Thursday, October 27, 2011

Book Review: The Help

I recently finished The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  (No, I did not take this picture – I got it off of Amazon.)  It is the story of three women who bravely cross the racial boundaries of 1960’s Jackson, Mississippi to write a book about the experiences of black women who work in white women’s homes.  Each chapter in the book they write focuses on various white women that they work for – observations from the inside.  Aside from the expected revelations about bigotry in a time a place I do not understand, the things that stuck with me most where the incredible strength and power of these black women.  I was humbled as I read about them working all day cleaning someone else’s house and taking care of someone else’s children (many times offering more love and affection than the child received from their own mother), only to come home at the end of the day to their own homes and families that needed tending.  I cannot stay on top of my own life, let alone two completely separate lives. 

Another thing that stuck out to me and that I keep asking myself is: “What would my chapter look like?”.  If someone were to silently observe my life, all facets, what would they see?  And I guess, more importantly, how would my children write my chapter?  And my husband?  And myself?  Because it is our little life going on here.  So I keep asking myself: What do I see?  And what am I doing about it?

One more thing, I want Aibileen to come live at my house for a while and teach me how to be a whole lot more like her.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Halloween? Really?

Is anyone else astounded it is time for Halloween already?  Normally I relish fall.  I can’t wait to dig out all my sweaters and jackets and wear snuggly socks all day long.  But this year I’m just not ready.  I think it has something to do with the fact that the sun did not shine and the weather did not get above 75 until the second week in August around here.  Dah! 

My trees are not even ready for it to be fall.  I have only one tree that is starting to turn colors at all – and that is just barely.  It’s cold and wet enough to be fall, but it wasn’t warm enough long enough to really be the end of summer (I don’t think it helped that my kids started school an entire week later than any year ever before!).  My internal clock is telling me it’s just not time for all this.  So how do I force my way through it?  I listen to Christmas music while I cut out Halloween decorations.  ;>

Monday, October 17, 2011

The Top

Wilcox Family Beach Trip 074

There is no substitution for genuine happiness.  Life is going well, but is very busy.  Between school and band practice and swimming lessons and a cold or two and a rather large sewing project and General Conference and Family Night and a small trip and Activity Days and Scouts and homework and dreams about my retainer breaking (again) and a few bad days (oh, that math homework), life is feeling quite fantastic at the moment.  I have so much to blog about but this morning is already full of cleaning and shopping and stories and cuddles and dishes and laundry.  All I have time to post today is my favorite picture from our family beach trip.  My niece, Brooklyn, and I climbed all the way to the top of the dune in Pacific City.  Today I feel like this picture – at the top of the world with someone I dearly love.  I realize the feeling may not last long, but it’s the best feeling there is – so I’m enjoying the moment.  I hope life is looking good for you, too.  Now I’m off to answer a child’s call for help from the school office (never a dull moment, I tell ya).

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