going for gold

The Olympics are over... all of the medals have been handed out. But here, we were waiting on one more event. Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition. Four of the nicest girls you could ever meet have been working hard... juggling school, homework and their creative minds so that all might find a way into their waking hours. Constructing and costuming. Perfecting lines and lyrics. And my own daughter... has been working hard to come out of her box. That one that keeps her quiet and reserved... proper and safe. We coach her to believe that she can do it, because we know she can. She might just believe it, too. But believing and doing are two different things. We encourage her to speak out with the conviction she has in her heart and the script she has in her head. But her Mama knows that thinking outside the box and going there are vastly different experiences. And that just the thinking about being outside the box can cause your heart to leap up into your throat and baracade the way. Even if you know there is growth beyond the moment.

Yesterday, they performed their hearts out. Laura had big responsibilities to perform behind the scenery they had created... and she managed to juggle each one with success. Enough success to give her the confidence to come out of the box shouting. Literally. Her angry Mermaid character emerged from her hiding spot and made the Shrimp scream. I think she kinda spooked the Pirate and the Jellyfish, too. And I was thrilled. For her. Because I can lecture on and on about growth all I want, but the truth is, until you live it yourself, you don't really know. And I hope the next time she finds herself in the midst of the conversation about boxes and confidence and growing, she will remember this day and this experience and how good it felt to shout.
And these girls, as a team... they didn't just go for the gold.
They grabbed it.

State competition, here we come!

better than sunshine

Thank you for your prayers and happy thoughts. For your virtual hugs and your words of encouragement and love. Each is a gift to my heart and soul... pieces of the something beautiful that has come my way in the seeking. There is nothing over-rated about friendship. Nope. It is even better than the sunshine.

breaking the cycle of sick

For weeks, I have been walking this road of sick. Marking each day by how many pills are left in the prescription. Instead of bounding out of bed and into my exercise routine I have snuggled deeper into the covers... hoping for a few more minutes of rest. And even that hasn't been enough to keep my eye lids from drooping while I sit working at my desk. I snack my way through the afternoon, thinking only of how my living room awaits, and how soon I can lay myself down on the couch.
And the next day, the cycle begins anew.
But I keep on... knowing that one of these days I will breathe easier. After all, it is only bronchitis.
Today, armed with a fresh new prescription and a sick day... I rest. Until I can rest no more. The blue sky beckons and the leaves are dancing in the breeze. My camera has not seen the outside of my purse in weeks... and the afternoon calls me from the la-z-boy.

Hello, sun on my face.
Hello, blue sky and dancing leaves.
Hello, beautiful day.
I may be sitting here still wrapped up in the sick, but I cannot let this day pass without grabbing a bit of it for me. What is that Pa used to say to Half-pint? Oh yes. Make hay while the sun shines. I may not be making hay... but the sun is shining. And ten minutes of life outside my blanky can only be good for the soul.

the last word

The day begins early here... alarm clocks buzzing hours before the sun begins to light the earth. And I stay tucked into the warmth of our bed, drifting in and out of sleep... while he prepares for his day... ready to head out and save the world. Or at least our small corner of it. My eyes open for a goodbye kiss... and he quietly declares his love and urges me to sleep... just a little more. I hear him at the door, heading out... knowing that he is juggling his gear and his coffee and whatever else will get him through his twelve hour shift. And with arms full of his day, he stops on the other side of the door and I hear the key tumbling the lock... and he has the last word, as it whispers... I love you.

A sound to unwrap...