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I hoard fingernail polish. I buy the cheap kind and I buy the crazy colors made for 13 year olds. Why not?
Before I went to bed last night I tried to paint my fingernails a sparkly purple and I succeeded. Now my fingernails tell me I am still young and pretty, even if my hair hasn't been washed in a day or three. If you have a hard time feeling good about yourself, might I suggest nail painting? It seems to work for me.
I forgot to tell you I turned 31 about a week ago. When I turned 30 I freaked out, and that day was full of resolutions to fully live life. I mean, 30 is the edge of the grave right?
I think my 31st year was heralded with more grace and satisfaction. We ate cake on Lightning McQueen plates and I got to listen to two rousing editions of Happy Birthday and I loved every second of it.
This year I'm less concerned about action and more concerned about atmosphere. I will paint my nails, I will make things lovely even if they're small things. I will hug people who cry, I will feed people who are hungry, I will read them stories when they need more wonder.
We can all do this, right here, right now. I have times where I still want to run away to Europe and write angsty novels in a cafe while drinking coffee and smoking unfiltered cigarettes (don't we all?).
In reality I'm enjoying the honor of creating an entire world for three little boys. They haven't dreamed of Europe yet, and they don't enjoy angsty novels. They do enjoy the simple things. Things like bubble baths and babies, New Year's Parties that end at 9 p.m., fresh crayons, sticker books, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Snicker doodles and a New Year's resolution to keep the cookie jar full (apparently it requires me making cookies every other day), trips to the zoo, trips to the farm, winter sunsets, and lots of hugs from their mother who has sparkly fingernails.
So here's to full cookie jars and stuffed animals, to the primary colors and the smell of melting wax. Here's to Elmer's glue, matchbox cars, and Raffi in the morning.
"Wherever you are, be all there*" and make it sparkle.
(*quote by Jim Eliot, but I added the last part)
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