comparing their five year plans.

Meanwhile in the record breaking time of ten minutes, Ines, Jose and I were attempting to blow up balloons and tie ribbons from rafters to decorate a table at the outdoor boathouse called Cliff Cafe, where we were battling with all four seasons in those ten minutes and trying not to be distracted by all of Jose's five minute plans which ranged from creating ecosystems with spiders to rowing the Alster River. Enzo was hiding in a little sack next to the table. We never ask why - he also had a plan, a rather immediate plan we hoped. The German waiting staff ignored us with only a feigned attempt at distant observation.

Suddenly, (it wasn't sudden but it is Enzo's favorite word at the moment because translated in German it is "plötzlich" - again we never ask why). Suddenly, or "plötzlich", Loic and Steven appear and we enjoy a very large and sumptuous "frühstück" with the waiters never getting any happier until I leave a big tip as a challenge to see if there is a simple smile hidden behind that stern demeanor. Steven assures me it is not personal - it is because they are German.

Well he smiled which means he can if he really really wants to. I think he even made a joke but I can't be sure because it was in German and my grasp of the language is limited to "Nein", "Auf Wiedersehen","Danke" and now "plötzlick" and "Frühstück". It would be very handy if I knew chicken, chick peas, cream or washing powder for a front loader! Oh yeah and Enzo did pop up out of his sack holding a balloon with "I LOVE YOU" reciting a monologue about granting three wishes etc. etc. etc. We think he stole it off some clown show but he says he made it up.

For the rest of the day on our many outdoor wanderings we continued to make more wishes as we found coins, kept saying the same things in synchronicity, catching twirling autumn leaves and witnessing white butterflies flying in the breeze. Tonight after Steven arrives home from the show, we will dine in at Isestrasse enjoying a "Never Fail Chocolate Cake" made by Jose and an ice cream cake decorated by Ines and Enzo.

Remember being 15 again and being able to eat two pieces of cake in one night!

Love you and miss you.

Peace, love and laughter,

Cathryn, Clown and Clan - sending you wishes from Hamburg.