The girl and I took a road trip to Waterton today. It’s a happy place for both of us – we love the mountains but at this time of year the wildflowers are spectacular.
I find it amazing how quickly my soul resets to a peaceful state when we enter the park. It’s so beautiful there you never have to doubt the existence of God. Who else could have created this place?
I was at school today while the kids cleaned out their lockers. A teacher came up to me and asked if I was the girl’s mom. I said yes, and he sat down beside me and told me how much he liked my kid and was looking forward to having her in class again next year.
He left and then came back and sat down and said he needed to share a story with me. He went on to tell of a day when kids weren’t behaving and not only did my girl listen, but she came to him and showed empathy for his frustration.
It’s important to share these kinds of compliments. It warmed my heart, and when I told the girl it warmed hers too. I love the school they attend.
Tonight we spent almost an hour laughing as the boy tried to get Siri to set up our tv.
He was too stubborn to type the commands and Siri wasn’t understanding him.
It’s such a good feeling to have long laughs about small stupid things.
You know it’s funny, it seems like when life is in crisis I forget all my coping skills.
My dad and I used to talk about this on our walks along the ridge. He said that prayer and meditation were so important for him in the good times because they stored up love and hope that carried him through the bad times when he maybe wasn’t as consistent at his spiritual practice.
I feel the same way.
But I’ve been back out with my guy who brings balance and love to my life.
He’s my SUV – spiritual utility vehicle
The boy and I watched some of Tony Robbins I am not your guru this afternoon. I was amazed at how fast he connected to what this man was saying. It started with him grumbling when I suggested he might enjoy it, but it ended with him saying what an amazing documentary it was.
When I was 17 I don’t think I even knew what self improvement was, but this kid is working hard all the time to be a better person. He wants to break cycles and become a man he will be proud of.
The boy just walked by me and asked why I haven’t been blogging lately. I said I felt like the fun has been kicked out of me and I just don’t want to.
In the elegant words of a teenager he told me to stop my whining and start appreciating all that I have.
I hate that he’s right, but he is. There are a lot of blessings in my life and I should remember to be grateful for each and every one of them. Even though I just couldn’t make myself do it for the last little while, I really missed finding a moment of happiness in every day. They’re still there, but I feel like I need to celebrate them more.
So, tonight I am happy and grateful for the sound of girl cousins giggling as they play games from their childhood. Balance is coming back to life and that is a wonderful blessing.
A few days ago I read on Keystone Equine’s Facebook page that the best way to get the skunk smell out of a dog is Vagisil. Yeah.
I tucked that information away hoping I wouldn’t need it, but sure enough last night Bear got face to side with a stinky black and white
Omg the smell. I thought I’d pass out. I used some of the pet store skunk stuff I had but it didn’t really make a difference.
One sad night for our poor dog.
Today I left my pride at the house and went to Walmart asking for the largest container of Vagisil powder they had.
I’m glad I don’t have much pride because that stuff worked miracles. I now has a fresh, non skunk smelling happy dog.
That is a happiness moment.
17 years ago tonight I was in the process of a life changing event. Tomorrow at 3:06 am my baby boy made his grand entrance into the world. Becoming his mom changed me completely. I have learned to love harder, forgive more, be gentler, and find strength I didn’t know existed.
All of this I learned from him. He is one of the brightest stars in my sky and one of my greatest sources of happiness.
We always have a family show we watch together. Right now it’s Schitt’s Creek which is silly and stupid, but also really funny and we can relate to it.
A family who used to have money and suddenly doesn’t? Ummm yeah.
It’s Canadian too which is extra cool. But mostly I just like that it’s a way we gather together and unwind and spend time together.
Family is what it’s all about after all.
We had our second annual start of summer potluck at the community hall tonight.
I love this community we are part of. The roots are deep and the love is strong. It was so awesome to visit, laugh, eat, play cards, and share time with family and neighbors.
We are fairly unique these days in that we have so many families who have lived together for generations. Having flown solo for so many years in our gypsy era, I appreciate even more the grounding joy of our loved ones.
We are blessed.
