Category Archives: balance

Few things tempt me like the hammock that swings in the shade of the pine trees beside our cottage. You’d think, wouldn’t you, that having it there, calling to me as it does, I’d sidle on over and plop down with a good book on a regular basis.

But no.  Every time I look outside someone has beaten me to it.  All three of my boys are suspect—whoever can get there first, will.  One day the kitchen timer beeped, and I watched as my youngest grabbed his book and ran out to the side yard, “Your time’s up!” he yelled gleefully, bumping his big brother from the coveted spot.  Apparently the three of them had worked out a rotating half-hour schedule, leaving no time for mom to swing into peaceful oblivion.
Today, though, those three boys are 600 miles away, playing at the pool with their grandma and cousins.  My good friend came up yesterday to enjoy a day at the beach sans-niños, and share a glass or two of wine.  This morning, we worked off aforementioned calories by walking the puppy and ourselves for an hour and a half.  When she took off for home, I eyed up the hammock.  I grabbed my novel (American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld) and headed outside.  The breeze was blowing, the shade was bliss on another hot day, and I closed my eyes and listened to the quiet.
Now that’s peaceful.
photo credit:  It’s Greg.

It’s Time

I’m ready.  I’m ready for the hammock and the garden.  I’m ready for the sun and sand.  I’m ready for s’mores by the fire pit and laughter late into the night.  Soon.

I’m ready, but my house isn’t.

First?  I must pay the bills.  I must find out what, exactly, is on the floor in the bottom of my closet.  I need to sort through the myriad piles of shoes and the gazillion school papers.  Drop stuff at Goodwill. Buy groceries. I need to take care of the necessities before I indulge in the luxuries.

The luxury I’m most looking forward to?

Time.

Time to walk, think, read and laugh.

Time without crazy schedules and carpools.

Time to just be.

I’m ready.

Breathe

college reunion
Principal’s retirement
end-of-school-year committments
friends in need
going away parties
birthday parties
pool parties
piano recitals
soccer practices
work
travel
life

Sorry I haven’t posted this week.  Trying to find time to breathe…