Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Sass and Passion

After a week of girl clubs and sister-puking, Mira got a much-needed soul boost today. She won first place in her school’s Cultural Arts contest for her drawing “A Clean Earth is a Livable Earth.” Mira’s so thrilled to be recognized for her art; she said, “I was so excited, I bragged about it a little!” Art is Mira’s passion, and I envy and love that at eight years old, she already has such a sense of herself that she calls herself “artist” and proudly displays a button that says so on her book bag. I don’t ever remember being that sure of myself. Little girls at eight are so amazing–they’re strong and sassy, but not too into being cool or looking right. I wish I could capture how Mira is right now and help her stay this way…I wish I could capture a little of her spirit for myself.

I was twelve the first time that I got similar recognition for my passion for books. I won a prize–Madeline L’Engles Wrinkle in Time trilogy, which I still have–at the local university’s English Festival. I remember the glow that I felt as I walked to the front of the auditorium in front of hundreds and hundreds of kids from area schools and collected my prize. I remember feeling the feeling of being good at something, and better yet, other people thought I was good at it too.

It’s unfortunate that not long after, I got caught up in the world of, well girl clubs, boys, lip gloss, and designer jeans. I lost myself for too long. I hope I can save my fabulous daughter from a similar experience. I just have to remind myself every day to nuture the sassiness that she has right now because it will serve her far more in life than being cool and looking right ever will.

Posted by Lucy at 21:30:15 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Beauties in the Garden

Here is a photo of my Gwennie and Mira from our black tie event this weekend. It was wonderful and not even remotely stressful once we got there. We had the chance to catch up with some of Reg’s cousins and aunts and uncles, who are the funniest and most genuine people. My kids behaved perfectly, as if they were being raised by people who don’t cuss, refer to their neighbors as Asshead and Fruity or watch Gene Simmon’s Family Jewels. Gwennie didn’t announce that she’d tooted a single time and she didn’t sing songs about her butt.  Mira even told her Aunt Sassy that it was “an honor” to dance with the bride, but Mira’s been this genteel and sophisticated since she was three, so no surprise there. I was able to meet my two-drink minimum before I had to share a meal with my mother-in-law, so all in all, the event was well worth the next day’s hangover. And don’t they look beautiful.

Posted by Lucy at 20:42:46 | Permalink | Comments (2)