TABOO TRUTHS

I can  see my children at any age.  Their ponytails, their toothless smiles, their round plump cheeks….  It’s a true blessing bestowed upon a mother.  The ability to relive a lifetime with our children simply by closing our eyes.

A joyous and momentous occasion took place at the end of January.  My youngest daughter, Courtney reached a milestone.  She now joins the ranks of us who can retire to a quiet pub and enjoy a spirited beverage of her choice!  Our Taboo Truth threesome celebrated this event by venturing to New York City.  We stayed right in the heart of the city, Times Square and tirelessly scoured the city…enveloping ourselves in its warmth and vigor.  More to come on that subject.

Turning inward to explore my feelings of this moment in time has made me melancholy and anticipatory.  As with all children, Courtney breathed a new life into our family.  She has always had a mind of her own.  Always pushed to have her feelings or thought known.  Even at the innocent age of 3.  In many ways I see much of myself in her.  Not the child I was, but the woman life has molded me to be.  As I’ve observed her through these many years there have been moments when I wish I would have had her self confidence and diligence at such a young age.

As with both my girls, creativity drives Courtney’s soul.  She has been writing stories and plays since the age of 7.  Her ability to craft characters, think transcendently and image worlds that are crafted from what her minds sees is an amazing journey to witness.  As a child she was insightful and witty.  Never failing to toss a cute or funny comment into a conversation at just the right time.  Though small in stature, she be mighty in purpose!  Courtney has always felt comfort in times of solitude.  In the warm Michigan summers she would spend hours swinging listening to her “walkman” or lazily swaying on the suspended lounge dragging her toes in the sand of our backyard.  It wasn’t unusual for me to realize after hours in our home on a particular day, I had not seen her!  Without fail I would find her in her room nuzzled with a book.  Courtney has always been an avid reader!  Both my girls LOVED  me to read books to them nightly and Courtney’s love of the written word has never wavered.

Since our relocation to Virginia, Courtney and I have gained a closer connection that may not have been possible living Michigan.  We clung to each other in times of doubt and frustration.  It gave us the opportunity that Lindsay and I had to connect on a unique level.  I can truly say that she has grown to become one of my very best friends and has taught me as much as I her.  How lucky I am, to have my daughters evolve to become friends!  Courtney has brought back my love to write, encouraging me at every step.  She sees what you may not, she loves even in times you may be undeserving, she is loyal to those who know her inner being, she is tireless in her pursuit of self fulfillment and she is, and always will be my little munchkin.  Happy Birthday my love.  I love you with every breath…for what you have been, for all you are and the excitement of what is yet to come!  

I discovered this heavenly combination years ago.  But once in a while it becomes a necessity like the human body needs water!

I had a bit of a scare last night with my youngest.  She was riding a bus on JMU campus that  went out of control.  It crashed through a bus stop shelter, 2 trees finally halting once a cement wall was in its path.  Thank God, my girl is ok.  But it was one of many moments that we as mothers experience.  The reality that our force field of protection has limitations and at times is non-existent.  I’ve had several of these moments with both my girls.  Sitting there after learning the happenings directly from my daughter and her confirmed safety….reality set in.  In one moment, my life could have altered….forever.

So, time to dull the scare!  I partake of red wine for it’s positive health properties but more for  taste!  I had Horton Vineyards “Route 33″ red table wine opened from a few nights ago.  On the side  table was a dish of Dove Chocolate.  Time to get lost in a combined, rich, angelic flavor experience.  Truth be known my absolute favorite combination is Merlot and dark chocolate.  But this marriage definitely filled the void.  Specifically, Dove Milk Chocolate was consumed.  If you’ve never combined these two extraordinary elements together….here’s a little guide.

Step one: Sip red wine, flatten your tongue and slowly push to the roof of your mouth forcing the wine across the entire surface of your tongue.  Swallow slowly. (Ahhh…)

Step two: Take a bite of chocolate, hold it in your mouth until the chocolate begins to liquify.

Step three:  Repeat step one while the chocolate richness is still on your tongue.  (OH YES!!!)

Step four:  Repeat step one through three several times.

There are lots and lots of great chocolates out there.  Dove is a good one but one of my favorites is Gilberts Chocolates in Michigan.  Which chocolate do you fancy?  AND a favorite red wine to pair?

Related articles

• Chocolate and Willpower (lessonsfromtheendofamarriage.com)
• Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes (teacher-chef.com)

YES, this is my tip for today!  I raised my daughters that every voice counts.  Even more powerful is the sacrifice woman made for years…fighting to even have the right to make their thoughts know!  It is our responsibility as citizens and woman to participate in the process of democracy.

When my oldest Lindsay was about 7 years old a commercial for M&M appearing during one of her television shows.  It was the one with Halle Berry talking to (I think) the red M&M.  She was very sensual, erotic and suggestive.  I sat there thinking “Who is M&M targeting in this commercial??!!”  During the Magic School Bus cartoon show??  This is a children’s show for God sake!  Of course I made my thoughts known verbally and my daughter looked at me and asked “Mom, what could I do about it?”  I told her she could write a letter to the Mars Corporation.  Let them know how you feel about the portrayal of woman in this commercial and ask why it is running during your television show?

Both of my daughters are now of age to vote…and vote they do!  Whether you agree with our governmental process, even if you believe our system is in desperate need of a hard look…it is your RESPONSIBILITY to vote!  As woman, our predecessors found too long and hard for our right.  Time to make you voice heard!  (And if you don’t…don’t bitch about our state direction!)  Your thoughts?

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• Taboo Tip Tuesday – car guys you can trust! (the8tabootruths.com)