Beyond Just Mom

I just  had to use this picture again.

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Thanks to those who expressed support for my very sad post yesterday.  Please don’t be scared away; I do intend for this space to be an uplifting, fun place to visit, but also deep and real.   Thanks for letting me process and vent my thoughts about that story; I needed it.

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My baby girl is turning eight years old Saturday.  I’m so thrilled with the spunky, long-legged girl she has become but can’t believe my season of little children is behind me.  I don’t know whether to cry tears of sadness, relief or joy.  Maybe some of each. 

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I had an exciting brush with “fame” this week.  Do you remember my posts about The Faith Club, a book about three moms of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faith learning to understand one another better?  Well, Priscilla Warner, one of the authors, stopped by and left a comment on BeyondJustMom.  We chatted over email a little bit, and we actually have a connection in my hometown and might meet in person someday.  I’m so excited!  LOVE this internet community thing!

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Along the interfaith theme, my mother’s group watched an amazing film this week:  Refusing to be Enemies:  the Zeitouna Story.  It’s about a community of Jewish and Muslim women building community through dialogue.  Women with very different heritage, but historically tied to the same piece of land (Israel/Palestine), share their personal stories and search first for understanding, then for peace.  It’s a powerful, inspiring documentary that shows just how transformational simple dialogue can be to take that first step toward peace.  The coolest thing?  It began in my hometown, and I recognize several of the women from school and other community events.  It’s strange and interesting to learn so much more depth about a person than you do when carting your kids around.  Makes me wonder about how closed off we really are in everyday life.

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I continue to be blown away by the amazing work “ordinary” people, particularly groups of women, can do to transform a community.  I’ve been mulling this over a lot in my mind.  Watch out, I feel a post coming. 

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I wanted to share with you another connection that inspired me this week:  Terry at Enchanted Makeovers is an award-winning decorator whose mission is to give hope to “at risk” women and children.  She uses her decorating talents to transform shelters into “beautiful sanctuaries that heal their spirit.”   Check it out.

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On a lighter note, to commemorate my graduation from a mommy of three small children to a mommy of three bigger children who sometimes act like little children (don’t we all?), I recommend you read Heather of the EO’s hilarious post, Have you Seen My Hat?  It made me laugh until I cried and remember why I’m glad my kids are a little bit older than hers now.  If you’re in those trenches right now, just remember the showers will get easier.  And then you’ll be in a different trench. 

For more quick takes, visit Conversion Diary.  Make it a wonderful weekend!

photo credit: dharmacat