Lime Slices and Motown
I really love limes. I mean I really do.
I like any dessert and many beverages with added lime.
I really love the music of Motown and classic soul. From Smoky Robinson to The Temptations, there is just something so perfect about the entire genre. ( Plus, there's such a cool groove, let's be real here. )
A few weeks ago, both of my daughters were gone for the week, at the same time.
This was the first time in years since that happened. One night, I was cutting up a lime to add to my sweet tea ( yes, lime not lemon ) and I was dancing around the kitchen to Marvin Gaye, when it occurred to me how incredible happy I was at that moment.
I was, of course missing my girls, but I was without a doubt; completely, unequivocally, ridiculously happy. Perfection.
When I was married, my husband was supposedly allergic to "citrus." So, as a budget conscious wife and mother, I would make and buy items the whole family could enjoy. So, lemon bars and Key Lime Pie weren't usually on the menu at home.
Music. Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I adore music and what an integral part of my life, singing, performing and the arts have played. While I did in fact raise my children correctly ( Tammy Terrell, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder to name a few ) as they have grown older and developed their own tastes, the Stylistics or Dionne Warwick aren't often their first choice.
Now, I am at a point in my life where every day is no longer consumed with driving to and from school, homework, veggie tales, juice boxes, dance lessons, soccer practices, sleepovers and all the other activities that filled the "mommy resume."
This is the big "transition."
I wasn't prepared; or so I thought.
About 11 years ago, I went through another transition.. It, however was brutal and totally unexpected.
But, I remember one Sunday afternoon during that time, when I started making a list of the things I could now "do." Funny? Citrusy foods and my music was on that list too. ( as well as picking the movies, the T.V. shows, the clothes, the amount of coffee I did or didn't have...you get it.)
Life didn't stop.
I survived the heartbreak of abandonment and divorce. And you know what happened? I found "Noel" again. In that discovery, artwork, freedom, creating and all manner of interests also resurfaced. Dreams, independence and creativity that had been suppressed for years, showed up in the most amazing ways.
Now, a totally different scenario is in the works. My daughters are moving forward in their lives and this woman who devoted all her time and energy to "mom world," is embarking on yet another journey. It is bittersweet I can assure you.
This Noel has more confidence then ever and a faith that I never knew I had. "Strength, courage and wisdom, they've been inside of me all along". ( Thank you India Aire. another favorite musician )
This Noel will be in community theater.
This Noel will move to Europe one day.
It was scary then.
It is scary now.
But, the difference? I was shattered then. I'm empowered now.
So, add the limes, turn up the music and dance.
Go back to school. Take the dance class.
Sell artwork and call yourself an artist.
Do that thing that calls your name.
He's not done and neither are you.
"Being confident of this, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6
I like any dessert and many beverages with added lime.
I really love the music of Motown and classic soul. From Smoky Robinson to The Temptations, there is just something so perfect about the entire genre. ( Plus, there's such a cool groove, let's be real here. )
A few weeks ago, both of my daughters were gone for the week, at the same time.
This was the first time in years since that happened. One night, I was cutting up a lime to add to my sweet tea ( yes, lime not lemon ) and I was dancing around the kitchen to Marvin Gaye, when it occurred to me how incredible happy I was at that moment.
I was, of course missing my girls, but I was without a doubt; completely, unequivocally, ridiculously happy. Perfection.
When I was married, my husband was supposedly allergic to "citrus." So, as a budget conscious wife and mother, I would make and buy items the whole family could enjoy. So, lemon bars and Key Lime Pie weren't usually on the menu at home.
Music. Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I adore music and what an integral part of my life, singing, performing and the arts have played. While I did in fact raise my children correctly ( Tammy Terrell, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder to name a few ) as they have grown older and developed their own tastes, the Stylistics or Dionne Warwick aren't often their first choice.
Now, I am at a point in my life where every day is no longer consumed with driving to and from school, homework, veggie tales, juice boxes, dance lessons, soccer practices, sleepovers and all the other activities that filled the "mommy resume."
This is the big "transition."
I wasn't prepared; or so I thought.
About 11 years ago, I went through another transition.. It, however was brutal and totally unexpected.
But, I remember one Sunday afternoon during that time, when I started making a list of the things I could now "do." Funny? Citrusy foods and my music was on that list too. ( as well as picking the movies, the T.V. shows, the clothes, the amount of coffee I did or didn't have...you get it.)
Life didn't stop.
I survived the heartbreak of abandonment and divorce. And you know what happened? I found "Noel" again. In that discovery, artwork, freedom, creating and all manner of interests also resurfaced. Dreams, independence and creativity that had been suppressed for years, showed up in the most amazing ways.
Now, a totally different scenario is in the works. My daughters are moving forward in their lives and this woman who devoted all her time and energy to "mom world," is embarking on yet another journey. It is bittersweet I can assure you.
This Noel has more confidence then ever and a faith that I never knew I had. "Strength, courage and wisdom, they've been inside of me all along". ( Thank you India Aire. another favorite musician )
This Noel will be in community theater.
This Noel will move to Europe one day.
It was scary then.
It is scary now.
But, the difference? I was shattered then. I'm empowered now.
So, add the limes, turn up the music and dance.
Go back to school. Take the dance class.
Sell artwork and call yourself an artist.
Do that thing that calls your name.
He's not done and neither are you.
"Being confident of this, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6
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