Back from the Tuck

A little regretfully, my camera lived in the bag most of the weekend. If I'd been in the mood, these are the snap shots I would have taken:

Me white knuckling the steering wheel of Aunt Wanda's huge SUV.

Annie sailing leaf boats.

The man who came into Dairy Queen to pay three dollars and thirty five cents that he owed from the prior week.

The frames on the Dairy Queen wall, which proudly displayed photos of the towns' far-away sons in uniform.

The way the sun shined through the wheat field oceans.

The sky as it turned from black to blue. I'd never laughed an entire night away outside.  

Four hundred pounds of potato salad.

Five hundred pounds of pasta salad.

Two pounds that was added to my ass. Just kidding, I'd skip that photo.

But I would take one of the dog that was brought to the wedding in a stroller. Swear.

The huge meal that Jason's Meemaw made, at SEVENTY FIVE years old...AFTER she finished ironing a thousand white table cloths.

Peepaw watching Barack Obama on Fox, saying that our country needs a change.

Old stories that never really get old.

New stories that will become old.

The best part of the whole trip was that I got to meet my daughter. This weekend made me see that in my crazy to-do list life, I'd reduced my children into tasks. I was lost in making breakfasts, packing lunches, pick ups and drop offs, time outs, and "don't-do-thats". I'm embarrassed to say that I forgot there are little people under there. All you have to do is see them in front of you.

Comments

[kristin]

well then i'd say the trip a success! i too task master and photo hog instead of just being in the moment and seeing with my eyes not my lens... so kuddos.

[Ma']

That was purest poetry.
I need to catch my breath.
It was stolen somewhere between
"leaf boats"
and "new stories that will become old."

On second thought...
I never want to catch my breath.

So much love,
Mama

[Shii]

I love that you didn't take pics and were just there, in the moment. Sounds like you had a great time.
PS. Love what Mama said...so sweet.

[Stephanie]

SNIFF!

[Kal]

And triple arm pump to that.
Very cool.

[Chasity]

ahhh, so true. tis just the life of a mom sometimes. glad you're home safe!

[sgarofalow]

You have such a beautiful way with words. And your honesty about forgetting that your children are more than tasks was totally refreshing and something so many of us can relate too. As for the dogs in strollers...if you ever come to Orange County, CA and get to spend any time at the Fashion Island shopping center, you will see dogs in strollers all over the place!!! It is something you really don't get used to. :)

[jessie]

You have a real gift. Not only do you create lovely and memorable images with your camera, but with your words as well. I love imagining the time you had in Kentucky... sounds like a blast.

[Katy]

Man, you can be such a sap sometimes. :-)


Just kidding!!!!

You seriously should consider a profession in writing... you know... in your free time. Speaking of which - when are you EVER going to start that book??? In Mexico perhaps?!?!?! WHOOOO HOOOOO!