As I've made brownies, cookies, chicken, and everything else imaginable, my mind has wandered free.
This week, for example, as we returned form what was a really fun day at The State Fair, I found myself chasing after Rose down our suburban street. I was running bare foot, in pearls and a sun dress. Literally, a movie could not have planned this better.
Cars of concerned people implored what they could do to help, assuming I was running from an abusive husband. I just sighed. They couldn't help us or understand what was happening. I ran on, and I eventually caught up to her, finally bribing her home with fake nails (for her, not me).
After that, I spent my emotional energy baking a heavenly chicken that later became lunch for us as soup.
Tonight I mellowed making a salted caramel apple pie. Rose hugged me ecstatically as she smelled it cooking. For a few, fleeting, seconds I almost felt like the best mom.
Later that night, though, we experienced the great missing turkey fiasco. Needless to say, all the peace I had gained earlier was kind of shot even as I fed Rose the pie she so longed for and prepared all of us for the first day of 9th grade (complete with meals made by Mom, of course).
As I reflect on all of this, I realize the only images the real world sees are the happy ones while blog readers have to dwell on the sadder ones. So, I think it's time to admit that life isn't always perfect. It doesn't always end up as we expect, but there is humanity even in those imperfect moments. Plus, there is humanity in all the good moments.
After all, what's more human than a mom running barefoot after her daughter while neighbors watch on?
Just a few pics of the good.
State Fair fun
