taking stock // 2

Photo by Sarah Leaman

making: Conversation. Jake and I have been talking big talks, thinking big thinks, and trying to have the courage to dream big dreams. I have honestly no idea where this will all take/lead us- that's where the courage comes in.

drinking: Jake's home brew. The keg is taking up a lot of space in our fridge, so the least I can do is help drink down the tap.

reading: Taproot Magazine. Such a beautiful publication. A quote from the editor's letter at the beginning of issue 9: I, too, learn more fully when I allow myself to fully inhale and exhale through our days...let go of self-doubt and fear of failure, and walk one foot in front of the other through my days of living, learning and taking it all in.

wanting: More opportunities to teach. I spent last Monday leading a seminar at my college alma mater. It was a dream. The day flew by and at the end I felt exhausted in those wonderful ways that help you sleep soundly and see the world in a brighter light the next morning. 

watching: Alice. Also, Parenthood (when Alice is napping). 

listening: The Beatles' "1" compilation album. Perfect sing along, dance-in-the-kitchen music.

eating: Snacking on clementines. 

smelling: Our dogs are stinky. Its winter. They're cooped up. Poor, stinky pups. 

wishing: That bills paid themselves and dust never built up on ceiling fans. Alas, adulthood has taught me otherwise.

enjoying: Seeing the whites of Alice's top four teeth all clamoring through her gums. They are bright and snaggly and the eye teeth are a hair ahead of the middle ones. Hilarious.

loving: Alice's smile when she wakes up happy. I open her bedroom door and find her in crawling position, face peaking over the rails of her crib, cheeks flushed, open-mouth grinning.

hoping: For something to tip us in some sort of direction. 

needing: To remain in the courageous tension of seeking and dreaming, but waiting to act.

feeling: Calm. Warm inside, brisk outside. Dry. I've got the mid-winter cracking skin, no matter how much lotion I apply and water I drink.

wearing: Cozy L.L. Bean slippers and fleece lined leggings. Just the other day I noticed my big toe peaking through the right slipper. I can't be bothered.

bookmarking: Connie's illustrations. Love 'em.