On shoe shopping and fate.

Years ago, when my daughter was less than a year old, our small family took a Saturday trip to the local mall. As a young, somewhat frazzled, stay-at-home mom I begged my husband to come along and walk with me. I wasn't sure if it was the kindness of his heart or the crazy look in my eyes that made him agree, but he did. He pushed the baby around in the stroller and held my hand while I looked at pretty things I didn't need. At some point while I was spending admittedly too much time in the shoe section, they slipped away together. It may have been a trip to the pretzel place or the game store, I wasn't really sure. What I was sure was that for those five minutes I was free. As I strolled around the department I noticed a woman browsing alone like I was. She was an older woman, at least 70, with slightly graying hair and the most beautiful caramel colored skin I've ever seen. She walked with poise and grace, like she considered each movement before she made it. She was dressed like she was going to Sunday church in a tasteful red suit with a small hat. I watched her as I browsed, noticing her well polished shoes, her impeccable lipstick, how she smiled largely at everyone who made eye contact with her. She was truly beautiful. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my husband and daughter making their way back to retrieve me. In an impulsive moment I rushed over to her and blurted "I hope I'm not interrupting you but I really wanted to tell you that I think you're possibly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I hope you have a great day. I know that's a strange thing for me to say but I really felt like I had to tell you." As I rattled all of this off she looked confused and then her eyes brightened and she beamed at me. She responded with tears in her eyes, "Thank you. It's so kind of you to say that to me today. My husband died some years back on this day. Every year I do my best to dress nice for him and look my best. Makes me feel better, you understand? We didn't have any children and all my family has passed. I like to go out to places with lots of people so I won't feel lonely in our house. You just made my day." We chatted briefly and then I quickly made my teary-eyed way over to my little family and we went on our way. I think about her every now and again. I consider how any number of slight changes in the day would have made that conversation impossible. I'm so glad I was there for that moment.

sharkano

This made me smile today.



www.nataliedee.com

happy mother's day :)

mish-mash

It's the day after Easter and I'm trying to rev myself up, trying to be motivated, to make something where there isn't any. We just saw a movie in which a character said something like Trying is Doing with the Intent to Fail, Don't Try, Just Do. I think Jedi Master Yoda said something like that too. "Do, or do not. There is no 'try.'" So I'm working on not trying. I'm making it a point to Get Things Done because well, someone must.

Most days I wake up feeling out of sorts wondering how the days are slipping by so quickly, wondering what the next days will bring. Moving is always an upheaval, I know. I'm actually pretty well-versed in change and don't mind the adjustment. I'm not a great fan of living in a rental four streets down from my old house for three short months. We don't have most of our stuff, which we're fine without, but it feels like we're living in someone else's house. We are. I feel unsettled knowing the big move is in less than two months now.

My son has gotten a cold and is spending the day resting and watching inordinate amounts of television today. I dragged both kids to the post office today, promising chicken nuggets and quality time with the couch later. I avoid Wendy's because they annoy me. I get irrationally annoyed and attempt to ruin their games. They often have competitions to see how quickly each car can be served. They're crazy about it. As soon as they get your money the guy at the next window is leaning out looking for you or has his hand stuck out the window holding your bag. This bugged me for a while and then when a man lunged out the window with my order and held it literally in front of my head IN MY CAR as I was putting away my debit card I asked him why. Why are you inside my car? He informed me that they're seeing how quickly they can do it. He really shouldn't have told me that because I have no problem making them stand there holding my bag while I put my stuff away. I appreciate good service, but come on, must it be so aggressive? No. And thusly I shall ruin their game!

I suppose I'll go DO now. Hello out there.

THIS made me laugh.

A while ago there was a video circulating of a sleeping dog who was dreaming and ran dead into a wall. Everyone thought it was so funny and I just felt sad for the dog.

Now this clip, which I saw at Mistah B?That's a man's name! made me laugh a lot.



My Boy did not like this video. He doesn't really "get" babies.