Until September: A Necessary Pause
Until September: A Necessary Pause
Navigating the Beautiful Chaos of Motherhood and Creativity
My dear friend,
As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch longer, I find myself once again at the threshold of a necessary pause.
It's summertime, and my days are taking on a different rhythm. My little wildings are like vines, climbing up the arm of my chair, their endless questions a symphony of curiosity. I find half-finished cups of coffee in the most unexpected places - balanced on the edge of the piano, nestled among the kale in the garden. Books lie scattered, their pages barely turned, stories suspended mid-sentence on the coffee table, the bathtub rim, the windowsill.
The transition from the quiet cocoon of my writing world to this vibrant chaos is not an easy one. The shift to the cacophony of daily life - the raucous laughter, the staccato of interrupted conversations - feels like emerging from a deep dive into shallow, choppy waters. The needs are endless, the requests unceasing, and somehow, amidst it all, there is always, always watermelon. Even now, Hugo's voice drifts through the newly opened sliding door, "Mama, where are you?”
A mere week into this summer break, and already fatigue settles over me like a heavy blanket. I catch myself in moments of self-criticism, lamenting my lack of grace in this dance of chaos. But I'm learning - slowly - to forgive my own awkwardness, my reluctance to immediately embrace this shift in reality. I'm trying to see the beauty in the interruption, to find joy in the journey from one broken thought to another.
In the midst of this beautiful disorder, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for you, my dear readers. Your presence in my life has been a constellation of light, guiding and inspiring me in ways I never anticipated. The connection we've forged through words and shared experiences is a treasure I hold close to my heart.I look forward to reconnecting with you all in early September, refreshed and brimming with new stories to share.
Until then, billing will be paused, but our connection remains. May your summer be filled with moments of joy, reflection, and unexpected beauty. Perhaps, like me, you'll find wisdom in the sticky sweetness of watermelon and the endless questions of curious minds.
See you in September, when the air turns crisp and the world settles into a new rhythm once more.
I love you,
Sarah
Dearest Sarah, Thank you for this wonderful piece. I related to every gorgeous word! Motherhood! My home is also a beautiful and sometimes raucous symphony of sounds… my sons racing up and down our wood block stairs. My daughter rollerskating in the kitchen. And endless questions… “Mommy, will you help me find it? Mommy, when are we leaving for the beach? Mommy, is Parker coming over today? Mommy, come on! Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.” Your beautiful boys need your presence. They want the one and only you. All of you. Enjoy these blessed moments. Our community will look forward to your return in September. For now, you’re right where you should be. ☀️ 🌳 🏃🏼♂️
Sarah,
Blessings to you and your family. As an aging parent myself (my children are all adults now), I look back on the days you describe with a certain amount of nostalgia and longing for my kids’ desire for connection and their endless curiosity. Then the memories of the chaos and the overwhelm insert themselves into my memory.
Such bittersweet and fleeting moments you are living in! Revel in the chaos and hold on to the love that weaves in and out of our kids lives. It may seem like your life is a floating dumpster fire 🔥, but trust me, the lens of time can focus either on regrets of opportunities missed or on the love shared (even though that may look like rooms of toys on the floor and baskets of half-folded laundry).
I know that you are a great mother. Just remember that you are!
Peace and patience 😉 Namaste 🙏🏼
Noel