What to do?

Until next season...

My friend, Diane, has the lexicon of a motivational speaker. She was reminding me the other day, “Remember, it’s the journey—not the destination.” I try to think that way. I really do. But at this time of year, I can't help but feel a tremendous amount of satisfaction when I see a few activities getting crossed off on the list. 

• Piano lessons
• Soccer
• Lessons/practice after school
• Graduation parties
• SCHOOL
• Getting the kids to bed before the news. Okay, before Chelsea Handler.

 We’re down to baseball and driver’s ed.

So after I get caught up on laundry, which should take approximately three weeks, I still need to whittle my to-do list, which isn't quite so consumed with maternal-like duties like those above. Let's see, what to do?

• Finish reading that Charles Dickens novel…the crazy-ambitious read that I happened to suggest for book club?
• Pound away on my manuscript now that my amazing editor has given me a college semester's worth of commentary? How many times can I rewrite this book? It's too embarrassing to admit.
•  Or, dig in my garden to create an impossible botanical oasis I’m certain not to accomplish?

Holy buckets! Apparently I forgot it's summer. I'm watching Idol. And Neil Diamond is performing Sweet Caroline! See ya.

Courage, Smourage

So we're leaving for church last Sunday and I'm quickly taking the dog's bed outside for the day. Even though we're pressed to walk into church just a lick before the bells ring, I'm stopped in my tracks. Lo and behold, a serpentine guest is curled before me. I drop the bed and get myself back onto the car with lightning speed.

"Kids! Go put Percy's bed on the porch."

Of course, they knew something was up. And since we were on our way to church, I felt obligated to tell the truth. (Anyone catching the biblical themes in my story?) Anyway, my little cowards wouldn't do it. So, I bucked up. And when I ran back out, I saw something more disturbing. The snake slithered into a hole positioned in the midst of my flower bed.

Not good. So much for living without fear, huh?(See prior posts.)

Well, tonight I finally made it out to the scary bed to pull a few weeds. Although a bit jumpy, I was able to get some fresh air for once. With my trusty terrier by my side in case of a reptile attack. Pretty brave, heh? I must admit, it was quite worth the adventure.

My irises...only a few inches from the snake's lair.

That Courage Thing Again! Gheesh!

I'm outside reading when Cole pokes his head up from an earth worm inspection. "Do you know that small insects often die from fear?"


No, I was not aware. But I found the information particularly relevant. Bugs should take heed. And sometimes, methinks, I should as well.


Courageous Actions?

• My 14-year old daughter's trip to NYC with her vocal group. Sans her parents. (The night before the flight, it seriously occurred to me that I could prohibit her from going...)
• My son's participation in soccer and baseball. Translation? His awareness that a ball could hit him in the face.
• My dog's fearless barks at the unknown. Every single night. For hours. And hours.
• My hubby who mows a lawn with known serpents slithering amidst the boundaries of our yard.
• My mother's retirement from a government job...and the opening of her OWN boutique.
• My dad's support of the boutique...despite the endeavor being something he doesn't fully comprehend or relate to. (Why should a motorcycle guy find dresses lovely? And onesies precious?)

I'm surrounded by bravery. Lately I seem to be letting personal goals evaporate. Why? Fear. Fear of failure. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of not getting everything done... I can't blame anyone but myself, though I'd like to. So enough of this anxiety already! Enough apathy! Embrace my inner courage!

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

two of my brave peeps

three of my brave peeps