The sting of the higher price tag is replaced by euphoria. A power tool with real power—the cord whipping at what feels like a gajillion miles per hour, obliterating weeds, dirt, and rocks in its path—and a battery that could power a spaceship to Mars fueled the smile on my spring-sprucing face.
Then Dave attacked the debris with the cyclone-force blower. Now, the well-orchestrated landscaping job really shows off the drive’s curves and sleekness.
Usually, writing ideas are like brown-nosing students—they pop into my head, rush to the front of the class, shining like their future. But lately, the inkwell is dry. Not to fret, because I’m not. I don’t assign meaning to it or assume the worst.
I just go, “Oh,” with a shrug, and move on to the next thing.
Guilt-free, I’m watching Dave fold the laundry. If he wanted my help, he’d ask. Also, I trained myself early in our marriage that it’s okay to rest when he’s not. Just because he’s doing doesn’t mean I have to do. We’re a team, and sometimes one of us is on the bench—or in the stands—while the other huffs and puffs their way up and down the court.
And so I lie here and write. Evelyn’s nearby in the kitchen, grabbing a final snack before bed. I remembered she wanted to learn about Turkey and fed her this tidbit: it’s part of two continents—97% in Asia and 3% in Europe. So far, we’ve learned about exports, flag configurations, notable animals, and customs of Greenland, Chile, Egypt, Norway, New Zealand, Finland, and Russia. With all the information, I started making 4×6-inch notecards, organizing them in fun and visually pleasing ways. Which reminds me—I started, set it aside, and haven’t finished.
Our trip to Mammoth Cave is a result of those geography lessons. North America, compared to other continents, can feel a little… plain—no tallest mountain, no kangaroos, no longest river—but what it does have is the longest cave system in the world. And that cave system is only six hours away from us, so Evelyn’s desire to visit might just come true.
And for now, that’s enough for the day. I’m going to settle in, wish you a good night, and watch a little Seinfeld.
Take care.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 