I have been so busy and so happy. For one thing, I cleaned part of my house (the kitchen, and some of the living room). That kept me busy and made me so happy. I tried to make a list of some other stuff I really needed to do and got very overwhelmed and confused. Eventually I did make the list but then I immediately went to the river. That made me very happy. The next day we went downtown for the parade (why do marching bands always make me cry?) and the fountain and the fair and the boats. That made me happy. The next day the weather was scorching. That made me sad! But I have air conditioning and that made me happy. There's a lot of happy/sad talk at home right now. Amelia is figuring out how to express these two things, and figuring out how other people express them (no one here has much trouble expressing themselves). Most things make us happy. A few things make us sad. When she throws a plate of strawberries that I just cut up for her on the floor (she's a big thrower, ugh), she touches my arm gently, "Mom, are you sad? You sad, Mom?" Then, she pats my arm, consoling: "It's okay. It's okay." Turning her face up to look into mine. Oh, sweet, dear love! She makes me laugh fifty or sixty times a day. I'm starting to write down so many of the funny things she is saying. I love this age so much!!!
One thing that made me unbelievably happy was getting to spend an entire day with Amanda while she was here in Portland this week. I HAD THE BEST TIME. We had a sweet little lunch at Maurice, which is like a tiny little jewel box of light and deliciousness, then just hung out at Powell's for the entire afternoon?!? Not only do I not ever do things like either of those two things anymore, but . . . with Amanda, who is as thoroughly awesome as you would expect. The girl is beauty through and through. I love her. What a great day. Thank you, Amanda, for being you, and for coming to visit. You inspire and delight and teach (and have taught) me more than I can ever say.
And today, oh! It's cool and cloudy! I panic, not sure what to do with such a perfect day! (It was in the 90s over the weekend! It was horrible!) The woods are calling. Maybe the farm. Maybe the river. Summer, you overwhelm me with goodness. Where to start?
