Miranda: One Dreamy Day in June

Yesterday was one of those days. No, not one of THOSE days, but one of those days. Those rare, crystalline days when the clock seems to slow its frantic pace — and magically, there’s time for everything.

I woke up before my alarm went off, feeling refreshed after an unusually restful weekend. Seemingly without effort, I went through my morning routine (20 minutes of meditation, breakfast and lunches for the family, planning the day and a brief intention journal entry, tidied the house, and started a load of laundry). Then I took Liam (my youngest) to preschool and came home to finish a client writing project while Aidan (my 6-year-old, already out of school for the summer) played Lego Star Wars. Then I completed the week’s menu plan, cleaned out the fridge, and took Aidan and the dog for a thoroughly enjoyable walk. We then went off to do the grocery shopping, run an errand, and read a few pages in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the parking lot before it was time to get Liam.

Already feeling in the flow, we came home and the boys played in the driveway with a fresh set of sidewalk chalk while I put the groceries away. Then we went downstairs to the teenagers’ man-cave to hear some new Dear Hunter tracks that my oldest (Russell, home from college) wanted to play for me. The little guys jumped gleefully on the sectional and wrestled on the floor while I enjoyed a cup of coffee, smiling as Russell tackled Liam, who screamed in glee. It’s amazing to watch my children, in their wide range of ages, enjoy each other.

The rainy morning had cleared into sunshine, so after I advanced the laundry we all moved out onto the patio. Russell tried to focus on his own book as I read another chapter in Harry Potter to Aidan. Liam was in and out, playing with the cats and absconding with my iPhone. After a good long reading session, Aidan ran off to join his other older brother, Matthew, who was playing hacky sack in the driveway with a few of his friends. I figured this was a good time to work on a short piece I’m writing for the upcoming CCA newsletter, so while Liam was still busy with my phone (and nearly falling asleep) I sat with him on the couch and knocked out the short article. It was one of those beautifully satisfying writing sessions where the piece comes together on its own. I sent it off for review, feeling utterly content. I had finished both of the writing projects that I’d planned for the day.

With a bit more time to spare (how was this possible?) the little boys and I played a long game of Sorry and then had Loud and Crazy Dance Time while I assembled dinner (chef’s salad night, where I put out a dozen different salading items, make some fresh salad dressing, and everyone fixes their own). My husband hadn’t come home from work yet, the older boys were busy with friends, and my daughter was passed out cold (more on that here) so Aidan, Liam, and I had dinner on our own, followed by an overly gluttonous feast of organic kiwi.

Just after we went upstairs to start bathtime, my husband arrived and took over bedtime preparations while I went downstairs to start a mammoth bill-paying and bookkeeping session (long overdue) while my daughter emerged from her cocoon, had dinner, and cleaned up the kitchen (her nights are Mondays and Tuesdays). After tucking the little boys in, I banged away at another hour of Quicken before going up to bed. Not that balancing the checking account is a fun thing to do, but I felt good about making progress (and about stopping at a pre-determined time).

I wish I could distill the lovely day into its magical ingredients.The day wasn’t “perfect” — Liam was a little grumpy and the dog peed on the dining room carpet again, after we just spent nearly $500 on vet bills and carpet cleaning after her last UTI — but I wasn’t thrown off center by those little “blips.” Why did time seem to slow down? Was it the hours spent outside? All that reading aloud? Was it the fact that I’d loosely planned the day and was able to accomplish all of my major intentions? Was it the mix of to-do list with unplanned fun? Was it not checking my e-mail too frequently? Was it the delicate, lovely interplay of creativity and motherhood?

I can’t know, of course. I can only hold the day lightly, and try not to squeeze it to death in my desire to recreate its beauty. I am deeply grateful. I inhale deeply, and make space for whatever comes next.

What makes your days lovely and long?