A Good Day To Be With My Thoughts

 

This is a picture from the day after Magnolia was born. It is one of my favorite pictures in the whole world. If that doesn't personify holiness, I do know know what would. The deep and profound love which is felt when a baby is born after all the months of waiting is like nothing else I have ever experienced. Both Lily and Owen personify that here, as Magnolia sleeps peacefully on her mother. Lily is wearing the look that brand new mothers so often have. They are at once as exhausted as they've ever been, and as joyous as they've ever been. They are in a state of pure bliss. They are enraptured. 
And Owen? I'm not sure any little five-year old boy ever wanted a baby sister as much as he did. 
The sheer purity of the love here brings me to my knees. 
The story of Magnolia's birth can be found here if anyone would like to read it. I know many of you remember that day and I am constantly amazed at much a part of my life this blog and the people who visit here are. And grateful beyond measure. 

Here's another picture I love from the night Maggie came to us. 

I have pictures very much like this taken after each of my grandbabies' births. Except for Owen's because he was born in the hospital and, well, those beds just aren't big enough. But the other four were born at home where there is room for all. 

So, okay. I'm crying now because that's what I do best. 
Remember and cry. 

I would be greatly remiss if I did not tell you once again how strong and powerful Lily was giving birth to her babies. As was Jessie. 
Women. Anyone who denies our power in any way is simply either ignorant or afraid of it. Or both. 

I have had my quiet day. I've stayed home except to take the trash and stop by the post office- a journey of about a quarter of a mile. I spent a few hours on my knees, as I said I would, and it was just what I needed, as I thought it would be. 

My slashy-clawed familiar, my mysterious constant companion.

Mr. Moon has been sending me pictures of the painting he is getting done at the cabin on the lake. 
Here's our bedroom. 

It's hard to tell but that's a very pale green I think I'll like. 

Here's an upstairs bedroom. 

He said he's worried it may be too blue but I think it looks fine and I have to ask the question- too blue for what? 
He's also painted the bathroom ceiling and as he told me last night, all he needs to do for the downstairs bedroom is to put up and paint the trim, put in a floor, and it'll be about done.
That's all. 
Okay. 

Tonight's supper will be a repeat of last night's supper which was air-fried tofu with sesame, soy, miso, ginger, garlic dipping sauce, quinoa with chili crisp, and salad. 

That was seriously one of the best meals I've made in a long time so I'm looking forward to that. 

I'm sorry to be missing the family dinner for Maggie's birthday at Chow Time (her request, of course) but I'm sure they'll struggle along without me. 

Here's what the birthday girl looked like this morning before school. This was their first day back. 

 

Gotta love the tiara. Gotta love the sash.

Gotta love the girl. 
She is a force of nature, she is a one and only, she is our Magnolia June, and watching her grow up is one of the joys of my life. 

Happy birthday, Maggie. 

Love...MerMer, aka Ms. Moon