An Eighth Shot of Espresso: Coffee and Creativity on Mum's Third Shift

  What do you see with your wide stitched on eyes A perpetual smile on your stitched on snout and soft large ears on either side of your head? How many tears have fallen onto your once fluffy fur? How many miles have you walked on big awkward feet while being carried under a child's arm? How many times has a little hand pulled your orange striped tail? A not so little companion on the road of life sewn and repaired again and again washed and tumbled in the heat of the dryer. And how many years of loving smiles and squishy hugs for how many generations?

Terrible or terrific? You gotta be more specific Depends on the side you're on whether you've lost the battle or won. Fortunes made and fortunes lost take charge just like you are the boss! A mindset set upon the prize no cloud of doubt to hide your eyes. A sweeping change to set the tone and work yourself all to the bone to make your dream reality and plan for all eventuality. This will be solemnly remembered by everyone, enemy and kindred a bold new step into the unknown a time to reap what we have sown. And if it fails, at least we tried we set the blame on those who cried and wailed that it could not be done the spoils won't come whose efforts are none. Let's all join hands for a new tomorrow and bury the old with a wistful sorrow The future stretches like a starry sea and more for mine, no more for thee.

The Gift that keeps on giving a side effect of living you wake up with a scratchy throat your voice sounds like a demented goat. The kids brought home an unwelcome guest the kind that forces you to rest although you have do much to do and then the list gets longer too. Your nose swells up, your eyes are teary a single hour of work makes you weary the brain fog doesn't go away no matter how strong the coffee's today So readers, pardon this unwanted break Some lengthy words may be a bit late until this unwelcome guest is evicted my waking hours may be restricted.

Fight or flight what problem do I have to take care of now? Every time the phone rings I brace myself for whatever has happened. I steel myself for the next issue I have to address I have to take care of Even though my throat is scratchy and my mind is cloudy with the fog of fatigue I'm the only one the contact person all day, every day. Crisis after crisis and even when the clamoring voices grow silent and peace reigns once more I cannot relax for I know that the cycle repeats and that I have to face more and more alone. I am tired.

Last on the their list but first on mine. I listen to music that I compose myself They can march with me waltz with me shuffle with me or they can choose not to I cannot control their reaction but I can control mine. Turn the other cheek they always say I simply turn around and my face is in shadow they cannot read my expression which unsettles them to no end. My world is pieced together and might join theirs or might not. You are welcome to visit but remember that you are just that a visitor, not a homesteader.

Truly it felt more like November last night The bite of cold wind in trees leaves carpeting the sidewalk Sky dotted with stars so clear that you can see forever The glow of bonfires crackle of burning leaves sharp tang of apple cider The last dregs of summer suddenly up and left chill in the bones. Flannel shirts wool sweaters and scarves double layered socks. The earth goes to sleep tumultuous dreams ready for spring.