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erin

erin

I'm Erin Jo. I'm thinking, writing, dreaming, mothering, loving, living, praising, BLESSED to be Fiona to my Shrek and Mommy to my four amazing kiddos.

dave

dave

Shrek is "like an onion with many layers" but has a heart of gold. He's my husband and my friend, and we just get better all the time.

lily

lily

Lily is my first baby and only girl. She's smart, funny, tall and kind. Keeping up with this girl is a challenge and a joy. She's terrific!

max

max

Max is one part ogre, two parts lover and all boy! Our little man has a temper but gives the best hugs of anyone I know!

colby

colby

Colby is as ornery as he looks. He flirts shamelessly, even with strangers. He's all mouth and curls and the loudest by far.

luke

luke

Luke is the baby of the family, but holds his own. He's happy and adorable. And he's a terrible sleeper. =)

Playing Myself

I said something in conversation to my mom on the phone this week that stuck with me. I was telling her how yes, my morning was ok, yes, I voted. While trying to get my photo ID out for the poll worker, I flipped open my wallet and a lot of receipts, checks and cash flew out all over the floor just as my cell phone rang. I stuffed the loot, silenced the phone, voted for the President (who else?) and started my commute to work. 

In retelling this, I told my mom, “You know, I was myself. Basically, everything is normal. Today, I am myself.”

And so I’ve been thinking of my week as a long movie in which I am playing myself. I move pretty quickly through my days, with several reminders to self, to slow down, don’t move too fast, you gotta make the morning last. (Couldn’t resist, Simon and Garfunkel!) But I do believe I’m playing myself.

My lead role this week has required me to mother, to be a jewelry designer, a writer, an event planner, a funeral singer, a baker and an American. There have been times I have had to speak up, and times I have had to bite my tongue to keep from lashing out against nasty comments made by closed minds. I have rushed to work, to appointments, to meetings, to church. I served  wine to a generous millionaire and his lovely wife. I wiped bottoms. I met new people. I called in favors. And I witnessed such grace and beauty in a friend who lost her husband unexpectedly.

I cussed and soothed and yelled and shushed. I took a run/walk with my beautiful nine-year-old trainer. I sat on the stairs with my plate at a family gathering and reveled in all the moments I’d done just that, on the same stairs, throughout my childhood.

I snuggled my kids. I thanked God for a lot of things and prayed for peace for others. I learned some things. I grew in faith.

I played myself. And it was awesome.

3 Responses

  1. Patti Miller says:

    Sounds like you, yourself, were really busy this week. I know that is was just a normal week for you. I’m so glad that , even though your are extremely busy everyday, you still take it all in and don’t just move through life to wake up someday and wonder where the years went. I just hope you’re overcrowded mind doesn’t go into overload someday, lol. Once again thanks for reminding us to slow down and enjoy everyday and all situations.

  2. Vicki says:

    And all these ‘roles’ are the very things that make up the beautiful woman that you are – always a source of inspiration to those around you. Thank you for playing ‘you’ so well, Erin. What a true ‘lifetime movie’ YOU are! ♥

  3. Sepideh says:

    I read your article two or three times. It was really great. It seemed all your words were deeply speeking to me. Although, I’m reading it in year of 2013!, but it’s still alive. Congratulations to you for being such a powerful woman and mother. Wish you the best,

    Always be happy… 🙂

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