6.25.2008

Along about dusk...



...my daughter and I unfolded an old comforter down in the backyard, laid it out perfect and square halfway between the maple and the dead ash. We settled with our faces pointed skyward, Olivia resting her head in the crook of my arm. With a cream orange sky fanned long and vibrant over the mountains and fireflies rising up lazily in pairs from the grass I felt humbled and hushed, as if we were in an audience and the curtain had just been raised on the best magic show there ever was.
One star appeared and then oh so slowly another and we made serious wishes on each. A bat swooped along in its search for dinner and a few minutes later another followed and then another as we pointed and giggled at their clumsy fluttering display. Birds soared and airplanes trailed above with flashing lights as we imagined their destinations. In no hurry, we stayed like this long past our usual time of going in and brushing teeth and getting ready for bed. Olivia turned her small frame toward me in that way she has of fitting as close and right as a puzzle piece. She smelled of lavender and sunshine. “A little longer,” she said, a mystic reading my mind, and I nodded. I allowed my own body to sink deeper into the blanket, closer to the earth. I could feel the roots I had placed here on my one acre lot of land that seemed to hold my entire world most days. I filled my lungs with deep draws of cool night air and a bird only barely silhouetted low in the ash tree began to sing. “Let’s close our eyes,” Olivia said, “and pretend that we are sisters, tiny fairy sisters resting on a lily petal. The bird is our adopted mama and she's singing us a lullaby, singing us to sleep.”
“Oh let’s,” I said and so we did.

15 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

What a beautifully written, magical post...
Thank you,
Kim

Carmen said...

What a precious vision. Beautiful post.

xo,

Carmen

Regina said...

Wonderful!
When you described the bats pursuits as clumsy, I had to pause to think about that. But then I realized that was a great way to describe their funny movements in the air. I'm so glad you appreciate them - so many people just shrink in fear.

The Feathered Nest said...

Tricia, what a beautiful, magical post....thank you for taking me there ~ xxoo, Dawn

Valaine said...

Such a sacred memory - how do you do it - put them into words? You are a very dear soul. I just came in from working in the hot sun and wanted desperately to jump in the cool shower, but I stopped by the computer to see what you've been up to. Thank you for reminding me in my day of doing chores to take it slow for the rest of the day and truly be present with my children. I love when Samantha pretends that we are sisters :) Your post made cry and remember!

Tiffany Trent said...

So lovely. If I could be a mother, I'd want to be just like you. *hugs*

Anonymous said...

Oh Tricia,
I wanted to see what you've been doing with your art and photography and here you are, capturing a beautiful moment with words. Daughters are unique, wonderful and give such unexpected gifts. Olivia is a treasure. I'm off to "therapy" with a smile and a glisten in my eye.
Love, Katrina

Rella said...

When I read your posts about time spent with Oliviabird.....I always, always think about the stories that Olivia will tell when she is a young woman and remembering these precious times with you.
xo Rella

LIBERTY POST EDITOR said...

One of the most beautiful and lyrical posts I have ever read. Please visit my blog to see the post I did! Thanks.

Relyn Lawson said...

There aren't really words to tell you how much I love this post. Especially this, "turned her small frame toward me in that way she has of fitting as close and right as a puzzle piece". I think every reader who ever loved a child just sighed in contentment with all the lovely memories that flooded our minds. Olivia is one blessed little girl. And you are blessed because you know how much you have been given.

d smith kaich jones said...

Oh! Yes. I am indebted to Relyn for pointing me here, and to you for this piece of enchantment. I needed this tonight. Bless you.

:) Debi

paris parfait said...

Such a lovely post - you've brought back memories from my own childhood and from a time with my daughter when living in Jordan. Thank you!

spread your wings said...

Relyn sent me here today and i'm so glad she did. This is one of the most beautiful post i've read - on this cold winter day i can feel the soft summer warmth and hear the crickets sing. i can't wait to browse your site and see your beautiful creations.

d smith kaich jones said...

This is one of the most incredible, magical things I've ever read. Ever. If I repeat myself, pay no mind - I posted a comment last night & it has disappeared. I am repeating it because truly, truly, this is wonderful.

Thank you!
:) Debi

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhh...that IS such a perfect moment. Sigh...