Yesterday, I saw Time
strumming a guitar. Digits
professing that
summer was gone,
chewed and swallowed like
a grape. Still, he picked
strings, pining for her
to return and sing.
Let’s waste time chasing cars
I recently witnessed Ed Sheeran perform at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He’s quite the entertainer, but this post isn’t about him.
This post concerns his opening act: Snow Patrol.
When I was in high school, Snow Patrol became popular. Their hit song “Chasing Cars” was on everyone’s lips, but their popularity ultimately faded as they failed to produce new music.
They became forgettable.
So when I heard that they would be opening up for Ed, I was annoyed. Snow Patrol was old news. I didn’t care that they had a new album; I didn’t want to hear it. In my mind, opening acts should be for bands who are up and coming, and as far as I was concerned, Snow Patrol’s ship had already sailed.
But on the day of the concert, when they finally started to strum, drum, and sing, I couldn’t help but notice their fervency. Between songs, the lead singer communicated that it had taken them seven years to release a new album. He joked about how incredible their new music had to be since they had made their fans wait so long.
This got me thinking about time. I, too, have my own seven year gaps, secret dreams that drift, hoping to rescued, valued, and tended.
When the band finally performed “Chasing Cars,” it didn’t matter that seven years had passed.
We still knew every word.
Ten things I like about me
I was supposed to write this post yesterday. It was even on my to do list, but it felt too awkward to write.
In my gratitude journal, there was a prompt that asked me to write down ten things I like about myself.
I was able to list the first five qualities pretty quickly, but then I came to a halt. I couldn’t think of number six, seven, or eight…
The irony is that two of my blogging friends Em and Little Miss Sunshine have written posts about being comfortable in your own skin, and in both their comment sections I said that I was grateful for the body I live in. Still, I felt awkward thinking about the things I like about myself and even more awkward about sharing those things with all of you.
Who knew this gratitude journal would really make me think?
Here’s what I ended up coming up with:
- I can stay calm when others get angry. I salute those years where I worked as a customer service rep.
- I can see both sides. It’s the mediator in me.
- I’m a learner of all types.
- I’m a faithful friend.
- I’m a poet.
- I can be a good listener.
- I’m stubborn. This wasn’t always a characteristic my parents enjoyed as I was growing up, but I use my powers more for good than evil now.
- I have wavy hair (not featured in this picture), which reminds me that I need to update my “about me” photo since I no longer have long hair, and I grew out my bangs a century ago.
- I’m quiet. Sometimes my silence inspires anxiousness in others, but it’s something I’ve come to appreciate.
- I can sing some really good karaoke. Bring on any song with freakishly long notes; that’s what really gets me going.
How easy or difficult would it be for you to rattle off ten things you like about yourself?I’d love to know a few. 🙂
XO
T. Shaw
Exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun
This past week I vacationed in Alaska with my husband, my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law, my three nieces, and my nephew.
Here’s a photo of the squad.
This trip has been in the works for almost two years! My mom traveled to Alaska two summers ago with a group of her friends, and she had the absolute time of her life. When she came home, she couldn’t stop talking about the adventures she’d had and her desire for all of us to make the same trip.
(Here’s just a glimpse of the beauty we witnessed in AK)
But you and I know vacations are never as glamorous as they appear in the photos we capture, and this trip was no different. Traveling with ten humans is no joke. Some of us are introverts; others are extroverts. Some of us like to sleep in; others like to stay up late. You have shower schedules and people with varying appetites. Not everyone likes mustard on their sandwiches.
We also came to realize that even though we’re blood, we’re not always the best communicators.
Still, this trip was special. Being a long distance Auntie, it really meant a lot to be with my kiddos, to ride with them in the bed of a truck, to play cards with them on a ferry, to cheer them on as they reeled in fish, and to listen to their riddles.
Here they are, from oldest to youngest!
They each have wildly different personalities and from each of these precious young humans I gleaned something special this week.
In no particular order, here are some of the bits of wisdom I collected from these kids.
- Don’t be afraid to somersault when everyone else is walking
- Never give up, even if you continually reel in seaweed
- Share your talents, even among strangers
- Make friends wherever you go
There ya have it. In keeping with my Gratitude Series, this week I’m most thankful for the opportunity to vacation with my family, even if we are a crazy bunch.
What are you most grateful for this week?
XO
T. Shaw
It mocks me
It mocks me—the grand piano—that resides in my living room.
It was purchased for my older brother. After playing for some time, his piano instructor recommended that my parents buy a bigger keyboard for him, but our dad brought home the monster with white teeth instead. My family and I always give my dad a hard time about this—his go big or go home attitude. He’s a very humble man, but sometimes he has expensive taste.
My brother played for awhile, but eventually the instrument was no longer a priority. His interests changed, but that was okay, because my parents believed I could learn to play. The problem was that I never hit the keys until an hour before my lesson, because I believed that I could master a piece without training.
I have had three piano teachers, so it’s obvious I’m the problem. I always joke that if there was only a pill to swallow that provided instant mastery of an instrument I’d take it.
Since a pill of that sort doesn’t exist, I’ll try something I’ve never tried before: consistent practice.
Currently, I’m on page 109 in Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course: Level 1. I hope to finish the book by the end of this year.
XO
T. Shaw
Happy Father’s Day
Today, I’d like to wish all you dads a Happy Father’s Day! Yesterday, we spent time in San Diego, CA, to honor my dad. We didn’t take any pictures, but I’d like to add an oldie but a goodie of my parents.
He is an incredibly selfless, hardworking man. When I picture him, he’s outside working in the yard, wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, and a bucket hat to block out the sun.
He is loyal and loving, and I am extremely blessed to have him as my own.
XO
T. Shaw
Her Pen Pal
For my nephew
Her Pen Pal
Through the bay window
One eye may spy
Six humans, a chattering of chicks,
A Doberman duo, a duckling duet,
And one cat with a gimp.
Their lives orchestrated by
Slap shots, take downs, touch
Downs, layups, yellow cards,
Major scales, call times, and
Camping trips.
Still the boy finds time for
Dear Auntie,
To share about his day,
What’s keeping him busy,
How he celebrated Easter, and
That he relly enjoys when
She writes back.
The Ultimate Party Crasher
The Ultimate Party Crasher
All impurities swept and mopped,
Tables ornamented with
Praying napkins in
Coordinating colors to
Match blue vases borrowed
From her sister’s summer wedding,
Now filled with flowers from
Miss Shelly’s stand at
Famers market.
Doorbells ring, guests arrive,
Stacking gifts, munching chips and dips,
And exchanging home renovation tips, concerning
Outdoor patios, stainless steel appliances,
And the latest candle scents.
Until he arrives,
The ultimate party crasher.
He’s never invited and never notices
How you’ve prepped and planned.
He sneaks in to suck and scavenge,
Slighting every party guest,
From person to person he
Indiscriminately pests, stealing
a taste from everyone’s plate.
And there’s nothing you can do
But wish you could,
Like him—fly.
Five dollar yoga
Five Dollar Yoga
Her eyes rise as
a soft tide amid a forest
of dreams. Her ears hear
dishes clink on the other
side of Shavasana. She envisions
a couple clasping hands across
an expanse with four legs.
For the first time,
she can sense time tick as
the fan breathes. Her eyes
should be shut, but she’s pulled
to praise. To exhale an
offering—all she has,
kneeling before her only need.
Her hands rise from her side
to rest on a hopeful
vacancy. She’s waited
to be filled, and at present,
she is.
In response to the daily prompt: forest
Graduation
At the beginning of this year, I took a personality test.
I wasn’t at all surprised to find out that my type is mediator.
Never expect me to side with you. I’m always on the other side, and when I am on the other side, I’m with you.
Like all good personality tests, the website included a section called “Mediators You May Know.”
I was surprised to find J.R.R. Tolkien, Frodo Baggins, and Arwen on the list. I was also excited, because The Lord of Rings was on my professor’s syllabus, which meant I would read the novels in a few months. (I had seen the movies, but it had been a long time)
Little did I know that Arwen isn’t even in the books. I mean, she exists, but her role is minor. Therefore, I could not identify with her character.
I also didn’t feel very Frodo-esque while reading. He’s more mission-minded than I am. It’s also hard to tell what’s him and what’s the Ring.
Finally, one can only assume so much about Tolkien by simply reading what he writes. Although, I am now interested in reading his biography to see if I can spot any similarities.
It wasn’t until The Two Towers that I finally discovered the character most like me:
Treebeard.
I am not altogether on anybody’s side, because nobody is altogether on my side . . .
I’m also not very hasty. 😉
But by the very end of The Return of the King, I finally observed a bit of Frodo in me. It’s the way he suffers silently. Although I’ve never carried a burden so great, I typically struggle alone. I won’t share what afflicts me until I’ve reached the other side.
**
I also have a final thesis update for you all.
I FINISHED.
Yesterday, I graduated and earned my M.A. in English.
Again, I feel similar to Frodo. The Ring is destroyed. My academic quest accomplished, but I feel quite sad. An age ends, but I know a new one begins.
I’m excited to get back into blogging. While writing my thesis, I abandoned my blogging schedule, but now I’m ready to get back on track. To start, I’ll be posting new content every Friday. 🙂
Thank you all for being patient with me and lending me your support.
Happy Friday!
💜 T. Shaw
T. Shaw 