How Can He Have Grown Up So Fast?

Lily asked me a few days ago if it would be possible for me to pick up Owen and take him to his eighth grade formal dinner dance that was going to be held tonight. Parental work schedules were not cooperating. Of course I said, "YES!" Not only to be helpful, but also because the opportunity to see my oldest grandson off to his first big social event was not to be passed up. 

You know how much I love that boy. I remember when he was a really little guy and I was taking care of him a lot I used to think, and sometimes say, "I love him too much." 

And I probably love all my grandchildren too much if that's even possible, but it's that first one that flips that grandmother-love switch to ON in the heart. It's that first one that gives you your grandmother name which is fitting, as it was that one who made you a grandmother. 

So I really enjoyed the sweet little ride to the beautiful event location where the dinner and dance are being held. It's on a beautiful piece of land with an old barn where weddings and all sorts of gatherings are held. We talked about being nervous and dancing and if girls asked boys to dance these days (not so much...sigh) and all that stuff. I think he was glad I was the one taking him. I hope he was. I sure did tell him that a lot of girls would want to dance with him because he is tall and handsome and nice and smart and sweet, and, and, and.
He said, "Thank you!" 
And I did not cry until after I'd delivered him to the venue safely and when he got out of the car he said, "I love you, Mer." 
"I love you, Owen," I said. 
And oh, how I do. He is living his life. 

I did more garden work today and pulled a lot more weeds. Not hard work and it wasn't hellish hot but it wearied me. Before I came in to take a shower I picked some kale for a salad and decided to see if there were any beans worth picking. 

Well what do you know? I dug up two potatoes yesterday and I've asked Mr. Moon to dig up a few more so that we can have green beans and potatoes with our dinner. 

I'm pretty excited. 

Last night's soup turned out to be pretty darn good, actually. A dollop of sour cream and the parmesan rinds did not hurt. A few glugs of sherry gave it even more of a more delicate taste. And the bread was delicious. So I do not regret having made that soup. I will point out that there were indeed also fresh things in it- kale and collards and carrots. 

Here are two beautiful things I got in the mail today. 

I think most of us know who sent these incredible handmade lovelies. 

The book is decorated with embroidery, beads, and I am sure natural dye. Not to mention its own piece of jewelry. Within the handmade paper pages of the book, I found that butterfly, also embroidered and beaded. Wire is involved so it can be shaped. 
As I wrote in an email to the artist, she could not have picked more perfect examples of her artwork to send me. I feel so honored and so known.

I will do my Mary thing and figure out where they belong in this house of objets d'art and amusement. I am pretty sure the butterfly has already told me where she wants to be. 

And so here we are. Clean sheets. First sips of a martini, and now I will go snap those beans and scrub some potatoes. 

Happy Friday, y'all. 

Love...Ms. Moon