Sharing Smiles One Person At A Time

Mother's Day was wonderful!  I woke up with a smile on my face because I knew it was my big day.  It was going to be filled with chocolate chip pancakes, homemade presents and the above photo shoot at Watters Creek!

I couldn't wait to talk to my 3 Great Grandmas, mother and mother-in-law.  I like to personally thank my mother in law every year for giving birth to Jason so that I could steal him away and marry him.

 I was so excited to put on my sparkly crown titled, "The Queen" that Sophia made me.  I wanted to be wearing it when she woke up because I knew it took a lot of effort to make.

I went upstairs to save Juliet from her crib.  The first thing that I always do when I walk in her room in the morning is wash my hands.  Her bathroom has my favorite soap of all time.  Bath n Body Works Country Apple.  I spend the next two minutes talking to myself about how good it smells. "Yum.  Seriously.  What a way to start my day.  I am a fan of country apple soap.  Yum.  How can this smell so good?"  

I found Sophia engaging in the same ritual over her apple scented leave in conditioner last night.  

I suppose it's the little things...

Which leads me to this message that I received on FaceBook this weekend.

"So I've been reading a book recently called "How We Choose to Be Happy: The 9 Choices of Extremely Happy People", which, by the way, I HIGHLY recommend, and I thought of you.  One part of the book asks the question "who is the happiest person you know?", which for me was surprisingly difficult to answer.  But read more in the book, you suddenly popped into my head.  I don't know you particularly well, but from what I do know and from what I know from your blog you are a person who makes it a point to find joy every day.  I think that is why so many people are drawn to you.  You are a gift to everyone you know - your friends, your family, the little old men that you befriend in doctor's offices.  Thank you Tracy for being you and teaching everyone around you a little more about happiness :)"

To say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement. 

 Julia is the woman that regardless of your placement in her life, dear friend or acquaintance... you shamelessly steal her wisdom.  She is wise, compassionate and serene beyond her years.  A compliment from Julia is weighted heavily in my world.

Julia--thank you again for taking some of your precious free time to make me smile.... inside and out.  And for making me walk around wondering why in the world I derive such pleasure from the scent of my hand soap.  :)

 May your daily glass of chocolate milk always taste like it's the first sip you ever had.   Love, Tracy

Let It Go and You'll Sleep Soundly

Just one post this week! 

 I don't enjoy that, but I have a valid excuse.  J is not napping at all, she's been busy dropping all 4 front teeth at once and gosh are they adorable!  And, I was preoccupied trying to figure out how not to turn 33, but Monday came and went.

Here we go......

Dallas is Tornado Alley.

Forget the stories you've heard about Kansas.

I went out to run a quick errand on Saturday afternoon at 3:45 and was looking forward to a little 570am on my ride.   I am a talk radio addict, mostly because of the joy I am provided by holding private debates with Mr. Beck and the one and only Rush.

 But this isn't a political post, I'll spare our friendship.

As I exited my neighborhood I was warned of 70 mph winds and a torrential storm just 5 miles west of me.  I've been here 8 months and I didn't need a meteorologist to figure these fronts out.   There's no way in the world I am driving in these crazy storms that blow in, wreak havoc and leave just as quickly.

I make a U-turn and raced home in time to watch the wind whipping rain in all directions.  I found out hours later that a tornado touched down and the neighbors could be found in their interior bathrooms.  A particularly devastating twister did great harm to my neighborhood on April 10, 2008.  God was with sweet baby Aidan, the little boy across the street that morning.

Did you know that tornado sirens are designed specifically for outdoor patrons?  They are not equipped nor intended to warn people that a tornado is in the area.  They are simply meant to tell citizens to take cover indoors.  There is one large neighborhood in my town that has the luxury of being able to hear the sirens from inside their houses and we have recently begun a phone tree of close friends calling friends of friends of brother's friends to let them know a twister is on the way, by which time we all know will be too late.

Our satellite TV went out and we didn't have the radio on so I suppose it's our ignorance in just learning the intention of community wide sirens.

The sky cleared and all looked promising for my big date with Jason!  It was the first time we were leaving the children with a babysitter since moving to The Big D.

All snuggled into my skinny jeans, heels and jewels I couldn't stop taking peeks of myself in the mirror!  33 is going to be my year!  Sure, I'd chosen a 2 hour photography class over highlights a couple weekends ago, but the dimly lit restaurant would be forgiving and seriously the focus would surely be on the jeans. or heels. or bracelet.  I couldn't decide, the outfit was one heck of a pulled together piece of art!

We left the house as the sun was setting in the East.

Are you paying attention?  Did you catch that?  I am testing you.

We were heading into the city to a restaurant called The Mansion on Turtle Creek.  Our drive took us through a swanky part of town called West Village.  I seriously need to recruit Juliet's Godmother's Sister-in-Law Marci to take me on a weekend tour of my new metropolitan area.

I guess I could've just called her my friend Marci.  Yes, Marci will be getting Facebooked soon.  I need her.

The Mansion is a fancy, historical hotel and of course a number of wedding receptions were being held.  We chose to enter the restaurant through a cocktail party.  I  stopped at least 3 women to rave about their exquisite dresses and stuck my right hip out a bit.... inviting them to notice my ensemble, too.

I know, I need to get out more often.

Jason quickly dragged me through the reception before I could engage in anymore idle chatter.   We were seated in a private, quiet corner table.

The meal was everything you would expect from  a restaurant with this type of reputation.  Delectable food, but not enough of it.  Drinks mixed to perfection.  Palate cleansing offered between courses.  Napkins laid on your lap. A visit from the chef himself to answer menu selection questions.  And, a piece of chocolate heaven for two, dribbled with.....more chocolate.

As we waited for our car, it had begun raining again.  The valet shielded us with umbrellas and secured us dryly in the car before removing them.   It was the perfect storm!  I mean touch.  Perfect touch.

We were in the middle of yet another downpour.  We crawled home at 10 mph with lightening striking down and very few cars on 75N, a main highway.

I got a text.

It was my neighbor Kelly and it said, "I bet you are scared.  We are home if you need us to run over."

Of course the message I relay to Jason is that there is a firetruck, police and ambulance at our house.  

Not even the perfectly mixed vodka and tonic could save me now.  

Why would we be scared?  

I called Kelly repeatedly on her home and cell phone.  I was in an utter panic.  

The poor girl.

"Don't worry, it's just that the electricity is out, Tracy. But you are so organized I am sure that the In the event of a power outage babysitter emergency kit is placed in a central location."

With absolutely no regard for Kelly on the other end of the phone, I screamed to Jason that I did not realize our new city required such detailed paraphenalia!

An hour later we were home.   We walked into a flashlight lit up house and Juliet laughing and playing happily on the babysitter's lap.  A complete stranger that she's never met.  I was so proud of her.  So impressed with my "go with the flow" "take it as it comes" second child.

I snuggled my baby back to sleep and as I straightened up for the night I caught site of the note I left.  A meticulous list of neighbors phone numbers, doctors, cell phones, etc.  I tucked it away for my next date night and then did something I so rarely do.  Instead of beating myself up for not leaving out flashlights, can goods and candles, I choose otherwise.  I forgave myself for not being as prepared as I should have been by my self imposed standards.

We are our own worst critics.

Eastman and I....A Budding New Relationship

Eastman and I had a date this morning.  We would enjoy each other's company at The Wolf Camera store from 10:30 to 12:30.  Together, we would intensively train on how to allow more light into him, thus producing a higher quality photo.

Jason got called to work this morning.  He will continue his plight to negotiate with the unions on behalf of AT&T until a resolution is reached.

Eastman and I no longer have a date this morning.

I finally named him late last week.  

In honor of Kodak.  

We need to recognize and appreciate all that the failing company has contributed to the world of photography.  They missed the digital revolution by a mere 6 months, which in product life cycle time is a generation.  

The have never been able to close the gap.  

Yesterday it was reported that the institution tripled its losses to $353M this first quarter.

Haven't we all missed the boat once or twice?

After last Saturday's overwhelming session regarding aperture and shutter speed I couldn't pick him up for 2 days.  I was paralyzed with my expectations of perfectionism and if I couldn't take a somewhat decent picture I didn't want to play in the sandbox at all.  

Nice.  And very mature.

Eventually I roped the thick strap around my neck, assumed my position and brought him on a walk with the girls and I.  We ran into, not over the reptile you see featured above.  She was displaced and looking for a new home as construction begins on Sophia's new school.  It was a devastating choice to cross the street at that moment, I suppose. 

 I secured the girls on the sidewalk and entered the street to photograph him.  

Yes, I laid down in the middle of the street... eye to eye with the deceased serpent.

It was a cloudy day and I've since learned that I will need additional fancy gadgets to let the most light in.   I also learned that he was a Fox snake and not venomous, but that he will strike.

In the time that I have been composing this blog, Sophia has approached me multiple times with requests for 100 calorie count chips, gummies and juice boxes.

The only time I am subjected to these unhealthy requests are when I am blogging or on my cell phone.

Are you, too, a victim in your own home?

The Choice Is Yours

Coming soon!  A brand new blog!  I am having a smart young girl from Etsy design it as we speak.  

Yes, I fell prey to all the pretty blogs out there.  

I fought it for awhile.

I told myself if I had fabulous, inviting content that friends would read my blog because of my storytelling, not because of her aesthetics.

I am a marketer so this was tricky for me.  I love the colors....the widgets....the fonts!

But I am slowly realizing that, "Gosh, I enjoy writing" and now that I know I am vested in this hobby.... I can invest in her.

Get ready for interactive fun!  I even hope to have survey capability.

That being said of course I needed a fancy new SLR camera.  

What respectable blog doesn't?  It's amazing I could articulate a story thus far without one.  

I have been saving my pennies, you know.

Saving them for 2010.  The year of Tracy (in a roundabout sort of way).   

In January, I will visit California to meet Michelle's new baby and a few weeks later I cruise the open ocean in celebration of Claudia's 40th birthday (Yikes!), in March I will honor my sister's 30th and Mom's 60th in Vegas, later that month we'll do our annual Disney trip with Jason's family, The First Sunday in May is my debut at the Kentucky Derby (hat design is in the works), later that month we celebrate my brother in law's 30th and we round out September with a gala in honor of Jason's 40th.  

If you are a reader paying close attention to detail you will see vacation openings in October, November and December.  Feel free to contact me with invitations.  November may be tricky.  We always have family in town for an extended visit.

Back to the pennies.  

They were dipped into it.

Last Thursday I called all my friends asking if anyone had a "fancy" camera I could borrow.  You know, the ones that you carry around your neck with a thick strap, have changeable lenses, 12 megapixels or more and you actually have to look through the peephole to take a picture?

  I was offered a camera to play around with, but declined when I was told that Wolf Camera was going out of business and the whole store was 60% off.  That will beat any Internet pricing.

I gently tossed my new photography subjects into the car and buckled them in.

The store was packed. 

 I purposely left my wallet and stroller in the car, forcing this to be a painless, short encounter. 

I can't pinpoint why, but I assume that when I have a child on hip and one on my leg that I deserve immediate attention.  I actually find the only place I am not granted it is at the local post office.

I uncover my biggest smile and veer around a couple of gentleman.  "Excuse me, Mark, is it?  Yes, do you by chance have a Canon D5 or dare I ask D20?  

I expect an answer in the negative seeing as merchandise is flying off the shelves before my eyes.  

Mark responds, "I have one Canon D30 left."

Now, I know this little gem is upwards of $1500.  Dare I look at her?  What is the real cost?  

A downgraded cabin on the swelling ocean in February?

One less Cirque De Soleil show in Sin City?

A mediocre hat at the equestrian event of the year?

"Yes, sir, I will take a look."  

As he modeled the functionality of the camera all I could think of was getting down onto the floor. 

 I wanted nothing more than to be flat on my stomach, adjusting the lense, testing the lighting and encouraging my seated subject to pose!

"I'll take her!"

Yep,  a sale based solely on the emotion I created myself.

But wait.  Not entirely.

1.  She was only $639!  She was previously on sale and then another 60% off that!

2.  She came with 18 (2 hour) camera courses at another Wolf location that include filtering, lighting, etc.  all aimed at "getting you out of automatic" and taking advantage of the camera's true utility!

3.  He had one FULL KIT left, which means I had a lense, camera strap and plethora of other accessories all allowing the creation of:

Tracy Parrott--- Photographer Extraordinare.

Hours later, I put the girls down to sleep and tore into the size 2 font 100 page manual.  I decided it was best to bypass the "quick start" for this particular piece of extravagance.  I needed all the detail I could get.  

The battery and CF card were installed, lense attached, covers removed, strap around my neck and countless minutes were spent assuming my position.  It was the squatting posture where I really felt the part!

I powered her on.

She didn't comply.

I powered her on again.

She didn't comply.

I rechecked the manual and "quick start."

I invited Jason to try it.

I could see nothing in my immediate line of vision except the receipt.

LIQUIDATION.  ALL SALES FINAL.

It was a fitful night's sleep waiting to return to Wolf Camera in the morning.

As I entered the facility, I decided the sensitivity of this situation demanded not only my brightest smile, but heck, I better throw a warm wave to Mark as well.

My upbeat entrance coupled with me politely asking Mark to turn on my new camera surely had the patrons questioning my intelligence.

Whatever it takes. 

Not surprisingly, he couldn't turn her on.  After a long process of trying new batteries and other technical acts, he did what was right.  

He called his liquidation manager, who, in turn, called the bank.  Apparently this location was being foreclosed.

I knew it was a wing and a prayer for the bank to return their call, especially for the low price of $639.  Low price, in their opinion, of course.

For 5 days I assured myself that a reputable company who embraces the old adage of customer service would do the right thing for me.  

Mark had 2 days off during this time and sat on the phone with the bank for over an hour trying to get me a resolution each day.

He called yesterday to tell me that they had another D30 waiting for me in Plano.  Simply drive out there and trade.

I must have done something right to deserve this outcome.

I asked Mark for his boss's name and his boss above that and so on.  

But, wait.  Let me make sure he intends to stay with company before I write my glowing review.  

He said they are trying to find a job for him, but he isn't sure of where or what the salary will be.  

My heart sunk.  

Mark was looking for a job on his days off and still sat on the phone with the bank for me.

Mark could've turned me away that morning and said, "Sorry, all sales final."

Mark is living in uncertainty like so many others today.  

He has every reason to choose bitterness and toss his loyalty to the wind, but Mark wakes up everyday and chooses otherwise.

What choice did you make today?

Chile Con Queso.......CHEETOS??!!!

Saturday, January 2, 2004

Jason and I are 6 weeks new to San Antonio and decide to spend the holidays  getting acquainted with our new city.  Numerous suggestions were made in terms of site seeing.  A particular road trip sounded appealing.  

We were heading Southwest to the town of Laredo, Texas and crossing the border into Mexico! 

An afternoon outside enjoying authentic food and perusing the local markets coupled with a relaxing 2 hour drive was an ideal way to spend our last Saturday of the holiday week.

80 degrees and sunny as we headed out of town.  We still weren't used to temperatures like this and mentally acted like we were on vacation well into our first year in The Lone Star State.

I felt like I belonged that afternoon, cruising the open road in my enormous Texas SUV.  I was so proud of her---she could rival any Expedition out there.  Gigantic, smelling of new leather and windows all tinted.

 

The white Ford Escape fit right in! 

She wasn't my first choice, you see.  7 days earlier we had buried my first love.  The little black Pontiac Sunfire that saw me through college.  I intended to drive her into the ground.

Until I drove her into a wall.  

The tinted windows were a hard sell at the dealership.  We just couldn't get past the use of such accessories in Chicago.  They were for the low rides.  The cars that pull up next to you at a stop light and you find yourself gyrating to the bass.   Not by choice.  You don't even need to glance over to know that this automobile is outfitted in the fanciest of rims and of course, has glowing lights enveloping its exterior.

We were convinced that the tinting would be welcome during a San Antonio summer and were encouraged to look out at the road where yes, every single window was tinted.

I suppose this was the beginning of our acclimation.

Approaching border security we were surprised that we barely needed to brake leaving our homeland and entering a foreign country.

I put my passport back in my wallet and had just enough time to share a friendly wave with the attendant.

That was too easy.

As we left the land of Red, White and Blue I glanced to my left.  A trail of Ford F150's mixed with just a few other makes of cars was backed up beyond any line of sight.

"Jason, before we dine on some local delicacies can we head over here and see what's going on."

I silently feared this was the security line to cross the border back into my beloved land.

The 4 mile drive to the tail end was pure entertainment.  Trucks packed to the brim with families, belongings pouring out of windows.....bicycles, scooters, even furniture!  Out houses strategically placed every couple of blocks and children peddling food and drink and yes, cans of gasoline.  Various musical artists could be heard as you passed each car.

We settled at the end of the line.  No need to rush, the cars were turned off.  I got out, stretched and approached a tired looking gentleman.

With a gentle tap on his window and a warm smile I said,  "Excuse me, sir.  By any chance is this the line to get back into the United States of America."

I was greeted with a knowing look.  "Yes, are you coming from your holiday in Monterrey?"

"NO.  I just moved to Texas and was told to cross the border and enjoy some local food and festivity."

"Oh....I'm sorry.  You've picked the wrong day.  The Saturday after New Year's families go back to the United States after visiting Mexico for Christmas.  It will take about 12 hours to get to Border Security."

I eat every 2 hours.  I was hungry.  We had nothing to eat.  I was getting lightheaded and cranky.  I was thirsty.  We had no bottled water and limited gas.  No cell phone service.

The Golden Arches loomed invitingly just over a field to our right.  All day long.  How we longed for our familiar nation and yes, even McDonald's.

Local children sold cups of water, snacks and gasoline to us, the squatters.   They warned of temperatures reaching into the high 90's by afternoon.

Marketing Genius.

Don't people know that you use less gas if you idle, rather than turn your car and air conditioning on and off every 3 minutes to move 1/4 of a block?

We spent the day laughing, sharing stories, making up stories and admiring all the unique and extravagant Christmas gifts the F150's were bringing home.  We took turns walking up to Border Security and watching as they unloaded every last item in each vehicle. 

By 9:15 p.m.  we were incredibly starving and more importantly thirsty.  After a drawn out conversation  on Montezuma's revenge I had Jason convinced that spending the next 6 weeks on the toilet just wasn't worth it.  Michelle's lavatory imprisonment after our trip to Cancun was too fresh in my mind.

That didn't mean we couldn't eat.  

I rolled down my window and motioned to a gentle looking boy.  He quickly approached and said, $2 American for Cheetos snack.

Democracy at its finest.  

Would it have mattered if the bag was $10?  And, did I mention he was selling us a trial size?  

We graciously thanked him and tore in.  The moonlight failed me.  I  didn't notice that our Cheetos were red.   I ate a handful of Chile Con Queso Cheetos.   

Did I mention we did not have water.

We arrived at Border Security after 10 hours and 34 minutes.

There was nothing in our car to explore, just after midnight we were home......

Deep in the heart of Texas.

This Plain Vanilla Box is Nothing Short of Amazing

Freshly cut grass.  A deep inhale.

I began to feel better.

Why does simply stepping outside for a moment do that to us?

We missed our plane to Chicago yesterday.  

We are officially 2 for 2.  

We attempted to go "home" from Christmas, but sadly Juliet got RSV and couldn't travel.   We wanted to go "home" for Easter, but instead spent our evening in urgent care with 102 degree fevers, ear infections and croup.

I snuck in a few more deep inhalations on my way to mailbox.   It really is a beautiful day.

During my long stretch of sleep last night, which was 2 hours..... I had a dream.

Dreaming is welcome in my world.  It can only occur when you are in a deep, restful sleep.  Any sign that I get that I have entered a  deep, restful sleep pleases me.  

For as long as I can remember I have recorded my dreams in a book next to my bed.  You have to immediately wake up and write them down, you can't step one foot out of your warm bed or the fine details are erased forever.

The dream you have is directly correlated to the activities of the previous day.  And that day only.  It is your subconscious mind working through the complexities and offering you solutions and/or comfort.

Did you ever see a particular person in your dream?  

This is my favorite.  

If I see an acquaintance who, in my opinion, lacks self esteem, is materialistic and views the glass as half empty---- it is those traits that I exhibited that day.  The actions of the acquaintance have far less significance in the dream than their actual presence.  

I opened my journal and as usual the recording typically leans heavily in the direction of how the dream made me feel rather than the exact surroundings.

I was smiling!

I was light!

I was completely flexible, pliable!  (Some might say willowly!)

I was over, under, around and through.....

I was in a sturdy box the size of a bedroom with a small door.  The material was the exact color of cardboard.   I was weightless and bouncing in all directions.  I knew I couldn't leave this structure, but the possibilities of what I could do and how much fun I was having were immeasurable.

Sure, I can't leave Dallas, but nothing is going to stop me from experiencing and embracing every moment we have here together.  Endless possibilities.

That message was obvious, the one that required thought was that I immediately wondered why it was colored "plain vanilla" brown when I see the world through glowing yellow sunglasses to the point of naivity at times.     

My assumption is that I should consider Dallas my canvas and decorate as I please!  I should be thankful for an ordinary box to make my own.

You'll notice I italized "home" in my reference to Chicago.   My abundantly full of wisdom Mother In Law gave Jason and I great comfort in December when she reminded us that Chicago is "home" to Jason and I.  

It is not "home" to Sophia and Juliet.  She asked us to remember how we felt as children and the desire to simply be with Mom and Dad, in our four walls.  Our bedrooms, our bathrooms, our books. 

The calming essence of familiarity.

I lived these words when I told Sophia with tears in my voice that we couldn't get on the airplane and go to Chicago.  The first thing she said with a smile spreading across her entire face was that Daddy could come to school Monday for "Donuts With Daddy." 

Could she drive in his car?

Would Daddy wear his work outfit?

How long will he stay?

Will Ms. Diane have Daddy's favorite donut?

Enough said.

We are home.

I walked back up the steps with the mail.  A package from Sugarlocks arrived. It doesn't matter one bit that the contents are a gift and not for my children.  The brightly colored logo, whimsical font and precious children's clothing easily brightens anyone's day.  

One last inhale as I entered and gently closed the door to my special box.

If You Are Open To It.....A Hidden Gem In The Most Unlikely Of Spots

75S was bottle necked at its usual 2 spots on Saturday afternoon.  I knew what should've been a 25 minute drive would be about 1 hour, but isn't our destination always worth the sometimes troubled journey?

A quick exit onto Mockingbird had the Parrott girls resting in more weekend traffic.  We were settled right in the middle of prestigious Highland Park.  The sidewalks bustled with bodies!  Citizens of all walks squeezing in a few quick errands,  sharing an afternoon walk hand-in-hand, comrades laughing with over brimming lattes.  

Ahhh.....Saturday in the city.

Almost there when an unexpected treat greets us!  I've never enjoyed the pleasure of having a street named after me.  Just a wild guess, but something tells me this intersection was born in the mid 1970's.  

We exited the car and climbed to the 2nd floor of a vintage building--just recently restored.  The open metal staircase secured with meticulously placed bolts echoed with each step.  If the sun hadn't been reflecting so brightly on this passage I would've sworn I was back in downtown Chicago!  The Windy City  would have you gripping the handrails---holding on for dear life!  Ice and metal are a common combination up North.  Yes, it's April, but check the forecast. Chicago is blanketed in snow this week.

Sophia gently pushed the swinging door and we entered. 

The sand colored hardwood flooring, delicate white curtains sweeping the floor and blue gray walls presented the ideal ambiance for relaxation.

We've arrived. 

Finding a yoga class that invites a  4 -year- old has been a priority since we moved to Dallas.  

In my opinion, there is so much to be said for possessing the ability to calm and center yourself in our tumultuous world.  

Toddlers do not escape anxiety.  

Next time your newborn is screaming, fight nature.  Fight nature hard.... try to turn your body and mind in the direction of your older child.  Seems like an easy request, but once those cries begin our physical and emotional visibility is reduced to zero and the fog descends.

In a split second glance you most likely notice self soothing.  Holding a lovey, sucking their thumb or the most heart wrenching, a pained look in their eyes.

Seems minor in our adult perspective, but this is stress to a child.   

May I so boldly recommend, "Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child" as nightstand reading?  The premise is that an ability to identify, embrace and ultimately control your emotions will take you farther in life than simple academic superiority.

This particular studio was appealing on so many levels.  It is solely donation based.  You give what you can afford.  The instructors firmly believe that the benefits of yoga should be extended to every individual.

Not surprisingly, Sophia was the youngest apprentice.  Ms. Yoss took the children on a physical and spiritual journey guided by the book, "Going on a Bear Hunt."  

Genius, in my humble opinion.

For just a moment, the room was filled with gentle music and scents of lavender.  The children rested silently, palms open to the world.

Ms. Yoss's 6 year old daughter was in the session and got up to whisper a question to her mother.  With obvious ease and calm, her mother softly replied, "Let's keep those thoughts in our head for right now."

I had to stop salivating over this women's immaculate posture for a moment and allow myself to immediately place the heaviest of weight on yoga as a lifestyle. 

 I vowed from that moment to raise Juliet on such inviting language.  

I will hope for the best with Sophia who has heard uncountable renditions of "Honey, please be quiet now."  "Quiet time"  "Sophia, enough please."  SOPHIA...we are in church, PLEASE stop communicating."

My donation just went up.

Sophia is over the moon excited about yoga.  A non competitive, individual contributory "sport" that suits her personality like nothing else.

I descended those metal stairs with a smile.  No camera taking pictures this time, no worries of where I had to be next, just living in the moment.  And in that moment, I discovered a hidden parenting gem that will forever impact our family.