My mother is practically perfect. If I read this blog post to her, she’ll laugh and then she’ll say “don’t write that. People in town will think it’s true.” It is true; she’s almost perfect. I’m convinced that the key to her perfection is a handful of lines she keeps running in the back of her brain. She taught them to me when I was little and they pop into my ear at the most unlikely times in my life.
For instance, when I’m rushing around, trying to get something done, I can hear her saying “haste makes waste.” Haste has certainly produced some rotten fruit in my life.
Sometimes, these Helen-isms are lines from songs. Been jilted? Got a broken heart? “Smile, when your heart is aching, smile when your heart is breaking…”
This morning, I woke up a little tired and stiff. I’m thinking of a line I wrote back in 1987 in a post-college journal.
“All I wanted to do that summer was lie in bed and eat Cheez-its.”
There’s a lot going on this week and I’m all out of sorts. My internet connection is all messed up. I contemplated posting a “I’ll be back” sign on the blog while I manage the transitions of the week. I don’t like it when other bloggers do that, though, and Helen’s response to this would probably be “the show must go on.”
Yep, the show must go on.
Julie-Ann Baumer 
“All I wanted to do that summer was lie in bed and eat Cheez-its.”
I had this thought a lot when I was in Texas in 2010.
The lone Cheez-it state.
I call them, Jeez-its and I love them. They are the perfect food. If the world collapses, I hope my pantry is filled with boxes of Jeez-its.
Why Jeez-its? Well, think, WWJD? He would eat, Cheez-its, or I’d like to think He would, if living in 2013, during the Great Unwinding.
I see your mother knows when to relax, too.
Julie-Ann,
You’re right, this is a week filled with long thoughts, tough choices and overall work to get it all done. I think Helen may also say something like, “Don’t worry, everything will work itself out.”.
I always enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work. I may need future training. 🙂
Mary, you and Dave are so laid back and kind. You’re just what this little seaside condo needs. Hugs to infinity!