Soft golden light bathes this retreat of a corner where I write. I draw a plush blanket close and release long, slow breaths of contentment while I listen to the increasingly distant rumble of a magnificent summer storm. The lightning and thunder punctuating the night displayed an intensity I've not witnessed in this house before. For split seconds, over and over again, these quiet, dim rooms were illuminated like a stage accompanied by crashing crescendos. I breathe in...long and deep, until my lungs can hold no more. The world slows. The night grows still.
Last month I wrote a post about this intentional kind of slowing down. I smiled when one of my blogging buddies was friend enough to come back later and ask me how I was progressing in accomplishing my list of things "not to be forgotten"... the things that really matter most. True friends care enough to hold us accountable.
So, honestly? This month has been one of the craziest-paced months of my life. But tomorrow that is all about to change as the busyness of preparation gives way to a much anticipated phase of growth. Tomorrow morning an overnight package will mean the doorbell rings, signaling two pairs of excited bare feet to scurry in answer. (No doubt in my mind this will be a competitive event!) They are expecting it. A box full of additional instruments for our Kindermusik practicum class Wednesday morning. I just couldn't resist! By this time tomorrow night, all preparations will have been made and all that will remain is excitement... anticipation.
As we sing and twirl, count and read, imagine and tap our way through that delightful hour, a chapter begins... a world opens. I can't wait for the box, the families, the moments in song and laughter. It ushers in a new pace. I can allow things to slow a bit. I'll take these handsome little men to dinner to celebrate. The next morning I'll paint my toenails red, just for the fun of it, and hit the sandy beach on the lake with one of my forever friends and our tribe of boys. We'll come home and make a fresh batch of ice cream. Heart time.
Then the weekend will be here, Fourth of July weekend in a proud, southern town... truly the not-to-be-forgotten. We'll watch the community parade, catching candy from our friends on floats, and waving our flags. We'll splash in the pool and drink lemonade. We'll grill something smokey with the flames of summer and slowly crunch into the melty, gooey sweetness of s'mores. We'll catch fireflies and dance with sparklers as if the very stars of the sky are but a pen in our hands. And once the wait is accomplished and the deep velvet darkness spans the sky, we'll set off fireworks at the top of the driveway. Summer's best.
So honestly, I guess I've accomplished about 50 percent of my "not-to-be-forgotten" list... but the best is yet to come. And with that, I hear my baby boy belly-laugh in his sleep. Dreams to make happen.
I'm thinking.... banana muffins while we wait on that A.M. delivery.
So ready,
Susan
