I’m typically the reliable number two, the sidekick who falls in line. Today, as we entered the third hour of our six-hour house painting session, I found myself grateful for my Dad’s guiding role. Little did I know how much I needed it, as for the first two hours, my brush seemed to have a mind of its own, creating messy strokes wherever it pleased.
Stepping back to admire our progress, I replaced the faded green and worn-out red trim with crisp blue and white, instantly revitalizing the place. It looks incredible, like it shed ten years off its age. This place is truly transformed!
After a one-night stay and other pressing obligations, my parents left this afternoon, leaving Evelyn and me to embark on our own adventures. We engaged in pretend fights with imaginary monsters in the car, took showers, and watched half of Mary Poppins.
In our small bedroom, Evelyn’s toddler bed sits near the foot of my own bed, where I’m currently typing this post. As she lightly snores now, I think back to a few moments ago when her curious thoughts and questions filled the air.
She observed the colors on her pajamas and said, “I don’t like white. Can you help me like it?” I offered a suggestion, and she responded, “Ooh. When you said ice cream, now I do like white.”
“You can bury me in the snow. Not sand,” she continued. “I can put snow in my eyes, but not dirty snow. Not peepee snow, either. When it’s dry peepy with snow, we can put it in our eyes.”
“When is it going to be snowing outside?” she inquired, her imagination already wandering to wintry scenes.
Sitting there, fingers resting on the keyboard, I hoped for more insights from her young mind. But I understood that she had already experienced a long day filled with bike riding and propeller guns and games on her tablet.
I have to admit, I carry a somewhat shameful secret. Are you ready? Well, here it is: deep down, I’ve always harbored a desire for this blog of mine to go viral. Yes, it sounds silly, but it’s the truth. Yet, as I ponder the potential ramifications, a wave of apprehension washes over me. I fear that a sudden surge in readership could disrupt the comfortable security I currently enjoy. It’s like the difference between casually stumbling upon a talented singer at a local coffee shop and finding yourself front and center at a Beyoncé concert.
While going viral may bring attention and recognition, it also comes with challenges and pressures. It could compromise my authentic and intimate connection with my readers. The beauty of my blog lies in its ability to foster a sense of community, where we can engage in meaningful conversations and support one another.
So, instead of chasing viral fame, I focus on creating valuable content, fostering genuine connections, and staying true to my voice and purpose. I find solace in the thought that even if my reach may not extend to millions, my impact on those who resonate with my words is immeasurable.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 