A curse is lifted

Today, I realized that I can read.

This warm Sunday afternoon, I found myself in bed with a particularly interesting text on the psychological meanings of picture books, and I thought excitedly to myself, "I am reading a book on the psychological meaning of picture books. How can this be?"

I learned to read sometime during the first grade. I hardly remember a time in my life that was not shaped by books. I even went to graduate school to study them. I was always reading something and surrounded by stacks of volumes just waiting for me. But one rainy December day, my books all fell shut and seemed to lock me out.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, a baby girl was born. Though she filled her home with joy and beauty, a powerful curse accompanied her. Grown-ups could not finish their books no matter how hard they tried. Countless hours were spent pouring over picture books with the tiny girl. She took her mommy on many happy literary adventures with bunnies and owls. Yet, as the mommy openned books written just for her, her eyes grew very heavy, and she fell fast asleep. As the little girl grew, her liveliness and laughter made her mommy so glad, but still, she could not open the books she longed to read.

Then, suddenly, the good fairies of imaginary friends and pretend play came to their little home and lifted the spell on the household. The little girl's mommy could read books meant just for her. They were glad, indeed.

Mei Mei hair

Audrey's friend Mei Mei often wears her hair in ponytails. Her head is covered with lovely, thick, dark hair, and she has a sweet mother who is interested in styling it. I confess to my incompentence and lack of enthusiasm with regard to hair. (I am willing to invest in good cut, but not daily updos.) Audrey, however, has convinced me to try out Mei Mei hair on several occasions. Apparently, it is all the rage among the toddler set. It must be painful because she has to hold her bunny's hand to endure it. (Again, I am not good at hair.) It must be worth the suffering, though, because she is so pleased with the result. Yesterday, she insisted that I photograph her hairstyle so that she can show Mei Mei.

A steadfast heart

"My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and make melody."

from Psalm 57 in The Book of Common Prayer according to the use of The Episcopal Church

Goodbye, Happy Hollow

One of our favorite little haunts, Happy Hollow, is closing today for renovations. Audrey and I will miss the happy times we had here. We are so excited to see what it becomes when it reopens next September.

Marvelous and strange

Life has been a bit strange lately. And I am beginning to understand that it is always marvelous.