Time Warp

 My birthday is one month away.  While many hit a "certain age" and decide that celebrating a higher number isn't their favorite activity in the world, I still look forward to it.  The getting older part isn't exactly anyone's cup of tea, but I'm lucky enough to regain a fairly youthful appearance.  It's even been suggested that I should be involved in the sting operation of a "to catch a predator" type of show.  Regardless,  the approaching annual milestone left me pondering what I would do if I could go back in time and guide my younger self.

Am I the only one to ponder this travel back in time idea?  Absolutely not.  I'm certain there must be a book or movie about this kind of thing.  Back to the Future does show a few alterations in Marty McFly's life after his adventures, but it's not quite the same.  Brad Paisley's country tune Letter To Me certainly has the right feel for my train of thought.

Can you picture it in your own head?  Time warping back to those youthful years and passing along a letter, watching a familiar teen from a distance, or having a face to face conversation with your you of yesteryear?  Are you reflecting with a smile or a little sadness?  What would you say?  Would you do anything at all?  Would you want to change the person you have become today?  

While there are "things" I would be grateful to change about my younger years, I realize just how those ups, downs, highs, & lows have molded me into... me.  I kind of like who I am today, flaws and all.  I have two amazing children and a husband I wouldn't trade.  Life isn't mean to be perfect and even if you alter the past, it doesn't automatically ensure "perfection."  Different maybe, but perfection?  Nope.

I've learned a great many things in my almost 32 years, but I certainly do not know it all.  Hopefully my growth will continue for a great many more years.  Experiencing life is worth celebrating.  Each and every year is precious.  When I'm a feisty little old lady in my 60's,  I wonder if I will look back, smile, and ponder the same...

Would you go back in time?  Write a letter to your teenage self?  

What would you say?  

Can you think of any great books or movies that follow these theme?

Enjoy Monday with a little Brad Paisley....

Is It Spring Yet?

Desperately awaiting the Springtime and fresh air, I ponder what lies in store during this upcoming season of growth and starting anew.  Spring break, the final months of school, and birthdays all come to mind.  As does a sense of relief that comes with not feeling trapped indoors the majority of the time. 

When winter begins, there is the excitement of holidays, and playing in the snow for the kids of Michigan  and other northern states.  Yet as the season drags on, even the children are ready to see the green grass and blooming flowers.  They tire of snow pants and boots just as much as mom and dad do.  Tossing off the winter coats, hats, gloves, and all other winter gear, encompasses a sense of freedom.

Breaking away from the cold, I long for the sweet smell of a light spring rainfall.  In my mind I can picture umbrellas up, rain boots on, and two young boys singing, dancing, and splashing in the rain.  With the sunshine comes soccer games, bike rides, displays of sidewalk chalk art, and just running around in the open space.  The warmth of the outdoors tends to warm our hearts as well.

Please hurry Spring!

What are you looking forward to this Spring?  Do you have any special plans?  What is your favorite part about Spring?  Will you splash in the rain puddles?

I Am Who I Am...

Being yourself isn't always popular. I've known this fact since I was a kid. I think I've always been fairly well liked, but popular? Not really. I grew up being one of those "goody-goodies" that the other kids never seemed to have a problem with. I was well liked, but I never ranked high on the cool factor scale. Did it bother me? No, not really. Why you ask? I have always felt a strong sense of deep rooted conviction that didn't allow me to change who I was for the sake of fitting in. From size & appearance to personality, I enjoy my differences. When I was young, I embraced my petite frame and I believe it helped me to look at others differently too. I'm passionate about treating people equally no matter their size, color, or language. As a rule, however, I believe short people do stand above the rest. Okay, okay, my sense of humor isn't great, but I kind of enjoy it! Who cares if people think I'm corny or a dork? Not me! I love being a nerd! I know people who believe in pulling all nighters, dancing and drinking at the clubs, but me? Nope, an all nighter in my house usually revolves around sick kids, a late night movie, or a good book! How boring you say? I am who I am and I like it just fine. I don't have to meet the standards set by friends, family, or society. It's okay to be unique! Normal is boring.

All this also helps me put things into perspective when it comes to writing. Am I going to write something because it's a popular theme? Of course not! I'm going to write what I know and what I feel! If it never catches the interest of a literary agent or a major publishing company? Fine. If it never goes beyond a few family members or good friends? Okay. If it only helps me feel whole as a person to write it out and never goes beyond that? Wonderful. On the other hand, if what I write becomes something more than I could imagine... would I change? Heck no! I am who I am and I like it just fine!