Today, I'm joining others in a five minute writing exercise called Five Minute Fridays. I hope you play along, too.
When I look in the mirror, I see layers of me. I see the surface, skin and its attendant mid-life acne. What is up with that? I see a sassy new do and a slightly misshapen nose. I see a body that has birthed the babies and nourished the life into them with milk. I see a long gone youth of scars from playing in the woods behind the house in Pittsburgh. I see new scars from new journeys into running and play. I see the crazy mess of a bathroom shared by 5 people who have little respect for boundaries in a crazy and triumphantly loving way.
When I look in the mirror, I see the me who is and the me I was and I find that they can exist together, peacefully in one newly 40 year old body. I see a woman who craves the desire of her husband and the strong limbs of a mother who carried those babies, who carries them still in the limbs of her heart.
Looking in the mirror feels at once arrogant and practical. I balance vanity with plain hygiene.
Jen, you're amazing. I love the way you write. You articulate the things I think but cannot say.
ReplyDeleteCan I steal your bathroom line? It's spectacular.
Love you girl! Happy Birthday!
mk
the me who is and was--i love that. so true.
ReplyDeleteand yes, bathroom boundaries. my babes are just 1 and 3--are you saying i will NEVER be alone in there?!
i was born in the 'burgh and lived in bloomfield a few years ago. do you still call pittsburgh home?
Love this! So glad you've joined the fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful line:
"I see a woman who craves the desire of her husband and the strong limbs of a mother who carried those babies, who carries them still in the limbs of her heart."
Loved this Jennifer. You really flow as a writer. I'm going to start doing Five Minute Fridays. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMyra
I'm visiting from Five Minute Friday. Enjoyed your writing! This 40 year old mom smiled at the statement you made about sharing the bathroom with your family :)
ReplyDelete