In our relationship it seems like I often take the roll of the overconfident make it happen person, while she is the one with her head on her shoulders reminding me, ever so gently, of reason and realism. I've always appreciated this about her. This week I dug myself into a tasking frenzy (which seems to happen a lot with me) where I have this awesome to-do list that I'm so excited about and I go nuts trying to get everything done all at once. Of course most of the things on the list are creating some sort of art, and a very few things on the list include things that will make my son happy. Well, as she was leaving she said she often has to give herself a little "talk". Her talk goes something like this. (side note: she has two small kids)
"Do I want to look back on this time that I had as a mother of small children and remember how rushed and frustrated and overwhelmed I was? This is my life now. This is my chance and I need to enjoy it everyday. "
She said it much better, but I needed to hear it again in her sweet way since sometimes it's so much easier to find fulfillment in accomplishing tasks than it is in sitting down with the kids and some books.
I thought I would attach a few special pictures of the two of us. This first one is at this really cool arch on the far side of the island of Aruba. We were there for work, and had one day off. We rented a car for the day and drove around the island. This side of the island is mostly barren and in this cove the waves were incredibly strong and created this awesome rock formation. We loved it.
The second picture was from the same outing, later, while we were driving through a herd of wild donkeys. It was near Christmas time, and Mary was pregnant so I persuaded her (good friend that I am) to jump out of the car and go try to ride one of these donkeys so she could pretend she was the virgin Mary wrapped in a blue cloth. Darn those donkeys, they sure could get away fast!
Also, you have to check out her incredibly cool family photos she just had done.
www.amberlightsphotography.blogspot.com
Just scroll down a bit until you see Lauritzen.
PS someone should tell me how to include a link. I'm slllloooowwwwww and can't figure it out.
... on second thought, I will just upload the picture..
2 comments:
That was really nice to read. I am searching for my balance between being a mom and a dancing mom. I'm really happy doing both but I'm still figuring out how much of everything works for me.
I think it is so important for moms to be a part of something while being mommies (of course, only if they want). My mom got her Master's degree while I was younger and I really appreciate her example.
It's nice that today there are so many ways for moms to be active, creative and involved that are family friendly. I'm impressed by their creativity with finding work that allows them to also stay at home much of the time. I just love that about women--so adaptable and resourceful. . .and also intuitive. We all know when something is too much for us of our family or when things are going well.
It helps me to remember that we're all different as well. I have friends who don't work at all or those that work more than me. I'm glad that we are all different and that makes life so exciting. . .all these different paths to be taken, some by me and some by another.
That family picture is awesome! I love that family pictures are turning from the 'pose, smile, and all dress in denim' to cool stuff like this. What a good friend, you hold on to those ones.
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