The old switcheroo

It has recently come to my attention that I haven’t posted anything here for a long time. Which I technically knew, but hesitated to do anything about because I had something else in mind. I have recently started posting things here instead because, well, sometimes starting over from scratch is the only thing that makes any sense.

Things worth remembering

Collecting pinecones from the yard to make bird feeders with peanut butter and birdseed. Learning to dye muslin with Kool-aid and sew a patchwork pillow. Pitting cherries for pie. Falling in love with the joy of making.

Going to ballet class while she watched from the side. Trying to learn new dance steps as she helped my best friend and me choreograph a dance routine to audition for the elementary school variety show — and the pride of making the cut. Inventing skits to perform in the living room. Making my Alice in Wonderland costume for my school’s spring musical. Realizing the delight of making people smile.

Playing with a houseful of dogs and cousins. Talking about school. Surprise family reunions. A wedding. Christmas presents. Phone calls. Hugs. The playful look of her handwriting. The ringing sound of her laugh.

The searing heartbreak of saying goodbye after her first visit to us in Maryland, our new home state.

The secret joy I felt when her van broke down and she had to stay a few days more.

Knowing that Grandma lived for doing what she loved. Crying alone in a hotel room, missing her.

On waterskis

Way back in 2008, Keith and I took a trip north with my parents. There were many pieces and parts, lots of places we stopped, people we saw, and things we did. I mentioned that I’d write more about it later.

It’s finally later!

Now, if there’s one thing that doesn’t come to mind when I think about Michigan, other than iguanas, it’s waterskiing. Silly, considering the state is almost completely surrounded by water and is dotted with thousands of lakes.

That misconception is why I didn’t bring my bathing suit when we visited my relatives at their lake house. That and because I couldn’t find the top half while we were packing at the last minute, which is kind of important.

Though even if I’d had it, I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to attempt waterskiing for the first time ever in broad daylight on the tiny lake completely surrounded by houses and Michiganders enjoying the beautiful late summer weather. I’m a little neurotic about those kinds of things.

But not Keith! He just fearlessly jumps in and does it. He’s determined to do things. He’s determined to have fun.

Even when the driver of the boat deviously decides to throw in a few navigational challenges.

Even when his feet want to go two different directions.

Even when gravity says, “Thanks! I’ll take it from here.”

Keith always comes out smiling.