Sunday, March 7, 2010

Paul Simon Says It All

Well, Blogger is intent on me showing my picture first so I bow to superior strength. I know I'm a little late for February, but I've been having so much fun having my son home for my birthday that I didn't get it uploaded until now.

One of my favorite quotes is: Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
—Elizabeth Stone Once your child leaves home for school or to start their own lives is a profound life change. Every minute of every day I'm aware that, even though I'm still at home, my heart is wandering around out there. I wouldn't want it any other way--I'm proud of his independence, his courage and his determination to make his life amazing. (And he's doing a superb job of it.) But there my heart is, out there with him. It's a colorful house (perhaps more-so metaphorically) and there's always a cat in the window, but Evan's always there with us, in our hearts.

But, getting back to Paul Simon...all day I've been singing "Have a Good Time" in my head:

Yesterday it was my birthday / I hung one more year on the line. / I should be depressed, / My life's a mess / But I'm havin' a good time.

54's not so bad! I wouldn't go back to my 20's or earlier for all the money in the world. My 30's were nice, but really busy. My 40's were even busier. Now I'm busy, but it's a good busy. More elements of play. Less fretting over things being perfect. (As Anne Lamott says, "I was 35 years old before I realized that a B+ was a good grade.") A much smoother life with less radical ups and downs. My mom is still declining but...each day is pretty darned good. It's a happy little house, getting more colorful all the time.

19 comments:

Carol said...

Indeed a happy house. LOVE the cat in the window and the bright colors.

And yes, 54 isn't all that bad and B+ isn't a bad grade at all! You have learned life's biggest lessons!

Sweetpea said...

This is so entirely sweet & precious that I almost want to weep. Thank you for sharing that lovely heart story. An endearingly lovely page!

Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to you!

robin michelle said...

I like your house! The leaves at the bottom are so pretty. That's one of my favorite quotes also!

Sharon M said...

I'm so glad that blogger had you headline with the picture of your house, its so happy and pretty and put me in a good mood. And your story was precious. Happy late Birthday!

kaiteM said...

That is such a bright happy beaded house, like a gingerbread house.

Bobbi Ann said...

Hi, first I want to say Happy belated Birthday to you! I just had mine at the end of January and turned 53. Next, I love your house! It's so bright and full of happiness, also the kitty in the window is precious! Oh, almost forgot about the awesome leaves at the bottom. I love your story to, thanks so much for sharing everything! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
HUgs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Yes, its a happy house accentuated by the heart sun!! I love THAT too.

Its hard to let loose, you never let go. Sometimes they come back. And bring their kids. You are glad to be their to hold their hand. The trick is not to hold too tightly.

I'm 58. I accept a little less perfection. That was hard. I try to give myself more time. Hummm, I'm thinking up a new page here. You don't do less as you get older, you just change the proportions in the pie slices.
Carol

Crazy Mama said...

your house is happy, fun, whimsical, endearing, full of love. i love the heart that seems to be coming out of the chimney, as if the house can't contain all the love it has inside. and the leaves look like little miniature bushes to me. what a great story to read about your kids. i've only got one out of the house and 3 still left with me. i wish i could be guarding over my oldest all the time. happy belated birthday...what a nice present to have your son home with you for it. my thoughts go out to your mom.

Crazy Mama said...

what i meant to say was "to read a story about kids" (and the quotes you wrote were awesome).

Penny said...

Love your 'happy house'!! I think 'real parenting' comes after your child is grown and gone. Its so much easier when your children are there, snugged up in their beds at night, safe and warm and cozy. When they go out into the world you have that beautiful silk thread between you - binding you to each other forever.

Cyndi L said...

Love it! The first thing I thought of was "Our house is a very very very fine house" even though you don't have two cats in the yard! It's delightful :-)

Julie said...

Oh, thhis is such a happy,delightful piece. Julie C

sydsider said...

Like your happy piece and your attitude.

Lois2037 said...

This is so cozy -- a loving home with a kitty in the window! I feel good just looking at it.

Marty S said...

It is a happy home for a happy mom with a happy son--and a happy cat! I smile looking at it and reading your story.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Magpie Sue said...

Aww, I love your little house! What a great journal page.

Nikki said...

I love your bright, cheerful house and the love coming out of the chimney. And thank you for the reminder about having perspective in life. I'm 36 and still working on learning that a B+ is okay. At least I'm trying not to fret about. I keep reminding myself that when I'm 50 all these little things wont seem so important.

Timaree said...

Happy Birthday. The 50's aren't too bad are they? I've got a couple more of those years on me than you do.

Wait till you have grandkids. Then your heart goes all over the place.

florida said...

The shadings looks stunning. Well done!