You’ve Got a Friend in Me
A few weeks ago, I dropped Brody off at the church before I headed to Bible Study. What I like about the childcare they provide is the fact that it's not just babysitting. They have a dynamic children's program that is ongoing, every time there are kids that walk through the door. I went to study, then to lunch afterward with the group, and then on to pick him up. He saw me at the door, and I was greeted with an exuberant "Mimmie!" For good measure, he yanked on his teacher's pant leg, pointing and saying, "That my Mimmie right there!" I gathered him up, got his little back pack and art work, and we started our walk to the parking lot, me asking him about his day. "Did you have a...
Distraction Free
That title almost seems impossible in today's world, doesn't it? It does to me, at any rate. The constant chatter of the outside world seems like you're always within earshot of a giant swarm of bees (and if you're not careful, you can get stung, but that's another story for another day). Yesterday, I had a day off and a very loooong list of things that absolutely had to get done. I decided that the only way it would happen was to have total quiet and concentration. I would not catch up on any shows while I worked. I would not listen to my audio book, or take copious social media breaks. I would not even turn on any music. Quiet. It's what I was after. And you know what? I got it...
The Gift of Acceptance
I spent the day with my little man yesterday. We are together on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and after my absence during my Santa Fe trip, he was delighted to see me, as I was him. It was a cloudy, rainy day, and too wet for the park, so I decided to take him to Chick-fil-A for lunch so he could play in their little indoor play area and run out some energy before nap. He powered through his nuggets and waffle fries like a champ, downed his milk, and patiently waited for his Mimmie to finish her chicken salad so he could go play. Then he was off. At first, he was the only child in the play area. He took off his shoes and placed them in the little cubby like a professional,...
Well-Lived
Most of the time, when a person passes away, they are well-eulogized. People talk about fond memories, all the best attributes of that person, and list off their achievements in this life. Sometimes, however, the person who has moved on hasn't spent that much time on this planet. Their life, in our estimation, was cut too short, and we're left to wonder what all they could've gone on to do, lamenting time lost. My cousin, Whitney Harden, passed away yesterday at the tender age of 19. She could easily fall into the category I described above, but if you had known her you would have a hard time leaving her there, or lamenting anything about her. She was sick from the time she was...
Light
There are certain places in the world where the light is different. I really noticed it in Italy, for instance, when we were there a couple of years ago. There was a warm, golden wash over the ancient buildings that seemed to make everything glow. Santa Fe, New Mexico is such a place, as well. With all the buildings cast in shades of earth, set against aspens and pines, that touch of gold sets it all ablaze somehow, making the sky an impossible azure blue. Further out, rugged mountains and rocky landscapes beg an artist's interpretation. Actually, most places with the special light are a type of mecca for artists. It's in these locales that you'll find gallery after gallery, because...