I’ve never been a “bucket list” kind of girl. Well, not in the traditional sense, anyway. I don’t have a carefully crafted list numbered 1 to 45 written on perfectly lined white paper, folded and placed carefully inside the pages my journal. I don’t have a list that I add to or subtract from as the months and years go by. A list that I visit and revisit as I plan and pursue dreams. A bucket list has just never been something I’ve done, nor felt the need to do.
Truth is, there are days when I feel that just surviving until the last little forehead is kissed and three little chests are moving rhythmically up and down in peaceful sleep seems like reason to celebrate. I’m not sure I need a bucket list right now. Or, lets face it, I’m too stinking tired to write one.
Writing that down makes it sound like I’m not a ‘dreamer’. It makes it sounds like I’m not thinking about the big picture or the future or years down the road. And maybe I’m not. The years when our house isn’t filled with the screams, laughter, voices, and whines of little ones truly seems like an eternity away. I know, I know, the years are going by so fast, right? And, it’s true, the years are going by so fast. But the days? How is it that those sometimes feel like an eternity?
You know how it is? When I answer the same question for the 65th time in the day, or when I unknowingly throw away the brand new craft supplies I just purchased, or when I boil eggs for an hour, or when I drive 35 minutes to go to the grocery store and then forget to go to the grocery store–the days seem as if they are going on forever. (Each of these have happened in the last week.)
Like I said, getting through the day with everyone unharmed and, for the most part, happy content, is quite an accomplishment, in my book.
While I don’t really have a bucket list, I have had a dream that I have not been quiet about for several years. I think it was about four years ago that I told Chad that I really wanted to go to NYC. It wasn’t just a passing comment, it was something I talked about often. Scheming, dreaming, wondering, anticipating. I can’t really explain why, but I wanted to see the city through the lens of my camera, I wanted to feel the energy of this city that seems so very different than the tiny community where we are living. I want to stand on the streets and listen to the sounds and smell the smells and breathe in the life of a world so different than my own.
We actually planned the trip a few years ago and then we had a baby. We planned it again. And then we put our house up for sale. We planned it again. We built a new house and moved. New York City was placed in the “Someday” pile and I was ready for the wait.
My wait was shorter than I thought and my extremely supportive husband surprised me on my birthday with the news of our impending trip. He even hinted to it in his lovely hijacked blog post.
Anyway, we are headed to the City next week and I almost can’t believe it. It’s a bucket list item on my bucket list that doesn’t exist. Not only am I crossing an item off my non-existent bucket list, but we are also celebrating two birthday’s next week. Needless to say, this Mama is beginning to feel the rumblings of nostalgia, emotion, and a need to express it.
Before we get there, though, some Chatter. . .
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1. Family Pet
We do not have a family pet. Shocking, right? (Save the lecture–pets are also in the “Someday” pile.) Maybe that’s why our kids find all sorts of creatures and bring them home. Just the other day Meadow and I were taking a walk when this happened. . .
I’ve never known a cat to run toward strangers. This one did. It was like a scene from a movie where a soldier steps off a plane after a war and runs full speed toward the family that was left behind. This little kitten saw Meadow and ran full speed and she did the same thing.
No, Meadow, we can’t take her home. . .
My instructions fell on deaf ears.
We found it’s home.
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2. Dress Code
Meadow instated a dress code for the bus stop.
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3. Fall
Have I mentioned that I just love this time of year?
The light. . .
The colors. . .
4. Photography
I just finished a class that was challenging and stretching and reached past the camera into the heart. The class asked tough questions about art, identity, and “what if’s” of life. So much to process and I’ve barely scratched the surface.
My photography journey began here, documenting the simplicity of our lives. Over the years, though, I’m learning more and more about what makes me heart sing–in terms of my photography. I never would have envisioned myself doing what I’m doing now, but I am so thankful for the journey that brought me here.
There will be more on this later, but for now a few recent favorites. . .
5. Animals
We may not own any (yet) but we find them. . .
And then we leave them and go home.
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6. Meadow
I wonder when she will stop getting her own section?
The other day I was telling her to clean up her blocks in the living room. She was avoiding the task. I told her again. And then again. Her response? A very exasperated, I know! Be quiet!!
Umm. When did you put our sweet Meadow and we want her back!?
Another day this week I asked her to go brush her hair after a bath. She left the room and Chad walked into our bedroom a few minutes later to find Meadow adorned in bracelets and generously spraying perfume on herself. When Chad walked in she stopped, looked guilty, and then smiled and said, Hi Daddy! Do you like my stink?!
Earlier that day I looked outside and saw this. . .
What are you doing, Meadow?
Just watching for the rain.
It’s tough to get angry and discipline such cuteness. . .
Difficult, yes.
Impossible? Nope, not at all.
****************************************Have a wonderful weekend, Friends. I’ll be back next week.
(And if anyone has any “musts” or “important information” for NYC–I’ll take it.
Chatter, Out. . .
Have fun on the scary taxi rides in New York City!! LOL! I was only there one day and was driven once by a New York City native in his car and I had a ride in a taxi. They were both very interesting!! The taxi ride was less scary lets put it that way! One more tip. Do NOT dig in the sandboxes in Central Park!!!!! And don't leave your windows open or you will get a layer of dirt dust on everything. I guess that's 2 tips. LOL! Can't wait to see your pictures! I saw a single sheet of newspaper flying around while standing on a balcony 25 floors up!! Crazy view overlooking Central Park from that high though! You are sure to get some awesome photos there but then you always do. Looking forward to seeing New York through your eyes. Have Fun!!!