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

Already preparing for the year of the Wood Snake the Dragon will go back to slumber until it is called again. Snake is cool and cautious a detached observer analytical not swayed by fancy words or pretty baubles. But they are sensitive intelligent keen of delving into the mysteries of life artistic, creative. Be wary of the Snake but do not be afraid. Respect their space admire their patience they will be your friend.

Hopes dashed for a snow day today the skies are still grey the ground soaking wet but the temperatures are too warm for snow A disappointment to extend the winter break just a day or two. The kids sigh and roll their eyes the parents breathe a sigh of relief though the weatherman warns that the thermometer will dip tomorrow.

It's been nineteen years Since your smile graced the world. Every day I watch you give me that same smile your eyes light up with the innocence of life. And I want to protect you from it's hardships and cruelty. I worry about your future but I take every day one step at a time You're here for a purpose even if you are blissfully unaware of whatever it is. You curl up with your new pillow and plushies and hum your favorite tunes and all is right with the world.

Tastes familiar and yet new broken down in so many ways recombined into a flavor to please the tongue. Melodies old as time reworked into a new tapestry harmonies never before heard the ears ring with joy. Visions arranged in pieces then made whole again Blazing colors toned down Shadows made stronger by years. Velvet clings to every curve silk hangs in billowy waves Run your fingertips on ragged edges Stitches make them smooth. Notes of orange and lemon or of red rose and bergamot Fresh mountain air and sea salt Evokes memories from the smell. So many avenues of life every day, every hour the brain dulls itself for sanity but only if we can experience it all!

That feeling when some sense of normalcy returns to your life. Back to the schedule and to the grind. Play time is over and it's time to get back to business. But what if you sense that it won't be quite the same 'normal'. Like a stretched-out garment that doesn't quite fit anymore. It looks the same but it doesn't feel the same. Irrevocable no one can return back to the past that time is gone the clock ticks on on its ever march towards the future. But the longing is still there.

A year of hope of uncertainty of fear. Things will change days will go by faster than we expect or that we want. Children grow couples find new paths people just being people It can be frightening but remember where you are where you have been where you are going what you have accomplished what you have planned take it one step at a time one breath one heartbeat the present is now the past was then the clock ticked past midnight it's time to act accordingly.