Dirty, grubby, road-salt-stained: that’s my midwinter boots.
Walking down Montpelier’s Main Street, on a whim I stop into Delish, the candy store. Not so long ago, my younger daughter eyed their door each time we walked by. Yesterday afternoon, on my way to meet someone for an interview at Capitol Grounds, I impulsively walked in, bought a small white paper bag of chocolate-covered gummy bears, and slid it in my backpack to take home to her.
I’ve been mothering — a mother — for twenty-one years now. Not a single day — and hardly an hour, it seems — has passed when I haven’t been actively or mentally engaged in parenting.
Now, my older daughter is all grown up, busily writing her own narrative about work and college and a complex network of friends. In our house, it feels like all of us are on precipices — of turning 21, of adolescence heading toward young adulthood, and myself. Even the cats are keeping busy. Midwinter? Oh yes.
Happy final day of January, 2020.
Stony Soil Vermont 
Happy final day of January to you too. February, whatcha got for us?
Maybe more chocolate covered gummy bears…. Yay for your manuscript. Can’t wait to read it.
And it’s sunny, too! The remainder of the gummy bears went to school with her. Hope you’re enjoying this sparkly day 🙂
I also am looking forward to your new book! Hope the process goes smoothly. It is a glittery day, with the icicles flashing brilliantly in the sun, as fiery as any diamonds could ever be.
That’s a nice image! A day like this is really winter at its very best.
So beautiful.
Thank you!
That cat looks ready to pounce and totally muss up your arranged papers. Cats always live in their own realm, after all, and we just inhabit it:). GT
So true! My daughter keeps believing she can influence her cats’ behavior. Why bother? I think. We really are peons in the Realm of Cat.