Memory

I remember, when Mr. Barefoot and I first moved into that drafty and charming house that was to become our first home, how I used to get home with Big Sprout (then just Sprout) before anyone else was home. I would light all the candles I had around the living room, put on the classical music station, and Big Sprout and I would cuddle on the couch. Sometimes we would talk about her day, but mostly we would be quiet. We would watch the shadows flicker on the walls and think our separate thoughts, or not think at all.

Those were good times. I wonder if she will remember them when she is grown and has her own little Sprouts. Will she sit with them in the quiet and enjoy the way they fit so snugly up under her chin? Will she listen to them tell rambling stories about their daycare friends and the oh-so-important goings on in a 3 year old's life? I hope so.

If she forgets, maybe I will have to take my little grandsprouts and teach them the wonders of Chopin and candlelight, while dusk falls outside the windows and the first stars peek out of the darkness.

Until then, I think I will just go outside and see how my bare toes look in the moonlight. You are welcome to join me, if you want...

Simple Pleasure No. 2

Popcorn with real butter.

Seriously, this is probably the single best snack out there in the Universe. The popcorn is dirt cheap, and though the butter tends to be more expensive than margarine, it is worth it to stock up when there are sales on butter so that you can enjoy it's loveliness on warm popcorn straight from the popper. Margarine makes your popcorn soggy, butter doesn't. I don't know the scientific magic involved, but it is true.

Popcorn is truly perfect. It is cheap (like I said), not fattening, crunchy, tasty... I love it. It works for breakfast, lunch, supper, snack time, movie watching, reading a book, playing on the 'puter.... it is an all purpose snack. The only thing is the greasy fingers you get from the butter. A couple of paper towels will fix that right up, though...

I love popcorn!

Simple Pleasure No. 1

Long, hot showers.

As any mother will tell you, this is the one time in their lives when they are all alone and things are quiet. The sound of running water drowns out the shrieks and thuds of children at play, and you can finally have a moment of peace. Throw in some smelly soap, and you have a mini-vacation!

I love my showers....