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.

Summer's Bounty

My lilies are blooming, pee wee baseball has sadly come to an end and do you think my kids have been to the pool yet? Only for swim lessons. Bad Mom. Bad Mom. Yes, I know it's nearly the end of June. But tomorrow! Tomorrow, they finally get to partake in a dip. Oh, please let the sun shine hot and the rain stay away.

Tonight, we sat down for a meal together (at home) that wasn't made of concession nachos or hamburgers. It was, like, heavenly. I think we'll do it again tomorrow. Now we're sitting around, watching more baseball (sort of watching...one of us is watching anyway. The rest of us are kind of zoning with computers, IPods and books...) But we're all at peace because we're together.

And I can't imagine a better life at this very moment. Wishing you all the same relaxing moment.

Sentimental Summer

I've sure shed a lot of tears this summer...between the passing of my grandma and my dog, I can't seem to go a day without a dry eye. It's certainly made me reflective. Doug keeps asking me what I'm thinking about. Well. My grandma. My dog. My aunts. My cousins. My grandma. I put the quilt she made us for our wedding on the bed today.It doesn't at all fit, but I don't care. Of course, that made me me bawl like a baby. I pulled out the snapfish photos we received this week...great pictures of the dog. And my grandma. And my grandma with a dog...Niagara Falls down the cheeks...then I came across this photo on my nightstand as I was dusting and a big smile overtook my tears. My dad and my aunt Sandy. Look at that little fellow's spherical head! Look at Charlie Brown. And weren't my aunt's curls just so, so adorable? Of course, it made me a little teary. But in a good way.

Actually, the tears have been good. I love my family and have missed them more than I realize. It seems that I can finally rationalize a use for Facebook now that most of my family is on it. We can practically have a virtual family reunion. If only it reached out to the spiritual world...Grandma Shirley would be right there with us. :)