Life Expanding

I don't know how many times I've been told, "Don't engage."

As in, Don't Engage with that customer who wants to talk about the weather and the new building going up across the street. Don't Engage with the person cashing you out at the counter, what are you, a glutton for punishment? Don't you know, the more you open up, the more weirdos you let in?

This was pretty much the gist of what I was told- that if I stayed in my little corner, and only interacted with people that showed every sign of "normality" and no sign of "quirkiness", I would be better off for it.

Nope.

I can't even express how much richer my life has become by talking and interacting with people that cross my path of all ages, sizes, shapes and colors- a lot of them quirky, some of them not. It almost makes me feel like I was hiding under a rock beforehand.

The world is a beautiful place and there are multitudes of amazing people in it.

I've gotten to know the staff at our local grocery store pretty well after 4.5 years of shopping there every week on the same day at the same time. They know my name, they know my kids' names, and I know theirs. We do the small talk bit but we also have come to know more about each others' lives over the years.

Imagine my surprise when on a night out on the town with friends, I heard my name called, and there, at a table, sat some of my favorite "deli ladies"! I was so thrilled to see them! And to not have to talk to them over a counter of cheese and meat! We chatted and even danced together once the music was playing. Between them and the other friends we were with, I had the best night out that I had in a long time.

It made me so glad that I didn't listen to the advice of the past, that would have kept me tight lipped at the deli counter as I only gave my order for 1/2 lb of American cheese and then moved on with my day. It would've kept me from getting to know them and some other people who have really made a difference in my life and have made me look at things in a new way.

Be brave. Engage. Expand.

Friday Five: Favorite Songs

Anyone who knows me also knows that I listen to a wide variety of music- from Patsy Cline to Katy Perry, I'll give just about anything a listen. Here are my some of my top songs:

1. Favorite Classic Rock Song- "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith. This never fails to do the trick. It revs me up for a night out and makes me feel like I can do anything. I literally have never skipped this song on my iPod.


2. Favorite Song by an Individual Beatle- "What is Life" by George Harrison. This love song has such strong emotions behind it and puts me in a pondering, wistful mood. In a good way.


3. Favorite Country Song- "The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert. Miranda is my favorite country singer, and seeing how I live in the house that built me, I can really relate to this. It's beautiful.


4. Favorite Pop Song- "Suit & Tie" by Justin Timberlake and Jay Z. Yet another song that I. cannot. skip. Justin never sounded smoother!


5. Second Favorite Classic Rock Song- "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. Everyone goes through moods as to what genres they're into at the moment. I'm really into classic rock right now, so I had to list another favorite from that genre. This song rocks my socks. Oh, and this recent Dior Homme commercial may have renewed my interest (you're welcome, ladies.)


What? No favorite in the oldies category? I heart the oldies like no one's business, but I just absolutely could not pick a favorite. Ok, then again... The Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" is pretty sweet. Also, their version of "Twist and Shout". And speaking of shouting, the Isley Brother's "Shout" never fails to get me up and dancing. See why I couldn't pick just one?


What are your favorite songs that make your world go 'round?

Three

Dear Buddy,

You have taken on age three like you've just been waiting for it to come along.

Never walking, but always running. Not leading the charge, but always cautiously following your older sister and your friends. Not outgoing, but always charming with your huge brown eyes and sweet smile.

I love everything there is to love about you, my son.

Over the past few months, you've developed quite the imagination and I see you immersed in pretend scenes with your characters in the same way that your sister does. All the time, I come across elaborate play scenes that you have created, and I marvel at what you've created this time.

You've become the master house and train track builder, and are always happy to make your sister either of those. Nothing seems to give you more joy than setting up the most elaborate track you can think of and building the longest trains to run along them.

You're still my cuddler. A year has made you that much taller, but you curl up on my lap like nothing's changed. You still stuck your thumb to fall asleep, and occasionally you'll reach your hand out to stroke my cheek when you do that.

I love that. I love you, my big three year old!

Over the past year of Rosie being in preschool, we've developed a stronger bond between us as we treasure alone time that we never got beforehand. We enjoy trying new pastries together and going places, just you and me. You like to have me to yourself; I like it, too.

Your vocabulary has exploded, and even though it might take a few times of asking you to repeat yourself, I usually can understand what you want and need. I am so proud of you and how far you've come! Just yesterday, I heard you tell your sister: "Please listen to my words." We're listening, Buddy. We love hearing your sweet voice asking where Scout or Maggie is. Have I mentioned your huge love for animals, especially dogs? It would not surprise me if you one day went into a job that involved working with them!

Welcome to Three, sweet boy. You make this world a brighter place.

Love you always,
Mama