The Sign

Still in our pajamas, fresh from a date with dreams, Selah and I sat on the swing in the front yard. We thanked God for the moist grass, the yellow sky, the watermelon crape myrtle in the neighbor's yard, the coffee brewing inside, Hamlet, Zoe, Nic, Moxie, Elsa and Daddy. Always Daddy.

I sang softly. Jesus loves me. This I know. The breeze from our swinging swept my hair in tickles across our cheeks. I was holding on to the moment as snugly as I held the girl.

A small, beat-up, red truck turned the corner onto our street, gliding past the houses at a sleepy pace. A petite, olive-skinned woman sat in the passenger seat. The ragged, straw cowboy hat perched on her head shadowed her eyes, but not her dazzling smile. Her window was down. She was enjoying the cool morning, too.

She spotted us on the swing and leaned forward. She raised her arm and pulled a closed fist against her heart. She brought it to her mouth in a kiss and back to her chest, where she drummed it gently, firmly.

"Yes, I am. I will." I spoke to the air. But she heard and nodded. And left me with her beautiful, knowing, teaching smile.

Your Chicken is Under the Microwave

"Selah, your chicken is under the microwave."

I believe those were the first words I said this morning as I placed Selah in her Johnny-Jump-Up. Just to clear things up-- I was referring to her felt finger puppet chicken, the one that 'sits' (no pun intended) on her SoftPlay Farm book and puppet theater. I can't tell you where Sheep and Cow are.

I find myself saying some very interesting things these days. Things I'd have to explain to the inexperienced ear.

There's : Do do nee un didie change? That's baby talk for 'Do you need a diaper change?' I try to keep the baby talk to a minimum. You know, to keep myself from slipping into motherhood insanity and, well, to ensure that Selah has at least the IQ of Einstein. (Did I spell that right?!)

There's: Let Mamma get that boog. I gently coo this as I wrangle with WWF champ Selah to remove an unsightly formation from her precious little nose.

How about: Which side do you want? Hint: Nursing mothers will get this in an instant!

And then there's: Will you hold her a sec so I can go to the bathroom? You may be wondering what one has to do with the other. Try taking care of business with a 20-pound, wriggling creature attached to your hip, tummy, chest...then we'll talk!

There is one that needs no explanation. One that fills the chatter between me and Selah more often than any other. One that makes perfect sense to all who hear it. I love you, Selah, my joy, my sweet.

My Girl

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.

I'd guess you'd say--what can make me feel this way?

My girl, my girl, my girl.

Talkin' bout my girl. MY GIRL!

(Westlife lyrics)

Making Choices

I've decided to ask myself some questions when deciding how to spend my time, energy, money, resources. In my quest for a richer, more meaningful, productive life, I will ask myself --

Does this serve God, my family, friends and community?

Will this improve or strengthen my relationship with God, my family, friends and/or dogs?

Will this improve or benefit my health and well-being and that of my family, friends and/or dogs?

Will this create or support a loving, nurturing, joyful environment for me and my family?

Will this provide inspiration, focus and time for writing and other creative endeavors?

Will this eliminate stress and help me to be a happier, healthier, more whole wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend?

Will this lead me closer to the accomplishment of my dreams in regards to working with/helping animals, writing and acting?

If I can honestly answer 'yes' to at least four of these questions regarding a decision, I can do it. If not, I will say 'no' and reevaluate it another time. Let's see how it changes my life and the lives of those around me!!!