hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
So I do these nuggets and by the very purpose of them, they are itty snippets of the last week, an overarching message composed of individual moments. I like this. But sometimes I have a day like yesterday and I feel like the rest of the last week and all its nuggety-ness has been trumped.
-These Are The Days, 10,000 Maniacs
Yesterday was arduous for both Andy and me. And at the end of it, our family sat at our kitchen table over dinner. I had made a lovely carrot soup inspired by Margot’s recent favorite library check-out.
Margot, snot sitting thick on her glistening upper lip played her toy piano AS LOUD AS SHE COULD while singing the abcs. She was standing strong in the center of the table. She refused, no matter how much I talked it up, the soup. She only wanted her papa’s bread which he was guarding because the last time he shared, it dropped to the floor for our lucky dog. And because of this Alice was hovering, awaiting more fortune. Ruby was in my left arm yelling–not crying, just YELLING. So I was gripping her strong body, balancing her back-arches, and trying to eat my soup, most of the time my spoon hitting the lower half of my face. Andy, clutching his toast caveman-style, was scooping giant portions of soup into his mouth inbetween Margot negotiations.
Then we made eye contact and laughed. Oh I am so thankful we laugh. The scene was frustrating but, more than that, it was really funny. Books and utensils and dried chunks of play dough and snot rags littered the floor, our children were bonkers and we were hoovering carrot soup like it was a race. This American Life sounded in the background.
Andy left the table to shower with Margot and I left to change and nurse Ruby. Perfectly choreographed, this is our nightly divide-and-conquer. We pliéd away from each other, our purposes understood.
And then the big charcoal sky yawned and spilled piles of water through brilliant sunshine. So, choreography interrupted, Ruby and I went outside to hear what the storm had to say. And, she said:
These Are The Days.
These are days you’ll remember
Never before and never since, I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it,
You’ll know it’s true
You’ll know it’s true
That you are blessed and lucky
It’s true that you
Are touched by something
That will grow and bloom in you
Are touched by something
That will grow and bloom in you
These are days that you’ll remember
When May is rushing over you
With desire to be part of the miracles
You see in every hour
You see in every hour
You’ll know it’s true
That you are blessed and lucky
That you are blessed and lucky
It’s true that you are touched
By something that will grow and bloom in you
By something that will grow and bloom in you
These are days
These are the days you might fill
With laughter until you break
These days you might feel
A shaft of light
Make its way across your face
A shaft of light
Make its way across your face
And when you do
Then you’ll know how it was meant to be
Then you’ll know how it was meant to be
See the signs and know their meaning
It’s true
Then you’ll know how it was meant to be
Hear the signs and know they’re speaking
To you, to you
-These Are The Days, 10,000 Maniacs
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30 Comments
I was JUST listening to this song this morning. 🙂 Sometimes, it is the stillness of the moment in the chaos that brings it all back together.
Early nuggets in time for my coffee…just the way I like ’em. Yum. Particularly delicious…I savored every lyric. Feelin’ it with you, baby. Beautiful pics. hmm…while I usually go with Ruby’s eyes as my favorite, I always love the ones that you are in…so those are my favorites today. xoxo
(is it just me or are word verification words always some weird freudian jumble of some very meaningful words?)
These ARE the days. Oh my! Ruby’s eyes! Your girls are so beautiful and I can see how they inspired such a great hump day post. I just made some carrot soup, didn’t follow a recipe and it turned out great! Who knew it was so good..I had never had it before. Having my nuggets with some chai tea! Yummy all the way around. Have a great day! x. M.
So true. So beautiful. I love your words and photos, they always bring me smiles and nods of recognition.
These *are* the days. This will have to be my chant for the rest of the week (or even my life).
Really one of your best posts ever. I’ll remember this one a long time.
I have had some of those moments to this song as well; When I felt that every word resonated with me and I felt so in the moment… Funny, I can’t remember now what was happening at that moment, but it seems it was just an ordinary thing. I am amazed that the single most important way to survive parenthood, seems to being able to move from one emotion to the next and embracing each but letting it go…one minute complete chaos and despair and the next sublime beauty and peace. I thought this was just a baby thing, but at almost 4 I still have these moments… but I am now much better at recognizing them for what they are. You are so right. These are the days. They go fast and bad or good… they are full and amazing and real. Love love. I always relate to your posts that are witty, deep, and fully of beauty. xoxo to you and your girls.
beautiful post in so many ways~
perfect timing my dear.
i came home rushed from a 2 hour away conference last night to a husband that had surgery on monday, a 2 year old with a 103 degree temp, a crabby-i-don’t-want-to-be-in-the-car-anymore baby, and a 6 year old that needed to get IN the car with me and the aforementioned baby to run to a modeling-ish gig.
someday … i will remember this day fondly. because i got to come home to all of this.
and that? was the best part of it.
How timely, Nissy.
I just saw Natalie Merchant at an etown taping (radio show) this week. She has a new CD out called “Leave Your Sleep” in which she is singing poems that she has been researching for the past 6+ years. It sounds like the PERFECT CD for some kiddos. Her voice is still boomingingly soothing. xoox, lisa
As soon as I saw your title for today’s hump day nuggets I heard Nathalie Merchant singing so I was glad you did too (do you hear the other voices in my head as well? No? Yeah, didn’t think so). I’m sorry about dinner time last night but the visual you created is too funny! That Ruby Rubes sticking her tongue out at her eldest, canine-American sister, Alice and her delight at being pushed (in a swing) by her big human sister= gorgeous! And, of course, my tiniest bff who now sports a back pack everywhere she goes – she’s just growing up so fast! Perfect start to the hump day – thanks!
Gorgeous days and a gorgeous family.
Love the tongue sticking out at Alice, the well documented blue eyes, and the dark contrast behind an obstinate 2 1/2 year old perched on the edge of her high chair.
Glad you are documenting these days well.
xo
Wonderful Wednesday nuggets! Your children are beautiful and I love that you and Andy can laugh and make light of those sticky, hectic situations. 🙂
Yep these are the days, today, tomorrow, next week…….very nice Nici. What does a little girl put in her backpack? I would love to have a peek. I’m sure there are days when the 4 of you,1 dog, 2 cats, 5 chickens feel like 10,000 maniacs. You guys are doing great. Ruby is beautiful and seems to love her sister and Alice very much.
As satisfying as warm carrot soup, this was a great combination of hump day nuggets!! Dinner time seems to be a challenge in all homes with small children; it’s good to know we’re not the only ones. :>)
So perfect, this song, these images.
Grow and bloom, indeed.
Loved this, Nici. You know she has a new release, right? I asked for it for Mother’s Day!
xoxo
Oh I love you so! Beautiful pics, beautiful lyrics, beautiful reminder. Laughter is good, helpful husbands even better.
Hope to see you today.
G
I think whoever coined the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine” left out the, “best SANITY medicine” part.
Most times, a good cooperative laugh or howl can soothe the soul or at least get one through some hectic shit.
Good on you – you’re all living The Life.
Ahhh, what a lovely post to read on my stormy, sunny, hectic, crazy Wednesday. It made me stop and take a good look around. Thanks Nici!
Love the song. Love the photos..especially Alice looking into Ruby’s eyes:).
I used that song for a slideshow I made for Grant and Joanna’s rehearsal dinner (many years ago now) … perfect songs to view photos by…
Love this post, everything about. the laughter the appreciation of all of these moments and surroundings. A great reminder. thank you.
M
I love the dinner scene. It is so like the dinner scene in our house, so often. Thanks for the reminder to laugh, it always helps.
Now I want to hear this song so bad! The words fit so perfectly with your pics. Just beautiful. 🙂
What a lovely blog and yes these are the days. Enjoy!
Greetings from Holland.
I have had one of those days where I needed reminding that “these are the days“… thanks! Beautiful besautiful blog!
Breath taking pictures….what a beautiful blog….Sunday evening blog hopping…..
Have 2 great giveaways that I am drawing for on late tonight…..
Hope you will stop by.
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i am so glad i have found you. i’ve said it before – you are truly amazing and so inspiring.
oh, how I love that song.
Great post.
Gorgeous days and a gorgeous family.
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What’s up, just wanted to mention, I loved this blog post. It was funny. Keep on posting!