Day 46. 10 small moments

1. The boys are already gone. I pack up her lunch and get ready to drop her off at her morning daycare. I’m surprisingly efficient today because of the incentive: hurry hurry hurry so that I can work on my collage-journal entry.

2. I make a stop at one of our cafes. As she makes my latte, I learn that she graduated last Spring and is interviewing for a job in her career choice. I feel immensely proud and lucky that she’s worked for us. I know she’ll be gone soon, but I hope she keeps in touch. This is how it should be.

3. The incense is supposed to last only ten minutes, but the un-packaging, and the simple beauty of the ritual is lovely and relaxing. I meditate and reflect and enjoy for a little longer than ten minutes.

4. He comes home after feeling unwell. I ask him if he needs anything as I show him all of my collage supplies. His eyes light up and his demeanor changes. Secretly (not so secretly), I’m excited to have him home to do something I know we would equally enjoy.

5. We meet for lunch at the new public market close to the kids’ school. We catch up and exchange stories. I tell her about my retreat in California. We both agree that women need to recharge in a circle.

6. I’m struck by how many of my women friends and acquaintances yearn for this connection. I’m motivated to rent a huge house to read poems, eat well and encourage these connections. The reclusive and social sides of me are at a constant battle within.

7. He tries on about two dozen different pairs of glasses. It’s a small moment that is a beautiful juxtaposition: This kid, who is so loud loud loud and full of life and laughter, needs glasses and is color blind.

8. I thought that I would simply have fun with mod podge and magazine cuttings, but it inspires a poem that has been buried deep inside of me for many years. With such subtle guidance, she’s a compelling creative-ninja.

9. Pork tenderloin with fig jam balsamic reduction. Polenta and a side of green peas. Sauvignon blanc and the new items from the bakery to sample for dessert. I have no idea how I pull this out at the end of the day, but it’s a celebration, of sorts, to kick off a long weekend.

10. It’s after 9:00 p.m. and she’s still fighting sleep. She’s overtired, and I’m tempted to give in and curl up next to her on her toddler bed.