Pitch or Pack

This morning my youngest daughter pushed my buttons. A beautiful and loving girl who just happens to have autism, my kiddo's issues sometimes make me a little nuts. Puberty is a hard time for any child and when you have a few extra things to deal with, sometimes it can be rough.

We had a few words.

She's grounded for a while.

Later... after a few hugs for her and two phone calls for me, the world was right again. I am seriously convinced that everyone should have at least two numbers that they can call and let their emotions out.

For me, the first call went to my folks. I was exasperated and it was good to talk to people who, not only love me but who also have lived long enough to have sincerely good advice.

The second call was to my sister of my heart, Betty. Once related by marriage, now we're just friends. She has a child with special needs and so she "gets" many of my concerns. Beyond that, Betty is a fun person who I just honestly like.

Life brings us all many experiences.

Today, as I pack boxes, I am finding all sorts of relics from my past. I am deciding what to keep and what needs to go. It is not easy. I am a keepsake kind of girl.

What to do with "things" can be difficult to know.

But, without a doubt, I am not confused about what to do with my dearest family and friends.

I will keep them close and cherish them.

I hope for you this day,

someone to call when you are sad,

when you want to sit down and cry,

or even when you want to rant and yell.

May your friends never be farther than a phone call, text or email away.

When life makes you stressed,

May pizza be an option.

May conversation with loved ones help you find a little perspective.

Friendship is a beautiful thing!

Some days we call for comfort, other days we are the ones answering the phone.

Together we are better than we are alone!

The Joy of Popcorn!

This morning on my way to work, my teenager daughter called me just to chat. This afternoon when I hit the front door, my eldest told me she was "stalking" me because she missed me.

Young teenagers can be very endearing when they are happy.

Full of pep and curious about my day at school, my eldest is a good companion. She loves crazy adventures and even shares my love of yummy treats.

As I am typing this, we are sharing a bag of popcorn together.

Sadly, I must say it is almost gone as we are both rather fond of the buttery indulgence!

If you are blessed to encounter a human who could be categorized as a teenager, you know that they are sometimes difficult. However, if we are honest, we probably had our own challenging moments in our youth.

(Although of course, I was absolutely perfect!)

The transition from childhood to adulthood is tricky.

Not really children anymore and not quite adults, it is difficult to always know what to do, how to act or what to say.


I have come to the conclusion that we should approach them in the same manner that you feed squirrels at the park.

Speak softly, offer small treats and watch out for sharp teeth!

If you're bitten, don't blame the animal, it is just their nature.

Withdrawal the offered treat and bring them back into line!

I am just teasing, but you get my meaning.

Squirrels are cute and fuzzy but not to be treated without the respect due a wild creature.

Teenagers are blessings in need of care and discipline.

They can be delightful or dangerous...

I fear they are a little "wild" as well.

Take care,
be kind to wild critters
and may your life bring you simple pleasure.

Perhaps some buttery popcorn and a few minutes to muse about the lighter things in life.