Monday, February 2, 2009

Silence and Cucumbers

We had a crazy weekend. It was fun, but it was crazy.

So, this morning when the alarm clock went off, it was difficult to get us all moving again.

I did it nonetheless.

It was the morning routine of the American mother.

The urging, the cheerleading, the steering, the feeding, the combing, the peace keeping, the shoe-tying, the lunch-packing, the driving, the kiss-goodbye-ing. The return home to dish-washing, laundry, toddler games, and bed-making. Thinking about supper when it's only 10:00 in the morning.

It wears on a person sometimes.

There are times when I feel the heavy weight of responsibility bearing down on me, when the knowledge that my husband and children's health, cleanliness, and emotional well-being are in my hands seems like a burden. There are times when keeping family peace and making sure every other human being within our personal radius is appropriately cared-for feels like work.

These are the times when my energy-gauge reads "Empty".

These are the times when I know it's time to do something different with my day. To change up the routine and let the saddle sores of personal servitude have some time to heal.

It's when I take time for silence.

So, if you happen to come by the house today, you should know that I won't be answering the door. I've turned off the radio. I've turned off the phone.

There are cucumbers on my eyes.

And I'm enjoying a little silence for a change.

It's the one way I know to help let the gratitude back in and feel the joy of mothering again.

Who knew silence and cucumbers were such a wonderful combination?

For me, they're like magic.

- Midwest Mom

6 comments:

  1. So that's the combination I've been missing all these years? I thought the magic elixir was smutty fiction and a Snickers bar. I'll have to try your suggestion next time my spirit is empty.

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  2. I remember those days of craving silence and just a few moments to myself. I never thought sitting on the loo reading readers digest could actually be appealing lol!

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  3. Oh I hear you too well :) cucumbers rock LOL and silence is so priceless sometimes :)

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  4. I hope it was restful and you're back on your game soon. I so know how you feel and may even have to have my own 'silence and cucumbers' day soon.

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  5. everybody sometimes needs their time alone and silence and relax...!

    enjoy your day,

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  6. Robyn,
    LOL! I don't know what's more addictive, the fiction or the sweets! As for me, I found that the cucumbers needed a little ibuprophen enhancement. Who knew Moms could run a fever?!?

    Brit,
    Thanks for coming by! My mom always kept a copy of Readers Digest handy... now I know why. ;)

    Firefly,
    Thanks for the sympathy. You're right! Silence is golden.

    Abby,
    I'm much better today, thanks! All it took was some rest, I think.
    (It was one of those weekends that makes you feel like you need a vacation afterward!)

    Pasifik,
    Thanks for coming by and for your comment. I hope to see you here again!

    Have a great day, everyone!
    - Julia

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