Falling

"The leaves are falling, falling as from way off,
as though far gardens withered in the skies;
they are falling with denying gestures.
And in the nights the heavy earth is falling
from all the stars down into loneliness.
We all are falling. This hand falls.
And look at others: it is in them all.
And yet there is one who holds this falling
endlessly gently in his hands."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Autumn

I'm so happy I found this poem today, and I really wanted to share it with you!

Like the leaves, I have been falling lately...letting pieces of my heart go, taking chances, throwing caution to the wind. It's been really scary, and exhilarating at the same time, but mostly it feels great to just...let...go.

I wanted to share this with you, because sometimes I forget that we are all in this together. We all are falling. And, I just wanted you to know that I've got your back. Like that silly trust game, I will catch you if you fall, because you've been there for me even if you didn't exactly know it. You have given me hope and the inspiration to grow...and to fall.

And, if there's a chance that I can't be there for you or you for me, remember that each of us will land exactly where we were meant to be, in the gentle hands of someone much more trustworthy and capable than either of us. So, relax...we're cool.

Quote of the day - Though a tree grows so high, the falling leaves return to the root. - Malayan proverb

I Love This Kid

I love this kid...

She is my oldest, but she is my baby.

She is kind hearted, and loving.

She is smart, and funny, and a wiz on the computer.

She is going to be eleven soon, and I am NOT okay with that.

I love this kid...

even when she gives me this look.

Quote of the day - Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

Bye Bye Butterfly

When I was a preschool teacher twelve years ago or so, there was a picture of a butterfly on the wall of the classroom near the door, whenever the kids would walk out the door, they would wave and say, "Bye, bye, butterfly!" I thought about this while looking outside today, and realizing what day it is.

The first day of fall doesn't really feel like fall at all, but that's okay with me. I want to hold on to every bit of summer that I can. I'm not ready to pack up my shorts, and flip-flops yet. I like fall. I'm just not ready for it.

I don't like change, or the anticipation of it. I usually fight it at first, but I know change is good...change is necessary. Someone told me once that, metaphorically, sometimes you have to let death happen so that new life can grow. I laughed when I heard this, because I pictured myself, metaphorically, giving CPR long after the death had been pronounced.

I want new life. I want change. So, I guess I am going to have to, reluctantly, say goodbye to the butterflies, the shorts, and the flip-flops...but not today.

Quote of the day - For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. - Edwin Way Teale

Virtual Coffee

Happy Peace Day! And, Happy, Happy Virtual Coffee Day, too! How are you today? I'm good. I'm just feeling really behind on stuff lately. Would you mind bringing your cup of coffee outside with me, while I clean out my garage?
I know that doesn't sound very appealing, but you don't actually have to come into the garage, and I won't ask you to lift a finger either. I have this cozy chair you can sit in (notice I said sit in rather than sit on...yes, it's just that comfy). It belongs to my lovely neighbor, but she won't mind...we share.

It's really nice outside today, too. You can bask in the sun, while we chat...

So, what's going on with you this week? I've been thinking about what Griffin's going to be for Halloween this year. He loves pigs, so I was thinking a pig, but that reminded me of the pink bunny costume in, A Christmas Story, so now I'm thinking a pig is out. Last year he was one of the Grateful Dead's dancing bears...

I know, wasn't he cute! My mom and I made it. Well, she did all of the sewing. I did the design, and the details. I don't mind sewing by hand, but sewing machines and I don't get along. It's one of those things I wish I could do...oh well, maybe someday. Do you like to sew?

Thanks for coming out here with me. Can I get you some more coffee? I know! It's mocha. I'm living dangerously these days. :)

Did I tell you that I started writing again? I did. It's a little bit like pulling teeth, but it's something I need to do. There is a story inside of me that wants out, so I'm not going to argue. I'll have to show you the children's book I wrote a few years ago. I sent it out to a handful of publishers too, but I didn't hear anything. I'll dig it up, and you can tell me what you think.

Hey, do you want this air hockey table? I found it at garage sale in the beginning of summer, and the kids loved it for a day or so...

You know what? It's too nice outside today to hang out in the garage. Let's go look at my neighbor's garden instead. I'm really glad you came over for coffee today. It was nice talking to you. I hope you'll come again next week. Maybe we could take a thermos to the park or something. That would be nice.

Have a happy day!

Quote of the day - In Seattle you haven't had enough coffee until you can thread a sewing machine while it's running. - Jeff Bezos

It's a...

Because...
this morning Griffin's preschool teacher told me that I looked "refreshed," and that turned my whole day around. Ahh, the power of positive thinking.

Quote of the day - There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate. - Robert Brault