Gold and Crimson

Fall is the day growing shorter as the sun drifts off to sleep an hour earlier

Fall is placing tulip bulbs into the rich, fresh soil

Fall is a mother carefully sewing each stitch of a homemade Halloween costume for her anxious child

Fall is creating buck-toothed jack-o-lanterns out of a plump orange pumpkin

Fall is a masked child scurrying door to door in hope of some delicious goodies

Fall is a brightly colored leaf dancing swiftly to the ground

Fall is wallowing in a gigantic pile of gold and crimson

Fall is the graceful migration of those flying south

Fall is the cool air kissing a freckled cheek

Fall is the pumpkin spice from inside the kitchen, teasing a hungry belly

Fall is the feeling

the smell

the experience,

that I wait for all year long

So that poem was written by 7th grade me. And while I can't attest to the poetic genius of my 12 year old self, I can vouch for my undying love for fall.

The second September hits,  I'm pulling out my scarves and boots and heading to Barnes & Noble in search of a book and cozy chair.

I can't wait for more stormy days so I can wrap myself in a blanket, grab a mug of steeping tea, and wait for rain. I welcome it!

Thanksgiving will be here in just a few short weeks. Turkey, pie, and BINGO to ensue.

Christmas rushes in too quickly, taking over the golden laziness of autumn.

I beg, WAIT!

Just a few more moments--please!

National Bullying Prevention Month

As many of you know, I have the most beautiful, most clever, and most talented little girl in the world. So maybe I am a bit bias but she really, truly is the best daughter any mother could ask for.

If you've never read or seen The Help, there is a tender scene between the house maid, Aibileen, and the child she cares for, Mae Mobley. Mae Mobley's mother is neglectful, inattentive, and uncaring. Seeing how badly Mae Mobley needs the love and attention of her mother, Aibileen makes it a point to fill the void and positively affirm Mae Mobley's self-worth.

Rocking Mae Mobley in her nursery, Aibilene says,

"You is a smart girl. You a kind girl, Mae Mobley. You hear me? You is kind, you is smart, you is important!"

 And as soon as Mae Mobley is able to talk, Aibilene instructs her to repeat the self-affirmation,

"You is kind, you is smart, you is important!"

Taking a cue from Aibilene and Mae Mobley, I have made it a point to tell Lolli every day how much I love her, how wonderful she is, and how perfect she will always be. We've even adopted an affirmation of our own,

I am beautiful, smart, and special!

Every time Lolli draws a picture, makes up a dance, or sings a song, Ryan and I shower her with compliments and tell her how amazing she is. We go overboard with love and praise. The way I see it, if she's not getting it at home, where else is she going to find the love and appreciation she not only deserves but needs??

There are mean, mean people in this world.

Being a curvier and bigger girl all my life, I've found myself on the receiving end of some very hurtful comments, remarks, and jabs from very close-minded, judgmental, and misinformed people. Luckily, I have a family who loves me and, more importantly, continues to express their love for me each day. I've grown to know my self-worth. I've gained the confidence to assert that regardless of what the world thinks or says about me,

 I am beautiful! I am smart! I am special!!

Still, there are those who try to break us down, take that knowledge away from us. Recently,  CBS WKBT news anchor Jennifer Livingston was attacked by one of these insensitive individuals. Here is a video of the hurtful email Jennifer received and her response:

 

"Do not let your self-worth be defined by bullies...The cruel words of one are nothing compared to the shouts of many."

Let us fill our homes with shouts of praise and acceptance, drowning out the weak voices of cruelty and ignorance. No matter the world's opinion, know your self-worth. 

 You are beautiful! You are smart! You are special!!