#mixtiles

[sdizdar]

Mixtile Edge 2 Kit– AI based bee detection and tracking

Here I describe usage of Mixtile Edge 2 Kit in agriculture, bee detection, which can be essential for health and survival of bees.

Story

Mixtile is professional IoT hardware solution provider specialized in Linux and Android-based embedded systems.Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is high-performance ARM single board computer. It comes in variants of 2GB of LPDDR4 DRAM and 16GB eMMC Flash storage, or 4GB of LPDDR4 DRAM and 32GB eMMC Flash storage. This single board computer comes with preinstalled Android 11, and it runs Ubuntu Linux operating system in Android container. It comes with large connectivity options (Bluetooth, 4G/5G Cellular, GPS, and Lora, Zigbee and Z-Wave). For those, you will need module, but it comes with default onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45) and Serial Port (RS-485). Because it comes with RS-485 port, which is industrial standard, and it comes within a strong metal case, it seems to me that it can be really used in industrial projects. I used official Raspberry Pi 5 power supply in order to power up my Mixtile Edge 2 Kit.So, an idea came to me why not to use it in agriculture, bee detection, which can be essential for health and survival of bees.This project will cover setting up Mixtile Edge 2 Kit, and custom photo dataset form video in order to train custom YOLOv5 bee detection model. YOLOv5 models must be trained on labelled data in order to learn classes of objects in that data.I gathered data from video and trained model on my PC.To train a model, I used python and typed in command line:

python train.py --img 640 --batch 16 --epochs 3 --data coco128.yaml --weights best.pt

My training results are summarized in the following table:

Training results

From this table you can see that images are divided into 4 detection classes:

Bee

Drone

Pollenbee

Queen

Example for each class is summarized in a table below:

Bee classes

1. Getting started

First, I will write about software part of the project, and later on steps of starting the recognition.

1.1 What is YOLOv5?

If you have been in the field of machine learning and deep learning for some time now, there is a high chance that you have already heard about YOLO. YOLO is short for You Only Look Once. It is a family of single-stage deep learning-based object detectors. It was written using Python language, and the framework used is PyTorch.

To ease control, I connected usb mouse to the one of three Mixtile Edge 2 Kit USB3 port. I used Ubuntu Linux for this project. Ubuntu on container is installed in Android system of Mixtile Edge 2 Kit by default. When you boot Mixtile Edge 2 Kit, you get Android OS. Since I wanted to access Edge 2 Kit remotely, and get easier control, I installed droidVNC server from this link:

It is an Android VNC server using Android 5+ APIs. It does not require root access.

I started the VNC server, connected with VNC Viewer and I got the following Android 11 screen:

Android 11

After that, I installed SimpleSSHD from this link:

SimpleSSHD is a SSH server Android app, based on Dropbear.It allows user access (user ssh) or full root access (by setting the login shell to /system/xbin/su) (if root is allowed).

After I installed SSH server, I connected to it via putty SSH terminal. Username and Password are root/root.

Com.hubware.ubuntu is ubuntu on a container and we are connected to it immidiately.

Now we are going to install required software.

First, you will need to upgrade Ubuntu by typing in the command: apt-get upgrade.

Second, I installed python by typing: apt-get install python.

You will also need pip, the package installer for Python.

2. Installing the YOLOv5 Environment

To start off we first clone the YOLOv5 repository and install dependencies. This will set up our programming environment to be ready to running object detection training and inference commands.

Install git: apt-get install git

Clone YOLOv5 repository:

git clone https://github.com/ultralytics/yolov5

Move to YOLOv5 folder:

cd yolov5

Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Wait some time to download and install all requirement packages, I waited 25 minutes, because there are a lot of python packages to install besides YOLOv5. YOLOv5 needs numpy package, scipy, OpenCV, etc.

The putty connection and installation process looks like below:

I transferred my model best.pt to the yolov5 installation folder via SCP, with MobaXterm.

You can simply download my model immidiate by typing:

wget https://github.com/sdizdarevic/beedetectionyolov5/raw/main/best.pt

Also, download original video by typing:

wget https://sdizdarevic.typepad.com/cr/bees-orig.mp4

Now, the final step is detection, and we are interested in the “result” content video.

python3 detect.py --weights best.pt --source bees-orig.mp4

The process of detection looks like below:

In the last lines from last picture we can see the detected number of bees at any point in time.

The summarized short steps to follow are below:

git clone https://github.com/ultralytics/yolov5

cd yolov5

pip install -r requirements.txt

wget https://github.com/sdizdarevic/beedetectionyolov5/raw/main/best.pt

wget https://sdizdarevic.typepad.com/cr/bees-orig.mp4

python3 detect.py --weights best.pt --source

Demonstrated videos are on urls with detection finished completely on Mixtile Edge 2 Kit. Output video is in folder runs/detect/exp2.

Original video:

Result video:

Last, but not less important: If you want to safely turn off your Mixtile Edge 2 Kit, I recommend you to install Shutdown (no Root) application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samiadom.Shutdown&hl=en.

3.Conclusion:

After testing I found out that the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is designed with wide range of applications, from industrial applications, IOT devices, smart home automation, to more than capable AI and edge detection. It is low powered device, with a lot of built-in connectivity options.

I would like to thank amazing Mixtile people for creating this amazing peace of hardware and especially for sending me the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit. Also, Mixtile nurtures the open source values and software, and I believe more people and companies will be involved in making projects with this board.

All in all, I recommend this board for implementing types of projects I described here.

[savings247]

Whether you're looking to spruce up your living room, bedroom, or office. Look no further! Our Savings24x7 team always works to provide you with the latest Mixtiles coupon codes and discount codes that allow you to save money on your purchases. You can visit our website and grab your desired coupon or offer for Mixtiles. Don't forget to check the terms and conditions of the vouchers!

[pictofi]

Photo Tiles From Pictofi: From Memory Lane To Frame

We'd like to introduce you to the newest member of our family of custom wall art: photo tiles! Photo Tiles are stick-on picture tiles with custom printing that make it simple to make your unique gallery wall. With the help of our photo tiles, you can quickly transform your most treasured memories into movable wall decorations that won't damage your walls.

These metal tiles are made of premium aluminium, guaranteeing the same high level of photo printing quality and clarity that you have come to expect from Pictofi. Simply peel the backing off the adhesive tape and press the tiles into place on your wall wherever you think they'll look good after placing your order with Pictofi.

A completely new way to enliven a wall space is offered by Photo Tiles. Photo Tiles come in a variety of sizes to meet every need, whether it is for a family or a business. The Mixtiles Frames are the ideal visual showcase, being both reasonably priced and aesthetically pleasing. They feature high-quality images and flawless mounting on 5mm foam core material.

Our photo tiles' functionality is remarkably simple: You choose the size tile you want after uploading your favourite images, which can be pictures, drawings, screenshots, quotes, and more. Each tile comes with everything you need for a simple installation for easy hanging and rearranging, and each piece is expertly printed on a high-quality glossy finish. As easily as magnets stick to your refrigerator, these tiles will adhere to your wall. Because the premium metal prints are so lightweight, they can be applied to surfaces using only adhesive tape. Therefore, no tools, nails, or hooks are necessary! Print several photo tiles, then add or change them to create a changing photo wall.

These make wonderful gifts because they produce excellent results at reasonable costs.

Make a beautiful wall display of all your memories using your favourite photos. Rearrange your portable photo tiles to reflect your mood or the time of year. With photo tiles, adding a unique touch to your home decor has never been easier. Use them to display wedding photos, holiday pictures, and family photos.

Pictofi provides free shipping with a minimum purchase of AED 100. Delivery in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman takes two days. Delivery in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, UAQ, RAK, and Fujairah takes three days. Order for your loved ones today.

[ginnyrules27]

Hey all!

So I was hoping to do something a little bit different for this Snippet Weekend. For the past pay period at my job, I worked a total of 96.1 hours (for perspective a regular two weeks is 80 hours so that's about 15 hours of overtime). Naturally, that is very draining, and therefore, a boatload of chores got pushed to the 'this is tomorrow's problem' pile.

Well, friends, it's tomorrow. But because I can't just do everything like a regular person, I need a starting place. That's where you all come in! Below is a list of all the chores I have to do before the convention in December (because my mother is cat-sitting for me and she is a clean freak ergo we do not let her think we live in squalor). In exchange for you all sending me one chore from the list, I will send you a random snippet (the fics the snippets are from can be requested, if no fic is requested, I will use my wheel of fate). Please note some chores, like vacuuming, are worth 2 snippets because I irrationally hate vacuuming and laundry is worth 3-4 snippets if it involves getting the clothes out of the washer.

But Ginny, you say, how do we know if you actually do the chore? Because I will include a pic of the completed chore (with some exceptions, no one needs to see a bag filled with cat litter) and a before shot.

Sweep kitchen

Sweep sunroom 

Sweep bathroom

Sweep hallway

Sweep foyer

Mop kitchen

Mop sunroom

Mop bathroom

Mop hallway

Mop foyer

Put laundry in washer 

Put laundry in dryer 

Take laundry out of dryer 

Fold laundry

Put laundry away 

Post eBay listing 

Update eBay listing 

Clean off coffee table in front of sofa

Clean off TV stand 

Clean bathroom sink 

Clean toilet

Wash towels 

Vacuum hallway 

Vacuum bedroom 

Clean up spilled jewelry box Aurora pushed off bedside table

Vacuum living room 

Clean off coffee table by sofa

Set up Christmas tree (don't judge me lol)

Wrap mom’s Christmas present 

Wrap dad’s Christmas present 

Wrap grandma’s Christmas present 

Wrap Uncle’s Christmas present 

Wrap grandma’s Christmas present 

Clean cat litter 

Clean out closet 

Finish making keychains for convention (still need a keychain for Jadah, Dan, Owen, Kenny, and Kaycee) 

Work on drawing of Uma for convention

Finish drawing of Celia for convention 

Finish drawing for Owen for convention 

Make friendship bracelets for convention 

Throw out fallen mixtiles in hallway 

Clean out car 

Get car cleaned 

Make maple squash muffins

Go to the store

Alright ya'll, you've got your list :D Put me to work!

[chmerkovskiyvalentin]

Looks like Jen is in la still

Why? Because of the mixtiles ad she posted yesterday? When we all know that ads are most of the time pre recorded and that Val posted about it like 5 days ago…

And for the anon (maybe you) who says (at least once a day) that Jenna won’t go to Napa this summer:

[y2fear]

Mixtile's Edge AI Box Turns a Blade 3 or Edge 2 Kit Into a Computer Vision Processor for IP Cameras

[mdshariful]

Today we are reviewing the compact system on module based on the versatile Rockchip RK3588 Octa Core SoC, the MIXTILE CORE 3588E. you may also like Mixtile Blade 3 Best New PICO-ITX and Stackable Single-Board MIXTILE CORE 3588E Module Mixtile launches this new high-performance AI board (6 TOPS), with a small form factor (69.6 x 45 mm) with a 260-pin edge connector. It can be used on carrier boards that are compatible with NVIDIA Jetson TX2 NX developer boards. This system-on-module has enough power to run high-resolution video encoding/decoding, graphics processing, and artificial intelligence applications. It is basically a computing module, so all inputs and outputs on the board are made through 260-pin connectors, communicating through four PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes and one PCIe 2.1 lane. The operating systems supported by MIXTILE CORE 3588E are Debian 11, Android 11, Ubuntu 22.04 and Armbian 23.07. Specification of MIXTILE CORE 3588E Module Feature Details Brand Mixtile Model CORE 3588E Processor Rockchip RK3588 (8nm) CPU 4 x ARM Cortex-A76 cores (Up to 2.4 GHz) 4 x ARM Cortex-A55 cores (Up to 1.8 GHz) GPU ARM Mali-G610MC4 RAM Options: 4/16/32 GB LPDDR4 Storage Options: 32/128/256 GB eMMC 5.1 Form Factor Compact System-on-Module (69.6 x 45 mm) AI Performance 6 TOPS Edge Connector 260-pin PCIe Lanes - Four PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes - One PCIe 2.1 lane Operating Systems Debian 11, Android 11, Ubuntu 22.04, Armbian 23.07 Video Outputs - DisplayPort 1.2a (Up to 8K resolutions) - HDMI 2.1 (Up to 8K resolutions) Camera Interfaces - 3 x 4-lane or 5 x 2-lane MIPI CSI @ 2.5 Gbps/lane - 48MP ISP Network Connector 10/100/1000 BASE-T USB Ports - 1 x USB 3.0 (Gen1) - 3 x USB 2.0 Other Connectors - UART DEBUG x1 - UART flow control x2 - SPI x2 - I2C x4 - CAN x1 - I2S x4 - SD 4.0, SDHOST 4.0, and SDIO 3.0 - PWM x3, GPIO x15 The MIXTILE CORE 3588E system-on-module is powered by the Rockchip RK3588 8nm processor. A chip that integrates 4 ARM Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4 GHz and another 4 ARM Cortex-A55 CPUs capable of reaching 1.8 GHz. In the graphics department we have a powerful ARM Mali-G610MC4 GPU. Thank you for completing the Mixtile Core 3568M/3588E Concept Survey! Pre-orders for the Mixtile Core 3568M/3588E system-on-module are now available! You can purchase it at the Mixtile store: https://t.co/YiEPk5b6n1 pic.twitter.com/OBlE21wUaW — Mixtile (@Mixtile) September 1, 2022 For RAM, we have options for all needs, including 4/16/32 GB LPDDR4 versions. For storage, we also have the option of 32/128/256 GB eMMc 5.1. You Can also like  Mixtile Blade 3 Mixtile Cluster Box Mixtile Blade 3 Case Mixtile Edge 2 Mixtile Edge 2 Kit Mixtile Core 3588E Mixtile Core 3568 Mixtile Core 3568M Mixtile Core 3568J Mixtile Core 3399E Mixtile Hub Mixtile Telematics Gateway 3 With this board we can use different types of ports such as DisplayPort 1.2a and HDMI 2.1 video output up to 8K resolution. We control up to 3x 4-lane or 5x 2-lane MIPI CSI interfaces with 2.5 Gbps/lane cameras and a 48 MP ISP. We have access to a 10/100/1000 BASE-T network connector, a USB 3.0 (Gen1) and 3 USB 2.0 ports. Price and availability The MIXTILE CORE 3588E SoM can be purchased from the official Mixtile store starting at $109 with shipping at the end of January. Optionally we can add a specific Heatsik for this board with dynamic speed adjustment between 0 and 5000 RPM. The board supports customization, please contact Mixtile for more information.

[444names]

Names generated from words that have the letter "X" in them

Abyte Adiae Adminexurt Adnes Adnex Adnexer Affixe Affixon Alkox Anoxids Aposes Aprox Aptes Asedly Asexeses Ataxbijoux Ateds Atexte Auxedboxie Auxes Axablex Axemernes Axers Axies Axiest Axilexy Aximax Aximumes Axioux Axists Axlierts Axogends Axony Axureed Axylexas Axylis...

Banne Beanters Bectert Bethoapt Bexer Bexten Bifedoi Bijous Billed Bilynx Bortrixim Boxba Boxban Boxid Boxidaxinx Boxide Boxinxess Braxempled Broxlexed Buximene Calexpelle Carapt Ceroxier Citexer Clixotic Coadataxy Coadexure Coadmixes Coaxart Coaxen Coaxess Coaxne Combaters Comple Cotelix Coxial Coxin Crexems Deixend Deixess Deless Delix Deoxcused Detellbox Detwis Dewaxlike Dexer Dexolics Dexpose Dexseed Dextexed Dieux Dioutjings Dioxis Dioxosming Dize Doxblexces Eposexple Epoxilexyl Exablex Exadax Exadixed Exala Exalboxhum Exallaxon Examenix Excalten Exces Excid Excidistes Excist Excit Excitex Excitox Exclix Excodoxy Excrux Excults Exels Exenix Exest Exhoximost Exias Exidanx Exidiphing Exids Exies Exietaxmax Exillos Exins Exinxine Exinxixer Exises Exisex Exitears Exitoxyist Exole Exonexcela Exonses Exont Exordie Exork Exorts Exosax Expanx Exper Expergue Expixe Explex Exposax Expuns Expus Exsex Exsexes Extaxes Extaxid Extaxing Extes Extex Extexes Extons Extox Exturt Exturts Extuxes Exuplexing Exurbaxied Exures Exurt Exusexy Exygen Farch Faxale Faxics Faxid Faxinx Faxists Feest Firel Firexpoxy Fixedoxed Fixen Fixent Fixies Fixmaxited Flatring Flaxiders Fleed Flexpox Flextualgy Fluxial Fowlpir Foxarple Foxia Foxyla Foxylips Gamyxemid Goxbaul Hanne Heauxer Heaxer Henia Hexach Hexate Hexcus Hexpex Hexpexsext Hexter Hextex Hexurearal Horax Horaxides Horexpords Humers Hydra Hydrox Hypox Imene Incteroxas Inctlynx Inems Inexte Infis Inxioxane Ixinxes Ixyst Jeutjing Jeuxos Jukeboxfox Klexcis Lefaxlixes Lexin Lexity Lexpaxers Lexte Lexup Lexus Lumixted Lurtedups Luxalgy Luxids Lylix Lyxed Maings Manonyxies Masernsex Mates Maxlike Maxlix Maxoll Maxons Mixae Mixils Mixon Mixtaxing Mixtills Mixtroxits Muremes Myxenony Myxial Nicarwax Nings Noxia Noxtole Outboxing Outjing Ovoxa Oxcid Oxers Oxfows Oxidit Oxind Oxing Oxings Oxinoxeyes Oxise Oxitox Oxser Oxsexprox Oxterux Oxyact Oxyst Pantaxer Pexivia Pexthibeed Pillax Pixons Pixtenly Pixy Plexic Ploides Polexors Pollux Poloi Posexul Posix Poted Poxhapends Poxted Poxy Preboxims Prexcal Proaxones Prosextria Proxarts Proxes Proxing Pyraxmen Pyres Pyrewaxil Pyricers Pyrixtrixt Pyxed Pyxinfixes Pyxots Radidex Reboxi Refixeme Refixos Remixergue Rempt Retaxurbs Retold Retos Rexide Rexis Rexiten Rexthily Rexts Rexyloix Roxial Salaxinxic Salxe Santhotier Saxpects Search Serlate Sexams Sexedranes Sexil Sexin Sexioxazin Sexpecs Sexuretoi Sillylex Simall Simonyms Sixec Sixed Skoxy Skyloxies Soade Somaxale Speximax Sphiblext Sttaxudel Subalt Subfixes Subfixt Subia Subter Synxesix Taidas Taxablexas Taxactaxed Taxemin Taxen Taxenes Taxia Taxic Taxid Taxie Taxiergue Taxiero Taxind Taxistis Taxyle Tedux Teroaxes Testosix Thamy Tolls Tords Toxed Toxinfixes Toxtax Trixuvia Turbias Twisex Twixonyx Unaxids Unaxingen Unbols Unboxing Unfirex Unflexapte Unflexes Unmicoaxes Unmixapox Unthin Unvexuvia Urboxy Uretans Uxeruxes Varavexer Varyxits Verosed Vexhands Vexinchs Vexinx Vexonoxfix Vexsextex Vexte Vialts Voraxy Voximerm Waxecs Waxelies Waxeme Waxias Waxie Waxiereme Waximox Waxires Waxited Waxly Waxols Waxysty Woaxweed Woaxwools Woodion Woombyx Woraxot Xable Xadixieux Xalaxers Xaranexess Xempt Xempts Xenly Xeringen Xeroxitre Xygenox Xylaxams Xylexpexes Xytox Zaxier

[chatgptdemoai]

Instructions for using DALLE 2 by OpenAI Free for your device | https://chatgptdemo.ai/dall-e-2-by-openai/

DALL-E 2: AI system turns text into realistic images

DALL-E 2 is an advanced AI system developed by OpenAI. It has the ability to create and edit photorealistic images from text descriptions. DALL-E 2 operates on a diffusion process, which enables the system to create detailed and complex images.

OpenAI has released a public beta version of the DALLE API, allowing developers to use it in their own applications. This technology has been used by major companies such as Cala and Mixtiles to create innovative products and services.

The cost of using the DALLE API depends on image resolution and ranges from $0.016 to $0.02 per image. Large-scale users can get discounts if they use the API a lot.

DALL-E 2 is an AI technology that has the potential to change the way we create and use images. It can be used in many different fields, such as graphic design, photography, advertising, and video games.

chatgptdemo

DALLE_2_by_OpenAI

[nousdecor]

As a team of art enthusiasts and home decor aficionados, we at Nousdecor are always on the hunt for unique and eye-catching pieces to adorn our walls. That’s why we were thrilled to discover Mixtiles, a revolutionary way to display your favorite photos as wall art.

With Mixtiles Wall Art, you can turn your cherished memories into beautiful works of art that will enhance the aesthetic of any room in your home. Mixtiles is a simple yet innovative concept that allows you to create a stunning wall difsplay in just a few easy steps.

The process is straightforward and hassle-free, making it an ideal option for anyone who is short on time or creativity. Plus, with a variety of customization options available, you can tailor your Mixtiles to suit your personal style and taste.

Whether you’re looking to showcase your family photos, travel adventures, or artistic creations, Mixtiles offers endless possibilities for creating a one-of-a-kind display that will leave a lasting impression.

[pictofi]

Ways Photo Tiles Make An Amazing Home Decor Element!

The Tiles Photo Print is a great way to add fun and color to your home. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can find something that fits right into your decorating scheme. They're also perfect for year-round use: you can display them on the wall or floor as art or décor pieces!

Great For Home Decor

Photo tiles are great for many reasons. They can be used in any room of your house, but they shine when used on the inside of walls and floors. With photo tile, you can create a unique look that will stand out from other home decorations, especially if you choose wood grain or stone textures as your base material.

You don't have to spend hours installing these prints; it's pretty easy! Follow the instructions, and then watch how quickly your new masterpiece comes together!

Once installed on the wall or flooring, these pictures will look great for years—they won't fade or scratch like regular wallpaper because they're made from tubular steel instead of paper (meaning each print uses less space). Plus: no matter where in your house you place them (like above doorsills), they'll always look just right.

 

Beautiful Year-Round

Photo tiles are beautiful all year round but are especially eye-catching in the winter and summer months. They are an excellent addition to your table or mantle or even an accent wall on the front of your home. A photo tile can also be perfect as a gift; if you're looking for something unique and special, consider purchasing one of these gorgeous art pieces!

 

You Can Display Them Anywhere

One of the best ways to display your photo tiles is by framing them. This can be done in many different ways and with many other materials, like wood or metal. You can also hang them on the wall or put them in a shadow box—a decorative box that hangs on the wall and allows light to shine through it.

If you don't want to frame your picture tiles but still want a way to display them efficiently, consider putting up some picture frames around your home! They're easy enough for anyone to put together themselves if they have basic DIY skills; follow instructions.

 

They Come In Lots Of Sizes!

They come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that best matches your space. They're easy to install and can be used in any home or office room. You could even use it as a gift for someone special!

 

Photo tiles are a great addition to your home decor and an incredible gift!

Photo tiles are a great way to display your photos on the wall or in the bathroom. They can be displayed anywhere in the house and make a fabulous gift!

They're available in several sizes, and they are durable, long-lasting, and easy to install with adhesive backing or double-sided tape. The options are endless regarding photo tile motifs - choose one that works best for you!

 

Bottom line

We hope you've enjoyed learning about photo tiles and how they can make a great addition to your home decor. We love them so much that we decided to include them in our collection at Pictofi! If you want more ideas or inspiration on using these beautiful Mixtiles Frames in your home, check out our website and get the best ones today.

[surveycircle]

Tweeted

Participants needed for online survey! Topic: "Picture Perfect Insights: Wall Art and Photo Printing Preferences" https://t.co/3YYhHIg4UT via @SurveyCircle #RITtigers #mixtiles #art #WallArt #marketing #PhotoPrintingPreferences #photos https://t.co/KMFqfbcIj4

— Daily Research @SurveyCircle (@daily_research) Apr 21, 2023

[aestheticvoyage2022]

Day 353: Monday December 19, 2022 - “Mindful Minutes”

The dream catcher hangs over William’s bed, sparkling in the nursery stars, set to red and green for Christmas, as I lay looking up at it wondering where it came from.    This moment for curiosity made possible by the opportunity to just lay passively on the floor as Audrie handled bedtime routine, enjoying the moment and being present in the calm and peace of this special space.  She explained how in November, while I was gone, they picked it up somewhere in New Mexico on a roadtrip back from Dallas.  I appreciated that the web was in the shape of a good tree.  It was a good dreamcatcher.  

I could’ve been anywhere in this moment.  It was late, I was tired, it had been a long day of work.  After a successful three day trip, I would have been understandably excused to take a break.  But the break I wanted was right here. To just lay quietly and be a part of the moment.  As the moon and stars circled up above, I worked on 5-8 breathing.  I took advantage of the opportunity to practice some mindfulness, to be present in and enjoy this moment, as Audrie rocked and sang “Forever Young” (she was Soprano in the choir).  I watched my thoughts pass -  thinking about the dreams that great dreamcatcher has caught in the past month....how it was likely filled with noodles and raspberry.  How maybe the dream catcher would inspire him to dream.  How he had left the birth hospital into the world in a tiny shirt that said “Dream Big Little One” - centered again with my breathing.....   what a perfect moment that was, and this is and my thoughts began to pass again - about the stories we tell ourselves and how important they are.  To not only live a great story, but to be telling your self of a good story.   Wondering what William’s story would be.  If he would remember this room they way we do. - warm, peaceful, intentional.  I thought about needing to update the picture mixtiles around the room for some of the favorites from the year.  And then I centered my self again in the breathing.  In for 5, out for 8.  Audrie singing Powder Blue now.   Centered.   The thoughts passing again like clouds up in those stars - thinking about how nice it must be for William to have both his parents here to help with bedtime.  As if he could hear my thought he rolls out, hand extended, “dada” as if to point to me.  Thinking how far Id come in the past month, how grateful I am to have these moments, to not be missing this, and how many moments I missed before.  How ‘before’ seems like a different life ago, like I had evolved, chapter turned.  I should go get him, and finish this bedtime so Audrie could go get other things in her life done, in her limited time at home.  Would that work?  Im sure it will.  Centered again one more time. Breathing 5 seconds in, 8 seconds out.  Present in the moment.   Mindfulness.  Getting my moments back.  Grounded.  Clear.  I could have been anywhere.  I chose to be here.  Gift my self peace and quiet, and the opportunity to know it.

We seamlessly hand him over from Mama to Dada and he doesn’t cry, he doesn’t fuss.  Now we share the moment together.  I bop him down quietly as we say goodnight to the moon rock and the stars, and to William.  I pat his back three distinct times, in a rhythmic pattern repeating “I Love You” - we can’t see the dreamcatcher anymore, in the dark, but I like knowing its up there, collecting my dream for him to grow up a kind and mindful man with easier lessons to learn than his ole Daddy.

 Song: John Michael Montgomery - Life’s A Dance

Quote: “People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

[elenaivanpapadopoulou]

[ozrobotics]