It's been a while since I participated in Five Minute Friday, but here I am, blogging on my phone as we make a trek to Iowa to visit family. Please visit Lisa-Jo for the rules and to join in here!!
Today's Prompt: Dance
Go.
We dance through the rhythm of young parenthood. The music and it's beat ever changing.
Our halls cluttered with toys and the laughter and screaming of little girls. Our hearts full of the song of love we never knew we could feel so deeply.
Sometimes we find ourselves slow dancing through a grownup movie or a stolen moment in the night.
Mostly we are moving endlessly- like we're part of an endless rave only the drugs are merely lack of sleep.
We dance along and try to find our way when the music changes, getting up when we stumble and fall.
Sometimes we get tired and want to stop, but the music never stops so we keep moving through the rough moments and eventually find the beauty in every melody.
Of all the dances in our lives this is the most important. See, as we dance, little feet are picking up our rhythms, and learning their own moves.
Stop.
What is your dance?
Showing posts with label Five Minute Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Five Minute Friday. Show all posts
Five Minute Friday: Goodbye
Time for Five Minute Friday, friends. Please click over to the Gypsy Mama for rules and to join in.
Today's Prompt: GOODBYE
Go.
They sit silently in the car. Itching to find something to say, knowing that if they open their mouths all that will come out is tears. Their hands intertwined stubbornly, not wanting to let go. The car keeps moving them closer to their destination. Fingers squeeze tighter with every mile.
They park and he opens her door. Their eyes meet and they exchange wan smiles. She clings to him in an unexpected hug. He melts into her. Eventually they pull apart. Time continues ticking.
They unload the car and walk tentatively towards the open, automatic door. They discuss schedules and plans. They get checked in and move towards the gate. He stops and meets her eyes. They are welled up with tears that spill over as she catches his glance. His eyes sting as he takes her into his arms. They cry together through hug-muffled I love yous and prayers for safety.
Then he meets the eyes of his children. Red with tears they all tackle him in one giant hug. He wonders how much they will have grown before he sees them again. He kisses each one and gives them words of advice and reassurance as he embraces them.
He takes his family in his arms one more time. With strenuous effort he releases them, kisses his wife, and walks heavily toward security.
She watches him until she can't see him anymore- catching one last glimpse of him in his combat uniform. She waves as her heart crumbles and walks away with her kids. Gathering up her well of strength, patience and love to get her through until they meet again.
Stop.
For my friends who have to do this today, and for all the members of the military and their families who make this sacrifice more times than anyone should have to. Thank you for your service to our country. My love and prayers go out to you all.
Today's Prompt: GOODBYE
Go.
They park and he opens her door. Their eyes meet and they exchange wan smiles. She clings to him in an unexpected hug. He melts into her. Eventually they pull apart. Time continues ticking.
They unload the car and walk tentatively towards the open, automatic door. They discuss schedules and plans. They get checked in and move towards the gate. He stops and meets her eyes. They are welled up with tears that spill over as she catches his glance. His eyes sting as he takes her into his arms. They cry together through hug-muffled I love yous and prayers for safety.
Then he meets the eyes of his children. Red with tears they all tackle him in one giant hug. He wonders how much they will have grown before he sees them again. He kisses each one and gives them words of advice and reassurance as he embraces them.
He takes his family in his arms one more time. With strenuous effort he releases them, kisses his wife, and walks heavily toward security.
She watches him until she can't see him anymore- catching one last glimpse of him in his combat uniform. She waves as her heart crumbles and walks away with her kids. Gathering up her well of strength, patience and love to get her through until they meet again.
Stop.
For my friends who have to do this today, and for all the members of the military and their families who make this sacrifice more times than anyone should have to. Thank you for your service to our country. My love and prayers go out to you all.
Five Minute Friday: Brave
It's Friday! Which means it time to write for five minutes with no worry about whether it's just right or not. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama to join in!
Today's Prompt: Brave
Go.
Two curious girls show me bravery every day.
Paige's bravery shows up in her toddler world. A world where there are so many words and names for things she does not know. She fearlessly keeps trying to speak through the frustrations of knowing that I can only understand most of it. Still, her curiosity never ebbs. Constantly pointing at things to hear the words and trying to form them herself. Her bravery comes in facing the unknowns like sharp winter grass on bare feet, bugs, and new foods.
Zoe's bravery is different. She knows more about the world, and picked up speech rather quickly. She has trouble with change and the unknown. Her courage is shown through facing her fears. Trusting that she has the strength to crush that bug in her path that seems so scary. She can run through the darkness of the yard without her hand in mine. She can face the shadows in the night that look like monsters.
My children teach me so much about how to trust yourself. How to follow your heart. How to know when it's just too much to face and you need to find a hand to hold. How to know when to ask for help after you've tried and failed too many times. How to face your fears. How to deal with change. How to walk into the unknown with bare feet and hope for the best. How to be brave.
Stop.
What examples of bravery do you see in your life? If you have kids, do you notice their courage? What can you do to be fearless today?
Today's Prompt: Brave
Go.
Two curious girls show me bravery every day. Paige's bravery shows up in her toddler world. A world where there are so many words and names for things she does not know. She fearlessly keeps trying to speak through the frustrations of knowing that I can only understand most of it. Still, her curiosity never ebbs. Constantly pointing at things to hear the words and trying to form them herself. Her bravery comes in facing the unknowns like sharp winter grass on bare feet, bugs, and new foods.
Zoe's bravery is different. She knows more about the world, and picked up speech rather quickly. She has trouble with change and the unknown. Her courage is shown through facing her fears. Trusting that she has the strength to crush that bug in her path that seems so scary. She can run through the darkness of the yard without her hand in mine. She can face the shadows in the night that look like monsters.
My children teach me so much about how to trust yourself. How to follow your heart. How to know when it's just too much to face and you need to find a hand to hold. How to know when to ask for help after you've tried and failed too many times. How to face your fears. How to deal with change. How to walk into the unknown with bare feet and hope for the best. How to be brave.
Stop.
What examples of bravery do you see in your life? If you have kids, do you notice their courage? What can you do to be fearless today?
Five Minute Friday: The Ache of Love
We took a break from Five Minute Friday for a bit, but now we're back. Click over to The Gypsy Mama to join in and write unedited for five minutes. Or just to read all the beautiful posts.
Today's Prompt: Ache
Go.
Heartstrings gently tugged. Feet padding towards the doorstep, hands clasped. Chance meetings become the promise of forever.Black and white attire. Rose petals and a cake. Two symbolic rings. Do you?
Rugged hands on soft skin. Lips and limbs intertwined. Rapid heartbeats. The cusp of that sweet release.
Round and swollen. Forehead beaded with sweat. Breathing, breathing. Crying. Pushing and contracting.
Helpless. Tiny fingers and toes constantly growing. Immobile cries become sprinting sentences. Tugged between past memories and future promise.
Quiet, empty rooms once filled with laughter. Experienced hands rediscover each other. A new chapter.
Twisting, turning, tumbling internally. Heart pounding in deafening tones. Rivers falling from red eyes. Oceans formed on sweaters.
Lost and lonely. Heart squeezed between invisible hands. Hollow cavern in the stomach. Shallow breaths.
Aching to join him.
Stop.
Five Minute Friday: Real
I took a break from Five Minute Friday last week to post one of the hardest posts I have ever written. But I am back in the swing this week and it's time to click over to the Gypsy Mama and join in on this wonderful writing exercise.
Today's prompt: REAL
Go.
Real can be amazing. I decided this week to be real with myself and all of you. I spilled my guts. Put all my feelings out on the interwebs and posted pictures I would normally keep to myself. It was scary and extremely hard, but I'm so glad I did it.
Because REAL means I get to be encouraged by all you wonderful people that visit me here. REAL means I get to hear your stories. REAL means that you know I'm not perfect, and I know you're not perfect, but we love each other more for our imperfections.
This week I received so many beautiful comments from you wonderful people. And many more pageviews. I hope sharing my story helped you or inspired you as much as your words and your visits inspired me.
It can be difficult to put our real selves out there. Hard to present the real picture to the world. We have so many perceived expectations of what people want from us. From this experience, and many others, I've discovered that mostly people just want to know that everyone else's lives are just as beautiful and messy as theirs are.
Real is what connects us. Forms friendships. Helps us to grow. Helps us to become more of who we REALLY are and be better for it. So thank you for letting me be real here, for your kindness, and for being real back.
Stop.
What experiences have you had when you decide to be real with yourself and others?
Today's prompt: REAL
Go.
Because REAL means I get to be encouraged by all you wonderful people that visit me here. REAL means I get to hear your stories. REAL means that you know I'm not perfect, and I know you're not perfect, but we love each other more for our imperfections.
This week I received so many beautiful comments from you wonderful people. And many more pageviews. I hope sharing my story helped you or inspired you as much as your words and your visits inspired me.
It can be difficult to put our real selves out there. Hard to present the real picture to the world. We have so many perceived expectations of what people want from us. From this experience, and many others, I've discovered that mostly people just want to know that everyone else's lives are just as beautiful and messy as theirs are.
Real is what connects us. Forms friendships. Helps us to grow. Helps us to become more of who we REALLY are and be better for it. So thank you for letting me be real here, for your kindness, and for being real back.
Stop.
What experiences have you had when you decide to be real with yourself and others?
Five Minute Friday: Awake
It's Friday! Five minutes of unedited free writing. Click over to The Gypsy Mama and join in!
Today's Prompt: Awake
Go.
That may seem silly to some, it's only three days. But to me, that is two nights sleeping alone in our bed, something I haven't done since the divorce. I know there are many who have to make that sacrifice often, and I don't discount that. Nor do I try to compare this to that.
In my little world, though, those are two nights without his body to keep me warm, his breathing to make me feel safe, his arms to wrap me up tightly. It's two less hands to help with dishes, bedtime, baths or "welcome home" hugs. One less voice to inspire cooperation from my kids. One less ear to listen to my frustrations.
When you go through a period of time convincing yourself that you don't need someone when you really do, then you get the chance to try again, you have to reteach yourself to need them again. This morning I was awakened to how very much I need him in my life. It was a happy discovery.
Stop.
Confession: Today I went over a bit...wanted to finish my thought! Happy Friday, people!
Please help spread the word about Finding Equipoise. Find a way to follow if you have not yet, share posts, and tell your friends! Thanks!
Five Minute Friday: Roar
Officially 5000 pageviews since I started this new blog. Amazing. Thank you so much for being here.
It's time for Five Minute Friday. Five minutes of free, unedited writing. Click over to The Gypsy Mama to join us!
Today's Prompt: Roar
Go.
"What does the lion say?" I ask as my two little beauties roar loudly into the quiet of our home. Makes me grin every time. Though, often it reminds me of how often life roars through my quiet. I am a peacemaker. Always trying to stop the bickering of my angels, fights between friends, family, quarrels with my husband. Contention is physically unsettling to me.
Often I wish everyone had to go through a communication class. Learn how to deal with and overcome conflict. Too often people get so caught up in what they think might have happened, what they assume the other party is thinking, and so on, that they end up making a simple disagreement ten times worse.
It hurts my heart that so much precious time is wasted by being angry and stubborn. I am not saying I have never been there myself, but I usually try to let things go quickly and am pretty forgiving, simply because I can't stand to be in conflict with others. I don't want to waste MY precious time on this earth being angry. I would rather figure it out now, resolve it, talk through it, cry, get angry, roar and be done. So I can move on. Isn't that better??
Stop.
Wow, this post went in a whole different direction than I had originally intended. Guess that's what freewriting is about. Does conflict unsettle you? How do you deal with it?
It's time for Five Minute Friday. Five minutes of free, unedited writing. Click over to The Gypsy Mama to join us!
Today's Prompt: Roar
Go.
"What does the lion say?" I ask as my two little beauties roar loudly into the quiet of our home. Makes me grin every time. Though, often it reminds me of how often life roars through my quiet. I am a peacemaker. Always trying to stop the bickering of my angels, fights between friends, family, quarrels with my husband. Contention is physically unsettling to me. Often I wish everyone had to go through a communication class. Learn how to deal with and overcome conflict. Too often people get so caught up in what they think might have happened, what they assume the other party is thinking, and so on, that they end up making a simple disagreement ten times worse.
It hurts my heart that so much precious time is wasted by being angry and stubborn. I am not saying I have never been there myself, but I usually try to let things go quickly and am pretty forgiving, simply because I can't stand to be in conflict with others. I don't want to waste MY precious time on this earth being angry. I would rather figure it out now, resolve it, talk through it, cry, get angry, roar and be done. So I can move on. Isn't that better??
Stop.
Wow, this post went in a whole different direction than I had originally intended. Guess that's what freewriting is about. Does conflict unsettle you? How do you deal with it?
Please help spread the word about Finding Equipoise. Find a way to follow if you have not yet, share posts, and tell your friends! Thanks!
Five Minute Friday: Open
It's Friday. That means it's time to write without worrying if it's just right or not. Five minutes flat, that's all it takes. Won't you click over to The Gypsy Mama and join in?
Today's Prompt: Open
Go.
Open your eyes, precious baby. Your arrival has been long awaited. Not just through your time spent in Mommy's womb, but in the years that were spent trying to bring you to this earth.
Open your tiny eyes and see the faces of your Mom and Dad who are doubtless never more grateful than they are now to see your face. Feel the love of your Mother who was born to raise children- with her childlike heart and well of patience. Feel the love and pride of your Father who is going to be the most amazing Dad. Know that you are safe in their presence and more loved than you could possibly imagine.
Open your eyes and see they faces of your two cousins. Special friends who will be yours for a lifetime. They can't wait to play with you. And see me, your Aunt, already a Mommy. I know the love of a Mother. I know the love of an Aunt. Feel the love I already have for you and joy that your arrival is near. Your parents is so very special to me, and so are you!
Know the love of everyone in your family. You have been born into a world of people who know your precious worth. We open our hearts to you and welcome you to this life. Can't wait to see what you make of it.
Stop.
My sister is in labor right now. I am beyond excited to meet her little angel, and so thankful she is coming before I have to go home.
Today's Prompt: Open
Go.
Open your eyes, precious baby. Your arrival has been long awaited. Not just through your time spent in Mommy's womb, but in the years that were spent trying to bring you to this earth. Open your tiny eyes and see the faces of your Mom and Dad who are doubtless never more grateful than they are now to see your face. Feel the love of your Mother who was born to raise children- with her childlike heart and well of patience. Feel the love and pride of your Father who is going to be the most amazing Dad. Know that you are safe in their presence and more loved than you could possibly imagine.
Open your eyes and see they faces of your two cousins. Special friends who will be yours for a lifetime. They can't wait to play with you. And see me, your Aunt, already a Mommy. I know the love of a Mother. I know the love of an Aunt. Feel the love I already have for you and joy that your arrival is near. Your parents is so very special to me, and so are you!
Know the love of everyone in your family. You have been born into a world of people who know your precious worth. We open our hearts to you and welcome you to this life. Can't wait to see what you make of it.
Stop.
My sister is in labor right now. I am beyond excited to meet her little angel, and so thankful she is coming before I have to go home.
Five Minute Friday: Color
It's been another one of those weeks. You know, the ones that pass you by in an instant. Where you know you were busy but you feel like you accomplished little. I'm ready to start a new week. Perhaps with a bit of an attitude adjustment. And plenty more playtime with my girls. Tonight is date night. Matt and I are doing our Christmas shopping for the girls. I'm so excited!! Anyway, it's Friday again! So let's get on with it. Want to join in? Please click on over to The Gypsy Mama.
Today's prompt: Color
Go.
Imagine a world without color. No yellow sun to brighten the days and bring out the vibrant blue of the sky and deep green of the plants. Every day would be that gloom of January. Gone would be the pink cheeks of my girls, Paige's bright blue eyes and Zoe's deep brown ones. I wonder how much the taste of our food is influenced by it's color and presentation? Nothing but the change of weather would differentiate the seasons. No pastels and vibrant colors for spring and summer, earthy tones for fall. What would Christmas be like without the signature reds and greens we are all so used to? I would miss the contrast of white snow against blue sky, the aqua blue of Matt's eyes against the contrast of his dark hair, and silly things like painting my nails- what would be the point?
Color is defining. It imprints itself into our memories, what we find significant or important. Color describes everything from our mood, to our taste, to our experiences. Without it, life would seem flat and dull and lifeless. My life and my memories are filled with color. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Stop.
What does color mean to you? (No really, cuz I had a lot of trouble figuring out where I was going to take this prompt.)
Today's prompt: Color
Go.
Color is defining. It imprints itself into our memories, what we find significant or important. Color describes everything from our mood, to our taste, to our experiences. Without it, life would seem flat and dull and lifeless. My life and my memories are filled with color. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Stop.
What does color mean to you? (No really, cuz I had a lot of trouble figuring out where I was going to take this prompt.)
Five Minute Friday: Tired
It's Friday! Please join me for five minutes of unedited writing prompted by The Gypsy Mama. Please click over and participate!
Today's prompt: Tired
Go.
When I saw today's prompt, I had to chuckle a little at the prospect of writing about it. I'm pretty sure "tired" is my state of being and has been for a long time. At least since I became a Mother. It is a feeling I am used to.
Sometimes it is my own fault. I sit here writing this post, tired, at midnight, knowing I have to be up in five hours.
Sometimes I'm up with one of the girls.
Sometimes I stay up to spend a little extra time with Matt.
Sometimes I just have too much on my mind and can't sleep.
But tired doesn't only mean lack of sleep.
Sometimes I'm tired of what can be so mundane as a stay-at-home/work-from-home Mother. Tired of these off-white walls and the view from my windows.
Sometimes I'm tired from the weight and the stress of my never ending to do list.
Sometimes I'm tired of being the peacemaker, the housekeeper, the cook, the everything.
Until I remember that I'm tired because I have a job that allows me to work from home and be with my kids, I have a husband that loves me enough to lose sleep to hang out with me, I have two little girls who bless my life and the occasional late night with them is always worth it, and staying up late for a little "me time" while I write a post or read a book or whatever, that is cleansing in it's own way.
Tired, I'm used to it. It's a part of my life. It's a part of me. Matt says, "I'll sleep when I die." And though that may be a bit cynical, it's also something to think about. Rest is important, but it's the things that make us tired, that are often our greatest blessings and sources of happiness.
Stop.
What are you tired of? Is the cause a blessing or a curse?
Today's prompt: Tired
Go.
Sometimes it is my own fault. I sit here writing this post, tired, at midnight, knowing I have to be up in five hours.
Sometimes I'm up with one of the girls.
Sometimes I stay up to spend a little extra time with Matt.
Sometimes I just have too much on my mind and can't sleep.
But tired doesn't only mean lack of sleep.
Sometimes I'm tired of what can be so mundane as a stay-at-home/work-from-home Mother. Tired of these off-white walls and the view from my windows.
Sometimes I'm tired from the weight and the stress of my never ending to do list.
Sometimes I'm tired of being the peacemaker, the housekeeper, the cook, the everything.
Until I remember that I'm tired because I have a job that allows me to work from home and be with my kids, I have a husband that loves me enough to lose sleep to hang out with me, I have two little girls who bless my life and the occasional late night with them is always worth it, and staying up late for a little "me time" while I write a post or read a book or whatever, that is cleansing in it's own way.
Tired, I'm used to it. It's a part of my life. It's a part of me. Matt says, "I'll sleep when I die." And though that may be a bit cynical, it's also something to think about. Rest is important, but it's the things that make us tired, that are often our greatest blessings and sources of happiness.
Stop.
What are you tired of? Is the cause a blessing or a curse?
Five Minute Friday: Grow
It's time again for Five Minute Friday. Late because I've spent the morning trying to rest from trying to be a teenager last night and go see a movie at midnight. What was I thinking?? Anyway, if you would like to join in, please click over to The Gypsy Mama and read the rules!
This week's prompt: Grow
Go.
This spirit inside me yearns to leap and grow beyond these walls. To create, to do, to explore, to push. It longs for freedom to do as it pleases and not worry.
I wish to pursue so many things I sometimes don't even know where to start. I throw myself into a goal only to find life gently laugh as it reminds me of my responsibilities. You can face a goal head-on but there is always that balancing act of holding everything else together while you do.
I don't resent this life. Not in the slightest. I love my children, my husband. I love to nurture and care for them. I appreciate the time they give me to be me and to do things on my own. I appreciate their encouragement. Sometimes, when you have weeks like the one I've just finished, it's difficult to feel like your growth is not stunted.
As a perfectionist, it's hard for me to keep encouraging myself. Because I want the results now and I want them accomplished perfectly. I know that life will never allow me that. I suppose that is growth in and of itself- the knowing. It's working on accepting that and moving forward that is difficult.
So I continue to press forward among the girl's requests for a dance in the kitchen, a snuggle with my husband, the responsibilities of my home and my job. I know there is growth in those things and nourishment for the spirit. They are important for me and for them. Small miracles. I guess my growing spirit just feels selfish sometimes. It will get over it.
Stop.
This week's prompt: Grow
Go.
I wish to pursue so many things I sometimes don't even know where to start. I throw myself into a goal only to find life gently laugh as it reminds me of my responsibilities. You can face a goal head-on but there is always that balancing act of holding everything else together while you do.
I don't resent this life. Not in the slightest. I love my children, my husband. I love to nurture and care for them. I appreciate the time they give me to be me and to do things on my own. I appreciate their encouragement. Sometimes, when you have weeks like the one I've just finished, it's difficult to feel like your growth is not stunted.
As a perfectionist, it's hard for me to keep encouraging myself. Because I want the results now and I want them accomplished perfectly. I know that life will never allow me that. I suppose that is growth in and of itself- the knowing. It's working on accepting that and moving forward that is difficult.
So I continue to press forward among the girl's requests for a dance in the kitchen, a snuggle with my husband, the responsibilities of my home and my job. I know there is growth in those things and nourishment for the spirit. They are important for me and for them. Small miracles. I guess my growing spirit just feels selfish sometimes. It will get over it.
Stop.
Five Minute Friday: Unexpected
It's time again for Five Minute Friday. We write for five minutes flat without worrying if it's perfect. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama for instructions and to join in!
Today's Prompt: Unexpected
Go.
Life has returned to what will be the new normal for me as a single Mother. I find happiness in my children, my friends and my small accomplishments. Yet, my heart still aches from the pain of an unexpected divorce and the love I still carry for the man that was supposed to be mine forever.
I find myself pondering over the last time I saw him, a few days ago, when things seemed strangely normal. We were able to talk without that edge of hostility. Talk a lot. And laugh. All foreign things since everything started.
We have been talking since. Not just about the girls, but about likes and dislikes, music, every day things. It is friendly, and I don't quite know what to make of it. I don't take time to question it too much. It is nice to be friends for once.
I go about my day working, playing with the girls, meals, clean-up, the normal routine. All the while carrying on a great conversation with him over text. Until I get an unexpected message:
Do you think you could meet me to talk?
My heart pounds loudly in my ears as I search it for an answer. What could he want to talk about? He doesn't want to do it over text. It is obviously important to need to meet in person. A million thoughts rush through my head, I lay them all aside immediately and text back the first thought that had entered my mind:
Yes.
Little did I know, that would be the first step to our second beginning. I am so grateful I said, "Yes."
Stop.
What has come from the unexpected moments in your life?
Today's Prompt: Unexpected
Go.
I find myself pondering over the last time I saw him, a few days ago, when things seemed strangely normal. We were able to talk without that edge of hostility. Talk a lot. And laugh. All foreign things since everything started.
We have been talking since. Not just about the girls, but about likes and dislikes, music, every day things. It is friendly, and I don't quite know what to make of it. I don't take time to question it too much. It is nice to be friends for once.
I go about my day working, playing with the girls, meals, clean-up, the normal routine. All the while carrying on a great conversation with him over text. Until I get an unexpected message:
Do you think you could meet me to talk?
My heart pounds loudly in my ears as I search it for an answer. What could he want to talk about? He doesn't want to do it over text. It is obviously important to need to meet in person. A million thoughts rush through my head, I lay them all aside immediately and text back the first thought that had entered my mind:
Yes.
Little did I know, that would be the first step to our second beginning. I am so grateful I said, "Yes."
Stop.
What has come from the unexpected moments in your life?
Five Minute Friday: Remember
It's time again for Five Minute Friday. Please click over to the Gypsy Mama for the rules and spend some time with us writing for five minutes without worrying if it's just right or not.
Today's prompt: Remember
Go.
I remember the carefree days. When I could run so fast the wind rushed past my ears. When I would pretend my bike was a car and we would gas up at the end caps of the brick walls separating our properties. I remember sleepovers. Silly games like truth or dare. The drama and fear of liking boys and spending endless hours talking it over with my friends.
I remember the comfort of growing up in the same house. Always knowing my Mom would be home when I got there. Having siblings I could count on. A Father that always made sure we had what we needed. Not everyone had those things growing up. These years hold a lot of memories for me.
Some of my favorite memories of my youth surround my time in the Band. From sixth grade on up I played the piano, flute and the piccolo in many different groups. I even sang in the choir my freshman year. I auditioned and made it several times in the state-wide groups and participated in the city youth symphony. Marching Band holds some of my most treasured and fun memories.
Looking back, those days are some of the fondest times for me. I find it a little sad that I don't know how to find the time to keep my music alive. I need to make this a priority. Music is not something I want to merely treasure with all of my other childhood memories. How does one lose their passion in life? I don't want to merely remember that I was a musician. It is something I want to be.
Stop.
Is there something in your life you remember fondly and have let go of? What do you think of when you hear the prompt: Remember?
Today's prompt: Remember
Go.
I remember the carefree days. When I could run so fast the wind rushed past my ears. When I would pretend my bike was a car and we would gas up at the end caps of the brick walls separating our properties. I remember sleepovers. Silly games like truth or dare. The drama and fear of liking boys and spending endless hours talking it over with my friends.I remember the comfort of growing up in the same house. Always knowing my Mom would be home when I got there. Having siblings I could count on. A Father that always made sure we had what we needed. Not everyone had those things growing up. These years hold a lot of memories for me.
Some of my favorite memories of my youth surround my time in the Band. From sixth grade on up I played the piano, flute and the piccolo in many different groups. I even sang in the choir my freshman year. I auditioned and made it several times in the state-wide groups and participated in the city youth symphony. Marching Band holds some of my most treasured and fun memories.
Looking back, those days are some of the fondest times for me. I find it a little sad that I don't know how to find the time to keep my music alive. I need to make this a priority. Music is not something I want to merely treasure with all of my other childhood memories. How does one lose their passion in life? I don't want to merely remember that I was a musician. It is something I want to be.
Stop.
Is there something in your life you remember fondly and have let go of? What do you think of when you hear the prompt: Remember?
Five Minute Friday: Relevant
It's Friday, which means it's time to write for five minutes without worrying if it's just right or not. Click on over to the Gypsy Mama to join in the fun!
Today's Prompt: Relevant
Go.
I often wonder how much of what I write is relevant to you and your lives. Or how often I use the all-encompassing topic of "balance" to it's outer limits. I don't often discuss things here that are relevant to what's going on politically or religiously.
Instead, I discuss the smallness of my world and what I observe there, hoping there are others who are the same. Others who notice the same things, or have the same joys and struggles. Or, others how have different opinions and can teach me a thing or two. I hope that I am relevant in that respect.
I write here because I love to. Sometimes I have more time than others and I enjoy that there is no pressure to write on certain days or that no one really minds if I don't get on here for a week. I like to think that people here understand the business of the life of a young, working mother.
Still, I do worry that I'm not reaching people. Because the bigger picture here, to me, is that I want to create a sort of community. Not necessarily one of people that are all of the same mind frame as me- no one would learn anything.
I want a community of people who strive to seek balance in their lives, however that looks to them. People who have joys and struggles like mine or different from mine. People who are willing to share their experiences like I do. People who want to be real.
Real, balance, and the pursuit thereof. That is the matter at hand here, for me. In that respect, I hope I am relevant.
Stop.
I apologize if my thoughts are jumbled. Today's topic was a bit hard for me. What comes to your mind when you hear the word "relevant?"
Today's Prompt: Relevant
Go.
I often wonder how much of what I write is relevant to you and your lives. Or how often I use the all-encompassing topic of "balance" to it's outer limits. I don't often discuss things here that are relevant to what's going on politically or religiously. Instead, I discuss the smallness of my world and what I observe there, hoping there are others who are the same. Others who notice the same things, or have the same joys and struggles. Or, others how have different opinions and can teach me a thing or two. I hope that I am relevant in that respect.
I write here because I love to. Sometimes I have more time than others and I enjoy that there is no pressure to write on certain days or that no one really minds if I don't get on here for a week. I like to think that people here understand the business of the life of a young, working mother.
Still, I do worry that I'm not reaching people. Because the bigger picture here, to me, is that I want to create a sort of community. Not necessarily one of people that are all of the same mind frame as me- no one would learn anything.
I want a community of people who strive to seek balance in their lives, however that looks to them. People who have joys and struggles like mine or different from mine. People who are willing to share their experiences like I do. People who want to be real.
Real, balance, and the pursuit thereof. That is the matter at hand here, for me. In that respect, I hope I am relevant.
Stop.
I apologize if my thoughts are jumbled. Today's topic was a bit hard for me. What comes to your mind when you hear the word "relevant?"
Five Minute Friday: Beyond
It's time again for Five Minute Friday. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama to read the rules and join in.
Go.
Look beyond her tired ponytail and pajamas as she walks hurriedly through the grocery store at two in the afternoon and see a worried Mom stopping to get medicine for the child she comforted all night.
Look beyond that distracted, stony-face and see a man's worry over whether or not he will make the bills this month as he bumps into you- accidentally.
Look beyond the cheery smile of the woman standing on your porch with baked goods and see the lonely soul looking for company.
Look beyond the uncombed hair and mismatched clothes of that man's little girls and see that he plucked them unexpectedly out of the house for some one-on-one time.
Look beyond the snobby nature of the reclusive woman that is your neighbor and see that she is actually just shy and a bit socially awkward.
Look beyond the angry woman who just yelled at you for brushing past her arm and see the pain she feels at being told this morning that she wasn't important enough to stay with.
Look beyond the facade that everyone puts on for everyone else and see. SEE. We are all the same. We all have our struggles. We all need friends, a helping hand, a smile, and a little understanding. We all need each other.
Stop.
What facade to do you put up for those around you? What would happen if everyone was honest about their true feelings? Would we have more disagreements? Would we have more connections? Both? Discuss!
Go.
Look beyond her tired ponytail and pajamas as she walks hurriedly through the grocery store at two in the afternoon and see a worried Mom stopping to get medicine for the child she comforted all night.Look beyond that distracted, stony-face and see a man's worry over whether or not he will make the bills this month as he bumps into you- accidentally.
Look beyond the cheery smile of the woman standing on your porch with baked goods and see the lonely soul looking for company.
Look beyond the uncombed hair and mismatched clothes of that man's little girls and see that he plucked them unexpectedly out of the house for some one-on-one time.
Look beyond the snobby nature of the reclusive woman that is your neighbor and see that she is actually just shy and a bit socially awkward.
Look beyond the angry woman who just yelled at you for brushing past her arm and see the pain she feels at being told this morning that she wasn't important enough to stay with.
Look beyond the facade that everyone puts on for everyone else and see. SEE. We are all the same. We all have our struggles. We all need friends, a helping hand, a smile, and a little understanding. We all need each other.
Stop.
What facade to do you put up for those around you? What would happen if everyone was honest about their true feelings? Would we have more disagreements? Would we have more connections? Both? Discuss!
Five Minute Friday: Catch
Time again for Five Minute Friday. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama and join in!Go.
Unfortunately, the first thing I thought of when I saw today's prompt was more like "catch up!" I have been away from this space all week doing just that. Everything on my plate needed to be tackled and I have done almost all of it. Somehow I have managed to keep up with the laundry and keep the house mostly clean all week.
I had to roast a batch of salsa so the vegetables I had to yank from my garden (before they froze) wouldn't go to waste.
I had responsibilities I had been putting off that I finally had to attend to. I put an ad online for the table that has been sitting in my garage for three years.
I uploaded the pictures from July to present onto the computer. Not to mention the daily needs and playtime of my girls, making yummy dinner meals, and keeping up with my exercise.
Although there is still a list a mile long of things I need to do, I am feeling pretty good about this week and everything I accomplished. It is nice to have the opportunity to catch-up a little.
And I owe a lot of it to Matt, because without all the help he gave me last weekend and during this week, I would never have accomplished what I did.
My only regret? Not getting a chance to write here more than once this week. Oh well, there's always next week, right?
Stop.
How did your week go? I hope you have fun plans for the weekend!
Five Minute Friday: On Ordinary
Time again for Five Minute Friday. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama and join in!
I live an ordinary life. I wake up, work, get my girls up, eat breakfast, fit a workout in, work again, eat lunch, do some chores, some playing, work again, make dinner, and get them in bed. That is how most of my days play out. To an outsider, perhaps someone with a more extravagant life than mine, that might seem mundane, boring even. The same schedule day in and day out.
What they don't know is, I wake up every morning to the sweetest man, and we have our conversations about the day ahead, strange dreams we had the night before, and I always get a deep squeeze and a kiss before he leaves. I work until I'm interrupted by a shy smiling face coming into my room holding "bunny and blanket" asking if she can get up. The first thing I get from her every morning is a snuggle in my office chair. This is followed by the widest grin of excitement when I go get Paige, who jumps into my arms and lays her little head on my shoulder. I get, "Oh, thank you, Mommy!" for suggesting pancakes for breakfast. I watch Zoe try to "workout" with me. I hear her narrative all day long about things she finds exciting. And Paige squeals with delight when she takes a few steps all by herself. We find magic and adventure in books. Delight in Zoe buttoning a jacket "all by herself". Paige's proud face as she navigates going downstairs on her own.
I hear screams of excitement when Daddy gets home, and little feet pattering toward him as he tries to kiss me first. Zoe tells us stories over dinner, stories about our day, or some she makes up on her own. Paige trying to copy everything we, or especially her sister, do. I watch Matt as the stresses of his workday melt away at the sweetness of our girls as he relaxes into home.
We calm down for the night with words from children's books, hear the prayers of a toddler, and sing "Goodnight Sweetheart" every night without fail. After a couple attempts to stay awake, Zoe finally stays in bed. Matt and I get some time to relax and reconnect before we snuggle up together in our too-small bed and sleep until morning when we start all over again.
And I know I went over my five minutes today, but that's ok because my life is far from ordinary.
Tell me what is not ordinary about your life...
Five Minute Friday: On Friends
It's time again for Five Minute Friday. Where we just write without worrying if it's perfect. Please click over to The Gypsy Mama for the rules and join in!
Today's Prompt is: On friends...
Go.
Friends. I literally don't know what I would do without them. When I went through the divorce, my friends were my lifesavers since my family was so far away. They who were willing to sit up with my while I poured out my heart and my tears on them until all hours of the morning. They watched my kids so I could work, or just cry. They brought me dinner and came to check on me everyday. They came out of their comfort zones to make sure I was OK and let me know they were there for me. They called me or texted me constantly. They gave me advice and hope and a shoulder to cry on when I had none. I can never repay them for what they did for me."Friends are the family you chose" is a quote I often like to use. They are the people you can not speak to for ages and when you get together it's just like you were never apart. They are the people you can depend on to support your decisions and call you out on your crap. The people who can tease you about your faults and you know they aren't judging you.
Friends aren't tied to you by blood (well not always), they are tied to you by a genuine love and care for you and an interest to continue the relationship. How beautiful is that? Your friends, your true friends, are in your life because they love you and they want to be around you. How many people on earth can you truly say that about?
I'm so grateful for all my friends, the ones who have been around since childhood all the way through to the ones I just met. I know you are all in my life for a reason. I cherish you and I am so grateful for your friendship!
Stop.
I have also met many wonderful friends over the Internet through blogging. Their love and support has held me up in many times of trial. If you read this blog, please take a moment to introduce yourself to me and everyone else. I would love to get to know you better. Or, just tell me your favorite things about your friends!
Five Minute Friday: Growing
It's time again to write for five minutes flat, without worrying if it's perfect or not. No editing. Just the written word in it's purest form. Won't you join in? Just click over to The Gypsy Mama for the full rules and to link up.
Today's prompt: Growing
Go.
At 28 years old I finally feel like I'm growing. Not the kind of growing that requires gaining weight and height and childhood milestones. Instead, I am hitting milestones I've created. Making goals and working to achieve them. Growing out of that teenage/young adult selfishness and learning to look inside myself and see what I can improve. Instead of looking at others and seeing what they can improve.
I'm learning that life is not about perfection. That "perfect" is actually a disease when you really think about it. That being less perfect, or rather putting on a less perfect show, actually makes people more comfortable with me than they ever were when they worried about spills on my carpet. After two kids worth of spills, what's one more? Who would have thought I would ever say that?
I'm learning that I can't do everything. I will perhaps never have a perfectly clean house, or always get all the dishes and laundry done. Learning that nothing I hope for will happen unless I put my mind to it. Growing up in the most wonderful adult ways. Suffering sometimes because growing up is hard.
Growing into someone who deserves to have a great husband and two beautiful girls. Someone who shows her girls that it's important to care for yourself while you care for everyone else. Someone who makes mistakes and tries to fix them. Someone who is willing to work at relationships, work for a fit body, work to achieve her dreams.
It is never too late to do some growing. Everyone has potential for growth. I believe that is why we are here. Not just to grow up or grow old. But simply to grow.
Stop.
What does "growing" mean to you? What are you doing to grow? Please leave a comment.
Today's prompt: Growing
Go.
At 28 years old I finally feel like I'm growing. Not the kind of growing that requires gaining weight and height and childhood milestones. Instead, I am hitting milestones I've created. Making goals and working to achieve them. Growing out of that teenage/young adult selfishness and learning to look inside myself and see what I can improve. Instead of looking at others and seeing what they can improve.
I'm learning that life is not about perfection. That "perfect" is actually a disease when you really think about it. That being less perfect, or rather putting on a less perfect show, actually makes people more comfortable with me than they ever were when they worried about spills on my carpet. After two kids worth of spills, what's one more? Who would have thought I would ever say that?I'm learning that I can't do everything. I will perhaps never have a perfectly clean house, or always get all the dishes and laundry done. Learning that nothing I hope for will happen unless I put my mind to it. Growing up in the most wonderful adult ways. Suffering sometimes because growing up is hard.
Growing into someone who deserves to have a great husband and two beautiful girls. Someone who shows her girls that it's important to care for yourself while you care for everyone else. Someone who makes mistakes and tries to fix them. Someone who is willing to work at relationships, work for a fit body, work to achieve her dreams.
It is never too late to do some growing. Everyone has potential for growth. I believe that is why we are here. Not just to grow up or grow old. But simply to grow.
Stop.
What does "growing" mean to you? What are you doing to grow? Please leave a comment.
Five Minute Friday: In Real Life
It's time for Five Minute Friday! Click over to The Gypsy Mama for instructions if you would like to
participate! (You totally should!)
Today's prompt is: In real life...
Go.
I like to pretend that the perfectionist in my head is the actual person who writes this blog. I would like people to think that I keep my house perfectly and my children behave perfectly all the time and that I never lose my cool. I would like people to think that my remarriage is going swimmingly and that we never have problems. I would like people to think that I'm still as skinny as I was a few months ago. I would like to think this, but I know it's not true. I try to be honest on this blog, so I hope none of you think any of those things.
In real life, I am a perfectionist, but my busy life of working from home, motherhood, marriage and everything else on my plate doesn't allow for perfectionism. That is as it should be. Does it still plague me that my baseboards need to be wiped and my oven needs to be cleaned, of course! But most days I'm happy just to get a shower in.
My children are crazy little monsters, whom I love dearly and wouldn't trade for anything. They can be sweet and loving and lovable...but they can also be screaming balls of fire and brimstone and I often lose my cool. We do a lot of apologizing in our house.
My marriage is going fine. We have our ups and downs like everyone else, but we have our past issues added to that and they are hard to overcome sometimes. But we love each other enough to keep working at it everyday, keep going on dates to reconnect, and keep being honest.
I've gained back 2/3 of the weight I lost during my divorce and am almost back to where I was after Paige was born. I'm working on it, but it bothers me so I don't write on it much.
So, as you can see, in real life, though I am ALWAYS working to balance things, and working to be better, my life is just like yours, a little messy. And that's OK. Real life is a little messy.
Stop.
Tell me something real about you and/or your life! (Also, if you have not yet, please click one of those buttons up there and find a way to follow me.) :)
Today's prompt is: In real life...
Go.
I like to pretend that the perfectionist in my head is the actual person who writes this blog. I would like people to think that I keep my house perfectly and my children behave perfectly all the time and that I never lose my cool. I would like people to think that my remarriage is going swimmingly and that we never have problems. I would like people to think that I'm still as skinny as I was a few months ago. I would like to think this, but I know it's not true. I try to be honest on this blog, so I hope none of you think any of those things.In real life, I am a perfectionist, but my busy life of working from home, motherhood, marriage and everything else on my plate doesn't allow for perfectionism. That is as it should be. Does it still plague me that my baseboards need to be wiped and my oven needs to be cleaned, of course! But most days I'm happy just to get a shower in.
My children are crazy little monsters, whom I love dearly and wouldn't trade for anything. They can be sweet and loving and lovable...but they can also be screaming balls of fire and brimstone and I often lose my cool. We do a lot of apologizing in our house.
My marriage is going fine. We have our ups and downs like everyone else, but we have our past issues added to that and they are hard to overcome sometimes. But we love each other enough to keep working at it everyday, keep going on dates to reconnect, and keep being honest.
I've gained back 2/3 of the weight I lost during my divorce and am almost back to where I was after Paige was born. I'm working on it, but it bothers me so I don't write on it much.
So, as you can see, in real life, though I am ALWAYS working to balance things, and working to be better, my life is just like yours, a little messy. And that's OK. Real life is a little messy.
Stop.
Tell me something real about you and/or your life! (Also, if you have not yet, please click one of those buttons up there and find a way to follow me.) :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)