Ten Days of Gratitude

This post ends the little bloggish challenge I set for myself. I have enjoyed focusing on gratitude for the past ten days. How very much I have to be thankful for. It was good to write it down, to see it in print, so to speak. I knew before I even sat down to write this post, that my topic would be you. I want to write about how grateful I am for this blog, but what can I really say that you don't know already? What new can I add?

If you have a blog, you know. You know the rush when you discover several comments at once. You know the giddiness at making a new friend. You know the deep sense of peace when you realize that there are others who feel just like you do. You already know how important this world is in making you feel seen, known, loved. You know that this virtual world isn't virtual at all because it impacts your daily life in so many ways. You've watched in amazement as your talents increase and your skills multiply. You've felt humbled to know that people like you, they really like you.

If you have ever read a blog, you know. You know the wealth of beauty, inspiration, wisdom, love, and joy that is available at a single click. You already know the inspiration available any time day or night. You've probably been lead to new music, new photographers, great books, fun ideas for your home or your wardrobe. You've may been shown a new way to view the world. Chances are good that something said on a blog has already changed your life. Maybe in a small way, but still.

If you've ever been brave enough to comment and had a blogger respond to you, then you know. You have felt the joy at being recognized. And you know that it feels exactly like a stranger caught your eye across the room and smiled conspiratorially. Chances are, you've met a few kindred spirits along the way.

So, what can I say about blogging and my gratitude for the way it has changed my life? Two things. Just two.

Thank you. I love you.



The wonderful image is by Tina Louise.

For Health and Other Blessings...

Thanksgiving was lovely. Until about midnight. Now every member of Team Lawson is sick. Yuck!! Of course, that makes me especially grateful for all the times that we are well. Which, I have to say, is most of the time. Tonight I am grateful for our usual good health and for the medicine that makes us feel better when we're sick.

Be well, dear friends. Happy shopping, decorating, or whatever else might fill this holiday weekend.




Adorable photo by debwelsh1.

Happy Thanksgiving

Each Thanksgiving, probably like every other family in America, we go around the table several times and list the things for which we are grateful. Here is our list for Thanksgiving 2008.

* peppermints * family * sixteen and a half years with Murphy the cat * a job in this economy * mountains * valleys * a warm home * chocolate * Gopti, the cat * books * hills * NBC (discount clothing store) * St. Louis zoo * lip gloss * American Girl dolls * a pretty home * friends gathered around the table * a nice warm bed when I'm tired * gel pens * office supply stores * Hobby Lobby * stuffed animals * fudge * Scrabble * Uno * dominoes * good sportsmanship * chocolate milk * kissing * jewelry * emerald green * the vivacity of teenagers * the sweetness of little seven year old girls * Beethoven * Moonlight Sonata * live theater * Build-a-Bear * art museums * squeaky voices * musicals * scripture * Crazy by Patsy Cline * Jesus' love * the Bible * wedding rings * sex * teaching * live music * grandparents * parents * living close to family * green apples * stinky smells that make Momma laugh * crafting time together * recycling * Willa Cather * paper * the Earth * trees * getting rid of training wheels * Old Glory * saxophones * being able to vote * funnel cakes * belts * seconds * silk ties * a new lipstick * roads less traveled and different drummers * cameras * celebrations * pedicures * hammocks * swings * trampolines * quality underwear - no wedgies * memories * apple pie * libraries * librarians * words * dictionaries * these words: conundrum, conflagration, macabre * walking at the water's edge * the wind * the moon's many faces * ring pops * little girls with sparkly nails * black and white photography * blogging * bloggy friends * Mommas and Daddys who read aloud * crystal * spheres * mercury glass * Elvis * Jerry Lee Lewis on the piano * choices * possibilities * warm socks * blowing the whistle at the end of recess * train travel * shoes that don't hurt * hobbies * iPods * technology * Sweet and Sassy club * friends * Silver Dollar City * Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade * thoughtful gifts * rubber cement * dangling earrings * freckles * laughing so hard you snort * memories of Egypt * a house full of food and laughter * family coming home for Christmas * rainbows * butterflies * animals * flowers * good perfume * playing at Sephora * chess pie * shelter magazines * Netflix * powdered sugar donuts * ferris wheels * Flickr * scented candles * decks * Pride and Predjudice * fleece * Comfort Island * Crest whitening strips * the Sparkle Room * cooking * chocolate chip cookies * Tinker the talking Christmas tree * Relyn * Jeffrey * Sloane * Brett * Lynn * Grammie * Ibu * Bapak * Dale * Ethel * Arlen * Lucy * Alex * Avery * Julian * Marisa *




The list makers: my mom, dad, husband, daughter, and me at Estes Park July 2005. Photographed by an obliging stranger.

Celebrating the Senses

Right now I am sitting in our cozy little cottage listening to my Steve Tyrell station on Pandora. The air is full of yummy baking smells. The occasional sharp tang of tabbouleh catches my nose, and Jeffrey wonders how I always know when he is sneaking another bite. The lights are low and the computer connects me to friends around the world. This is the quiet time before the clamor of tomorrow. Tonight I am thinking about the wonderful chaos that is Thanksgiving, which reminds me to be grateful for each sense. Taste, touch, scent, sight, sound all bring such pleasure to my life.

Taste

* raspberries * chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven * creamy dip on crunchy carrots * fluffernutter sandwiches * hot chili with sour cream * mashed potatoes and gravy * capers * hot chocolate with too many marshmallows * blackberry dumplings * peppery peas right off the plant * an apple, fresh from the tree * Big Red gum * really good dark chocolate * sour pickles * olives * garlic * chicken noodle soup * turkey dinner *

Touch

* wet clay * damp sand in between toes * the clasp of tiny fingers * the gentle touch of a lover * wrapping up in a cuddly sweater * velvet * cashmere * the satiny feel of well-finished wood * the tickle of a mustache kiss * snowflakes in your lashes and on your nose * the cool side of the pillow * butterfly kisses * the steady thrum of a purring cat under your hand * the sandpapery feel of kitty kisses * a warm mug in a cold hand * a foot massage * holding hands as we give thanks *

Scent

* chocolate flowers * fresh lemons * freshly mown grass * the back of a baby's neck * Christmas trees * wood smoke * peppermint * brownies in the oven * laundry fresh off the line * ocean breezes * summer rainstorms * cotton candy * Origins mint shampoo * lilacs * lavender sachets * honeysuckle * baby powder * Jergen's hand lotion * opening a box of Bandaids * baking bread * the clean dirt smell of hands grubby from the garden * just-washed dog smells * Thanksgiving dinner on the table *

Sight

* smiles * sunset over the Pacific Ocean * the view from the top of anything * the first glimpse of home after a long journey * Crater Lake * bare baby toes * your grandmother cradling your baby * balloons floating away in the blue, blue sky * the view across the Mall from the steps of the Capitol * the look on a groom's face when the bride first enters * the faces of loved ones, gathered together for turkey and gratitude *

Sound

* the clink of silver against china * music * please and thank you * the sound of a soda just after you pop the tab * laughing children * giggling babies * raucous, manly guffaws * the hymn from a congregation who has sung together for years * the crack of a bat signaling a home run * wildly cheering crowds * praise * the swoosh of blades on ice * the moment a match ignites * the pull of tape in a dispenser * the productive kathunk of a stapler * "I love you, Momma." * "I love you. I love you. I love you." *


Indulge all your senses tomorrow, and have a very happy Thanksgiving, dear friends. We have so much to be thankful for.




Taste by Pink Sherbert. Touch by Tito. Scent by Steve Stone. Sight by Steve McCurry. Sound by Steve.Korn.

Chinese Take Out

"Jeffrey, what do you think I should blog about tonight?"

"Chinese food."

"What??"

"Yeah. Chinese food. If you think about it, it's brought us a lot of joy over the years. Yep. Chinese food."


So. Chinese food it is.


Jeffrey and I were married nearly ten years before Sloane was born. Ten happy, adventure-filled years. Ten years of establishing habits. Sloane arrived at the same time we each began our second career. (We're both public school teachers.) As you can imagine, we had quite a bit to adjust to. We used to be the couple at the midnight movie once or twice a week. We took road trips with no planning, two toothbrushes, and some fresh underwear.

Enter one beloved, precious, schedule-bound baby. Enter two demanding, work-filled jobs. Our life changed. And fast. A lot more than our movie-going habits changed, but over time we found that midnight movies were one of the things we missed most.

Change happens. Always. You have two choices. 1) pout and be dissatisfied. 2) adapt and be happy.

Here's where the Chinese food comes in.

Without ever really making a plan, we've developed a new version of our old movie habit. About once a week or so, Jeffrey drives the 15 minutes into town for Chinese takeout. I usually blog and pick a movie. We snuggle up on our bed with Chinese, lots of covers, a cat, and the remote control. We get dinner and a movie for less than $15.00. Plus, we get to wear our pajamas.

Adapt and be happy.

You were right, Jeffrey. Tonight I'm thankful for garlic chicken, crab rangoon, and an old favorite. Not forgetting the lovely man who is always the one to drive in to town and who never forgets the fortune cookies.






Chinese food image by long.shot.

And So, To Bed

I am writing this Monday post on Tuesday morning. You'll see why...
Last night I slept like a baby. Heavenly.

Actually, I fell asleep at about 7:00 during our bedtime routine for Sloane. My sweet husband covered me with a throw and let me sleep. Once Sloane was asleep, he made up our bed with fresh sheets and got a washcloth piping hot. He woke me only enough to give me a hot rag for my face, and to guide me into bed. He even remembered to put an extra blanket on the bed because it is too cold without him. I woke early this morning. Wide awake and with a song in my heart. Refreshed and ready for another day.

Oh, I am grateful for sleep.

I am more grateful that I share my life with someone who knows just what I need. And gives it to me.





The gorgeous sleeping baby is Sakura*Aya's daughter. See many more amazing images here.

That Radiant Feeling

My friend Beth recently posted this creative, compelling post. Her question, "so tell me, sweet ones. How are you feeling?"

This was my answer, "How am I feeling? Radiant. I've had a few major successes at work. There are three children that I know for certain I've made a real difference in their lives. You don't always know. Mostly, you just have to hope and pray. And keep on doing. On Friday - well, I knew. What a gift that was!"

All weekend, I have been thankful. Thankful for that radiant feeling. Thankful for blogging friends who ask great questions. Thankful for those who celebrate with us. Thankful for family who sacrifices playtime with me so that I can get the job done well. Thankful for so many blessings.

But, most of all, thankful for the chance I have each day to serve; to touch lives. To make a difference. To be real. To be my silliest, most authentic self and have it matter.

My job lends itself to service, I know. But, there are so many people in all walks of life, being real. Authentic. Loving and serving and making a difference. Today I am grateful to them. I am grateful to have those opportunities myself. I am brimming over with gratitude that my mother was right. It really is better to give than to receive.




The wonderful girl with gifts is a scan of original art by Rosie Winstead. I have nine of her miniature watercolors hanging in a perfect grid on my kitchen wall. Every one of them is me in one way or another.

Steady Joys

I am feeling thankful for the steady joys that fill my life. Seasonal bounty. Telephones: for connecting to friends, for calling my mom each day. Music: listened to, danced to, and practiced on the piano. Good food, presented beautifully. Lettering, graphics, and good parties. Books, flowers, and soft interiors. My precious, gorgeous Sloane. Holding hands: with Jeffrey, with Sloane, with my students. All the yummy goodness that can fill a mailbox. Fairy tales and Disney magic. Writing in my journals. Nature's beauty. Twirling.

What are your steady joys?




Click on the mosaic to view it larger. Click here to find out more about each picture and the wonderful photographers who lent their images. Click on the label at the end of the post for more monthly mosaics. Click here for a few glimpses of autumn. Happy November.

Everything Ordinary

Learn to write about the ordinary. Give homage to old coffee cups, sparrows, city buses, thin ham sandwiches. Make a list of everything ordinary you can think of. Keep adding to it. Promise yourself, before you leave the earth, to mention everything on your list at least once in a poem, short story, newspaper article.

~ Natalie Goldberg

Or a blog.

Tonight, I am grateful for everything ordinary. I am grateful for the cat on my lap, the movies on the shelf, the mail in the box. I am grateful for the gas station that sells pizza and chicken tenders because there is no fast food in my small town. I am grateful for the sexy heels in the closet and the hiking boots beside them. I am grateful for the watch on my wrist and the pens in the cup. The chili in the bowl. The simple, ordinary life. I celebrate everything that is ordinary.








I took these photographs of ordinary moments.

A Habit of Gratitude

I have been thinking about rituals; about their power and import. I've also been thinking about gratitude. And so. I want to tell you about a classroom ritual I have created.

I believe that your first actions set the tone for the entire day. If I am right, then we must be intentional with each new morning we're given. In Lawsonland we begin our day with a song, a bit of physical affection, a kind word, and time to ponder and reflect. Not a bad way to start the day, is it? Here's how we do it:

Every morning I greet my second graders at the door with a hug and a song. I mean it. I stand in the hall by our door, sing the "Good Morning Song", look each child in the eye, and hug him or her. Believe it or not, I don't even feel silly when other adults pass by. We all have the morning routine down pat. My second graders pile in the door like puppies, chattering among themselves as they unpack, make their lunch choices, and get out their Brain Book. It gets quiet pretty quickly, though, because I always have a writing prompt on the board. The students read it, take a moment to think about it, then they write.

How great is that?
Each day this week my students have written a list of ten things for which they are grateful. Every morning brings a new list. No repeats. I make a list, too. Every morning. Before we head to morning meeting, we take turns calling out items so I can create a class list, which stays on the board all day long. Sometimes I find other thoughts squeezed in between the lines, written with a suspiciously wobbly hand. It's as though some student just could not keep their thanks to themselves.
Today I asked my class to focus their list on small things. Things they may never have thought to be thankful for. Things like Chapstick, zippers, and character band-aids. Here's a peek at today's class list: "my stripey toe socks, friends who share gloves, pencils that just got sharpened, the lotion you brought for us to use whenever we want to, playing chase, Tootsie Pops, squashy pillows, no indoor recess, chicken patty day, firetrucks - the red ones, not the green ones..."

They get it. Oh, they get it. Please, God, let them keep it.
An attitude of gratitude. That's what I am trying to teach. Mindfulness. A full and thankful heart. An awareness of our blessings. I spend my days trying to light fires that will burn their entire lives. Gratefulness. What better habit could I teach?

Like most people, my thoughts turn to gratitude at this time of year. Every day for the next ten days, I plan to post about gratitude. I hope you'll join me.




Gratitude tattoo by Fancy Hunt. Tootsie Pops by ktpupp. Sharpened pencils by cyoachim. Stripey socks by luna.nik.

Something Gifty

My friend Leslye is hosting a give-away to celebrate her birthday. Her art is just gorgeous. I am hoping I win, of course, but I thought you would love a chance, too. Why not stop by and wish her a happy birthday?

Happy Wednesday, friends.





On Wednesdays I leave a little gift here on my blog for you. It might be something funny or helpful, playful or inspiring. Wednesday posts are just a way for me to share some of the goodness I've discovered in my roams around the Internet. You can discover the rest of my "somethings" by clicking the Something for You tag at the end of this post.

K is for...

* kindness * kissing * Kalamazoo * kaleidoscopes * kangaroos * kola bears * keepsake boxes * kites * Kansas City * kitsch * keen wit * knights in shining armor * kinetic energy * knowledge * kettledrums * Kathmandu * Kodak moments * kayaks * kisses by Hershey * knobby knees * knit sweaters * Komodo dragons * kings of old * Key West * kindergartners laughing * kinship * katydids * kerchief * knifes * kickball * kiwi * kazoo symphonies * Kalahari Desert * kinesthetic learners * Krispy Kreme donuts * kabuki theater * koi ponds * kimono * kabob * kerosene lanterns * ketchup * Kewpie dolls * kettle of fish * kick-off * killdeer * kid gloves * killer whales * kilts * kitchen gardens * knee socks * kudos * King Kong * knitting bags * kettle corn *

Don't you just love the alphabet?

To see more work from these excellent photographers, click the individual links. K by LeoReynolds. Kewpie Doll by Boopsie Daisy. Kimono by Sou. Knee socks by pink emmie bat. To find out more about the Alphabetica project, see the sidebar. To see the entire project so far, click the Alphabetica link at the end of this post.

Just Do It!

I am a big believer in experiences. I think our lives are richer, fuller, just plain better, the more experiences we gather. I was asked once what I collected and I said, truthfully, experiences. I do love pretty things, but I far prefer experiences. I would rather make a memory than end up with something else to dust or wash. With the (very large) exception of books, I would always rather spend my money on doing something than on buying something. But, here lately, I've been feeling like all I do is work and parent.

Work and parent. Work and parent, and nothing else but laundry. I love my life, my job, my daughter, but all this working and parenting has left me feeling lopsided. As though I don't have a life of my own. Do you know what I mean?

You can imagine how encouraged I was when I actually got going on the meme below. (found here) Working and parenting, yes. Laundry, yes. Still. I have managed to have more than a few adventures along the way. I kept thinking of stories I wanted to tell you...

... like the time I rode a barge down the Nile. Or the time a camel driver threatened to leave me in the desert. Or about the view from Lady Liberty's hat. Or about how the spray from Niagara Falls coats all the trees in ice and creates a fairy land. Or about the time I heard the stars sing. Or about a magical island where I once lived, full of mountain-side goat trails, child-sized talking poodles, wild blackberries, and diagonal rain. Or about the time I learned to fly...

Oh, the stories.



I HAVE….
(done the bolded things)

1. Started my own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band - does high school backyard backup singer count?

4. Visited Hawaii - I was only three, so I'm not counting it.

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than I can afford to charity - Not often enough, I'm afraid.

7. Been to Disneyland/world - both, actually.

8. Climbed a mountain - Stone Mountain in Georgia. It's little, but I'm counting it.

9. Held a praying mantis - Sloane's Daddy caught an absolutely enormous one for her just a few weeks ago. She named it Amen.

10. Sung a solo

11. Bungee jumped - Nope, but I am one heck of a sky diver.

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched lightening at sea - I used to live on Tecera island in the Azores. So, I've seen lightening at sea, but I was soon snug in my bed listening to the foghorns and dreaming of pirates.

14. Taught myself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown my own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train - No, but I have ridden a train from Port Said to Cairo.

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked - Sort of. I accepted a ride from a stranger because it was pouring rain. My mother almost killed me over it.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - At my school, we call them mental health days.

24. Built a snow fort - It was a lousy fort, but tons of fun.

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - Only in my dreams.

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught myself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing - Funny. My answer is no, but I take my students to the rock gym nearly every school year.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - Talk about a big disappointment!

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa - Egypt

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had my portrait painted - No, but I have had it drawn more than once.

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Scuba diving is on my list of things to do by the time I turn 40.

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie - I have been on the front row of a roller coaster in a Busch Gardens commercial.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - Number one seller for our troop, right here.

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job - I prefer the term "let go."

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - Literally speeding, or just going fast?

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80.Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem - only in utero

84. Had my picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Rode a elephant - Nope, but I have ridden a camel right up to the Giza pyramids.

Which of these have you done? Which one was your favorite experience? To participate, just copy and paste the list into your own blog. Be sure to bold the things you have experienced, and please leave me a comment so I can read your list.




I don't know who took the photo above. I Googled "just do it" and that picture came up about 50 times.

Something Musical

My, oh my, am I ever excited about what I have to share with you today. I was poking around Bloglandia doing my favorite thing and following the candy trail of links. I found myself in Mati Rose's word at this post, which is right up my alley.

Click here. Click now!

Tell me, did you already know about Pandora? I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled. YES!





The image above is only one of handwriting's wonderful photostream.

Seven Is A Magic Number

We have another birthday weekend in the works here at Team Lawson. Sloane turns seven tomorrow. She is feeling giddy-excited. I am feeling a myriad of emotions. My mind is swirling with the To Do Lists for all the celebrations, including a luau. My head is full of love and pride for the incredible little lady she is becoming. My heart aches for my baby. It always gets better; every year, every stage, every age. Each new milestone brings with it more joy. I have loved every year and enjoyed every single day.

Still.

As much as I love each new day, I long for the warm sleeping infant sounds. I long for the one-year-old-babble that sounded like nothing so much as Boo on Monsters, Inc. I long for the curly headed toddler who used bigger words than some grown ups. I long for the preschooler who was so proud to go to school for a half day. I miss the kindergartner who thought the books she could read were way to dull to bother with. I will miss the six year old who approaches every day as an adventure and believes that chapter books are really whole new worlds to explore.

I am so grateful that Sloane will carry all of those versions of herself on her journey into the future. And me? I will keep them safely wrapped up here in my heart. All these beautiful days with my wonderful girl. My most perfect gift from a Father who loves me.

Will I sit by her bed tonight and cry as I have every year on the night before her birthday? Of course I will.

I will also sneak gaily wrapped packages and balloons into her room for her to see when she first opens her eyes. I will smile and celebrate, hug and kiss, party and dance, take too many pictures and allow way too much cake. Life is good and birthdays are fabulous! And tears? They just affirm a heart full of love.

Happy birthday to my sweet, sweet girl.




A birthday cake drawn by Sloane. The original belongs to Tangobaby, for her birthday.

November 4, 2008

Any of you who know me can probably surmise that I have shed more than one tear today. For those of you who don't know me well, it should be noted that I also cry at Hallmark commercials and thoughtful cards out of the blue. Anyway.

As we have since she was born, we took Sloane with us to our local polling place this morning. For every election, we get up early and go vote as a family. We go early - and I am not an early bird - so that I can have the privilege of wearing my "I Voted" sticker all day long.

Today, as Sloane sat on my lap with my ballot in front of us, she said, "Momma, tell me again. Why you are crying? I thought you loved voting."

Well, sweet girl, here it is again. For all of us.

Sweetheart, Momma cries each time we vote because it is such a blessed privilege. And because this is the most important thing we will ever do as an American citizen. I cry because voting gives every citizen the chance to stand up and be counted. I cry because by voting, even the poorest, the most uneducated, the weakest, or the most unknown American is equal to the richest, most powerful, most educated, or most famous American. Voting makes us all equal. I cry because our country has a government that is by the people, for the people and that means that I matter. Me. I count. You. You count. Daddy. He counts. I cry because there are so many people around the world who would die, who have died, to gain this right. I cry because I have a chance to help choose a president. I cry because in our country, you could grow up to be president. I cry because I love America and voting is the best thing we do.

Happy Election Day, my friends.





Sloane, feeding our vote into the machine. Me, wearing my school t-shirt and my sticker.