He shuffles towards me with a steaming mug of coffee, per his Saturday ritual. He’s also intentional to fill my favorite mugs. I’m still in bed, declaring my laziness to anyone who might be wondering my immediate plans. Moments before I was telling him the wild dream I had, with all of its rabbit holes. He patiently listens to every wacky detail, just like he does with our seven year old when she tells dreams. He listens like a confessional. Any other would have trailed off by now, as I’m mostly just laughing at myself.
I smell a sweetness in the air, and I guess rightly — French toast. A thin veil of smoke is revealed by morning light through the dining room windows. All the accoutrements of an idyllic Saturday morning, served up in porcelain and stainless steel. I take note that I am especially happy and thankful. A phenomenal night, now lapping over into morning. I savor it all with a gulp of hot caffeine and a grin.
Last night was chock-full of bubbly toasts and celebrating. One of my dearests, rounding out another birthday year. Such sheer delight to retreat to nearly 70 years prior, and pretend we were all ladies of high fashion and manners. One of my girls was gracious enough to draw black lines on the back of my legs, and attempt victory rolls in my hair. I spent the evening tickled by how much fun dress up is when you’re middle-aged. The entire affair was visually and relationally satisfying. We mustn’t take ourselves so seriously. Perhaps this will be an overarching theme in my 40’s.
Before noon today I hollered for all the kiddos to gather up and go with me for a day trip. There’s an enchanting outdoor museum we like to frequent a couple times a year. It’s become a tradition, yet still feels like a novelty. We’ve seen all the antique displays and collections several times over, but there’s just something about anticipating our favorite exhibits. It’s reassuring to find them still there, perfectly preserved. It’s a comfort to think that not everything is changing with each passing season. I wondered if I could place today inside a display case, too, and if it would stay this good? I can only hope so. It was a very good day.
SHE GILDS THE LILY: a lavish waste of words and wonder 