Slice 18 - Keeping Busy

       The March Slice of Life Challenge is hosted by Stacey and Ruth at their blog, Two Writing Teachers.

          In the Newbery medal winning book Moon Over Manifest Clare Vanderpool writes:  “Memories were like sunshine.  They warmed you up and left a pleasant glow, but you couldn’t hold them.”  I want to hold the last week’s memories, but know they will fade, like the sunshine no longer warms us when the clouds arrive and the temperature drops.

Vacuum- check

Duster - check

paper towels – check

spray cleaner – check

powdered cleanser – check

       And from the musical, Flower Drum Song, the words by Rodgers and Hammerstein flow:

Sunday, sweet Sunday,

With nothing to do,

Lazy and lovely,

My one day with you.

      Obviously, from the list above, you know that the song doesn’t quite work for me today.  My son, daughter-in-law and grandson, who moved to another state last year, have been here for a week, grandson Carter’s spring break.  We lived close to them for many years before this move and still miss them.  They left early this morning, and so, despite the song, I’m still not sure I can have a lazy Sunday.  I need to keep busy so I won’t miss them so much. 

     When I’m sad, I find exercise helps.  Later today in this warm weather undoubtedly we will go for a walk, but cleaning helps, too.  There is something good and distracting when tackling a task and then finishing it. 

     And as I clean I take the opportunity of singing old songs that lighten my mood.  Pack up all your cares and woes, here I go singing low, lyrics by Rickie Lee Jones is the beginning of a song titled Bye Bye Blackbird.  You can find the rest of the lyrics here.

        sheets off the bed and into washer – check           

        clean one bathroom – put bath rugs downstairs by washer to be washed - check

        clean second bathroom – leave those towels for Monday - check

     Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you/sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you are some of the lyrics of another favorite of mine, Dream A Little Dream of Me, made famous here by Mama Cass of the Mama’s and Papa’s and written by Wilbur Schwandt, Gus Kahn, and Fabian Andre.  It just makes me happy, light-hearted, and I love thinking back to those days when Mama Cass would just start singing and everyone would fall in love.  I sometimes sing it to the grandchildren as a lullaby.

       Sweep porch – check

       Clean back door window – check

       Wipe kitchen counters - check

       Do a quick check of the refrigerator - check

At the end of the day I have a clean house, I’ve almost become used to a quieter one, today’s chores are complete, and I have had fun singing the favorite songs above, among others.  I will still miss my son and family, but am ready to start another week.