All Around . . .

What I see around me: Guitar lyrics & music from Dan Fogelberg. Obviously from DH. A movie from Redbox that needs to be taken back when I pick up the developed pictures I forgot to get while we were out this morning. Perhaps the reason I forgot. I hate paying a late charge even if it's only a dollar.Thank you guardian angel, you always have my back! A new magazine, "Living Without". Interesting and helpful info for living with food allergies. My calendar, beckoning me to become a little more "on top of things". Dust atop some shelves nearby. I'm glad dust neither smells nor turns funky colors, that way it can be easily forgotten. I'd rather vacuum. Toys, toys and more toys. So many who have gone this road of parenthood before us told us that we would feel overtaken by toys big and small. Thank you O wise ones. It could be worse, but it makes me grateful for other's generosity as I look at what has been gifted to us. Even if I trip over most of those "gifts". A floating balloon marked with shamrocks that was given to O for free yesterday while grocery shopping. She loves it and is scared of it all in the same breath.

What I hear in this moment: In the house, absolutely nothing aside from my clammering on the keyboard. Both loves of mine are sleeping and the darn dog is sunbathing. Birds are busily making their bird noises outside in our giant pine tree, some are leaving their versions of "gifts" on my car as we speak I am sure. I think I can hear a distant call from a few projects I have been wanting to tend to, calling me. I am selfish and want to be here typing instead. It's a good selfish as it is feeding me. Also feeding me are the delicious salty potato chips with absolutely gluten filled onion dip. I couldn't say no today.

Looking into my soul today, had the opportunity to go to church this morning. It's becoming a mid-week practice for O and I. The time together is priceless for us and for those in the pews around us as they chuckle at her cuteness. Especially in the quiet, solemn parts of the mass when it appears she is narrating the script in her own language. Perhaps they chuckle too as I pick her up to carry her to the back to walk as she gets whiny and squirmy. Kids never get that way in church, right? She hollers "bye bye" in the silent echo of the consecration. Only a mom could love that so much. Spirituality is hard for me lately. Who am I kidding, been hard for me with so many transitions the last few years. Some guilt in saying that, though not the typical Catholic guilt you hear joked about so often. Guilt I guess, feeling like I "should" be so many more things, so much more than I am. To me, that "S-H" word is offensive. I could drink in the presence of those around me who (in my perspective) are so okay with themselves as I am so thirsty for that in myself. A few people in my circles today have used that offensive "S-H" word lately and I am shying away from interaction with them. It's not personal, just how I'm rolling these days baby!

Dangerous. I'm feeling a little bit of this today . . . might change my toenail color, AND paint my fingernails too. I know, I know. Stop right there. I promise to think about not painting O's toenails. Don't think I haven't thought about it a handful of times. She is no longer biting those adorable little smokey's. Not promising an outcome. . . who am I kidding again? It's a workout just to clip the nails, can't imagine getting nail polish everywhere too!

Looking forward to the day ahead . . . meatball sandwiches for dinner, talking with a good friend, delving more into the new magazine and trying a new recipe from a friend for some no-bake goodies.Of course the painting occurring later in the day too!!

O Happy Day!