Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The past few weeks this has been the sign hanging in the window of my life.

I am Shopkeeper.



It starts early in the morning when my teenager opens my bedroom door with far too much enthusiasm and half whispers/half shouts into my room, "Mom! Good morning! Get up!" If by chance I don't actually move my body to prove I'm awake she continues in German (singing mercilessly) for greater effect: "Guten Tag! Guten Tag!" Which, of course, gets me up ten-hut so she'll stop.

The life of a working mom is anything but monotonous. Between caring for people with the stomach flu, cooking meals, cleaning for six and keeping the home looking cozy and welcoming, there are dashes to the computer to craft linguistically sensual texts, make arrangements for my clients, smile and be professional while wiping orange juice up off the floor.

There are the nights we moms stay up helping kids get their projects completed (though we wish with all our hearts for bed), juxtaposed with the nights we stay up assisting professionals get their projects completed (still wishing for bed).

And yet, there is nothing I'd cut out of my day. But there is something I'd add to it: more love.

Do they sell that at my shop? Is there a "Help Yourself" sign at the register for when I'm busy stocking the shelves?

20 comments:

Ola said...

You are a brave girl and I am sure you are combining these 2 lifes -as mom and as professional very well!
I hope that you also can find just a few minutes for relax:)

PJ van Zyl said...

and still we enjoy it ;-)

penny said...

All of the hats you ware, you ware well, Allie :)

Stored in the memory of tender moments is where Love resides. Rewind, replay, repeat when need be.

Hugs n smiles,
Pam i am :)

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

It good to have a purpose isn't Allison.

Out on the prairie said...

Sometimes love is all around us, and we need to look a bit deeper.You have a complex world and lots of roles to be part of.Always love to hear from you.

Judy said...

I like that title...shopkeeper. I hope you don't get sick as well and have to take a 'sick' day from your shop ;)

Dawn said...

I like the sign....
You have a crazy life, yet isn't it funny how we love it all?
But you're right...the love needs to be there in order to make it all count!
The Shopkeeper here needs to order more in....
Thank you!!!

Changes in the wind said...

Even boring, not busy lives would be enchanced by more love:) It is what makes the world go round.

TexWisGirl said...

i wish more peaceful times for you - just moments here and there to soak in the love all around you. and the love from far away as well. :)

Meg said...

I think "shopkeeper" is the best description of being a mom I've heard so far. Keeping shop and customer service, for sure! :) I also love that your girl sings you up in the morning. Heehee!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes, I feel like the 'zookeeper'...but I think I prefer 'shopkeeper' much better, so I may borrow that word from you. :)

Reading about your daughter coming into your room waking you with good morning songs (in German) just brought a big smile to my face.
Hugs from way over here in KY

Raindrops and Daisies said...

Hello dear Allison,

I can relate to everything that you posted!

Being a working mum is difficult at times, trying to keep everything going right.

Love your teenager singing good morning to you,
what a great wake up call!!!

Take care of you.



Fiona x

Nancy said...

I remember those times very well. I never gave it second thought. Now, I more to time to spend on more things I want to do -- but I miss the busy-ness of those days. :)

Nancy said...

PS -- I did find three pairs of needles at my thrift store for $1 a piece. :)

Carole Barkett said...

It is a difficult age you are at. I wish there were such a shop :O)

Randy said...

More power to you.

Southern Lady said...

Oh, I've been there, my friend! A working mother's job is never done! I am sure you do a wonderful job in all that you do! Carla

Debbie said...

If only you truly knew how loved you really are...If you could feel it for even a moment your shelves would be full.

BTW - I've been watching the driveway waiting for you to pull up for our trip to the bazaar!

Love you!
Debbie

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