( space )

I like it when you remember to smile.

We, put our toes in blue bells. The leaves seep between our bodies.
A bee lands on your nose.

We make a wish when it goes.

You aint nothin but a Hound Dog

Hm.

Planning a wedding is quite the extravaganza.

Elaine told me to keep it simple and I PROMISE I am trying my HARDEST.

But I really want a cappuccino bar, live music, and a Mediterranean vibe.

As the guest list continues to involuntarily expand, not mind you due to the work of my own fingertips, I half-heartedly consider Zak's dad's suggestion of Vegas.

Elvis seems so much more practical at this moment. And when you're saying he's simpler than the vision in my head, you know our lives are getting interesting.



Today, when I went to pick up lunch for work, I got an intense craving for Skittles. Allow me to undo all my bridal bootcamp workouts with a 1lb bag of rainbow colored goodies.

Hello, Cavities, meet my sweet tooth.

Blood is thicker than water

When I say family the word softens in my teeth. It is a round word, a Whole word.

I know a lot of words that are clipped, or broken. Fear is a broken word, and Money sounds like a window that has shattered. Even Faith has its ups and downs.

Words that have no meaning like cup or plate are broken, too. I dropped a cup this morning and it sprinkled across my toes like the dust from which we come.

Family never returns to dust. Family comes from bones, travels in blood, slips into the next generation because the previous one gave it breath.

A sister is a Conspirator. A sister shares your emotions, shivers when you're cold, sips from your cup of coffee and laughs when the froth gets stuck on your nose.

A mother is a Dreamer. A mother knows your brain, gets inside your heart, fills your limbs with the will to move forward, to reach larger, to love deeper.

A father is a Listener. A father's kiss rests eternally on your forehead, hands consistently support your step, eyes forever watching and breathing and encouraging you to learn, to pause and appreciate, to memorize the glory of the lines in the faces of your loved ones.

A cousin is a Learner. A cousin stumbles through your same problems, wades through the same experiences, gives and takes advice when your foreheads are pressed together in the middle of the night waiting for the next big Change, for the next great Adventure.

An aunt is a Helper. An aunt recognizes the fear in your voice and the joy in your eyes with her hands outstretched to lead you between each stepping stone even when your ankles are wobbly and your heart is afraid to be strong.

An uncle is an Example. An uncle shows the way to walk and not trip, the way to laugh contagiously, the way to life a life steeped in prayer, fluent in understanding, drenched in compassion.


---
In 141 days, the list will be longer.
It already feels longer, to me.

Feb 1 - March 1 was surreal.

Well, how's THAT for overdrive?

It's been exactly one month today since it all started and I don't know how to catch you up. Maybe three-word phrases?

- We are Engaged
- Wedding's in July
- Vendors like Brides
- Stopped doing laundry
- and all homework
- TheKnot New Bestfriend
(that one cheated)
- All Dresses Ordered
- Photographer, Musicians - Check
- Afternoon Waterside Reception
-  Can't Remember Poetry

The reason behind this last one is that poetry--well, any writing--requires a time/space set aside for quiet contemplation and complete absorption in a world of make-believe.


Space moves silent
if treetops wave;
triptych waves listen:
trip frostbitten toes.


Dear World-Diary you are my oyster. I have diamonds on my fingers. The future rests on my nose.