My slice today is inspired by beloved author Amy Krause Rosenthal and this post in particular by another slicer, Rose, over at Imagine the Possibilities.
It was also inspired by Jenny Rosenstrach at this blog. Both Rose and Jenny published heartfelt tributes to Amy. And in doing so, they've inspired many to consider their day to day lives in a new light. Including me. Thanks, ladies. Really, I love creating! I love making cards, especially. It's been awhile since I've taken the time to create in that way. To create something from the heart that will bring a smile to someone else's face—well, it brings a smile to my face, too. This idea of creating has me thinking about creating a home and a life for one's family. It's said that it takes a village to raise a child, and this is true for families. I think it takes all of the extended family, friends, and all sorts of support to create a family. In particular, I know I couldn't have done such a thing without each of them, but most important was my husband. Truly, every "I" in here should be a "we" since my husband was a significant part of all that it took to create such a life. 25 Things I Made I made....a happy childhood for my daughter and son. I made...time to play, watch their events, and express interest in their interests. I made...a point to listen to their dreams. I made...time for discussions when feelings were hurt. I made...many trips to Ben Franklin's or Wal-Mart for crafting supplies for kids' projects. I made...many trips to Home Depot or Wal-Mart for building supplies for kids' projects. I made...twice weekly trips to horse barn half an hour away for riding lessons for 10 years. I made...daily trips to swimming pool during swim season for 10 years. I made...annual trips to visit grandparents, aunts/uncles/cousins during school breaks to foster those family connections. I made...holiday traditions that out-lasted having kids at home and are still honored today. I made...birthdays special by beginning the day with gifts, streamers, and a favorite breakfast. I made...a home that was the "hang-out" place for kids. I made...time to build relationships and foster creativity. I made...trips to Louisville and Lexington, KY to find saddle seat show clothes. I made...a school-night trip to Bardstown, KY in search of a single bolt with a certain 17-year old for his Jeep. I made...trips to Rural King to buy and then return a 25-pound salt block (too big for a certain 12 year old's miniature horse, yes we were first-timers and the cause of much mirth at the horse barn) I made...many trips to the 4-H fairgrounds at all hours when we had horses there for the fair. I made...trips to the ER or after-hour doctor or out-of-town visits when needed. I made...scores of trips to the bookstore to foster a love of reading in both kids. I made...time to read aloud daily for 20+ years. I made...snow angels and sand castles and mud pies and caterpillar habitats with my kids. I made...fun vacation plans to make many memories at various beaches and mountain locations. I made...a point to not let them see my tears when they went away to college, choosing instead to show them my joy at the idea of them following their dreams. I made...certain their return home for summers or school breaks was met with excitement and smiles, hugs and kisses. I made...a happy home for two of my favorite people on the planet. Please look for AKR's books, she was such a gifted human being—a lover of life, a champion of celebrations, and a foster-er of ideas. RIP, AKR...and if you did return one day after your passing, as mentioned in Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, I hope you felt the outpouring of love and the huge sense of loss felt by so many readers, writers, dreamers, celebrators, and life-lovers. Your mark is anything but ordinary.
7 Comments
angela
3/25/2017 10:37:28 pm
I love this list. I too have had AKR on my mind so much and it's so inspiring to see how much writing she's inspired. I love how you capture small-ish, ordindary-ish moments and show us the beauty and power of those moments.
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3/25/2017 10:46:20 pm
What a great list. Are you astonished at how well you did and how much time you spent where it was needed? You should be.
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Lisa
3/25/2017 11:09:00 pm
Thanks, Angela and Mrs Surridge - yes, I was actually surprised I could come up with 25 for day 25 - I originally started with 13 and they just kept coming. There's big life in small moments, isn't there?
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Carol Wilcox
3/25/2017 11:10:51 pm
I love AKR and I love your list! I think a whole lot of parenting is about simply showing up for all of the ordinary moments! Would it be bad if I said I want to make one of these lists and read it to myself on days when I feel bad about my parenting skills!
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Vanessa Worrell
3/26/2017 01:20:04 am
This list tells a lot about what the priorities are in your life and they're great accomplishments. Love it.
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3/31/2017 08:49:23 am
This list gives the reader such insight into you, and is a great tool to use with students as well. Thanks for the idea!
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