Let me try that again

Mom,

No matter what I have done or do, you are always there in a supporting role.  It's an unspoken role.  You expect no payment, no return of gesture.  You just want me to be happy.  That's it.  It's all that any mother wants for her young.  Go out into the world.  Live your life.  Be happy.  Cry if you have to, or want to, or need to.  But remember to strive to be happy.

Here is picture that belongs to your day

She's protected, she's the protector.  Her stars are the Universe.  She oversees all the love.  She's you.  She's me.  She's the embodiment of love and life.  Only shared between mother and daughter.  The tie is tighter than any other connection.  I'm glad you've shown me the ways and I'm so glad that I love my daughter in the same way.

For those of you happening to stop by and read this, please love your mothers every day.  No one day belongs to your mother.  Every day does.

signed, the willow

@ the lake

This summer we went to the lake.  

*insert lake photo right about here*

Some grampas had naps during the Olympic coverage

Some grammas read bird books

Some kid made a snack

and even a fashion show!

back to the lake again....

Ah, the gratuitous sunset photo.

We made friends with a duck

We made some art

and sandcastles

We went for a boat ride and let the teenager drive (he had the boating licence)

Some of us went in a tube

...and most of us went to a party!

 and the best part is cousins and grandmothers and aunts and uncles....otherwise known as family.

My heart longs for home every moment, it cures all ailments.

signed, the willow

Christmas Eve with the Chickadees

And after....

signed, the willow

Back to Work

My challenge this week has been to balance a new work life with home life.  Working full time for someone else hasn't happened for 8 years for me.  So, it's a bit of a stretch for me.

First, I'm tired.

Second, there's no time to exercise. Or, if there is, I'm sleeping due to the point above.

Third, I miss my little girl and feel like the few precious moments in the evening are spent demanding her to do things.

Fourth, I feel guilty because everyone has made accommodations so that I can work.

Fifth, I feel squeezed, incapable, and fragile.  I'm new at this, so I know that it will get better and no day will be easy or perfect.

signed, the willow