Dancing with Jesse

I was recently asked to write about some transformational events in my life.  This was the third one that came to mind, but my favorite to relate...

     The third event took place on a dance floor last December.  It had been the most beautiful ceremony as our son, Jesse, exchanged vows with dear, lovely Annie under a spreading oak in an open meadow.  Now the celebration had moved indoors and it was time for the groom to dance with his mama.  It wasn’t required, but we had decided to do it.  I don’t know why, really, because I’m hopeless at being led.  I dance alone.  I dance in my bedroom and at the stove as I wait for the kettle to boil.  I don’t dance with a partner in public.  

     We had decided to go for it even though there was no time to practice; no time for me to unlearn the stepping on his feet I was sure to do.  As we faced each other, holding hands and waiting for the music to begin, I smiled into his sweet, young face and asked, “So, what are we going to do?”  “We’re gonna go crazy,” he grinned.  

     The first notes of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love began, (a song I had chosen, for goodness sake!) and we did exactly that.  We went crazy.  We danced all over that floor and we had an absolute riot.  The crowd was wildly enthusiastic for us.  I danced with abandon and the utter joy of celebrating Jesse and Annie’s love.  When I came off the floor, a close, long-time friend said, “How have I never known you had that in you??”  I laughed and looked over at my folks, “Don’t worry,” I confided, “My parents didn’t know it either.”  

     I was transformed through that dance by the sheer delight I sensed from God as I cut loose and celebrated all that is good about love and marriage.  Completely at ease in my own skin, I experienced the pleasure of being myself.  I was transformed by the assurance that God enjoys a good party—and so very thankful I don’t have to be a Puritan.

(Photo by Jessica Taylor at 37 Degrees )

December 9th

And I would like to think that I can capture that day
the cold bright air
steeped in light
sparkling

We had worked hard, and played some
grilled, feasted
thrown our weight into it
and laughed

(How we laughed)

The empty meadow under heavy oak
spread her lacy welcome
freshly green and
magnificently tender

And while we could not add to her beauty
we brought small gifts
fresh flowers and our own
bonny faces

But more than that
we brought our love
to surround, yes, embrace
to stand with you

The meadow said--
"This is the place!"

You declared--
"She is my love!"

Radiant, she confessed--
"As he is mine."

And then, most truly
it was time
to dance

Love is better
than all else
and yours is deep and fine
and true

And I was unspeakably proud
of all that was there
the simple and most perfect beauty
the host of most remarkable friends

We danced our joy
Danced our blessing
Danced our wordless, whirling
Wonder

Your lives together from now on--
This, O this,
yes this, is simply
Hallelujah


-lisa, 21 January 2013

Jesse and Annie :)

Jesse and Annie were married on Sunday, December 9th.  It was an incredible weekend.  I'm not sure when my heart will catch up, or maybe slow down, or be able to express herself.

In the mean time, Annie's brother (in law) has captured it well over on his photography blog.  I love his photos and his words about our time together.

Follow this link to Enjoy the celebrations...

Dead on My Feet (or MOG Dress Shopping is Not for the Faint of Heart)

OK, I admit I've kind of waited till the last minute to buy a dress for the wedding.  I am Mother of the (gorgeous, dreadlocked) Groom and all eyes will certainly not be fixed on me in less than 2 weeks, but I do want to like the way I look.  I have a sad little history of important occasions matched with dresses  I didn't get to pick for myself, so I'm holding on to my right to shop, it's just that I've left it rather late, giving time as other dust settled.

Yes, much busyness has played a role but, let's be honest, Heather only arrived from Tanzania on Friday and her absence has been a factor.  I might be claiming my right to dress myself, but no self-respecting mother of a teenage girl is really going to make the final choice without that stamp of approval from her fourteen year old female offspring.  I'm not gonna lie-- Heather has to weigh in on this.

So, today started with a rather innocent plan to stop at Nordstrom Rack, Macy's and Anthropologie.  How was I to know it would unfold into a major, day-long operation which saw Byron and Heather bundling seemingly endless selections to my dressing room(s).  May I just say that some of the things they brought me were completely ridiculous?  I appreciate the sentiment that they think I'm slender, but I don't know who they thought some of those things were going to fit.  We hobbled home at the end of the day, bonded, like people who have been through crisis together and survived, and, best of all, we secured a dress!  (Turns out, they're pretty good personal shoppers.)

Well, I've figured out that I'm in a no-woman's-land between youthful and matronly attire.  If I lean toward the cute, younger styles, I immediately look silly.  If I I lean toward the classic, grown up woman styles, I immediately look significantly more boring than I feel.

In the end, I think we hit a happy balance of sorts...  Truth is, I came home with three dresses from which to make the final choice.   (Oh the wonder of the convenient return policies in the States!) You see, the dress is just the beginning.  I now have to factor in where I'm going to land on the Plain&Practical -- Pretty&Painful spectrum of shoes and, after that, I'll need to think about, you know,  earrings and such.  In the end, I'm sure I'll fall somewhere fun but safe on the shoes and wear simple jewelry I already own.  What I really need to think about is if there is time between now and the wedding to learn how to properly apply natural yet amazing looking make-up.  #thingsiwishiknewhowtodo

Wish me luck!

Ready. Set. Engaged!

Jesse and Annie became engaged on May 21st :-) We're so very happy with them!  This sweet turn of events has prompted a few of my friends to ask me how I'm doing and if I was ready for this important FIRST in our lives. I find myself wondering, "What's ready?"  Was I expecting it? Yes.  I mean, I've been expecting it for quite some time and I actually had to work on not expecting it! Every time I thought I had it figured out, I didn't.

But, ready... What would that look like?