Mmmhmmm. Yes, that is a giant machete my son is sharpening. I think his nine year-old mind is constantly dreaming up ways to handle dangerous objects.
When my menfolk went to "Man Camp" (
the weekend that left me utterly and blissfully alone), they had some serious bonding time. Lots of activities that involved fire, extreme heights (of which they took a video that I can't figure out how to upload ... here's to hoping I prevail ...), unsecured road travel in backs of pick-up trucks, plenty of sharp objects, and nary a mom in sight. They even brought back matching t-shirts that declared themselves to be: "
Sons of Thunder." Man Camp = Man Heaven.
Even though my mom-ness requires me to be a ninny about many pursuits that appeal to my menfolk, I am so, so thankful they have each other. Yes, they have a blast. But life-training seems to happen so naturally when they are alone together. Not planned out over tea, as us moms like to finagle. Just spontaneous, quick, and often profound.
Pops told me of a conversation they had while both balancing on high-wires 50 feet off the ground:
"Dad. Are you scared?""Well, I trust in the safety gear we strapped on. But yes, at first I was scared. Once you know you are protected though, you focus, push your fear down, and move forward.""Okay, Dad."And they did. Together.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Sometimes it's hard to believe we won't always have impish little faces in our home. Amidst all the crazy, for the time being, we are still gifted with a little bit of deliciousness about us. But to me, that is the true marvel of photography ... the ability to quietly capture fleeting moments, feelings, emotions. The way a little nose is shaped or how lips part in concentration. Downcast eyes and sweet, smooth skin.
I'm not sure who first expressed the notion ... "It's not always about what more you can acquire, but about how you can use what you already have," ... but they were spot on. I'm always amazed how fun and satisfying shopping my own cupboards can be.
She was working on a sewing project when she looked up and flashed her smiling eyes at me. And for a moment, life was still.
Very, very close to having the first one of the pair done. I'm excited ... and a little scared. Does anyone else get last-minute jitters on projects? Will the picture in my head match the reality of the effort?
Ever notice how once you work up the gumption to start one project, they seem to propagate like crazy? Since the paint brushes are being put to work and the tarps are out for the never-ending staircase project, why not also paint a bench, some stools, a (birthday) desk for Jane and ...
I can't quite get enough of avocado toast lately. Mashed up with some coarsely ground sea salt, plenty of lime juice, and slathered on toasted sourdough. So. Good.
I was most charmed by this catalog cover. Apparently, my menfolk don't have the same appreciation for aesthetic that I do.
