Hi friends.
I had a post all set for today, drafted and scheduled and so on. But you know what? The whole point of this entire link up is to 1) show yourself some love and 2) to keep things real (and that it’s okay to keep things real).
And so instead today you get a candid view of real life. Because sometimes real life isn’t pretty. And I honestly just didn’t feel like letting the post I had go live because it felt phony after this weekend.
The last 48 hours have been hard. Exhausting. Stressful. Alarming. Frightening. And relieving. And as Saturday came to a close, I found myself sitting at my mom’s kitchen table trying to decide if I was making the right decision by going home to meet my (traveling) husband or if I should stay behind to keep an eye on my parents. I was tired. No. Exhausted. I was seriously debating whether I was awake enough to safely make the hour drive home. I told myself I was, but promised myself a trip through the Starbucks drive thru.
That took longer than it should have.
But after the day we’d all been through, waiting a few extra minutes in the drive thru really didn’t seem like that big of a deal.
And as I sat there, waiting, I turned the radio up.
Because why the hell not.
I laid in bed that night and thought about the day
And how my life is like a roller coaster ride.
The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way.
It’ll throw you off if you don’t hold on tight.
You can’t really smile until you’ve shed some tears.
I could die today or I might live on for years
I love this crazy tragic
sometimes almost magic
Awful
Beautiful life.
And it just hit me.
We’re no strangers to the twists and turns and the tears. But we’re also so familiar with laughter and joy and love. And while we can’t ever be prepared for the things that knock us on our asses, we have to remember that every valley is surrounded by peaks. And while the day, no-week, no–year, has been unbearably difficult in so many ways, I suddenly just felt loved and grateful as I sat in that Starbucks drive thru with the cheerful cashier at 9:30 on a Saturday night.
(for the sake of real-ness…this selfie was taken several days ago)
*****
Oh!
Because I know you guys are dying to know how it all turned out…
Because I know you guys are dying to know how it all turned out…
My parents’ tree is up AND STILL STANDING.
So I’m calling this weekend a win.
And yes…I know the star is crooked.
But I ain’t touchin’ it!
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So glad the tree is standing. It looks beautiful. Sorry this weekend {and beyond} has been so taxing. I admire your strength… ability to continue and write about it. Hugs to you!
-Claire
http://www.fashionandfeathers.com
Keeping it real is why we love you! (virtual hugs)
Here's to keeping it real….
I'm curious: What'd you have at Starbucks? 🙂
My house is such a remodeling disaster right now that I want to do the rocking back and forth in the corner thing. You're right: this has been a tough year for everyone I think. Hopefully the next few weeks bring some holiday relief and joy your way! *hugs*
Love this! And love your 'keeping it real' selfie – beautiful!! Sorry to hear that you're having a rough weekend, hopefully this coming week will be better for you 🙂
Loving the tree and the title to this post. I wish I looked as good as you do on any given day…hahaha. I took a Selfie yesterday and shocked myself. Hardly recognized myself…so no no, as much as I would like to keep it real…when I scare myself with my own image I won't do the same to others. hahahaha
Hugs sent your way girl. Hope this week will be easier on you. Just a tad bit.
Awe I love the kitty snuggle selfie! Sending hugs! I know it can be rough!
Love the tree. So sorry it fell again. 🙁 But it really does look gorgeous! 🙂