Looking Good!

When they were little I could dress them in matching outfits - sometimes with each other or with me.  If they were having a bad morning I would zip a screaming toddler into what I wanted them to wear and carry a very angry little person to the minivan.  I would shop for them and pick what I wanted them to wear.

Those days are over.  And it is one of those times where "interesting" can mean difficult, irritating and awesome.  :-)

Mary's favorite outfit these days usually consists of a giant women's blouse from the Goodwill (picture polyester with polka dots or floral in a size 2x that hangs on her body to her knees).  She pairs the giant blouse with a pair of tights or leggings and a belt.  Boots.  She looks awesome and unique.  It is not a look that many of us could pull off, but you know, you're only 15 once.

Frank requested a tuxedo with a morning coat.  It's for his Halloween costume (he is dressing up like the 12th (11th?) Dr. Who), but he said that he would also wear it for chorus and band concerts.  I have no doubt that is true.  Last year he wore his pinstripe suit every other week or so.  He would find opportunities to wear his suit.  And the year before that it was a vest and bow tie.  The kid likes to look sharp.  So a tuxedo it is, kiddo.  We found a few online and I told him I would order one for him this weekend.  "With tails, mom, don't forget," he said as I dropped him off at school today.

Water Sign

Swimming has become very important to me. It is like yoga mixed with meditation. My arms and legs stretch in opposite directions.  My arms and legs move in their sockets.  It is a full stretch and aerobic activity without weight bearing down. It is quiet.  I am only aware of my own noises - blowing out air and the occasional splash from my feet.

As I swim my laps my mind calms.  By the second lap I have usually fixated on a memory and I pick at the memory as the details come back. I add sounds and smells to visuals. So it is not surprising necessarily that my novel is developing in the pool. I got an idea for a story a week ago.  My two main characters talked to each other in my head while I swam this morning. I smiled listening to their voices and the other parts of their story began to develop in my mind.

I climbed out of the pool and sat in the locker room writing quick notes to myself while I dripped in my pile of towels. A quick shower and off to work. I will review my shorthand tonight and fill in my ideas. The outline! She swims!