The spell...

Sometimes it seems that my kids spend most of the day following me around the house demanding things. Food, attention, instruction, hugs, snuggles, more food. Sometimes I must mediate arguments. It can be a bit exhausting.

That's why when one of my girls falls under the spell I do not even consider interrupting them. I've spent the last twenty minutes watching Lily make trips up to the attic. Each time she comes down her arms are full of dolls and dress-up clothes.

I do not make eye contact.

I do not ask what she is doing.

I pretend that I do not notice.

There is some vast and no doubt very messy world being created by Lily in her room. I'm pretty sure that I saw a bridal veil and a cradle go by.

I will let her play this game for as long as she wants.

When I put her to bed tonight I'll ask her about her game. I'll hold her tight and let her tell me all about her secret world. I'll fall down the rabbit hole with her leaving the mess of her room, the bills on my desk and the laundry in the basement far behind.

Sea shells...

"Today is a smooth white seashell, hold it close and listen to the beauty of the hours." author unknown

When I was out today I found a great big bag of seashells. Most were a pure white while others were pink and iridescent.

I brought them home and put them in a big jadite bowl. I love how the soft green gently holds the white and pink shells.


After I put some in the bowl I brought some outside to where Lily, fairy of the dirt was playing. I knew that she'd get to work sorting them.



These shells are a family. Mommy, Daddy and baby.


The pink star fish was a favorite.


The shells kept Lily busy for a long time. She counted them. She put them to her ear to listen to the sea. She whispered secrets to them. She held them close and played sea queen into the night.