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We all do.
There have been times when I have been so consumed, over an extended time, with gripes and grimaces of my own that I become completely lost to any funny goings-on around me. That has always signalled a time for me when I’m out of balance. Too much work, not enough play. Too much serious, not enough rest. Too much dark, not enough light. Something has caused a tip into this mono-focus on the doldrums, all the things in my life that I perceive to be burdensome or insurmountable.
Sometimes, it coincides with days and days of endless, cold Melbourne weather. But always, I am the only one who can bring me out of myself.
| “So I turned myself to face me” | Changes – David Bowie |
Then something parts the clouds. Always. A moment that helps yank me further out of the working-too-hard-raining-too-much funk.
This week, the “something” was my daughter.
“Mum, what would you like me to get you for your birthday?” The carefully considered question reaches my ears as I am driving the LGBB to school on the fifth dreary day for the week.
“Anything you feel like getting me will be wonderful and I will love it because it’s from you, sweet girl,” I reply. How gorgeous of her, I think to myself while I negotiate the carpark situation in the pouring rain. I want her to learn to give when she feels like giving, not just because it is “the done thing” or some other perceived obligation. I feel good about my answer to her. Satisfied that it is settling within her. I can almost hear her letting it sink in.
“Well, how would you like…. a live shark?” she exclaims. Her eyes in the rear view mirror have that mischievous twinkle about them. Her face is set in a challenging smirk that is unwavering.
I barely make it to the curb I am laughing so hard. Methinks that apple has not fallen far from her father’s tree.
In this house, me and my funks are outnumbered.
And I am ever so grateful.
I’m linking up this weekend with 52 Weeks of Grateful at The Village Voices. It’s been too long!
Come take a look at some other ‘grateful’ posts today.
Yay! For humour, but mostly yay to see you, K. I think you were one of my first grateful linkers back in the day. It’s been too long.
You’ve given me a great idea for a ‘grateful reunion’ – getting everyone who’s ever taken part to join in one special weekend. I’d like to see that! x
You could call it “getting the gang back together”……! How many movies has that line/concept been in, I wonder? Now you’ve given ME an idea for a post
A live shark??? lols!
What a cutey!
oxox
A live shark? With a laser on its head?
All you’ll need then is a Mini-Me.
Mwah ha ha ha ha!
Steve! I’d forgotten all about that scene!
Mmm, yes, a live shark will definitely make your day!
It’s totally what I was wishing for…. battered and served with chips, though.
What a sense of humour! Love it! x
It’s cheek! Mischievous cheek. And kind of makes me dread teenage years.
love a twinkle in the eye, sign of good parenting I reckon, mischief and love all in one.
That’s true! xxx Thank you.
[...] to me. They didn’t actually end up buying anything there, though. There were obviously no live sharks in that [...]