Home Again

I sit on my big comfy floral chair in the living room listening to the sounds of the familiar all around me

and I wonder if Minnesota was just a really really good dream.

Having gone for two whole weeks was the best and most nourishing decision I could have made.

Orion got to know my parents and my sister really well and his comfort level was high

but we both missed Schmilly so much and the feeling was mutual.

Seeing him at the airport waiting for us with his handsome face all lit up was Christmas.

I have that weird feeling that maybe you get too after a big travel where you feel like every decision is being pulled through molasses: getting in the car to grab a latte this morning took more brainpower than usual. I always wonder at this phenomenon!

I also wonder why on earth I live so far away from these magnificent kin...leaving and braving a four hour flight with an eighteen-month-old wonder felt more courageous than most things I've done in quite a while: gone are the days of NBA national-anthem singing and solo relocations to huge cities I don't know from Adam. Now I feel accomplished if I hold in my tears while holding my son...now I celebrate the fine art of holding my shit together when my father says tenderly, "You're doing a wonderful job with Bubby" when we say goodbye.... So. Hard. To. Do.

My stage fright is now tied to the wee man holding my hand through the maze of travelers. By the way, he said 'hi' to nearly everyone and coaxed a lot of smiles and reciprocal greetings. I felt honored to be his chaperone.

Sometimes when he puts his 'hi' out there and it goes unmet I feel disappointed for him, but it's excellent preparation for the world at large. Not everyone is friendly and certainly not everyone is safe.

At one point he got up to stretch his legs and the very kind elderly woman who sat in front of us became the crush of the minute.

He stood and stared at her with a shy sweetness and she did the dearest thing: she patted his dimpled hands and cherished his attention. My heart was full and darn those onions all over the plane!!

Darn that sawdust in the air!

I'll be announcing the winner of the earring contest Friday morning

and I want to thank the beauties who entered so very much.

I also want to thank everyone who continues their daily voting for the American Made contest: I am pretty sure there are just a few more days left for the general category votes and though I am well-voted I am still so far behind the leaders.

Still, let's try, friends!!!

Vote

HERE

six times a day 

for the underdog who loves you.

xoxoxox,

A