See: Matt’s Cool Whip hand print on the glass of the back door, evidence of a spectacular food fight. Several empty plastic two-liter bottles laying tiredly in the living room. Crumpled bed sheets on two well cuddled twin beds. Water-color artwork by Harley. Score sheet from a vicious UNO tournament. Mud puddles outside. Dried muddy footprints inside.
Hear: Almost nothing. Even the animals are quiet this morning, possibly stunned into silence by the sudden lack of activity. I only hear the ceiling fan and the tapping of my keyboard. I no longer hear laughing, squealing, chattering kids. I no longer hear Mortal Kombat vs. DC Comics playing in the background. I also do not hear the ice dispenser struggling to produce something it does not have. I do hear a few echoes of happy people.
Smell: Time for some extreme honesty, friends… The cinnamon-vanilla Scentsy I switched on this morning is not doing much to combat the ambiguous funk. I have a date with some bleach today. And some baking soda. And every cleaning tool known to man. Thank goodness for the overnight rainstorm, because I can walk outside for some fresh air and inhale that wonderful ozone fragrance.
Touch: Breeze from the ceiling fan on my shoulder. Sore legs from running and roller skating. Tears drying on my face. Slightly crunchy wood floors beneath my bare feet. Did I mention this house is getting scrubbed today?
Think: How many miles will I need to log on each of the next sixteen days to meet my Iron Goat goals? Will Sammy ever truly get her revenge on Matt? Do my own human chickens understand the truth of things? How far-gone am I, spiritually? I wonder if that basil is ready to cut yet. It is a flat-out miracle from heaven that I didn’t gain any weight this week.
Feel: A deep connection to my girls and the peace of a long view. Relief for some practical matters and high tension for some professional ones. Swells of love for these five young people who made a two-week appearance in our life. Excitement for an upcoming bee hive exercise!
This is so vibrant. I would feel only relief to have my space back! You must be some kind of saint. Do your own human chickens understand the truth of things? I bet they do.
Hi there!! : ) I am definitely not a saint. LOL But I do like a full house! Thank you so much for the chicken encouragement. xoxo
So descriptive I feel like I’m there. Loved the hearing the echo of happy people line!
Thank you Carin! Happy people make this place hum. xoxo
This is so beautiful it almost made me wish I’d been there with the gaggle of offspring. 😉
Grownup SUMMER CAMP at the Lazy W! Who’s in?!
We need more of this! Very inspirational writing!
Hi Annah, thank you so much! Really glad you stopped by. : )
YES to a grown up summer camp!!! Book it ladies. Bring your own sunscreen!