“mama, can we knock down that tree in the corner of the yard?”

um. wow. i thought carefully on how to respond in order to protect their perceived power.  how could i look at my ten year old and not honor her genuine question?  but really, knock down the tree?  the one that she has been climbing in, that we have hung a clothesline from, the one that gives a little corner of shade?

“well, i’m not sure how that would work and i don’t really want you to knock down anything that’s living.”

“i know, but it’s like already coming down.”

out i went and sure enough, the climbing-clothesline hanging-shade offering tree was nearly uprooted.  we thought it looked sick lately.  guess so.

“well, guys, i guess go for it.”

the power they felt was clear and joyous. so long, red bud.

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“mama, why did you make a skirt out of your pajamas?”

well, i didn’t, but i have felt extra aware of my new skirt today.

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“mama, who dumped flowers all over the trampoline and then went and dumped more all over the driveway and then in the pool?”

i must admit that for a moment, i thought of several women friends of mine who would be guilty of such an act.  i also admit that i had visions of all my flowers being de-headed by one monkey here. so out for a peek.

it was simply the wind and a tree.  if someone would have told me that i could have a yard steadily sprinkled with day old yellow blooms, i wouldn’t have thought it possible.  and up close they are so pretty.

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oh, the dear mouths of my babes.