“Keep walking, though there's no place to get to.
Don't try to see through the distances.
That's not for human beings. Move within,
But don't move the way fear makes you move.”
― Rumi

(Image by Mark Tucker 9.21.11)

“The ground's generosity takes in our compost and grows beauty! Try to be more like the ground.”
― Rumi

Was just about to walk out the door to head to the market and noticed the dogs had something and were acting funny about it. A few nights ago, I set a book out to send to a friend. Guess which one? Yep. My dogs ate my copy of Codependent No More. Haha. Can't decide if that is a right of passage or a sign that I need to get another copy and re-read it.

My team of superheroes...

Last night I babysat for seven kids. SEVEN. Alone. Here is a photo of them all dressed as princesses and knights. The baby wouldn't let me put her down for the photo, so only six are pictured. All seven survived & most importantly, I didn't get tied to a chair. Not even once!

Miss M & Mister J's Lesson from Last Week:

I knew it would happen eventually....that Mister J & Miss M would ask where Jonathan was. They loved both of us, and they haven't seen Jonathan in a very long time. I guess I was just hoping they would never notice his absence, but the day after my birthday I was babysitting them and Mister J brought it up. He asked where my wedding ring was and Miss M started touching my hand where my wedding ring should be and looking up at me with sincere interest. Gulp. I had to pause to think about how to answer this for a four and seven year-old, and how their parents might want me to answer. Miss M said, "Miss Jennifer, were you married or not?" Deep breath. I told them that yes, I was married and that it didn't work out and Jonathan and I don't live together anymore and we weren't going to be married anymore. Miss M said, "So you gave up?"

Almost crying at this point...there is something so honest and real about having conversations with these two. "No, I didn't give up."

Miss M: Mister Jonathan gave up?

Me: Yes.

Mister J said to Miss M, "We don't talk about giving up on people."

Miss M looked at the ground and whispered, "I know."

Me: Why not? (I had to see where this was going.)

Mister J: Because giving up on someone means you are not going to be friends with them and are not talking to them. You are separating from them. Giving up on the people you love is not right.

How did these kids get to be so smart? (Sigh.)