Ladybug Girl

   Created by husband-and-wife team David Soman and Jacky Davis, Ladybug Girl seems a bit of an obvious choice for our fifth Blueberry Book what with "New York Times Bestseller" written on the cover.  Though like I've said before, I haven't shopped for children's books since the 90's.  It's new to me! 

  

   The delicate ladybugs scattered on the spine caught my eye the other day.  I leaned one copy off the shelf to get a glimpse of the cover.  A young girl + a ladybug costume + a heroic pose + hound dog sidekick + wildflowers = "Oh, my girls are going to love this one!"  I was right!

Eat Your Crusts

   I'm not sure if our family is busier during the holidays or the springtime.  From March through May, we celebrate my Mom's birthday, my Dad's birthday, my mother-in-law's birthday, Baby Girl's birthday, our wedding anniversary, Little Girl's birthday, Mother's Day, my niece's birthday and now the end of the school year.  Father's Day and my father-in-law's birthday are a couple weeks away.  Whew.  I make a real effort to be present and honor each day.  But sometimes a few of the parents get late cards in the mail or a verbal IOU at their birthday dinner. 

   Of all the special occasions this time of year, Mother's Day is the only one that really lingers for me.  (What is it about certain words that I can only read them one way?  When I read/say the word "linger" I immediately start singing The Cranberries "Linger" in my head.  Sorry.  Random.)  After each of the girls' birthdays, our parent's birthdays, or even our anniversary, the day is done.  I breathe a sigh of relief that our family of four has managed to show up to each event with a recent shower, dressed in clean clothes, and that neither child went missing or broke a limb.  Whether it's because I'm a new mom still figuring out what it means to be *MOM*, or because of a paralyzing tragedy a few years ago, the spirit of Mother's Day tends to hang in the air for a few days, or even weeks, months, or years following.

Making Mother's Day gifts (for myself and the grandmas) at a pottery studio in 2010.  I will always treasure those gifts.

The "L" Word

   Depending on your place in life, the mention of the "L" word will conjure up many different meanings.  If you're a commitment-phobe in your twenties, you might have thought I was eluding to an "L" word that shakes you to your core- love.  As in, "I love you."  (Eeeek!  Terrifying, I know.)  If you're a proponent, or an opponent, of the popular Showtime series, maybe your first thought was lesbian.  No.  I am referring to a word far more taboo than either- lonely.

   As a stay-at-home-mom, I am profoundly aware of all the expectations synonymous with that role: perfect hair, perfect make-up, trendy clothes, a new car that sparkles, children that always sparkle and smile, a home that sparkles (after all, you're home all day so what else would you be doing but tidying up?) so brightly and consistently it could be photographed for any realtor's listing or home decorating magazine in a moment's notice, and to be fulfilled in the quest and maintenance of above achievements and many, many more.  Becoming a better mother, wife, housekeeper, cook, etc. is always open for discussion.  "You should try this...," or, "Have you thought of this?" and especially, "Oh, you just need to...!"  What I have yet to hear is, "Do you feel lonely, too?"