So. There's something about beginnings that gets people all "hot and bothered." Everyone likes a beginning, whether or not it's a new start to the year, the diet, the school semester, the project, the goal. New beginnings signal another chance to be right, to be good, to be successful. They are so full of hope and promise, some people like a new beginning everyday! And why not? Breaking fast is such a simple way to say, "Ok. I'm starting again. Not giving up. It's a new day. I've never lived this one before, so let's see what I can do with it." (That's a really good breakfast.)
My second favorite beginning is school starting. I love all that goes along with it, so much so that my boys think I'm the one going to school September 6th. I like the new supplies, the new socks, the new teacher, the new locker, the new friends, the new hope for great. Checking off the supply list does something to my heart. It's real love, I think.
My first favorite beginning is new panties. I love them. I don't buy them often. In fact, I buy them so seldomly my friends have taken to mailing me sets for my birthday. I don't know what it is about my unmentionables (that I'm mentioning) that makes me think they are made of steel and will survive the next nuclear holocaust. I wear them until they are riddled with holes and don't qualify as a garment anymore. But buying new panties, the 5 for $25 or even the 3 for $25 (splurge) is so exciting I feel like a new person. Kind of like new mascara, only better. And more colorful.
So today, my first day after LASIK surgery, I bought new panties. I figured, new eyes, new underwear.
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| Ellie agreed. New panties rock. |
This summer, we celebrated my dad's beginning of a new decade. He turned 60 July 29th, so we all met Mom and Dad in Wyoming for a week of hiking, rafting, nail polish and napping. It was one of those times in my life that will always be remembered--we were all there. Dad kept mentioning it made him sad that Susie and Ellie won't really remember coming. That for them, it will all be only pictures. Of course Jack won't remember either, and neither will all the other grandbabies who will come along (God willing!) who won't even be in the pictures. Nick and Jacob will tell the stories and hopefully they'll remind the little ones of how much we are all loved and cherished by Daddy-O and Mamalise.
Right. Enough of that. Beginning again in this blog, here are some of those very pictures, taken
by David, my brother. He captured the essence of that week so well--joyful, energetic and so good for the soul.
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| The O'Banions. |
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| Oh, Leigh. She's so good for Ellie. |
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| Great idea. |
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| Happy 2nd birthday, sweet girl. |
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| The Banshees. |
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| Oh Ellie. |
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| Susie and Jacob. He loves that she loves him. |
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